Xylitol Toxicity Calculator for Dogs
Merck Veterinary Manual and Pet Poison Helpline report that xylitol above about 0.1 g/kg (100 mg/kg) can cause dangerously low blood sugar in dogs and above about 0.5 g/kg (500 mg/kg) has been linked to liver injury, so any known xylitol ingestion means calling your vet now. (Merck Veterinary Manual; Pet Poison Helpline)
Xylitol toxicity calculator
Educational estimate from published toxicology references. Not veterinary advice. If in doubt, call your vet.
Risk level (example)
Call your vet
Estimated dose: 0.044 g/kg
- Call your vet or a poison hotline now; low blood sugar can start within an hour.
- Note the product, amount and time eaten; keep the packaging.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.
Emergency line
ASPCA APCC (888) 426-4435, fee may apply · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, fee may apply
How thresholds are set: Pet Poison Helpline and Merck report hypoglycemia above about 0.1 g/kg (100 mg/kg) and liver injury above about 0.5 g/kg (500 mg/kg). Xylitol per piece varies widely by brand (roughly 0.2–1 g or more), so the default 0.3 g per piece is only an assumption you can edit. Any known xylitol exposure warrants a call.
Source: Pet Poison Helpline — xylitol; Merck Veterinary Manual — xylitol toxicosis in dogs
Educational estimate from published toxicology references. Not veterinary advice. If in doubt, call your vet.
Result tiers and what to do now
Call your vet — Below ~0.05 g/kg
Call your vet or a poison hotline now; low blood sugar can start within an hour. (Pet Poison Helpline)
Call your vet now — ~0.05–0.1 g/kg, or amount unknown
Call right away and watch for wobbliness, weakness or collapse. (Pet Poison Helpline)
Emergency — ≥ ~0.1 g/kg
Go to the nearest emergency vet now; Merck advises hospitalization and blood glucose checks above 100 mg/kg, and liver checks above 500 mg/kg. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Call for help
Call your vet or an emergency clinic. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply). Never induce vomiting without a vet's say-so.
Dose by dog weight
| Dog weight | 0.1 g/kg (low blood sugar) | 0.5 g/kg (liver injury) | Pieces at 0.1 g/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 lb (2.3 kg) | 0.23 g | 1.13 g | about 0.8 |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 0.45 g | 2.27 g | about 1.5 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 0.91 g | 4.54 g | about 3 |
| 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 1.81 g | 9.07 g | about 6 |
| 80 lb (36.3 kg) | 3.63 g | 18 g | about 12 |
Xylitol per piece of gum or mint varies widely (roughly 0.2–1 g or more); check the label or ask the manufacturer. Published ranges are not safe allowances.
Frequently asked questions
How much xylitol is toxic to a dog?
Merck Veterinary Manual reports hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) at doses above about 100 mg/kg (0.1 g/kg) and severe liver injury in some dogs above 500 mg/kg (0.5 g/kg).
How many pieces of gum are dangerous?
It depends on the brand. Xylitol per piece ranges from roughly 0.2 g to 1 g or more, so a few pieces can pass 0.1 g/kg in a small dog. Use the label value in the calculator if you have it.
How fast do xylitol symptoms start?
Pet Poison Helpline notes low blood sugar can begin within 10–60 minutes of ingestion, though some products cause delayed signs, so call before symptoms appear.
Should I make my dog vomit?
Never induce vomiting without a veterinarian's say-so — a dog with low blood sugar can deteriorate quickly. Call your vet or a poison hotline first.
Related calculators
Sources
Educational estimate from published toxicology references. Not veterinary advice. If in doubt, call your vet.