What Happens If A Dog Eats Chewing Gum

Dogs are naturally curious creatures, often sniffing and eating things they shouldn’t. While chewing gum may seem harmless to humans, it can be highly dangerous, and even life-threatening, to dogs. The primary concern is that many types of gum contain an ingredient called xylitol, a sugar substitute that is extremely toxic to dogs. Follow this article to learn how to help your dogs if they eat chewing gums.

   

Why Chewing Gum Is Dangerous for Dogs

Chewing gum poses two main threats to dogs: the risk of xylitol poisoning and the potential for gastrointestinal blockage. Not all chewing gums contain xylitol, but those that do can cause a severe drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and even liver failure in dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can be highly toxic.

Xylitol Toxicity

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and even some peanut butter brands. In humans, xylitol is metabolized slowly and does not affect insulin levels. However, in dogs, xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, triggering a large release of insulin, which in turn causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels.

If left untreated, xylitol poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, liver failure, and even death. The symptoms of xylitol poisoning can appear as quickly as 10 to 60 minutes after ingestion, so it’s crucial to act fast if your dog has eaten gum containing xylitol.

Gastrointestinal Blockage

Even if the gum does not contain xylitol, it can still pose a risk. Chewing gum, particularly in large amounts, can form a mass in the stomach or intestines, leading to a blockage. Blockages prevent food and water from passing through the digestive tract properly and may require surgical intervention to remove.
Also Read: Dog Intestinal Blockage Timeline

What Happens When a Dog Eats Chewing Gum?

If your dog eats chewing gum, the outcome will depend on the type of gum, the amount ingested, and the size of your dog. Here’s a breakdown of what happens in different scenarios:

1. If the Gum Contains Xylitol

When a dog consumes gum with xylitol, the xylitol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the pancreas to release a large amount of insulin. This insulin surge leads to a significant drop in blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia, which can result in weakness, disorientation, tremors, seizures, or even coma. In severe cases, xylitol can also cause liver damage, which can be life-threatening.

2. If the Gum Does Not Contain Xylitol

If the gum does not contain xylitol, the primary concern is whether it can cause a gastrointestinal blockage. Ingested gum may form a mass in the digestive tract, particularly if a large amount is eaten or if the gum is ingested along with wrappers, creating an obstruction. Symptoms of a blockage include vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain, and lack of bowel movements.

How Much Chewing Gum Is Toxic to Dogs?

The amount of xylitol in chewing gum can vary significantly depending on the brand and type. Some gums contain only small amounts of xylitol, while others have higher concentrations, making it difficult to determine the exact toxic dose. However, as a general rule, as little as 50 milligrams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight can cause hypoglycemia in dogs. For example, a 10-pound dog (4.5 kg) would only need to ingest 0.23 grams of xylitol to experience hypoglycemia.

The problem is that some brands of gum contain up to 1 gram of xylitol per piece. Therefore, just one or two pieces of gum can be enough to cause severe symptoms in a small dog. In larger dogs, the toxic dose may require more pieces of gum, but the risk is still present.

Toxic Dose Breakdown:

• Low toxicity: 0.1 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight may cause hypoglycemia.
• High toxicity: Higher doses, such as 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, can result in liver failure and death.

If you are unsure whether the gum your dog ingested contains xylitol, check the ingredients label immediately, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control hotline for guidance.

How Long Does It Take for Gum to Pass Through a Dog?

The time it takes for gum to pass through a dog’s system depends on various factors, including the size of the dog, the amount of gum ingested, and whether the gum has caused any obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. 

If no blockage occurs, chewing gum may pass through the digestive system within 24 to 48 hours. You should monitor your dog closely during this time for signs of distress, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements. However, if the gum contains xylitol, the toxic effects will appear much sooner—typically within 10 to 60 minutes after ingestion—so immediate action is needed regardless of how long the gum stays in the stomach.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog eats gum containing xylitol, you may notice the following symptoms, which can appear within minutes to hours:

• Vomiting
• Weakness or lethargy
• Tremors or shaking
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Seizures
• Coma
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), which is a sign of liver damage

If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol-containing gum, contact your veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent serious complications.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chewing Gum

If you discover that your dog has eaten chewing gum, here are the steps you should take:

1. Check the Ingredients

Look at the packaging of the gum to determine whether it contains xylitol. If xylitol is listed as an ingredient, this is an emergency.

2. Contact a Veterinarian or Animal Poison Control

Even if your dog appears normal, you should contact a vet or an animal poison control hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, for immediate advice. The vet may advise you to bring your dog in for treatment right away.

3. Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Guidance

In some cases, inducing vomiting can help remove the toxic substance from the stomach. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, as inducing vomiting can sometimes do more harm than good.

4. Monitor for Symptoms

Even if your dog does not exhibit immediate symptoms, continue to monitor them closely for signs of xylitol poisoning or blockage, including vomiting, lethargy, or lack of bowel movements.

Treatment for Xylitol Poisoning

If your dog has ingested gum with xylitol, immediate veterinary treatment is essential. Treatment may include:

Inducing Vomiting:
If caught early, the vet may induce vomiting to expel the gum from the stomach before the xylitol is absorbed.

Intravenous Fluids and Glucose:
To counteract the drop in blood sugar, your vet may administer IV fluids containing glucose to stabilize your dog’s condition.

Liver Monitoring:
If there is concern about liver damage, your vet will monitor liver enzymes and may administer medications to support liver function.

FAQs

Is all gum toxic to dogs?

Not all gum is toxic to dogs, but many sugar-free gums contain xylitol, which is extremely dangerous for dogs. Always check the ingredients of any gum your dog might have eaten.

What should I do if my dog eats gum?

If your dog eats gum, immediately check the packaging for xylitol. Contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline, especially if xylitol is present, as it can cause hypoglycemia and liver damage.

How quickly does xylitol affect dogs?

Xylitol can cause symptoms of toxicity within 10 to 60 minutes after ingestion, including vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and disorientation. Prompt treatment is critical.

Can chewing gum cause a blockage in dogs?

Yes, chewing gum can cause a gastrointestinal blockage, especially if ingested in large amounts. Signs of blockage include vomiting, lack of bowel movements, and abdominal pain.

How much xylitol is toxic to dogs?

As little as 50 milligrams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight can cause hypoglycemia in dogs, and higher doses can result in liver failure. Even a small piece of gum can be dangerous for small dogs.

Conclusion

Chewing gum, particularly sugar-free varieties containing xylitol, can pose a severe health risk to dogs. Even a small amount of xylitol can lead to hypoglycemia, seizures, liver damage, and potentially death. Additionally, gum can cause gastrointestinal blockages, making it essential to act quickly if your dog ingests any type of gum. If your dog consumes gum, check for xylitol in the ingredients, contact a veterinarian immediately, and monitor your pet for symptoms of poisoning or blockage. Quick action can save your dog’s life.