Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, present in small amounts in fruit, which is used to

Question

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, present in small amounts in fruit, which is used to sweeten sugar-free products such as gums, medicines such as antacids and vitamins, lozenges/mints, toothpaste, candies, peanut butter or baked goods. In most mammals, xylitol has no significant effect on insulin levels, but in dogs, xylitol stimulates a rapid, dose-dependent insulin release that can result in profound hypoglycemia. Dosages of xylitol over ~75-100 mg/kg have been associated with hypoglycemia in dogs. Some dogs ingesting xylitol at dosages > 500 mg/kg may develop severe hepatic insufficiency or failure caused by liver necrosis, the mechanism of which is unknown and which is frequently fatal.

The amount of xylitol is not listed on the package, but most chewing gums contain 0.22-1.0 g xylitol per piece of gum. A 20 lb dog eats a package of sugar-free gum containing 14 pieces.

What is the dose range of xylitol for this dog in mg/kg? Is this cause for concern?

Explanation / Answer

Dog is weighing 20lb means 9.072kg

Xylito contains 0.22to 1g perpiece

Dog eats 14.pieces means 3.08g to 14 g of xylitol

In this dog

In this dog to cause hepatic insufficiency do should ingest 1.5 g of xylitol

And level in gum is more than that so it is of concern that dog ate 14 gums

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