What happens if my dog eats gum?
If the ingested gum contains xylitol, your dog could be in serious danger. Look for signs of xylitol poisoning to ensure your pet’s health and safety.
Gum for Dogs
If your dog has gotten into a packet of gum, remain calm. In many cases, your dog will be perfectly fine and will show no symptoms. However, in extreme cases, the worst can occur, xylitol poisoning or intestinal blockage.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is low-calorie and used to improve the taste of products that don’t contain sugar. It is most prevalent in gums, candies, peanut butter, and baked goods. You may be surprised to find out that other products that sometimes contain xylitol include chewable vitamins, dental products, nasal sprays, sunscreen, deodorant, make-up and hair products, some human medications, and even baby wipes.
Xylitol is an ingredient found in most sugar free gums. Checking the product label before you buy is the best way to prevent accidents and can potentially save your dog’s life.
What Effect Does Xylitol Have on dogs?
Hypoglycemia, otherwise known as low blood sugar, is the most common clinical effect that your pet could experience. Knowing the signs of xylitol poisoning can ensure your pet’s health and safety. Call your vet if your dog is experiencing any of the following:
- Stumbling
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Generalized weakness
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Collapse/loss of consciousness
Can I Treat Xylitol Poisoning?
Ultimately no, you will need to call your veterinarian. Hypoglycemia can cause liver failure resulting in a quickened death. Inducing vomiting is not recommended as that can contribute to lowering blood sugar and hydration.
There is no antidote for xylitol toxicity, so your veterinarian will monitor your dog for at least 12 hours for blood sugar levels and liver function. If your dog’s blood sugar remains low, an IV glucose solution may be used.
What About Sugar Free Gum Without Xylitol?
The best case scenario is that the gum your dog has ingested does not have xylitol. Even though toxicity would no longer be a concern, intestinal blockage is still something that could potentially occur. Keep an eye on your dog, and if anything seems out of the ordinary, contact your vet.
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