There is almost nothing that does not find its way into a dog’s stomach. It is not always a question of healthy food.
Like for example when the Dog ate chewing gum has. What risks are hidden here? Find out in the guide below.
My dog ate chewing gum – is it dangerous?
The short and concise answer to this question is: Yes, it’s dangerous if your dog has eaten a chewing gum! And for several reasons.
Did you see that your dog ate a chewing gum, please take him to the vet immediately. Because quick action is required here.
First of all, the fact that chewing gum sticks. And thus can become a life-threatening object for the dog.
The chewing gum has to find its way not only to the stomach or intestines have found. Because already in the upper respiratory tract chewing gum can make the dog stop breathing.
It is generally assumed that just eating old chewing gum no greater risk represents. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Because it sticks anyway.
The only «advantage», if you will: Possible sugar substitutes are already from a human chewed away and should therefore not harm the dog.
Since the dog may panic, you should have a specialist remove the chewing gum instead of first aid. This way you avoid the situation getting worse than it might already be.
Good to know:
As harmless are classified chewing gums that with sugar were manufactured. But these shouldn’t end up on your furry friend’s menu either. We have already given the reasons for this.
That being said is sugar not a good idea for our four-legged friends. Because in large quantities, sugar makes you fat. And it creates a whole range of health risks.
Reading tip: Can dogs eat liquorice? Find out more about this question in our article «Can Dogs Eat Licorice?» and read what you need to know about it!
Dog ate chewing gum: symptoms
Chewing gum isn’t just dangerous because it sticks. In fact, the ingredients of many brands and manufacturers are significantly more dangerous here than the consistency.
Because: Many contain chewing gum xylitol. This is one Sugar Substitute Substance, which you can find in sugar-free chewing gum varieties. What is harmless for us humans – and at most leads to diarrhea – can be fatal for dogs in the form of poisoning.
There are several symptoms you can use to tell you have chewing gum poisoning. These include Vomiting, tremors, diarrhea, blurred vision, drowsiness, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Good to know:
Xylitol has very dangerous effects on the blood sugar levels of dogs. It ensures that the insulin level in the blood rises – to very serious levels. At the same time, the blood sugar falls.
The symptoms triggered by this surge can vary within 30 to 60 minutes show. This window of time depends, among other things, on the amount of chewing gum swallowed.
What to do in case of xylitol poisoning?
Xylitol isn’t just found in most chewing gum. Also toothpaste or the ones so popular with many Mentos contain this sweetener. Xylitol is also used in some medicines and drinking water additives.
Even small amounts can be dangerous for our dogs. The following applies here: Per kilogram of body weight are sufficient 0.1 grams of xylitol off to lead to poisoning.
If the dose is 0.5 grams/kg body weight, this can lead to liver damage in the long term. And thus increase the risk of diabetes.
Interesting:
You will not always find the xylitol information on the packaging. And so there is chewing gum, sweets and Co. that consist of up to 90% xylitol. That means: Already 3 chewing gums can for a small dog life threatening become.
If you now have the case that you want to provide first aid quickly, you can do the following. Counteract the xylitol with sugar – so the real variant. Among others, these are suitable honey and sugar water.
With these two sources of sugar, for example, you spread the mouth of your dog. After that it says: Immediately to the vet! This will add more sugar by infusion.
So you not only saved the dog’s life. You’ve also ensured that no long-term damage occurs.
Good to know:
With all love for canine oral hygiene: Never brush your dog’s teeth with your toothpaste. For this there is certain dog toothpaste – free of sugar, xylitol and health risks.
Also, make sure that any food or hygiene products that contain xylitol are out of your dog’s reach.
Conclusion
If your dog has eaten chewing gum, you need to act quickly. This applies in particular to chewing gum, sweets, Mentos and toothpaste that contain xylitol.
This sugar substitute, which is harmless to humans, can kill a dog. Depending on the dose and weight of the dog are first serious symptoms after a short time recognizable.
What works as first aid? Real sugar – because this brings the dropped blood sugar back to a more normal level.
We hope that your dog and you too have not had to go through this experience yet. If this is the case, please share your experiences with us in the comments.