DogSafe
Home › Household › Xylitol Gum
🏠
Toxic: keep away from dogs

DogSafe severity score
10/10Dangerous at any amount

Some sugar-free gums and mints contain xylitol, which can trigger life-threatening low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs.

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.

Part of our guide to Dog Got Into Xylitol Gum: Exposure Guide, Symptoms & What to Do.

Check Xylitol Gum for your dog

Enter your dog's details for a straight answer sized to them.

Any amount of Xylitol Gum 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 Xylitol Gum is dangerous

Some sugar-free gums and mints contain xylitol, which can trigger life-threatening low blood sugar and liver injury in dogs. The amount varies dramatically by product and flavor.

Signs to watch for

Vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, collapse, seizures; liver injury signs can be delayed

Related items

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

AntifreezePlain IceSnail & Slug BaitBar SoapRodent PoisonCardboardRat/Mouse Bait (Rodenticide)PaperOven CleanerPetroleum Jelly

What to do next

Check the ingredient panel for xylitol, save the package, and call immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

🚨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.

The same gum, a wider hazard

Beyond the immediate danger of the gum itself, xylitol shows up across the house.

1. Not just the gum

If xylitol gum is around, the sweetener is likely elsewhere too: in mints, sugar-free sweets, some peanut butters, and oral-care products. Every product that can hide xylitol, and how to check →

FAQ

How much Xylitol Gum is dangerous?

Treat a confirmed xylitol-containing product as urgent at any amount. Do not assume one piece is safe because the grams per piece vary.

Can I treat this at home?

Do not induce vomiting or give food, charcoal, or another product unless a veterinarian or poison specialist directs you.

When should I call the vet?

This is an emergency: call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately with the exact package and number of pieces missing.

Sources
  • Pet Poison Helpline — Xylitol
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.