What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Gum?

Dogs have a habit of eating anything and everything if they can reach it. When you drop something, or they spot something tasty on the ground, your dog may speed as if it is a competition to eat it before you can pick it up. It may have you wondering what common foods are dangerous to dogs — and what you should do if your pup scrapes up and munches on something like gum.

Eating gum and other gummy candy is not ideal for a dog's sensitive tummy. Gum made with sugar can greatly upset their stomach — especially if they get into a lot. It can also cause intestinal blockage, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, or strange behaviors. If your dog eats enough, you may see issues within 30 minutes — but you should monitor your dog for 24 hours since gum can digest less quickly than dogs digest food.

However, a sugar-substituting ingredient commonly found in gum, xylitol, is toxic to dogs. Therefore, this is a code red situation that requires an immediate phone call to a veterinarian if your dog eats a stick of sugar-free gum. 

It only takes a small amount of xylitol to pose a problem for dogs — generally about 0.05 grams per pound of your dog's weight. Xylitol poisoning causes a host of issues, including low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Signs of this include vomiting, difficulty moving, poor coordination, and potentially seizures. In addition, xylitol poisoning can cause your dog to become weak, sluggish, or tremor. Left untreated, it can have severe consequences like liver failure, which requires a more aggressive and long-term treatment. If your pup has eaten some gum, your vet will likely want to watch them overnight, as well as provide any treatments to get them feeling better. Luckily, if treated fast, the prognosis is good, along with a full recovery.

If you've spotted your dog eating any gum, or you're unsure of the ingredients in it, it's best to head to the vet. Quick action can help keep your pup safe from any health issues — especially if they have a habit of tasting everything around them.

If you believe your pet has consumed a toxic substance and you can't reach your veterinarian or an emergency clinic, please contact the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.