Your pet dogs may actually die if they ingest sugarless gum that contains an artificial sweetener called Xylitol 
 
 Sugarless gum poses a life threatening hazard for dogs because it contains an ingredient that may poison them to death. 
 
 Though sugarless gum is safe for humans, it turns out that dogs may actually die due to a specific additive. The sweetener used in these gums is called Xylitol and is used to replace sugar in sugar free foods. 
 
 Experts say that Xylitol is almost 100 times as poisonous as milk chocolate for dogs. Xylitol is causing a huge number of dog deaths due to toxic ingestion, according to animal poison-control centers. 
 
 Dr. Ahna Brutlag, senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline said, “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in xylitol”. Dr. Brutlag’s center has received 2,800 calls about known or suspected xylitol ingestion till now in 2015 alone. In the year 2009 the number was just 300. 
 
 Ms. Cox reached home and found that the labradoodle had reached out to the gum by knocking it off her son’s Ice Breakers from the counter and taken in almost 20 pieces. This caused repeated vomiting and later lethargy in Jo. When rushed to a veterinary doctor, it was found that the dog had liver fever. 
 
 Ms Cox stated, “They told me to bring my kids in to say goodbye to her. We all held her and cried.” She had to go through three blood-plasma transfusions but their brave dog went through it all and managed to survive. Still, the treatment didn’t come for free, and bills reached about $5,000. 
 
 Dr. Brutlag stated that xylitol is presently one of the most dangerous food-related toxins that her clinic deals with. “There are still a lot of dog owners who have never heard of xylitol, nor do they understand that something this benign, an ordinary sweetener, could be toxic to pets.” 
 
 Despite the recent increase in dog poisoning and deaths, no comprehensive figures are available on the number of dogs dying from eating xylitol. 
 
 Pet owners whose pets have suffered are demanding a warning on labels on products containing xylitol. Apart from this an Oregon pet-safety group is now forming an online petition asking for similar steps. However, some pet-poisoning experts feel that this is not realistic, and say that the best thing to do is create awareness among dog owners. 

 What is Xylitol? 
 
 Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, and in nature it is found in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other hardwood trees and fruits. 
 
 Commercially, most xylitol is extracted from corn fiber, birch trees, hardwood trees and other vegetable material. Although it has been used as a sugar substitute for decades, its popularity has increased dramatically in the last few years. 
 
 How is it used? 
 
 Xylitol is manufactured into a white powder that looks and tastes similar to sugar. In many countries it has been approved for use in oral care products, pharmaceuticals and as a food additive. Products that may contain xylitol include sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, cough syrup, children's chewable vitamins, mouthwash, and toothpaste, to list a few. 
 
 Why is xylitol increasing in popularity and use? 
 
 Xylitol is about as sweet as sucrose, but contains only about two-thirds of the calories. As a sugar substitute, it is lower on the glycemic index, a scale that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood sugar levels compared to glucose. Being lower on the glycemic index makes xylitol useful for diabetics or people on low carbohydrate diets. 
 
 With respect to oral health, research has shown that xylitol helps reduce the formation of plaque, inhibits dental cavities, and stimulates the production of saliva. 
 
 How safe is xylitol? 
 
 Xylitol is safe for use in humans. Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, may have a mild laxative effect when eaten in large amounts, when first introduced to a diet. This occurs because, until the digestive system adapts, xylitol may not be completely digested in the intestines. This causes mild diarrhea and/or mild intestinal discomfort. 
 
 "Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs." 
 
 However, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure or even death in dogs. 
 
 If your pet is showing these symptoms do not wait for symptoms to get worse. It's better to contact your local VCA Veterinarian. We offer a free first exam* for new clients. 
 
 Why is xylitol toxic to dogs? 
 
 In the past 5 years, Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control based out of Minneapolis, MN, has had over 1500 calls for xylitol poisoning, due to the growing awareness of this common kitchen toxin. In both humans and dogs, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in humans. However, when non-primate species (e.g., a dog) eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin results in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening. 
 
 How much xylitol is poisonous to a dog? 
 
 The dose of xylitol that can cause hypoglycemia in the dog has been reported between 50 milligrams (mg) of xylitol per pound of body weight (100 mg per kg). The higher the dose ingested, the more the risk of liver failure. The most common source of xylitol poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline gets called about comes from sugar-free gum. With certain brands of gum, only 9 pieces of gum can result in severe hypoglycemia in a 45 pound dog, while 45 pieces would need to be ingested to result in liver failure. With other common brands of gum (which contain 1 g/piece of gum), only 2 pieces would result in severe hypoglycemia, while 10 pieces can result in liver failure. As there is a large range of xylitol in each different brand and flavor of gum, it is important to identify whether a toxic amount has been ingested. 
 
 "Xylitol is estimated to be 100 times as toxic as chocolate to dogs." 
 
 Intake of very high doses of xylitol (225mg/lb or 500 mg/kg body weight) has been implicated in liver failure in dogs. 
 
 What should I do if my dog eats something containing xylitol? 
 
 If you suspect that your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing product, please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. 
 
 Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your dog unless specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian. It is important to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible. As some dogs may already be hypoglycemic, inducing vomiting can make them worse! 
 
 What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning? 
 
 Symptoms of xylitol toxicity develop rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes of consumption. Signs of hypoglycemia may include any or all of the following: 
 
 Vomiting 
 
 Weakness 
 
 Incoordination or difficulty walking or standing (walking like drunk) 
 
 Depression or lethargy 
 
 Tremors 
 
 Seizures 
 
 Coma 
 
 In severe cases, the dog may develop seizures or liver failure. Dogs that develop liver failure from xylitol poisoning often show signs of hypoglycemia. 
 
 How is xylitol poisoning diagnosed? 
 
 A presumptive diagnosis of xylitol poisoning is made if there is a known or possible history that the dog ate something containing xylitol, coupled with symptoms of hypoglycemia. Since toxicity develops rapidly, your veterinarian will not wait for a confirmed diagnosis before beginning treatment. 
 
 Is there an antidote for xylitol toxicity? 
 
 No. There is no antidote for xylitol toxicity, although treatment with sugar supplementation, IV fluids, and liver protective drugs are beneficial. 
 
 How is xylitol poisoning treated? 
 
 Fast and aggressive treatment by your veterinarian is essential to effectively reverse any toxic effects and prevent the development of severe problems. 
 
 If your dog has just eaten xylitol but has not yet developed any clinical signs, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent further absorption, depending on what your dog's blood glucose level is. If clinical signs have developed, treatment will be based on the symptoms that are being shown. Since xylitol toxicity can cause both low blood glucose and low potassium levels, your veterinarian will perform blood work to determine whether these problems need to be treated. In all cases, your dog will require hospitalization for blood sugar monitoring, dextrose administration, intravenous fluids, liver protectants, and any other supportive care that may be needed. Blood work should be monitored frequently to make sure that blood sugar and liver function remain normal. 
 
 What is the prognosis for recovery from xylitol poisoning? 
 
 The prognosis is good for dogs that are treated before symptoms develop, or for dogs that develop uncomplicated hypoglycemia that is reversed rapidly. If liver failure or a bleeding disorder develops, the prognosis is generally poor. If the dog lapses into a coma, the prognosis is very poor. 
 
 How can I prevent this problem? 
 
 If you personally use products containing xylitol, make sure they are stored safely, out of reach of your pets. Do not share any food that may contain xylitol with your pets. Only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste. Keep in mind that there are some veterinary products that contain small amounts of xylitol (e.g., gabapentin medication, mouthwashes). At prescribed doses, these should not result in xylitol poisoning; however, if ingested in large amounts, can potentially result in poisoning. 
 
 "If you personally use products containing xylitol,make sure they are stored safely, out of reach of your pets." 
 
 The toxicity of xylitol for cats and other species is not documented at this time, although there has been some concern that other non-primate species (e.g., cats, ferrets, etc.) may react to xylitol in a similar manner as dogs. 
 
 With any poisoning, prompt decontamination and treatment is always warranted, as it's less dangerous to your pet, and less expensive for you to treat early! Rapid diagnosis and treatment is imperative! 
 
 *Pet Poison Helpline, is an animal poison control service available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Pet Poison Helpline is not directly affiliated with LifeLearn. 

 Tonia Cox had no idea that a sweetener in sugarless chewing gum could nearly kill Murphy Jo, her family’s dog. 
 
 Ms. Cox, of Charlotte, N.C., came home to find that the labradoodle had knocked her son’s Ice Breakers gum off the counter and ingested about 20 pieces. The dog began vomiting and later became lethargic. A local animal hospital diagnosed liver failure. 
 
 “They... 

 Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, candies, and baked goods. Ingestion of xylitol or xylitol-containing products by dogs has resulted in development of hypoglycemia and, less commonly, hepatic injury and/or failure. Dogs are the only species in which xylitol toxicosis has been reported. Pathogenesis In most mammals, xylitol has no significant effect on insulin levels, but in dogs, xylitol stimulates a rapid, dose-dependent insulin release that can result in profound hypoglycemia. Dosages of xylitol over ~75–100 mg/kg (34–45 mg/lb) have been associated with hypoglycemia in dogs. Some dogs ingesting xylitol at dosages >500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) may develop severe hepatic insufficiency or failure, the mechanism of which is unknown. Clinical Findings Signs of hypoglycemia can develop within 30 min of ingestion or may be delayed up to 12–18 hr if the xylitol is in a substrate that slows its absorption (eg, some gum products). Clinical signs of hypoglycemia include vomiting, weakness, ataxia, depression, hypokalemia, seizures, and coma. Signs of liver injury may not occur until ≥24-48 hr after ingestion of xylitol, although increases in liver enzymes are often detectable within 8–12 hr of ingestion. Clinical signs of liver injury include depression, vomiting, icterus, and coagulopathy; other findings include hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperphosphatemia. Hyperphosphatemia is considered a poor prognostic indicator, because it was present in 4/5 dogs that died of liver failure after xylitol ingestion (phosphorus was not measured in the fifth dog). Not all dogs that develop xylitol-induced liver injury develop hypoglycemia. Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on clinical findings and history of exposure. Other causes of hypoglycemia include hypoglycemic drugs, juvenile hypoglycemia, hunting dog hypoglycemia, insulinoma, and parenteral insulin overdose. Differential diagnoses for liver insufficiency include infectious (eg, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis), environmental (eg, heat stroke, trauma), and toxic (eg, iron, acetaminophen, mushroom, blue-green algae, cycad palms) causes. Lesions of dogs succumbing to liver injury have included hepatic necrosis with loss of normal hepatic architecture. Treatment Because of the potential for rapid onset of clinical signs of hypoglycemia, emesis should ideally be attempted only under veterinary supervision and in asymptomatic animals. Activated charcoal does not appreciably bind xylitol and is not recommended. If >75–100 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) of xylitol has been ingested, animals should be hospitalized and baseline blood glucose values measured; dogs ingesting >500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb) of xylitol should have baseline liver values measured. Blood glucose should be monitored every 1–2 hr for at least 12 hr, while liver values should be evaluated every 24 hr for at least 72 hr. If hypoglycemia develops, it should be managed with dextrose IV boluses and/or constant-rate infusions. Hypoglycemia may persist as long as 24 hr or more, so treatment should be continued until the dog can maintain a normal blood glucose level without supplemental dextrose. Dextrose should be administered to dogs ingesting xylitol at >500 mg/kg (227 mg/lb), even though normoglycemic, and hepatoprotectants such as n-acetylcysteine, s-adenosylmethionine, and silymarin should be considered. Treatment of coagulopathy or other manifestations of liver insufficiency should be performed as needed. The prognosis for uncomplicated hypoglycemia is good, if prompt treatment is obtained. Mild increases in liver enzyme usually resolve within a few days. Severe increases in liver enzymes and/or signs of liver insufficiency indicate a more guarded prognosis; in one study, 62.5% of dogs with signs of liver injury died or were euthanized despite aggressive veterinary intervention. Last full review/revision May 2013 by Sharon M. Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, PhD, DABVT, DABT
– If Snopes and scientific studies aren't enough, perhaps reports at the Wall Street Journal, CBS News, and Nature World News can sway you: A sugar substitute found in chewing gum and other everyday food and household items can make dogs sick and even kill them. Veterinary experts say xylitol—also used in toothpaste, gummy vitamins, some peanut butters, and breath mints—is about 100 times as toxic as milk chocolate to dogs, and it's being blamed for an uptick in accidental pup poisonings, say animal poison-control centers. The ASPCA's poison center, for instance, received more than 3,700 xylitol-related calls last year, with nearly a dozen deaths. And a toxicologist from the Pet Poison Helpline says it's seen a "dramatic increase" in calls related to the sweetener, with only 300 in 2009, but 2,800 so far this year. The problem xylitol poses for dogs is it causes a sudden surge of insulin after they eat it, which makes blood pressure plummet, possibly resulting in seizures, brain damage, or liver failure. And it takes just a small amount: As little as 50 milligrams of the sweetener per pound of body weight can be toxic, so even one or two pieces of gum can make a small dog ill. When Tonia Cox's dog Murphy Jo scarfed about 20 pieces of Ice Breakers, the labradoodle immediately started throwing up, became sluggish, and was diagnosed with liver failure, per the Journal. "They told me to bring my kids in to say goodbye to her," Cox says. (Murphy Jo survived, three blood transfusions and $5,000 later.) Some pet owners are petitioning for labels on items with xylitol, while others say owner education is best. Dogs are the only species confirmed to suffer from xylitol toxicosis, but it may also be harmful to cats. (Dogs can actually make your kids healthier.)