Is chewing gum dangerous for dogs?

The amount of xylitol varies widely by brand, and some gums contain a lot in every piece. Some gums list xylitol as the first ingredient. Because the amount is so variable, vets treat any sugar-free gum exposure as potentially serious until the product has been checked.

Hold on to the packet so your vet or the helpline can look up the exact product.

Low blood sugar can cause vomiting, weakness, wobbliness, collapse, and seizures. These can appear quickly or be delayed for several hours with some gums. Liver damage may develop over the following day or two, even in dogs that seemed to recover.

Treating low blood sugar or making your dog vomit at home is not safe unless your vet tells you to do it.

Nicotine replacement gum is doubly dangerous. Nicotine itself is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, agitation, a fast heart rate, tremors, and collapse, and many nicotine gums also contain xylitol. Treat any nicotine gum exposure as an emergency.

Nicotine pouches and lozenges carry the same risk.

Handbags on the floor, coat pockets, car door pockets, and bedside tables are the usual sources. Chewed gum dropped on pavements is another. Keep gum in closed drawers or high cupboards, and ask visitors to keep bags off the floor.

Non-xylitol gum can still cause a blockage if a dog swallows a whole pack.