PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A 6-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Mix named Afi is recovering at home after a life-threatening encounter with xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, baked goods, and some peanut butters.
Afi ingested approximately 35 pieces of sugar-free gum, each containing about 1,000 mg of xylitol, far exceeding the toxic dose for dogs.
Just one piece can cause serious illness. Within hours, Afi began vomiting and refused food, a significant warning sign for a dog usually motivated by food.
Upon arrival at DoveLewis Animal Hospital, Afi’s condition was critical. Xylitol can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver damage. The toxic sweetener had already impacted his liver, with values “off the charts,” according to the hospital.
“Xylitol poses a serious threat to dogs,” said Dr. Hannah Marshall, a critical care specialist at DoveLewis. “Ingesting even a single piece can be harmful. With Afi eating so many pieces, we were worried about severe liver damage.”
The DoveLewis team provided round-the-clock care, including IV fluids and medications to protect Afi’s liver, while closely monitoring his blood sugar. After two days, Afi’s liver values improved, he began eating again, and was strong enough to go home.
The veterinary hospital urges pet owners to check their homes for products containing xylitol, which may also be listed as “sugar alcohol” or “birch sugar.” Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, peanut butter, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamins, supplements, and medications.
While xylitol poisoning is most common and dangerous in dogs, it can also pose a risk to cats, particularly for liver damage. It’s safest to keep xylitol-containing products out of reach of all pets.
“While Afi is thankfully on the mend, his story highlights just how life-threatening xylitol is for dogs,” said Dr. Marshall. “If your dog eats something with xylitol, it’s an emergency. Don’t wait, get to a vet right away.”
Afi’s family, grateful for the care that saved him, wants other pet owners to be aware of xylitol’s dangers to protect their own pets.
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