Can dogs eat gum or breath mints?

What to do if your dog ate gum or breath mints

Treat this as an emergency, even if she seems fine. Call your vet, an emergency clinic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. If she has any signs, go straight to the vet. Bring the package so the vet can see the ingredients. Do not make her vomit at home; the vet will check her blood sugar and may give IV dextrose and liver protection.

Raw, cooked and other forms of gum or breath mints

• ToxicSugar-free gum The most common source of xylitol poisoning in dogs.
• ToxicSugar-free breath mints Often sweetened with xylitol.
• ToxicNicotine gum Some contain xylitol; get help right away.
• Skip itRegular sugar gum or mints Check the label; xylitol content isn't always disclosed and varies by flavor.

Why gum or breath mints is toxic to dogs

Xylitol, a sugar substitute also sold as birch sugar, wood sugar or birch bark extract. In dogs it causes a sudden insulin release and a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, and it can cause liver failure. Pet Poison Helpline puts the toxic dose at about 0.05 g per lb of body weight, so one piece of gum can be enough for a 10 lb dog.

Signs to watch for after she eats gum or breath mints

Vomiting, weakness, low energy, wobbling or staggering, trouble standing, collapse, shaking or seizures, and coma. Signs can start within 10-20 minutes, though rarely they show up hours later. Liver failure and bleeding problems can follow.