Can my dog eat xylitol?
No.
Xylitol is one of the fastest-acting poisons in the house. One or two pieces of sugar-free gum can poison a small dog — go to a vet now, even if they seem fine.
Already ate it?
If they ate itGo to a vet now — do not wait for symptoms. Take the packet. Don't make them vomit at home. If they are already weak but awake, rub a little honey or sugar syrup on their gums on the way; don't put your fingers in the mouth of a dog that is fitting.
Watch forSudden weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, collapse or fits — often within 30 minutes, but delayed up to 12 to 18 hours with some gums. Liver damage shows 1–3 days later: yellow gums, bruising, black stools.
Thinking of giving it?
Why not even a littleLow blood sugar from about 100 mg of xylitol per kg of body weight; severe liver damage from about 500 mg per kg. The amount in a product varies widely, even between flavours of the same gum, so treat any amount as an emergency.
WhyIt triggers a huge insulin release that crashes blood sugar, and larger amounts cause liver failure. It hides in sugar-free gum, mints, some peanut butters, toothpaste, chewable vitamins and diabetic sweets — check labels for xylitol, birch sugar or E967.
Where this comes from. Merck Veterinary Manual: Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs; Pet Poison Helpline: Xylitol; ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Reviewed: 20 October 2026
A guide, not a diagnosis. If your dog seems unwell, call your vet.
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