RVing friends we know travel with their two dogs. They give both pups a calming medication before they head out on the road. These pills help the dogs handle travel days better. Our friends recently became aware that the peanut butter they use to “camouflage” the calming meds could be deadly to their pets. Their advice to dog owners is to beware of xylitol in peanut butter!
Xylitol
You may already know that xylitol is a sugar substitute. Also known as birch sugar, xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than regular sugar, while the taste is said to be quite similar. Some folks choose peanut butter with xylitol as a way to cut calories and/or prevent dental decay.
Xylitol in dogs
While xylitol may benefit humans, it can be devastating to canines. If a dog ingests even a small amount of xylitol (say, a spoonful used to disguise a medication), the sugar substitute may cause a rapid release of insulin. This, in turn, can lead to hypoglycemia—a dangerous and sometimes deadly condition for dogs.
Xylitol poisoning symptoms
Here are some of the most common symptoms your dog may exhibit after ingesting xylitol:
- Vomiting
- Loss of coordination/weakness
- Lethargy/depression
- Seizures
- Collapse/coma
- Liver damage/failure
Contact your vet or emergency veterinary clinic immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested a product containing xylitol, as prompt intervention is key. You can also contact the Pet Poison Helpline here or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center here. Symptoms may appear as soon as 30 minutes up to 12 hours after exposure. Be certain to take any peanut butter wrapper, jar, or other pertinent packaging with you to the vet.
Other products?
Xylitol is not limited to peanut butter. Here is a list of other items which may contain this substance. (This is not an all-inclusive listing. Always check the list of ingredients before offering any of these “non-dog” items to your pooch.)
- Sugar-free items. Ice cream, candy, baked goods, cereal, Jell-O, ketchup, jam/jellies, chewing gum, mints.
- Dental care products. Toothpaste, mouthwash.
- Medications. Vitamin gummies, prescription medications, cough/throat drops.
- Hygiene products. Shampoo, deodorant, moisturizers.
The good news is that the most popular brands of peanut butter are all xylitol-free. Always, always check the list of ingredients. Xylitol may be alternatively noted as “sugar substitute” or “birch sugar.”
Biggest xylitol culprits
According to our local vet’s experiences, xylitol poisoning in dogs happens most often because of peanut butter or sugar-free gum. She urges dog owners to keep these items well away from pets at all times. (Her own dog got into her purse and ingested some sugarless gum, so she’s adamant about precautions.)
Prognosis
Dogs that are diagnosed early and given appropriate, aggressive treatment likely will recover from xylitol poisoning and suffer no long-term ill effects. Early diagnosis and treatment are key. However, keeping products containing xylitol far removed from your dog is the best idea of all!
Has your dog ever ingested a product containing xylitol or any other poison? Tell us about it in the comments.
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Thank you, Gail! This was all news to me and greatly appreciated. As I read it to DW (all our dogs have been hers as I prefer having no pets), she nodded and commented. Apparently she already knew much of this. However, it reminded her of some things AND added to her knowledge concerning some of the listed products. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
Additional info: some manufacturers use the alternate name: birch sugar to disguise that xylitol has been added. Sounds more “natural”. But still just as deadly to pets.
check for both names to be safe.
Thanks, Gail. Good info to have as we often use peanut butter to hide pills in.