Xylitol toxicity in dogs.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free gum, oral care products, and baked goods, is gaining popularity in the United States. Xylitol consumption is considered harmless to people but is known to cause life-threatening toxicoses in dogs. Dogs that ingest doses of >0.1 g/kg of xylitol are at risk for developing hypoglycemia, while dogs that ingest >0.5 g/kg may develop acute liver failure. Treatment includes dextrose supplementation for hypoglycemia and aggressive monitoring, treatment, and supportive care for dogs experiencing hepatotoxicosis. The prognosis for dogs with uncomplicated hypoglycemia is good, whereas the prognosis for dogs that develop severe hepatotoxicosis is guarded to poor.