Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener that in people also has been proven to have some antibacterial properties. But like most things in veterinary medicine, just because it is good for you doesn’t mean it is good for your pets.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in a wide variety of food and is becoming more popular especially in foods labeled “low carb”. Most commonly we see xylitol in sugarless gum. It can also be found in toothpaste and in certain brands of peanut butter (Nuts ‘n More, Krush Nutrition and P-28 Food). Dogs shouldn’t chew gum, but peanut butter is great tasty treat, and an easy route to administer medications. Please check your labels. Peanut butter containing xylitol is not safe.
Xylitol is nontoxic to mammals except for dogs. Dogs who ingest xylitol can experience dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver failure. At this time there are no reports of xylitol toxicity in cats. If you know your dog has ingested xylitol please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.