Xylitol is one of the most dangerous things a dog can eat — far more toxic to dogs than chocolate, gram for gram. It hides in sugar-free gum, mints, peanut butter, toothpaste and baked goods. Use this calculator for a fast risk estimate, then call a vet no matter the result — labels rarely state exact xylitol content.
🐶 Xylitol Toxicity Calculator
Estimates assume ~0.3 g xylitol per piece of gum and ~0.5 g per mint where xylitol is the first sweetener listed — real products range from 0.1 g to over 1 g per piece. When in doubt, treat it as an emergency.
Why is xylitol so dangerous for dogs?
A dog’s pancreas mistakes xylitol for real sugar and releases a massive surge of insulin, crashing blood glucose within 30–60 minutes. At higher doses xylitol also destroys liver cells; signs of liver failure can be delayed by a day or more, which is why “he seems fine” is never reassurance. It affects dogs specifically — this calculator is not valid for cats (rarely tempted anyway) or other species.
Where does xylitol hide?
Sugar-free gum and mints are the classic emergencies, but also check: “sugar-free” or “skinny” peanut butter, protein bars and baked goods, children’s chewable vitamins, melatonin gummies, human toothpaste and mouthwash, some medications and nasal sprays, and products listing “birch sugar”, E967 or “wood sugar” — all the same thing.
What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning?
Early (30–60 min): vomiting, weakness, stumbling like being drunk, trembling. Severe: seizures, collapse, coma. Delayed (12–72 h): jaundice, dark stools, bruising — signs of liver injury. Dogs can look completely normal between the sugar crash and liver signs.
My dog just ate gum — what do I do right now?
1. Take the packaging. 2. Call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately — use our worldwide emergency vet finder. 3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to — a hypoglycemic dog can choke. 4. If advised in, go now: treated early, most dogs recover fully.
FAQ
How much gum is dangerous for my dog?
For a 10 kg dog, a single piece of strongly-sweetened gum (~1 g xylitol) can reach the 0.1 g/kg hypoglycemia threshold. Small dogs + gum = always call the vet.
Is xylitol in peanut butter?
Most peanut butter is safe, but a growing number of “no added sugar” brands use xylitol — check the label every time before using peanut butter for pills or treats.
Are erythritol, sorbitol or stevia also toxic?
They can cause mild stomach upset, but none causes the insulin surge xylitol does. Xylitol/birch sugar/E967 is the emergency.
This tool gives a rough estimate for triage only and is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, contact a veterinarian — always.
