Have you ever considered giving your dog gum? If so, keep reading. This blog post discusses whether dogs can eat gum. Can dogs eat gum? Find out here.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Gum?
Can your dog eat gum? No, your dog should not eat. Some dogs can chew small doses of sugarless gum with no negative effects, but it’s still it has harmful effects on dog’s health. Instead of giving your dog gum, give them another treat or toy. Gum may look innocent to you, but it’s toxic for your dog. So try your best to keep it away from your furry friend.
What are the Ingredients in Gum?
You may think gum contains only sugar and flavoring but there’s more to it than sugar and flavoring. The ingredient list of gum:
- Gum Base, softeners, and emulsifiers.
- Natural and manmade resins, waxes, and elastomers give gum its chewy texture.
- Softeners like glycerin and vegetable oil prevent gum from hardening.
- Lecithin and glycerol monostearate prevent components from separating.
- Most gums also contain sweeteners, tastes, and colors. Xylitol are artificial sweeteners found in most of chewing gums.
Is Gum Toxic to Dogs?
Gum isn’t always toxic to dogs, but it can be in some situations. Xylitol, a sugar free sweetener is often found in most of sugarless gums. This sweetener is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination and xylitol poisoning in dogs. Liver damage and seizures can be the result of giving gum to your dogs. It is always recommended to check the gum’s ingredients to be sure it doesn’t include xylitol.
What is Xylitol?
In recent years sugar alcohol has become more popular as a great alternative sweetener. This common sugar substitute can be extract from fruits, vegetables, and some types of hardwoods. Chewing gum, toothpaste, cough medicines, and even some drugs have xylitol in them.
Note: According to the Pet Poison Helpline, a single gram of xylitol is enough to be potentially fatal to a 10-pound dog.
Potential Side Effects of giving gum to dogs:
There are a few side effects to consider before giving your dog gum.
Gastrointestinal difficulties
First, gum can cause Gastrointestinal difficulties. Many gums contain xylitol, a dog-toxic sweetener. Gum chewing can induce gastrointestinal obstructions, choking, or lung aspiration.
Dental problems
Second, giving your dog gum may cause dental problems. Chewing gum can damage teeth and cause swallowing. This can lead to digestion problems, choking, and aspiration.
Toxicity
Third, flavorings can affect your dog’s health. Many gums include artificial flavorings and sweeteners that can be toxic to dogs.
What Types of Gum Are Safe for Dogs?
Gum is typically considered a human-only treat. But what about our furry friends? Some gums are okay for dogs, while some aren’t.
- First, sugarless gum is dog-safe. Because it lacks sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sugarless gum includes xylitol, which is safe for dogs in tiny doses. Keep in mind only small quantities are okay for your dog.
- Non-toxic, all-natural gum is also dog-safe. This gum contains natural, dog-safe components. Natural gum lacks artificial colors, preservatives, and flavors, making it healthy for humans and dogs.
- Some dog gums aren’t safe. Dogs shouldn’t chew gum with chocolate, caffeine, or other unnatural substances. Before giving your dog gum, read the ingredients list.
There are safe and unsafe gums for dogs. Always read the packaging and give your dog minimal amounts of gum. This keeps your dog safe and healthy.
Is Sugar-Free Gum Safer for Dogs?
Even something as innocent as sugar-free gum can provide health dangers to your dog. The artificial sweeteners present in Sugar-free gum has potential of toxicity to dogs. Because these sweeteners contain xylitol, a dog-toxic sugar alcohol. Moreover, sugar-free gum can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and death.
It’s best to be cautious about your dog’s health. Sugar-free gum is normally healthy for dogs, but consult your vet before feeding him any food or treat. You can be confident your dog’s food is safe and healthful.
How Can You Keep Your Dog Safe from Eating Gum?
Gum can be harmful to a dog’s health if ingested mistakenly. Sugar alcohols in gum can cause an upset stomach and, in extreme situations, pancreatitis. Keeping your dog safe is straightforward.
- Know where your dog can find gum. Gum is everywhere, including the ground, bags, and coat and pant pockets. When you’re out with your dog, keep an eye out for gum to prevent accidental consumption.
- Avoid giving your dog gum. If you have gum, keep it out of your dog’s reach. If you’re carrying gum, make sure your dog can’t get to it.
By following these methods, you can keep your dog from eating gum and ensure their health.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Eats Gum?
If your dog ate your gum, you may wonder what to do. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. First, keep calm; panicking won’t help you or your pooch.
- Assess the gum your dog ate. If it’s sugar-free, it shouldn’t include xylitol, which is hazardous to dogs.
- After you know what kind of gum your pup ate, examine how much he ate. If your dog ate a lot of gum, it could cause an intestinal blockage or other health problems. Depending on the amount of gum, you may not need to call your vet.
- Just in case, watch your pup for the next few days for signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of energy. If you observe any of these signs, take your dog to the vet.
Is it still an emergency if my dog ate gum that doesn’t contain xylitol?
Overall, you should still call your vet if your dog ate gum that didn’t have xylitol in it. If the gum has sugar substitutes like sorbitol or maltitol in it, it’s likely to upset your stomach and could even make you sick. Also, if your dog seems to be in pain or is throwing up, it’s important to get it to a vet right away. Prevention is key, so keep gum and other possible dangers away from your pet at all times.
Conclusion-Can dogs eat gum?
In conclusion, gums are not good for dog’s health. Some gums may not be hazardous, but they might still cause health issues to your dogs. Further some gums contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other harmful ingredients. If you want to give a piece of gum to dog, always check the ingredients and make sure its safe for them to consume.
