It’s everywhere – and toxic for pets!

Brought to you by Renee D. Schmid, DVM
Associate Veterinarian, Clinical Toxicology at Pet Poison Helpline

Xylitol (aka Birch Sugar) — the popular “sugar-free” sweetener for humans — is not so sweet for your pets, and is hidden in more household items than you probably realize! Although xylitol provides many human health benefits, making it a common active or inactive ingredient in your medicine cabinet, pantry, and purse, it can be deadly to your pets! Even the FDA recognizes the dangers of xylitol for pets, so make sure you know which popular products contain xylitol!

SUGAR-FREE SWEETENERS
Commonly found in chewing gum, candy, baked goods, peanut butter, nut butters, pudding and gelatin snacks, “skinny” ice cream, and protein bars.

TOOTH DECAY PREVENTATIVES
Used in chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss and oral rinses.

ANTIMICROBIALS & MOISTURIZERS
perfect for lotions, facial products, deodorants and skin gels, and preventative oral / ear infection products.

SOOTHING AGENTS
Found within nasal sprays, throat lozenges, hard candies and chewing gum due to the cooling sensation it provides to mucous membranes.

COMMON MEDICINES
Often found in fish oil, cough syrup, chewable vitamins for children and adults, gummy vitamins, compounded medicines, and weight loss products.

FERMENTATION & MOLD PREVENTATIVES
added to help preserve both food and non-food products.

If your pet eats anything with xylitol, you need help FAST to eliminate the risk of under- or over-treating the pet. Pet Poison Helpline has a comprehensive database cataloging the specific xylitol content for many products, and the list is growing every day. When in doubt of the xylitol concentration in something your pet has ingested, Pet Poison Helpline can be an invaluable resource to effectively treat potential conditions ranging from hypoglycemia to acute liver failure.