Reviewed by Dr. Terry White, DVM
As a dog parent, discovering that your dog ate gum can be terrifying. You may feel panic creeping in, especially if your dog grabbed sugar-free gum, which can be deadly due to the ingredient xylitol. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do and what to look for when faced with this situation.
Immediate Solution
If you suspect your dog ate gum, don't wait. The first step is to check the ingredients. If xylitol is listed, you need to treat it as a medical emergency. Contact your primary vet or an emergency clinic immediately. If your dog ate regular gum or you can't confirm xylitol, it's still important to monitor them closely for signs of distress.
Here’s what to do right away:
Check the Gum's Ingredients: Look for xylitol on the label. If it's there, get to a vet as quickly as possible.
Call Your Vet: Even if you're unsure or don't have access to the packaging, consult your vet.
Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Vet Guidance: Ingesting gum can lead to choking or blockage, so inducing vomiting might cause more harm. Always wait for professional advice before taking action.
Understanding Xylitol: Why It’s Dangerous for Dogs
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free products like gum, candies, and even toothpaste. It’s safe for humans, but dogs process it differently. When a dog consumes xylitol, their pancreas rapidly releases insulin, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Left untreated, this can lead to seizures, liver failure, and even death.
Dog Ate Gum Symptoms
If your dog ate gum containing xylitol, symptoms may appear within 30 minutes and can include:
Vomiting
Lethargy or weakness
Tremors or seizures
Stumbling or loss of coordination
Pale gums or shock
What If the Gum Doesn’t Contain Xylitol?
Even if the gum your dog ate does not contain xylitol, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Gum can still cause intestinal blockage, particularly if the dog ate a large amount of gum or swallowed the gum's wrapper.
Signs of a blockage include vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and a lack of appetite. Blockages can develop over a few days, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on your pet and take them to the vet if you notice any signs of distress.
Other Things Your Dog Might Eat That Are Dangerous
While gum is a common concern, it's not the only dangerous item dogs frequently ingest. Here are a few other problematic items:
My Dog Ate a Tampon
Dogs, especially puppies, have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t, and tampons are no exception. If your dog ate a tampon, they could be at risk of choking or experiencing a blockage.
Tampons can expand in the digestive tract, making it hard for them to pass through.
The first sign to watch for is vomiting, but other symptoms like abdominal pain and lethargy may take a few days to show up. Always contact your vet immediately for guidance.
My Dog Ate a Brownie
Chocolate poisoning is another frequent issue for dogs. If your dog ate a brownie, the combination of chocolate and sugar could cause significant harm. Chocolate contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize as well as humans. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is.
Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and seizures. If your dog ingests a brownie, contact your vet right away.
Dog Ate Aluminum Foil
Another common concern among dog owners is when their dog eats aluminum foil. While foil itself isn’t toxic, the risk comes from what was wrapped inside, such as food remnants or non-food substances. Aluminum foil can also pose a choking hazard or lead to an intestinal blockage if a large amount is swallowed.
When to Go to the Vet
Here’s a clear breakdown of when you should head to the vet based on what your dog has ingested:
Gum with Xylitol: Go to the vet immediately. Xylitol poisoning can occur quickly, and early treatment is key to saving your dog’s life.
Gum without Xylitol: While it’s not as urgent as xylitol poisoning, you should still monitor your dog for signs of an intestinal blockage.
Tampon: Even if your dog isn’t showing immediate signs of distress, it’s best to get a vet’s opinion because of the risk of blockage.
Brownie (or other chocolate items): Dark chocolate is particularly dangerous, and even a small amount can lead to poisoning. Always take your dog to the vet for treatment.
What to Expect at a Vet Clinic
When you bring your dog in after they’ve eaten gum or other dangerous items, your vet will likely:
Induce Vomiting (if the ingestion was recent): This is to remove as much of the toxic substance as possible.
Administer Activated Charcoal: This helps absorb toxins in the digestive system.
Monitor Blood Sugar and Liver Enzymes: For xylitol poisoning, the vet will carefully track your dog’s blood sugar and liver function over the next 12-24 hours.
IV Fluids and Medication: Dogs that ingest xylitol may require IV fluids containing glucose to stabilize their blood sugar. In severe cases, additional treatments to prevent liver damage may be necessary.
Preventing Future Incidents
While it’s impossible to prevent every accident, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your dog ingesting harmful items:
1. Keep Gum Out of Reach
Store gum, candy, and other xylitol-containing products in high cupboards or sealed containers that your dog can’t access.
2. Be Mindful of Everyday Items
Xylitol is found in more than just gum. Items like toothpaste, peanut butter, and even medications may contain xylitol, so always check the labels before giving anything to your dog
3. Supervise Your Dog
On walks, dogs are quick to grab things off the ground. Train your dog with commands like “leave it” to prevent them from picking up dangerous items like discarded gum.
Discovering that your dog ate gum or another harmful item can be frightening, but knowing how to respond makes all the difference. Remember that time is critical when xylitol is involved, so if your dog ate gum, especially sugar-free gum, seek veterinary care immediately.
Did Your Dog Ingest Something?
Some ingredients are safe for dogs but others may not be. We can help! EverPal's Medical Director, Dr. Terry White, brings 40 years of experience and is ready to meet your fur baby same-day and provide expert guidance on whether the situation warrants x-ray or other imaging.
Experience better vet care with maximum comfort for your fur baby. Schedule your online vet visit today.
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