PupkeeperToxicEmergency
Can dogs eat xylitol (birch sugar)? No: toxic
Toxic. Xylitol, a sweetener in many sugar-free foods, can crash a dog's blood sugar within minutes and can cause liver failure.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Xylitol (birch sugar) and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Emergency: get help now
- What it can do
- Vomiting, weakness or lethargy, staggering or trouble walking, collapse and tremors. All 7
- How fast
- Often within 30 minutes, but up to 12-18 hours with some gums; liver damage can show 24-48 hours later
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Dose check
- How much xylitol? Enter the amount and your dog's weight.
- Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals, FDA, Merck Veterinary Manual. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate xylitol (birch sugar)?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when.
- Check the label for xylitol, birch sugar or wood sugar, and bring the package.
- Go to the nearest emergency vet if you can't reach your regular vet.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't give anything by mouth unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't wait for signs to appear before calling.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Weakness or lethargy
- Staggering or trouble walking
- Collapse
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
When signs appear: Often within 30 minutes, but up to 12-18 hours with some gums; liver damage can show 24-48 hours later
Why
In dogs, xylitol triggers a sudden release of insulin that drops blood sugar dangerously low. It can also damage the liver, and it may be listed as birch sugar or wood sugar.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
- FDA: Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Xylitol Toxicosis in Dogs
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.