MY dog ate gum with xylitol?

Question

We had spit out our gum in a cup, and we picked up the dog and she ate one of the pieces out of the cup (we were in the car). We know for sure she ate it.

She is a 7 month old, 9 pound dog and she ate a chewed up piece of Orbit gum containing Xlitol.

I assume that since it is aritficial sweetener it was all consumed by me since the gum had lost its flavor. ???

We called the emergency vet and they said to find out if it was a lethal amount and if it was it would be like 1000 dollars to have her stomach pumped.

Please only answer if you have had expirience with this or know someone who has.

Is this a lethal amount for a dog weighing 9 pounds??

Thanks

Answer 1

She isn't in danger with just that amount...don't bother with the hydrogen peroxide, as it can be dangerous in itself...but just for emergency situations..this isn't emergent..

Answer 2

The problem is that most companies that make this gum with xylitol have not published an amount per piece, so that makes it very hard to determine if it is a toxic dose. I would play it on the safe side and take her to the vet. In the past two weeks we have had two cases like this in our hospital, one was a 70lb Lab who had eaten 6 pieces, the other a 24lb mix who ate 3. Both ended up becoming hypoglycemic within the first few hours, and the smaller dog ended up in liver failure.

I highly recommend going to the vet for treatment. At the very least, I would go to the vet, have them induce vomiting and get some baseline bloodwork so that you have something to compare to if she becomes ill.

Answer 3

Hi Emily F!
According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that dog owners seek veterinary treatment immediately. It is important to keep in mind that even if your pet does not develop signs right away, it does not mean that problems won’t develop later on.

Please go to vet!!
Jason Homan

Answer 4

It probably was not enough since the gum had already been chewed, but you probably should give the dog a few teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide (just enough to make it vomit) to be on the safe side.