Quantity
As little as 0.1 grams per kilogram of body weight can cause hypoglycemia. Liver failure can occur at 0.5 g/kg. For perspective, one piece of sugar-free gum can contain 0.3–1.5 grams of xylitol. Even a few pieces can kill a small dog.
Notes
Xylitol goes by many names on ingredient labels: birch sugar, wood sugar, or sometimes just "sugar alcohol." It's in a shocking number of products — sugar-free gum, some peanut butters (always check the label), mouthwash, vitamins, and some baked goods. A single stick of xylitol gum can be lethal to a small dog.
Negative Signs
* Vomiting (usually the first sign, within minutes)
* Weakness and loss of coordination — the dog may stagger or collapse
* Tremors and seizures from the blood sugar crash
* Lethargy and depression
* Jaundice (yellowing of gums/eyes) if liver failure begins
FAQ
Q: How do I know if a product contains xylitol?
A: Read the ingredients. Look for "xylitol," "birch sugar," or "wood sugar." It's most common in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters. If the label says "sugar-free," treat it as suspicious until you've checked.
Q: My dog chewed a piece of sugar-free gum but spat it out. Should I still worry?
A: Yes. Even partial exposure can be dangerous for small dogs. Call your vet and describe what happened — they'll tell you whether to come in based on your dog's size and the product.
Alternatives
If you're giving your dog peanut butter, always check the label first — many "natural" and sugar-free brands now contain xylitol. Stick to peanut butter with just peanuts and salt on the ingredients list, or buy a brand specifically marketed as dog-safe.
Risks & Disclaimer
This is a race against the clock. If your dog ate anything containing xylitol, get to a vet immediately — not in an hour, right now. Bring the packaging so the vet can estimate how much xylitol was consumed. Do not try to induce vomiting at home unless your vet specifically tells you to.
