#xylitol Articles

Dogs show signs after 15-30 g of raw onion per kg, and garlic is 3-5 times more toxic than onion, with red cells breaking down 3-5 days later (Merck). Dark chocolate can cause signs from about 3.6 g/kg within 6-12 hours, more than one grape or raisin per 10 lb may harm the kidneys (tartaric acid is the proposed cause), and xylitol can drop blood sugar from about 0.1 g/kg within 30 minutes. A 17-food holiday table gives the dose, signs, timing and urgency for each.

Most deodorant is only mildly toxic to dogs: the ASPCA lists it among personal-care items that mainly cause vomiting, diarrhea or blockages, and antiperspirant aluminum causes mild stomach upset at most. Xylitol is the exception: Merck lists deodorants, cosmetics, sunscreens and hair care among its non-food sources and links doses above about 100 mg/kg to low blood sugar and above 500 mg/kg to liver injury, about 1 g and 5 g for a 10 kg dog. Skin contact is not a documented route; licking and chewing are.

Birch sugar is another name for xylitol, which the FDA, VCA and Pet Poison Helpline all list alongside wood sugar and birch bark extract. The Merck Veterinary Manual links xylitol doses above about 0.1 g per kg to low blood sugar in dogs and above 0.5 g per kg to severe liver injury in some dogs. Jif's own FAQ (read October 31, 2026) says its peanut butter products do not contain xylitol. This guide shows how to read any peanut butter label in the US and UK (E967) and what to do after an exposure.