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Toxic: don't feed

DogSafe severity score
9/10Dangerous at any amount

Xylitol triggers a rapid insulin release in dogs, crashing blood sugar within 30-60 min (some gums delay onset up to 12h).

Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.

Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)

Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.

Check Sugar-Free Gum (Xylitol) for your dog

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Any amount of Sugar-Free Gum (Xylitol) is an emergency: call now
ASPCA Animal Poison Control(888) 426-4435Pet Poison Helpline(855) 764-7661

Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.

Why Sugar-Free Gum (Xylitol) is dangerous

Xylitol triggers a rapid insulin release in dogs, crashing blood sugar within 30-60 min (some gums delay onset up to 12h). Higher doses cause liver damage (hepatic necrosis).

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, lethargy, collapse, tremors, seizures. Later: jaundice, dark stool.

Related items

Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.

Stollen with RaisinsSultana BreadRice Pilaf with RaisinsSultana CakeRaisin Trail MixSultana SconesRaisin Tea CakeWaldorf SaladRaisin SconesYogurt with Raisins

What to do next

Call poison control now. Have the package ready. Do not induce vomiting unless told to.

🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →
Animal poison control
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.

Gum is the start, not the whole story

Sugar-free gum is the most concentrated xylitol source, but far from the only one.

1. The rest of the house

If you keep xylitol gum, assume the sweetener is elsewhere too: in mints, sugar-free sweets, some peanut butters, and oral-care products, each a potential exposure. Where xylitol hides, and the names to look for →

FAQ

How much Sugar-Free Gum (Xylitol) is dangerous?

~0.1 g/kg body weight for hypoglycemia risk, ~0.5 g/kg for liver injury. Example: 11 lb dog ~0.5g hypoglycemia / ~2.5g liver risk; 22 lb ~1.0g / ~5g; 44 lb ~2.0g / ~10g. A single gum piece can contain 0.3-1g+ xylitol and brands rarely list the amount, so treat any ingestion as urgent.

Can I treat this at home?

Do not wait for symptoms. Do not attempt to calculate a 'safe' amount.

When should I call the vet?

Call poison control or your vet immediately, even if the dog seems fine.

Sources
  • ASPCA APCC xylitol guidance
  • Pet Poison Helpline
  • Merck Veterinary Manual, xylitol toxicosis
Read DogSafe's sources and review policy →
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical reference sources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by your veterinarian. DogSafe's severity ratings are our own assessment, calculated from published guidance and your dog's weight. In an emergency, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.