Is sugar free gum more dangerous to dogs than chocolate?

Pet owners have all heard to keep chocolate away from our pets, but now vets are cautioning owners about gum that is 100 times more toxic than milk chocolate.

The number of products that contain this chemical is growing and so are the number of dog poisonings.The chemical can also be deadly because it has been linked to causing low blood sugar, liver failure and severe brain damage.

Veterinarians say the chemical causes a drop in blood sugar and a surge in insulin which causes the problem. They say the best way to avoid it is to keep all sugar-free products well out of reach.Some animal welfare groups say not enough people know about Xylitol and the dangerous effects it can have on dogs. Many of them are calling for warning labels to be placed on products containing the chemical.

More Info: fox4kc.com

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What are your thoughts on this subject?

114 Comments

William Laughlin

This may be informative to some, but it is terribly written. One has to read more than half way through the third paragraph before coming across the chemical referred to without name in the first and second paragraphs.

James Poli

And I would be willing to bet I can count the number of times you have given him gum with my unicorn horn

Vladimir Orozco

it seems that companies put profucts in the market, without proper research. If sugarless gum is toxic to the dogs on account of its high contain of some chemicals, it’s fairvto assume that is just as dangerous in a long run to us “human beings”.

Les Griffin

All sugar replacements should be banned

Marilyn Schuyler

Good advice,as I do eat some sugar free foods and have a little dog who is a beggar!!

Jas Newman

Cathie Roth Lonnquist, Agree. They moved the goal posts, asking about "chocolate" but making the toxicity comparison to "milk chocolate." Also, the question is about generic "sugar-free" gum, but the toxicity comparison to "milk chocolate" uses the high-end of the brands, which vary by a factor of ca 9. Despite all the problems with the question (as written), the "answer" does present good info that I'm glad to have learned. I will avoid sharing either my chocolate or my gum with a dog.

Janice Ingram

Debbie Bozeman, You don't have to give to them. They're notorious for getting into purses, for example. Dog owners need to be very careful.

Kelly Waterbury Brown

Debbie Bozeman, some dogs get into things. Kids may leave it laying around. This happens. No one is giving it to them.

Player

Why would anybody give their dog gum?

Boo

Good info to know. First paragraph should state 'gum containing xylitol is 100% more' ....

hweishaupt

I want my points back. Poorly worded.

lls

...sugar-free anything doesn't do well with pets...most of mine won't touch anything that's sugar-free. Chocolate, though, is another matter...we have to be really careful when making desserts; people need to understand that chocolate is not a viable pet treat.

Konoz808

William Laughlin, yeah, they name it at the second to last sentence

beckyhayob

OK. So exactly what is this chemical we should make sure our dogs/pets don't have access to? You make it sound so dangerous ... yet you won't say what it is other than to call it "the chemical "?? Yea, OK. How irresponsible. And thanks for the answers you always provide too. I'm going to try to find out what "chemical" it is that you're talking about because I want to know about this, but I don't believe I'll be taking any more of your "quizzes".

Susanne

Why would you give your dog chewing gum?

Sybilla

Gum, sugar loaded or sugar free, is one of the many prohibited edibles in my house. The others are frozen meals, Coca Cola, Pepsi, most carbonated soft drinks, white bread and Durian.

Cindy DeGraaff

James Poli, My dog eats my foods as " punishments " to me when I leave the house. We have to lock her in a crate. She's been known to eat an entire loaf of bread, while I was napping ,because my daughter left without her, spreading bits all around the living room floor, making a mess in order to prove her point. She also loves lip balm and will hunt for it in pockets and drawers. Its not just a matter of "giving it" to the dog.

Laureen Peterson

Very informative to me, thanks 🐕

June

I meant "sweeteners" obviously

June

I personally can't stand the way diet and sugar free products are forced on us these days. Prefer sugar any day over artificial sweetners.

Patti

Xylitol is not only in gum. It is now also added to some peanut butter and can also be used as a sugar substitute in granular form. Be careful...always check the label and keep out of reach from your furry friends.