The popular sugar substitute Xylitol, also known as birch sugar or E 967, is used in many foods, especially in chewing gum, candies, baked goods, and chocolate, and can be consumed safely by humans.

• In dogs, ingestion of just 0.1 g of Xylitol per kg of body weight can lead to severe hypoglycemia.
• More than 0.5 g of Xylitol/kg of body weight can cause liver dysfunction and, if left untreated or prolonged, can lead to coma and death.
• Xylitol also causes hypoglycemia in ferrets, rabbits, cows, goats, and baboons.

How does Xylitol poisoning manifest?

• In some cases, hypoglycemia may occur with a delay. Liver damage can occur even without signs of hypoglycemia.
• However, signs of hypoglycemia such as trembling, lethargy, apathy, weakness, staggering gait, vision problems, and vomiting usually appear after 30-60 minutes.

What to do?

• Go to the vet as soon as possible!
• Do not attempt self-treatment! Inducing vomiting can further lower blood sugar levels.

Precaution:

• Ensure that food containing xylitol is kept out of reach of dogs.
• Explain to children in the household why sweets are dangerous for dogs.
• Xylitol is also found in toothpaste. Do not use human toothpaste for brushing dogs' teeth.
• Many sunscreens and skin creams contain xylitol. Check the ingredients when purchasing.