Gum Can Kill Your Family Pet? Sweetener In Chewing Gum Harmful To Dogs

A recent report gave details of a chemical ingredient in sugarless chewing gums that is dangerous for dogs.

CBS News reported that Xylitol, a sugar substitute used normally in chewing gum and other products, have been found to be fatal in dogs. It causes low blood sugar levels, seizures, and even liver failure, in them.

The news outlet reported that calls to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA) regarding food poisoning have risen from a meager 84 in 2004, to a surprising 3,700 last year. The ASCPA cautions pet owners to avoid the risk of letting their pets, such as dogs, to eat food that contains the said sweetener.

“Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste,” wrote the ASCPA. “It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.”

Although considered safe for human consumption, experts said it is dangerous for animals. Pet Poison hotline senior veterinary toxicologist Dr. Ahna Brutlag told the Wall Street Journal that it is one of the most dangerous pet poison that she and her team deals with.

“There are still a lot of dog owners who have never heard of xylitol, nor do they understand that something this benign, an ordinary sweetener, could be toxic to pets,” said Brutlag.

A recently reported case was that of a two-year-old dog named Luna. Owned by Sam Caress and Jordan Pellett, the dog died in April after consuming some chewing gum that contain the sweetener. The poor dog was rushed to the vet after she started vomiting, but still she died.

"They gave us a phone call saying her kidney tests weren't good, and that they were shutting down, and that we didn't really have any other choice but to put her down," Caress told CBS.

Dr. Ashley Gallagher of the Friendship Hospital for Animals told CBS that pet owners have a key role to play in the prevention of xylitol pet poisoning.

"You just have to be really careful because dogs are nosy little creatures and they are hungry all the time. I know my dogs are, and they are just looking for a treat. So you have to really watch them," said Gallagher.

Dr. Gallagher added that dog owners should check their homes for any food item that may include the sweetener and keep it away from the reach of pets.