How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?

Xylitol is dangerous at very low doses. About 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight can cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, and around 0.5 g/kg can cause liver failure. A single piece of sugar-free gum can contain enough to harm a small dog.

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs?

Vomiting, then weakness, stumbling, tremors, and collapse from low blood sugar — often within 30 minutes. Liver damage can follow over 12–72 hours.

What should I do if my dog ate xylitol?

Treat it as an emergency. Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Bring the product packaging so the xylitol content can be checked.

Xylitol Toxicity Calculator for Dogs

Your dog ate something with xylitol — gum, candy, or peanut butter? Check the risk instantly.

🚨 Xylitol acts fast and is one of the most dangerous things a dog can eat. Don't wait for symptoms. Call your vet or: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (US).

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Enter your dog’s weight and the amount eaten to see the risk.

LowCautionHypoglycemiaLiver failure

Risk thresholds: 0.1 · 0.5 g/kg body weight

Why xylitol is so dangerous to dogs

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, mints, some peanut butters, baked goods, and even certain medications. In dogs (but not humans) it triggers a rapid release of insulin, causing a dangerous crash in blood sugar within 30–60 minutes. Higher doses can cause liver failure. Because the amount per product varies so much, even a small dog eating one or two pieces of gum can be an emergency.

Xylitol toxicity thresholds

~0.1 g/kg — risk of hypoglycemia (dangerous low blood sugar).
~0.5 g/kg and above — risk of acute liver failure.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting first, then within 30–60 minutes weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, tremors, and seizures from low blood sugar. Signs of liver damage (yellow gums, more vomiting, dark urine) can appear over 12–72 hours. Some dogs are treated successfully even before symptoms appear — speed matters.

⚠️ Xylitol content varies widely between products and is often not listed by weight. This calculator uses typical averages — when in any doubt, treat it as an emergency and call your vet or poison control with the packaging in hand.

Frequently asked questions

My dog ate one piece of gum and seems fine — is that okay?

Not necessarily. Symptoms can take up to an hour to appear, and a single piece can be toxic to a small dog. Call your vet or poison control now.

Which peanut butters contain xylitol?

Some "no sugar added" or low-sugar brands do. Always read the ingredient list before sharing peanut butter with your dog — look for xylitol or "birch sugar."

Is xylitol toxic to cats?

Current evidence suggests cats are far less sensitive, but it's still best to keep all xylitol products away from any pet.