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Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

By the Dog Health Handbook team · Updated · Fact-checked against current veterinary references (see sources)

Key takeaways

  • Xylitol can drop a dog's blood sugar within 10 to 60 minutes.
  • Larger amounts can cause liver failure 1 to 3 days later.
  • Call and go to a vet now. Don't make your dog vomit at home.
  • Check labels for xylitol, birch sugar or wood sugar, including peanut butter.
  • Never use human toothpaste on your dog.

Table of Contents

Research Products Signs At the vet Outlook Prevention FAQ Sources

Dog General Diseases and Symptoms QuickLinks

Lyme Disease Overview Lyme Disease Symptoms Lethargic Dog Fever and Temperature Shaking and Trembling Not Eating Drooling Bad Breath Poisoning Chocolate Grapes and Raisins Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, some peanut and nut butters, toothpaste, mouthwash, baked goods and some vitamins and medicines. It's safe for people but dangerous for dogs.1,2 In dogs, xylitol triggers a rapid release of insulin, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar within minutes. Higher doses can also cause liver failure, although it doesn't always follow the amount eaten.2,3 It may be listed on labels as birch sugar or wood sugar.1,4 If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately.1

If your dog ate something with xylitol:

  • Call and go now. Contact your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison hotline right away, and expect to go straight in.1
  • Hotlines: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee.5,6
  • Bring the package so the vet can estimate how much xylitol your dog ate.7,8
  • Don't make your dog vomit at home unless a vet or poison center tells you to.9,4

What the Research and Guidelines Say

  • Small amounts can matter. Veterinary references say more than about 0.1 g of xylitol per kilogram of body weight can cause low blood sugar, and more than about 0.5 g/kg may cause liver failure.3,2
  • Signs can come fast. The FDA says low blood sugar can develop within 10 to 60 minutes, and other serious effects may take 12 to 24 hours.1
  • Most treated dogs survive. In a study of 192 dogs that ate xylitol, about 1 in 6 developed low blood sugar, and all survived to go home.10
  • Liver failure is the big danger. In one case series, 5 of 8 dogs that developed liver failure died or were put to sleep.11,2

Products That May Contain Xylitol

  • Sugar-free gum, mints and candy1
  • Some peanut and other nut butters1,12
  • Sugar-free baked goods, desserts, puddings, syrups and jams1,13
  • Toothpaste and mouthwash. Never brush your dog's teeth with human toothpaste.1
  • Chewable vitamins, supplements, cough syrups, some liquid and quick-dissolve medicines, and nasal sprays1,4,2
  • Some cosmetics, skin and hair products2,13

Check the ingredient list every time, because recipes change. Look for "xylitol", "birch sugar" or "wood sugar".1,4,13

Signs of Xylitol Poisoning

  • Low blood sugar, often within an hour, but sometimes delayed by up to 12 to 18 hours with some gums: vomiting, weakness, staggering, trembling, collapse, seizures or coma.1,4,2
  • Liver damage, usually 1 to 3 days later: lethargy, vomiting, yellow gums or eyes, bruising and bleeding.2,3,11

Liver damage can develop even in dogs that never had low blood sugar, so follow-up tests matter.11

What Your Vet Will Do

Your vet will check your dog's blood sugar straight away and may make your dog vomit if he's alert and the xylitol was eaten recently.2 Activated charcoal doesn't bind xylitol, so it isn't used.2,9 Dogs at risk are usually kept in hospital, with blood sugar checked every 1 to 2 hours for at least 12 hours and liver values checked daily for at least 3 days. Treatment includes sugar through an IV and supportive care for the liver.2

Outlook

Dogs treated promptly for low blood sugar usually recover well. The outlook is guarded to poor for dogs that develop severe liver damage.2,3

How to Prevent Xylitol Poisoning

  • Keep gum, mints and sugar-free products in closed cabinets, and hang up bags and coats with gum in the pockets.1,14
  • Check peanut butter labels before using it for treats or pills.1
  • Use toothpaste made for dogs.1
  • Tell visitors and family members about the risk.

For other poisons, see dog poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much xylitol is toxic to a dog?

More than about 0.1 g per kg of body weight can cause low blood sugar. Products vary widely in how much xylitol they contain, so call your vet for any amount.

How fast does xylitol affect dogs?

Often within 10 to 60 minutes, though some effects can be delayed for up to a day.

What peanut butter is safe for dogs?

Any peanut butter without xylitol, birch sugar or wood sugar on the label.

Can a dog survive xylitol poisoning?

Yes. Most dogs treated quickly recover. Liver failure is the most serious risk.

What is another name for xylitol?

Birch sugar or wood sugar.

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Sources and further reading

This article was written and fact-checked on October 19, 2026 against current veterinary references and specialist guidelines:

  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine. Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs. FDA Consumer Update, content current as of December 17, 2025.
  2. Hayes C, DVM. Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs. Merck Veterinary Manual (Professional), last updated June 2025.
  3. Dunayer EK, MS, VMD, DABT, DABVT. Xylitol toxicosis in dogs. Veterinary Medicine, December 2006, pp. 791-797.
  4. Schmid R, DVM, DABT, DABVT; Brutlag A, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT. Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals, updated October 9, 2026.
  5. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Animal Poison Control. ASPCA, accessed Oct 2026.
  6. Pet Poison Helpline. Pet Poison Helpline: 24/7 Animal Poison Control. Pet Poison Helpline, accessed Oct 2026.
  7. Shriver J, DVM. Top Ten Things to Remember When Your Pet Is Poisoned. Pet Poison Helpline, October 20, 2017 (modified May 27, 2026).
  8. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. First Aid: Poisonous Substances. Riney Canine Health Center (DogWatch), updated March 2024.
  9. Gwaltney-Brant SM, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT. Food Hazards (Pet Owner Version). MSD/Merck Veterinary Manual, last updated May 2026.
  10. DuHadway MR, Sharp CR, Meyers KE, Koenigshof AM. Retrospective evaluation of xylitol ingestion in dogs: 192 cases (2007-2012). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 25(5):646-654, 2015.
  11. Dunayer EK, Gwaltney-Brant SM. Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 229(7):1113-1117, 2006.
  12. MedVet. Dogs Beware of Xylitol, Toxic Ingredient in Some Peanut Butters. MedVet blog, accessed Oct 2026.
  13. Pet Poison Helpline. Xylitol. Pet Poison Helpline, updated March 3, 2020.
  14. Pet Poison Helpline. Top 10 Human Medications Poisonous to Pets. Pet Poison Helpline, August 17, 2011 (modified July 28, 2026).

About this article

Last updated : new page, written using FDA, Merck Veterinary Manual, VCA, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Pet Poison Helpline guidance and published research on xylitol toxicosis in dogs.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an exam by your veterinarian.