My Dog Ate Gum: Is That Dangerous?

Dogs are curious creatures and sometimes eat things they shouldn't. One common item that dogs ingest is gum. If you're worried about your dog eating gum, it's important to understand the potential dangers and what actions to take.

Why Gum is Harmful to Dogs

Plenty of substances and foods are fine for humans to eat but are toxic to our canine companions. Most people are aware that chewing gum is one of those substances. Many popular brands of sugar-free chewing gum contain sweeteners such as xylitol, which is highly poisonous to dogs if they are to ingest it. 

1. Xylitol Toxicity: Xylitol causes a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This can occur within 10-60 minutes of ingestion.
2. Gastrointestinal Blockage: Gum can also cause blockages in a dog's digestive system, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

What should I do if my dog ate chewing gum?

If your dog has eaten chewing gum, immediately contact your vet to arrange emergency care. You will likely be advised to bring your dog in for a physical examination and possible emergency care. A veterinarian can then examine your dog's symptoms and provide necessary treatment.

What happens if a dog eats gum with xylitol? 

As far as veterinarians know, the only animals that seem to have severe reactions to xylitol are dogs. Once consumed, it can take as little as 30 – 60 minutes for the toxic effects of xylitol to appear in a dog. This is why bringing your dog to the vet as quickly as possible is important if you suspect they have ingested xylitol gum. 

Xylitol poisoning in dogs usually causes extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) due to a substantial release of insulin into the body. Once this occurs, you will likely notice at least a few of the following symptoms:

Treating Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

Unfortunately, there is no cure for xylitol poisoning once it has developed. Your dog should be monitored by a vet for at least 12 hours, with a close watch on their blood sugar levels and liver function.

If any concerning symptoms arise, your vet can provide appropriate treatment. Depending on your dog's symptoms, they may need IV treatment with a glucose solution for up to two days to stabilize their blood sugar levels.

Other Substances That Contain Xylitol

While gum may be the most common way dogs ingest xylitol, you should also be aware that xylitol is used in various other foods and products that your dog could get into. Other foods containing xylitol substances include sugar-free candy, peanut butter, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, nasal sprays, sunscreen, deodorant, baby wipes, hair products, and several human-use medications.

If your dog eats anything containing xylitol or any substance you think may cause potential complications, you should immediately contact your nearest emergency vet.

What if the gum that my dog ate doesn't contain xylitol?

Not all brands of sugar-free gum contain xylitol. Sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, aspartame, and mannitol are not considered poisonous for dogs.

Remember that the ingredients are not the only concern you should have if your dog eats gum. Intestinal blockages are also seen in dogs that have consumed gum.

Signs of an intestinal blockage can take several days to become evident and may include vomiting, lack of energy, reluctance to play, abdominal pain, constipation, or loss of appetite. Monitor your dog for any signs of an intestinal blockage, and contact your vet immediately if symptoms arise.

Preventing Future Incidents

To prevent future incidents, please take the following precautions: dispose of gum and wrappers in a secure trash can to prevent dogs from accessing them, ensure that everyone in your house knows the dangers of gum for dogs, and store gum in a safe place. 

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.