Most dog owners are aware that their dogs should be kept away from gum and candy, but there are now even more food products that pet owners need to prevent their pets from ingesting. Xylitol, a sugar substitute, is now an ingredient in some brands of peanut butter. With peanut butter commonly given to pets as a treat, this could pose a serious problem.

Lindsey Nielsen, DVM, DACVECC

"Dog owners need to be extra vigilant in reading labels and ensuring something their pet might grab off the counter doesn't have this deadly additive in it," said Dr. Lindsey Nielsen, Criticalist at SAGE Campbell.

Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener that helps protect people's teeth from bacteria and plaque, is a natural fit to be included in gum and mints, but it's now becoming a more commonly-used ingredient in other food products, much like aspartame or sorbitol. In addition to some peanut butters, xylitol can also be found in some vitamin supplements, particularly those used for melatonin or arthritis, as well as some packaged baked goods.

Are dangerous ingredients in your peanut butter? Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Xylitol can cause severe toxicity in dogs. Dogs that ingest the substance are at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The sugar substitute mimics other sugars, and causes a dog's body to release very large amounts of insulin, which subsequently leads to low blood sugar. Low blood sugar can cause seizures and death. Liver failure is also a very real risk. High doses of xylitol lead to liver cell death, and if enough of the liver cells die, liver failure will ensue. Liver failure can result in bleeding abnormalities, continued low blood sugar levels, low protein levels, fluid accumulation in the body, brain dysfunction, and eventual death.

If caught early enough, inducing vomiting can help prevent absorption of xylitol. If vomiting is unsuccessful or it's too late after ingestion, veterinarians will typically hospitalize the patient and treat with liver protectants and supplemental IV sugar.

Prognosis for those treated early is good, while prognosis for those who have already developed signs of liver failure is poor. If you suspect that your dog has ingested xylitol, seek veterinary care immediately. Don't wait for the appearance of any symptoms.

"Getting the animal to a vet as soon as possible will help prevent the worse prognosis," Dr. Nielsen said. "It is so much better to be safe than sorry!"