Tool
Xylitol toxicity calculator
Sugar-free gum or candy? Estimate the xylitol dose per kg against published danger levels.
Think your dog ate something toxic? Call your vet or an emergency clinic now. In the US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
How this works
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in some sugar-free gum, mints, candy, baked goods and nut butters. In dogs it triggers a large release of insulin, which can drop blood sugar fast. We divide the grams of xylitol by your dog’s weight in kilograms and compare the result with the levels in the Merck Veterinary Manual:
- More than about 0.1 g/kg (100 mg/kg) has been linked to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs can start within 30 minutes, or be delayed up to 12–18 hours when the xylitol is in something that slows absorption, such as some gums.
- More than about 0.5 g/kg (500 mg/kg) has been linked to severe liver injury or liver failure in some dogs. Signs of liver damage may not show for 24–48 hours.
Labels don’t always list the amount of xylitol, and many products don’t. If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, treat it as an emergency and call your vet or a poison line now, whatever this estimate says. Never make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
More: Xylitol and dogs.