Xylitol toxicosis occurs in dogs after ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products. Profound hypoglycemia is the most common clinical effect, which may result in vomiting, weakness, depression, hypokalemia, seizures, and/or coma.
In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. However, it's different in canines: When dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas.
Foods that contain xylitol include baked goods, peanut butter, drink powders, candy, pudding, ketchup, barbecue sauces, and pancake syrups. Xylitol also appears in medications, especially those called “meltaways” or “fastmelts” and chewable vitamins.
"Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs." Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.
The treatment for xylitol poisoning typically includes addressing the hypoglycemia, the imbalance of electrolytes, and possible liver failure. These treatments may include: Intravenous fluids for balancing electrolytes and preventing dehydration. Intravenous dextrose to address the hypoglycemia.
Although xylitol can kill the "bad" bacteria in the mouth and guts, it can also feed the friendly bacteria in the mouth and gut, which is EXCELLENT. It is a soluble plant fibre that acts as a Prebiotic, as I mentioned above.
They found that xylitol absorption ranged from 49–95%. However, they did not find any xylitol in plasma samples one and two hours after ingestion, nor did they notice significant amounts in urine up to 24 h after ingestion.
After ingesting xylitol, dogs typically develop symptoms within 30 minutes (although they can be very rapid or take up to 12 hours). Signs of dog xylitol poisoning can include: vomiting. lethargy.
Symptoms typically begin within 30 minutes and can last for more than 12 hours but, since xylitol can be absorbed into the body slowly, symptoms may not begin until 12 hours after the xylitol was eaten. Symptoms begin with vomiting and then progress to incoordination, collapse, and seizures.
One of the most common treatment options for poisoning in dogs is inducing vomiting. Other treatment may include medication to reduce pain and symptoms, overnight monitoring, or IV's for flushing out the toxins in the system. The cost of treatment can vary from $250 to $5,000.
Depending on the amount of xylitol ingested, they may recommend keeping your dog in the hospital to monitor their blood sugar and possibly starting medication to protect the liver. Most dogs do recover even with large xylitol ingestions, but veterinary intervention is often required.
Generally, xylitol will be listed in the ingredient label under “Other ingredients”, “Inactive ingredients” or “Supplement facts”. Some companies list xylitol as an ingredient while others list “sugar alcohols” which may include xylitol.
XYLITOL is a sweetener that is found in a wide range of products. It might also go by other names, including wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many foods, including Peanut Butter and chewing gum – it's purpose is to give these foods a pleasant sweet taste.
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.
The hypoglycemic dose of xylitol for dogs is considered to be approximately 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight (about 0.045 grams per pound). A typical stick of gum contains 0.3 to 0.4 grams of xylitol, which means that a 10 lb dog could be poisoned by as little as a stick and a half of gum.
Clinical signs of poisoning in a dog may include: Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting, diarrhea, extreme salivation, loss of appetite, and nausea or dry heaving. Internal bleeding: indicated by pale gums, a racing heart, coughing up or vomiting blood, weakness or lethargy, or a dog's falling over or collapsing.
Clinical Findings of Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs
Clinical signs of liver injury include depression, vomiting, icterus, and coagulopathy; other findings include hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperphosphatemia.
Peanut butter brands that contain xylitol include Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts 'N More, P28 Foods, and No Cow (formerly D's Naturals). Peanut butter that doesn't contain xylitol is absolutely safe for dogs and a healthy treat—just be sure to read the label!
Xylitol poisoning signs can present quickly, because hypoglycemia can occur rapidly, 10 to 15 minutes after ingestion. However, dogs may not appear visibly sick from liver injury until 24 to 48 hours after consumption.
Bega Peanut Butter on Instagram: “A common question we hear is, 'Does Bega Peanut Butter contain Xylitol? '. The answer is simple... No!
In general, about 0.05 grams of xylitol per pound of body weight is required to cause poisoning in dogs. Each piece of chewing gum contains about 0.22-1.0 grams of xylitol! This means that a single piece of gum could poison a 10-pound dog.
It has been reported that xylitol can raise blood glucose levels, which suggests that diabetics shouldn't consume it. Xylitol side effects also include constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, colic, increased bowel movements and weight gain.
The 2 brands I have found in Australia that contain Xylitol are: Nuts N More Peanut butter P28 Peanut butter.
Typically, mild cases of poisoning have high recovery rates. In severe poisoning cases or cases where treatment was delayed the chance of recovery is extremely low. When pets do recover from severe poisoning there can also be long-term damage to their overall health.