Xylitol/sugar free gum and dogs

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

I know this subject has come up before on this site but I did not realize just how toxic that the xylitol in sugar free gum is to dogs.
My doodle Izzie got into my purse this afternoon and ate part of a pack of Trident gum.  I called and then took her to the vet within about 45 minutes of her eating the gum. I was not sure how much they would have to eat to make them sick and it only takes a few pieces.  They induced vomiting and she is now on IV fluids until tomorrow.  Her liver enzymes are elevated and they will check them again in the morning.  They are also monitoring her blood sugar levels as the xylitol can cause an unsafe drop in blood sugar levels.  I will probably be able to bring her home tomorrow.  We will have to have her liver enzymes rechecked in about a month to see if there is any permanent damage to her liver.
I think we would have lost her if I had not seen her with the last little bit of the pack of gum.  She ate it wrappers and all.  I usually keep my purse zipped up to keep her out of it but I had left the room for only a minute. I don't think I will be buying gum with xylitol in it anymore.  I feel really back that she has had to go through all this because of me.

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, no! I hope Izzie recovers soon and doesn't have any permanent damage. It's a good thing you noticed the gum was gone and were able to get her to the vet quickly. Don't beat yourself up. Accidents happen, and you did the exact right thing by taking her to the vet right away.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I hope Izzie will be fine. Don't beat yourself up. You didn't know, and now you may have helped save someone else's dog with this post.

[F, Calla & Luca]

So sorry to hear this. Accidents can and do happen and you acted quickly. There is a reference to xylitol in the Danger Group. Today some sliced ham disappeared that I was about to have for lunch. I searched everywhere thinking I might have absentmindedly put it somewhere it didn't belong. No signs of it or the deli paper it was in, I had taken it out of the plastic bag and had given the dogs a little in their bowls. I hope one of them, Calla being the likely culprit, ate it because otherwise my house is soon going to smell really funny.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Paws and fingers crossed for Izzie's full recovery. And don't forget to be kind to yourself too-you knew exactly what to do to help her when this unforeseen emergency arose. Good job and a good reminder to all of us of how quickly something like this can happen.

[shelly]

Oh boy that surely is scary! You were so smart to act so quickly!! I know how you feel. I've done this myself....Tori ate two pieces a while back and thankfully the vet said it was not harmful. I do NOT allow my kids or myself to get gum with Xylitol, but I get real nervous when friends/family come over. I make everyone keep their pocketbooks with them. I hope Izzie will be better in the morning! Good luck!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank goodness you acted so quickly! This is a great reminder for all of us....thanks!

[Kim]

=( so sorry. Hope Izzie gets better soon!

[sandy b]

That is so scary. Hope Izzy is feeling better soon.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Thank goodness you saw her and reacted quickly. Sending lots of positive and healing thoughts Izzie's way.

[Melissa & Porter]

I am so sorry that this happened to you and Izzie. Thank goodness you caught it. And thanks for the heads up.
My kids often get sugarfree gum, so I will be vigilant. I personally cannot go near xylitol and sorbitol because I get some gross stomach problems.

[Christine Cravens]

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I did not know the xylitol was dangerous for dogs. I hope Izzie will be feeling better soon. The way my dog has been getting into everything lately this information is timely. Again thank you.

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

Thank you everyone for your concern for Izzie.
Just to update this - Izzie came home Saturday afternoon. She is still not back to her energetic self. She is sleeping a lot more than usual. I am giving her something before she eats once a day to help with her liver function. We will take her back to have her liver enzymes checked in a month to see if there is any permanent damage. Her liver enzymes were elevated and her blood sugar was low on Friday. She looks a little funny where they shaved the hair on both her front legs and she has a big poof of hair on each foot and ankle. Looks like the poodle cut.
I appreciated all the wishes for her recovery. Thanks.