Beware of Xylitol Poisoning in Frenchies

What is the big deal about xylitol poisoning in Frenchies? Let’s explain what xylitol is Xylitol It’s a sugar substitute extracted from birch trees (also known as birth sugar), corn fiber, hardwoods and other vegetable matter. Then it’s made into a fine white powder that looks and tastes like sugar, with half of the calories, but doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes. It’s used in many food products including gum to decrease the amount of sugar our bodies are exposed to. In fact the most common xylitol poisoning reported to the Pet Poison Hotline is from gum. In 2020, Pet Poison Helpline had 5,846 calls involving dogs ingesting xylitol!

Here’s a list of common items that have the potential for Xylitol poisoning in Frenchies.

Drink powders
Cough drops and syrups
Instant coffee
BBQ sauce and ketchup
Vitamins
Candy and chocolates
Toothpaste and mouthwash
Chewing gum and mints
Peanut butter, jam, pancake syrup
Pudding

Here’s a list of more than 700 products that contain xylitol …

In humans it does not activate the pancreas to release insulin. In our furry Frenchie friends that’s a different story. Once ingested it is absorbed quickly in the bloodstream, rapidly activates the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then signals to the cells to absorb sugars in the bloodstream which leads to ow sugars in the bloodstream (hypoglycemia). This can happen is as little as 10-60 minutes and can be life threatening.

There is no antidote for xylitol poisoning.

Keep in mind Frenchies that ingest doses of >0.1 g/kg of xylitol are at risk for developing hypoglycemia, while those that ingest >0.5 g/kg may develop acute liver failure. You must get treatment for your little one!

Signs of xylitol poisoning in Frenchie’s include:

Vomiting
Lethargy
Depression
Weakness
Staggering
Loss of Coordination
Seizures

What should you do if you suspect xylitol poisoning in your Frenchie?

Call the Pet Poison Hotline. 1-800-213-6680
Contact your vet or emergency room vet for immediate hospitalization for blood glucose monitoring, dextrose administration, intravenous fluids, liver protectants, and any other supportive care that may be needed. Blood work should be monitored frequently to make sure that blood glucose and liver function remain normal.

What should you NOT do.

Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your Frenchie unless specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian. It is important to get treatment for your Frenchie as quickly as possible. As some may already be hypoglycemic, inducing vomiting can worsen clinical signs.

What can I do to prevent xylitol poisoning?

When I worked as a compounding pharmacists we had a sign educating everyone working there to never, ever use anything that had xylitol in it to mix up a compound for our dogs. Just imagine how easy it would be for Frenchies to eat something with xylitol in it. If your Frenchies are like mine, they love food and don’t discriminate. In fact, they see the gum or chocolate bar filled with xylitol left on the coffee table as special treat from mom or dad. Precautions to take:

Don’t leave xylitol containing foods anywhere your Frenchie can reach.
Make sure xylitol containing foods are higher up in your pantry where your Frenchie can’t reach.
Do not leave your purse containing gum on the floor.
Always put gum in drawers or high areas.
Do not feed your Frenchie leftovers that could contain xylitol in it like BBQ sauce, ketchup, etc…
Make sure your vitamins (especially chewable ones) are in a place they cannot reach. This is especially true of childrens vitamins as mine have left them laying around and I’ve had to educate them not to do so.
Educate your family and children on xylitol poisoning.
Only use pet toothpaste, never human.
Double check the nut butter you give your Frenchie’s for medication time.
Don’t leave xylitol containing foods anywhere your Frenchie can reach.
Make sure xylitol containing foods are higher up in your pantry where your Frenchie can’t reach.
Do not leave your purse containing gum on the floor.
Always put gum in drawers or high areas.
Do not feed your Frenchie leftovers that could contain xylitol in it like BBQ sauce, ketchup, etc…
Make sure your vitamins (especially chewable ones) are in a place they cannot reach. This is especially true of childrens vitamins as mine have left them laying around and I’ve had to educate them not to do so.
Educate your family and children on xylitol poisoning.
Only use pet toothpaste, never human.
Double check the nut butter you give your Frenchie’s for medication time.

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