Dogs are curious animals that love to explore; unfortunately, they often do so by chewing or ingesting unknown objects, such as gum. In this blog post, our veterinarians in Babcock Ranch will discuss the threat gum can pose for dogs and what happens if a dog eats gum.
How dangerous is gum for dogs?
Many substances and foods that are safe for humans can be toxic to dogs. It's well-known that chewing gum is one of those substances. Several popular brands of sugar-free chewing gum contain sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly poisonous to dogs if ingested.
How much xylitol does it take to impact a dog?
Xylitol, a low-calorie artificial sweetener, is commonly used in chewing gum and is highly toxic to dogs. Not all sugar-free gum contains xylitol, so preventing your dog from consuming it at home isn't easy.
Also, it's hard to know which brand of gum your dog might pick up or eat while out for a walk.
It only takes a small amount of xylitol in a single piece of gum to severely impact a dog's internal system. A typical dose of xylitol that can cause poisoning in dogs is about 0.05 grams per pound of their body weight.
As an example, a single piece of chewing gum can easily poison a 10-pound dog, as it contains about 0.22 to 1.0 grams of xylitol on average.
What should I do if my dog ate gum?
If you notice your dog eating chewing gum, contact your nearest emergency veterinary clinic immediately. It is likely recommended that you bring your dog in for physical examination and possible emergency care. A veterinarian can examine your dog's symptoms and treat them as they see fit.
What happens if a dog eats gum that contains xylitol?
As far as veterinarians know, the only animals that seem to have severe reactions to xylitol are dogs. Once consumed, it can take as little as 30-60 minutes for the toxic effects of xylitol to appear in a dog. This is why bringing your dog to the vet as quickly as possible is so important if you suspect they have ingested xylitol gum.
Xylitol poisoning in dogs usually causes extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to a substantial release of insulin into the body. Once this occurs, you will likely notice at least a few of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Stumbling
- Vomiting
- Generalized weakness
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Severe liver damage
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
Treating Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Unfortunately, there is no cure for xylitol poisoning once it has developed. Your dog should be monitored by a vet for at least 12 hours, closely monitoring their blood sugar levels and liver function.
If any concerning symptoms arise, your vet can treat them appropriately. Depending on the symptoms, your dog may require IV treatment containing a glucose solution for up to two days to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Other Substances That Contain Xylitol
While gum may be the most common way dogs ingest xylitol, you should also be aware that xylitol is used in various other foods and products that your dog could get into. Different foods and substances containing xylitol include sugar-free candy, peanut butter, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, nasal sprays, sunscreen, deodorant, baby wipes, hair products, and several human-use medications.
If your dog eats anything containing xylitol or any substance you think may cause potential complications, you should immediately contact your nearest emergency vet.
What if the gum that my dog ate doesn't contain xylitol?
Not all brands of sugar-free gum contain xylitol. Sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, aspartame, and mannitol are not considered poisonous for dogs.
Remember that the ingredients are not the only concern you should have if your dog eats gum. Intestinal blockages are also seen in dogs that have consumed gum.
Signs of an intestinal blockage can take several days to become evident and may include vomiting, lack of energy, reluctance to play, abdominal pain, constipation, or loss of appetite. Monitor your dog for any signs of an intestinal blockage and contact your vet immediately if symptoms arise.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.