The reason people are concerned about chewing gum is that it contains the compound xylitol, which is a sugar alcohol that is absorbed directly into the bloodstream without being broken down further. The presence of xylitol in the blood causes an increase in insulin released, which in turn results in hypoglycemia and/or liver failure due to too much sugar being pulled out of the bloodstream. [1] Anything over one gram per kilogram of bodyweight (so one gram of xylitol per 2.2 pounds of body weight) can cause hypoglycemia! [1] Clearly, then, it is important to keep chewing gum away from your dog. However, not all gum contains xylitol. Xylitol is found in sugar-free gum and mints, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, certain oral-care products, and some baked goods as an artificial sweetener. Be sure to check if the products in your home contain xylitol, and if your dog eats anything with xylitol in it, it may be wise to take him or her to the veterinarian to prevent or counteract hypoglycemia and liver failure. [1]
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