No, dogs cannot eat gum, especially sugar-free gums. While it seems impossible to know whether a gum has xylitol or not, almost all sugar-free gums contain this ingredient. So it’s better to assume that gums have xylitol than allow your pets to chew on them and regret the decision later.

What’s so scary about dogs and xylitol? The ingredient is as dangerous as chocolates when consumed by dogs. It’s a common sugar substitute with low-caloric content often used in baked goods, peanut butter, candy, and gums. 

Surprisingly, xylitol is sometimes added to baby wipes, medicines, beauty products, nasal sprays, and chewable vitamins. Over the years, more cases of pet poisoning due to xylitol have been reported. 

When your dog ingests gum or other products with the sugar substitute, it will develop what is referred to as xylitol toxicosis. It will lead to your pet’s blood sugar and potassium levels getting dangerously low.

As a result, they will become weak, vomit, experience seizures, go into a coma, or worse, die. You will notice the first symptoms of your pet’s xylitol consumption after 30 minutes to an hour.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping you pup healthy.