⚠ Gum varies hugely — some pieces have under 0.1 g, others over 1 g of xylitol. This uses a typical estimate, so if a brand is high-xylitol, assume worse.
This is an estimate only, not a diagnosis. Because gum xylitol varies so much, when in doubt treat it as an emergency and call your vet.
Why xylitol is so dangerous to dogs
Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener found in gum, mints, candy, some peanut butters, baked goods, toothpaste and supplements. In dogs it tricks the body into releasing a surge of insulin, causing a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar — and at higher doses it can cause liver damage. It acts within 15–60 minutes, so speed matters.
Veterinarians measure the risk in milligrams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight:
- Under ~75 mg/kg — lower risk, but still worth a call.
- ~100 mg/kg and up — dangerous blood-sugar drop (hypoglycemia) likely — emergency.
- ~500 mg/kg and up — risk of liver damage — serious emergency.
The hard part is that the xylitol content of sugar-free gum varies enormously between brands. That's why this tool errs on the cautious side — and why, with xylitol, when in doubt you should treat it as an emergency.
What to do if your dog ate xylitol
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Note the product, brand and amount, and when it was eaten.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Watch for weakness, wobbliness, vomiting, collapse or seizures.
For the full guide, see Can dogs eat xylitol?