Glossary

Xylitol

A sugar substitute in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and some peanut butters that is highly poisonous to dogs and a veterinary emergency.

Also called: birch sugar, sugar-free gum and dogs, xylitol poisoning, sugar alcohol toxicity

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods, toothpaste, some vitamins and some brands of peanut butter. It is harmless to people but very dangerous to dogs. A dog's body mistakes it for sugar and releases a surge of insulin, causing blood sugar to crash within minutes to an hour. Larger amounts can damage the liver.

Signs include vomiting, weakness, wobbling, collapse and seizures. Even a small amount can be harmful, particularly to small dogs.

Call a veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately if you think your dog has eaten any, and do not wait for signs or try to make the dog vomit unless told to. Read labels on any food shared with a dog, and keep gum and bags out of reach.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Chocolate toxicity Poisoning from the theobromine and caffeine in chocolate, which is more dangerous the darker the chocolate and the smaller the dog. Grape and raisin toxicity Poisoning from grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants that can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs, at amounts that are hard to predict. Epilepsy A brain disorder that causes repeated seizures, most often the inherited kind with no other cause found, usually starting in young adult dogs.