As we discussed I am concerned about the risk of Xylitol toxicity in your dog.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol which is used as a sweetener in things such as sweets, medicines, cakes and chewing gums. The problem with xylitol is that, in the dog, it stimulates insulin release and therefore it can cause a severe and life-threatening reduction in the blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Xylitol is also very toxic to the canine liver.

The signs are directly related to the low blood sugar and/or liver damage and they may include:

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) after 1-12 hours:

-          Vomiting

-          Elevated heart rate

-          Drowsiness

-          Wobbly gait (ataxia)

-          Tremors

-          Convulsions

-          Coma

-          Death

Liver damage (2-72 Hours after ingestion):

-          Liver failure

-          Bleeding due to clotting deficiencies

As you can see, the consequences of xylitol poisoning are very severe in the dog and it is therefore very important that you dog is seen by your local veterinary surgeon as soon as possible in order to limit the toxic uptake and monitor to hypoglycaemia and liver damage.

Your vet will help you to decide on the best way forward. Treatment may include stomach decontamination, blood tests as well as medical treatments.