What’s in a Name: Birch sugar or Xylitol

Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark extract are other names for xylitol. Xylitol used to be listed by its name, but lately there’s been a change in what’s listed in an ingredient panel. Xylitol is found in a variety of “sugar-free” snacks and condiments as well as oral care products, over the counter medicines and supplements. This matters because xylitol is toxic to dogs.

Cats and ferrets can suffer adverse effects, too, but dogs are particularly susceptible because they have more sweet receptors in their tastebuds, so they’re more likely to consume something sweet.

“[Xylitol] is rapidly absorbed, causing insulin to be released from the pancreas and blood glucose levels can drop very low. Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, is life threatening and requires immediate treatment.” 

According to the FDA, Xylitol poisoning can start within 20 minutes!! Signs include:

• Vomiting
• Decreased activity level
• Weakness and collapse
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Shaking or seizures
• Coma
• Liver failure
• Bleeding problems

There is no antidote for canine xylitol poisoning, but treatment options include restoring blood-sugar levels via intravenous glucose, and inducing vomiting to reduce further absorption. However, the best defense is prevention; read ingredient panels thoroughly and keep things out of reach.

If your pet consumes birch sugar (xylitol), it’s important to act quickly. Here are the steps to take:

1. Contact your vet immediately: Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital for guidance. Time is crucial in preventing serious harm.
2. Do not wait for symptoms to appear: Even if your pet seems fine at first, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), liver damage, or other complications.
3. Monitor for symptoms: Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in pets can include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, tremors, seizures, or even collapse. If any of these signs appear, get your pet to the vet as soon as possible.
4. Provide information: When you contact the vet, provide information about how much birch sugar or xylitol your pet consumed, the time it was ingested, and your pet’s size and breed. This will help the vet assess the risk and determine the proper treatment.
5. Follow vet instructions: Your vet may recommend treatments such as inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb the xylitol, or providing intravenous fluids to stabilize your pet.

The quicker you respond, the better the chances for a positive outcome. If for some reason you cannot reach a veterinary professional, or you can call the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.