Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute added to certain types of beverages, food, chewing gums, sweets, as well as chewable vitamins for humans. It is actually a natural sweetener that certain fruits contain in small quantities.

A dog can manifest toxic symptoms after consuming food items that contain xylitol. Thus pet owners should always check the list of ingredients before offering any food to their pets. If a product is labeled “sugar-free”, there is always the big possibility that it contains xylitol. Most brands of candy and gum may contain 2 mg up to 1 gram of xylitol per piece. Unfortunately, many companies fail to disclose the amount of xylitol that is incorporated in their products.

Upon ingestion, xylitol can trigger a sudden excessive rise in insulin levels which can cause the animal to suffer from severe hypoglycemia. Serious signs of poisoning can be manifested within 15-30 minutes after xylitol consumption. Call your Scottsdale, AZ vet clinic if your pet has consumed food that contains xylitol. Staff at the clinic will be able to tell you whether you need to bring your pet in even before signs are manifested. More information here: http://raintreepet.com/