A substance called xylitol is making thousands of dogs sick and even causing death, affecting more pets now than ever before. Also called “birch sugar,” it’s an increasingly common ingredient in many foods and products, and you might already have it at home now.
In This Article
- What Is Xylitol?
- Signs of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
- How Xylitol Poisoning Is Treated
- Preventing Xylitol Poisoning at Home
Read on to learn more about xylitol, understand its risks, and what to do if your dog accidentally ingests it.
What Is Xylitol, or Birch Sugar?
Xylitol/birch sugar is a sugar substitute most often associated with “sugar-free” chewing gum and mints. It also appears in peanut butter, toothpaste, vitamins, and many sugar-free foods.
The Pet Poison Helpline confirms that cases of xylitol poisoning have increased in recent years. “Cases remain nearly 75% higher in 2025 than they were in 2020,” says Renee D. Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, Director of Veterinary Medicine for Pet Poison Helpline.
Xylitol-related cases were the 4th-most-common dog poisoning call the helpline received in both 2024 and 2025. “The dramatic increase in cases of xylitol poisoning that were seen prior to 2020 have slowed slightly, however, cases of xylitol poisoning remain nearly 75% higher in 2025 than they were in 2020. This is a clear indication that pets are still at a high risk of gaining access to products containing xylitol in their home environment,” she adds.
Dr. Schmid notes that you can find xylitol in a wide range of products beyond gum and candy, including:
- Flavored human medications and supplements
- Dental products
- Foods such as yogurt, pudding, and sugar-free chocolate
- Household items like baby wipes and lip balm
“Because xylitol can literally be everywhere, it is important to look at the ingredient list and packaging information of anything your pet gets into,” she adds. “It is also important not to give your pet human medication, supplements, or food without first consulting with your veterinarian.”
Signs of Xylitol Poisoning
Xylitol ingestion can lead to liver failure or even death. Even a very small amount of xylitol can be fatal. In a small-breed dog, as few as two pieces of certain flavors of sugarless gum may trigger a dangerous reaction.
According to Caroline Coile, Ph.D., “The dog’s pancreas confuses xylitol with real sugar and releases insulin to store it. The insulin removes real sugar from the bloodstream, and the dog can become weak, and have tremors and even seizures starting within 30 minutes of eating it.”
Other warning signs to watch for include:
While some symptoms appear within 30 minutes, others can take up to 8 hours to appear. Even if your dog seems fine at first, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before calling your vet.
How Is Xylitol Poisoning Treated?
If you suspect your dog ate something with xylitol/birch sugar in it, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
“Because the amount of xylitol in gum and other products varies so widely and because some manufacturers don’t report how much is in their product,” Coile says, a quick call to your vet is always the safer choice. A good prognosis is dependent on how quickly the pet is treated. Your veterinarian may need to stabilize your pet’s blood sugar, give intravenous fluids, monitor your pet, and use other therapies to treat symptoms.
How Can I Protect My Dog?
Xylitol is highly dangerous to dogs. Fortunately, some basic household precautions can go a long way in keeping your dogs safe. Here are a few simple habits to help prevent poisoning cases.
Read the Ingredients
If you’re offering your dog peanut butter, look for xylitol and birch sugar in the ingredients, as some brands, especially specialty brands, use these sugar substitutes to sweeten their products. Watch for these terms on the label, which may signal that xylitol is present:
- “Reduced sugar”
- “Diabetic-friendly”
- “Cavity-free”
- “No sugar added”
If xylitol is listed as the first or second ingredient, that product is likely especially toxic.
Keep Gum, Candies, Mints, and Purses Out of Reach
Even if you don’t typically have these items in your home, be sure that guests visiting keep their purses or bags out of the dog’s reach in case they are carrying xylitol-containing medications or products, such as gum, mints, or candies.
For household products that contain xylitol, consider seeking out alternatives or storing them out of your dog’s reach.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Post the phone numbers for the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) and your local emergency veterinarian in a place where all household members can see them. In any poisoning emergency, having that information on hand is crucial, as even a few minutes can make all the difference in your dog’s prognosis.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.