I have a lot of pets; eight cats and two dogs to be exact. Now, though these ten critters are definitely my “babies” and I cherish every one of them, I would by lying if I said they were all angels. I suppose that is why, a few weeks ago, I came downstairs to the kitchen and found an entire package of chewing gum had been ripped to shreds and arranged decoratively around the entire main floor of the house. My heart immediately jumped out of my chest; not because I was upset by the mess, but because I wasn’t certain whether this was xylitol-free gum. I immediately pieced together the shreds of packaging in order to read the ingredients. Whew! No xylitol.
Xylitol is a substance derived from the fibers of many fruits and vegetables including corn, raspberries, mushrooms, and certain trees (in fact, the root of the word, “xyl”, means “wood”). Because xylitol has been shown to be a very effective inhibitor of the growth of the bacteria that can be responsible for the formation of dental cavities, it has become a popular additive in dental products. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener that is being used with increasing frequency in chewing gum, toothpaste, and mouthwashes. Xylitol-infused lollipops are now available for children. Interestingly, a recent study by a university in Japan showed that pregnant mothers who chewed gum containing xylitol during and after pregnancy had a significantly lower chance of transmitting cavity-causing bacteria to their infants.
While xylitol has numerous health benefits for people, it can be incredibly dangerous if consumed by a cat or dog. Upon ingestion by a pet, xylitol can cause a rapid, severe spike in blood insulin levels. When blood insulin rises (as it does when a diabetic patient receives insulin through injection) it causes a precipitous drop in blood sugar. The resultant hypoglycemia can lead to a loss of coordination, confusion, and seizures. High doses of xylitol can also cause liver damage.
If you suspect your pet may have consumed a product containing xylitol, it is imperative that you seek veterinary attention immediately. Possible xylitol ingestion should always be treated as an emergency. Your pet may require induction of vomiting, administration of activated charcoal, IV fluids, and IV dextrose (to replace the lost blood sugar) in order to adequately treat the condition. The profound hypoglycemia may last for several days and require intensive care until the effects of the xylitol fully subside.
If you are a gum-chewing pet lover, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the ingredients on the package. If your favorite brand contains xylitol, ensure that it is never kept in an area that is accessible to pets. Otherwise, cleaning sticky chewed up bits of gum from your carpets might be the least of your concerns.
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