Birch sugar, also known as xylitol, is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the bark of birch trees or leftover corncobs from ethanol production plants. It is present in small amounts in some fruits. Due to its widespread use as a sugar substitute, xylitol is frequently used in popular gums, candies, baked goods, and diabetic snacks. Sadly, the amount of xylitol varies from product to product and not all sources are disclosed (how many grams/product).
Why is xylitol toxic to dogs?
The pancreas releases insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels in both humans and dogs. In humans, xylitol does not cause the pancreas to release more insulin. However, xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream when consumed by dogs, which causes a powerful release of insulin from the pancreas. This quick release of insulin results in a severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can happen as soon as 10 to 60 minutes after eating. If untreated, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. It is not fully understood how xylitol can result in liver failure in dogs.
How much xylitol is poisonous to a dog?
Because different products contain different amounts of xylitol, different amounts of a product must be consumed before toxicity is anticipated. In general, xylitol causes hypoglycemia at lower doses while liver failure occurs at higher doses. The amount of xylitol in gum varies from brand to brand and even from flavor to flavor within a single brand. Some gum brands contain little xylitol, whereas other brands contain more. It’s crucial to determine whether a toxic amount of xylitol has been consumed because there is a wide variety of xylitol in different gum brands and flavors. Although cases of xylitol poisoning from other sources, such as supplements and baked goods, are on the rise, the most frequent source of xylitol poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline* receives calls about is sugar-free gum. Dogs ingesting xylitol were the subject of 5,846 calls to Pet Poison Helpline in 2020.
What Is Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?
A type of carbohydrate that is naturally occurring and does not actually contain alcohol is xylitol. It has a sweet flavor and is frequently used to replace sugar.
Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is found in:
Although xylitol may not harm humans, it is toxic and could be fatal to dogs. The body’s mechanisms for controlling blood sugar are different.
In both humans and dogs, blood sugar is regulated by the release of insulin from the pancreas. In dogs, xylitol triggers a large release of insulin which causes the blood sugar level to drop quickly and dangerously; this is called hypoglycemia. In humans, however, xylitol does not affect the pancreas or insulin release, so people do not experience any change in blood sugar levels.
In dogs, xylitol can also result in liver disease and even liver failure. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, it seems to depend on how much xylitol your dog eats.
Xylitol’s toxic effects are not yet reported in cats. Scientists, however, are not in agreement that cats are completely clear from the effects of xylitol poisoning, so for now it is best to keep xylitol products away from all your furry pets.
You should take your dog to a nearby veterinary emergency hospital right away if it consumes xylitol for a diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ
Can a dog recover from xylitol?
They might advise keeping your dog in the hospital to monitor their blood sugar and possibly starting liver-protective medication, depending on how much xylitol they’ve consumed. Even with large xylitol ingestions, the majority of dogs do recover, but veterinary assistance is frequently needed.
How long does xylitol stay in a dogs system?
Xylitol is frequently used in diabetic and low-carbohydrate diets because it tastes and looks like sugar but contains 40% fewer calories. Humans who ingest xylitol may experience a laxative effect. However, animals that consume xylitol, particularly dogs, can become hypoglycemic in 30 minutes and experience symptoms for up to 12 hours.
How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?
Although xylitol consumption is thought to be safe for humans, toxicoses that can be fatal to dogs have been linked to it. Dogs that ingest doses of >0. Dogs that consume more than 0 g/kg of xylitol have a lower risk of developing hypoglycemia. 5 g/kg may develop acute liver failure.
How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?
It’s important to remember that it typically takes three to four days for poisoning symptoms to manifest. Even though symptoms can sometimes appear right away, some poisons can take months to have any negative effects.