Can Dogs Eat Gum? Dangers of Giving Chewing Gum to Dogs

The short answer is: no. Chewing gum not only poses a choking hazard, it also contains ingredients that are poisonous to dogs. Here are some of the reasons your dog cannot eat gum:

• Chewing gum contains artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in most sugar-free gum, breath mints, and toothpaste. While other sugar alcohols and substitutes—like sorbitol, mannitol, and aspartame—are not toxic to dogs, even a small amount of xylitol can make your dog very sick. A single piece of gum is enough to give a small dog xylitol poisoning.
• Chewing gum can cause intestinal blockage. Gum is not easily digested and can become trapped in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Ingestion can cause an upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Chewing gum can be a choking hazard. Even a single piece of gum can get lodged in your dog’s esophagus and make it difficult to breathe.
• Chewing gum can raise your dog’s blood sugar levels. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can increase their blood glucose level.

If your dog eats gum, they could choke, experience gastrointestinal duress, or get xylitol poisoning. The amount of xylitol in a given stick of gum varies, but one piece typically contains 0.22 to 1.0 gram of xylitol. When your dog eats gum containing xylitol, the xylitol deceives their pancreas into releasing insulin, causing dangerously low blood sugar levels. Furthermore, xylitol can cause an over-production of liver enzymes that disrupt normal liver function. Cases of xylitol poisoning can occur when your dog ingests 0.05 grams per pound of body weight. This means that a single piece of gum could cause xylitol poisoning in a ten-pound dog. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include liver damage, liver failure, and hypoglycemia, which can be fatal in extreme circumstances.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many hygiene products, including chewing gum, mouthwash, breath mints, and toothpaste. It can also be found in some kinds of peanut butter. Always read the ingredient list before giving your dog a new food. Xylitol toxicity can be life-threatening. If your dog eats gum and is exhibiting symptoms of xylitol poisoning, call your veterinarian immediately. Your vet can provide dextrose to steady blood sugar levels, intravenous fluids, and supplements that can prevent liver damage. They may also suggest you try to induce vomiting by giving your pet a solution containing hydrogen peroxide. If it's past your vet’s normal business hours, call a pet poison helpline.

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