Xylitol toxicity in dogs

Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2010 Feb;32(2):E1-4; quiz E4.

Abstract

Xylitol, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum, oral care products, and baked goods, is gaining popularity in the United States. Xylitol consumption is considered harmless to people but is known to cause life-threatening toxicoses in dogs. Dogs that ingest doses of >0.1 g/kg of xylitol are at risk for developing hypoglycemia, while dogs that ingest >0.5 g/kg may develop acute liver failure. Treatment includes dextrose supplementation for hypoglycemia and aggressive monitoring, treatment, and supportive care for dogs experiencing hepatotoxicosis. The prognosis for dogs with uncomplicated hypoglycemia is good, whereas the prognosis for dogs that develop severe hepatotoxicosis is guarded to poor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis
  • Dogs
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced
  • Hypoglycemia / diagnosis
  • Hypoglycemia / veterinary*
  • Liver Failure / chemically induced
  • Liver Failure / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure / veterinary*
  • Prognosis
  • Sweetening Agents / administration & dosage
  • Sweetening Agents / poisoning*
  • Xylitol / administration & dosage
  • Xylitol / poisoning*

Substances

  • Sweetening Agents
  • Xylitol