Do you enjoy a piece of gum every now and then? If so, you’re not alone! Gum is a favorite treat for many of us! But what happens if your dog eats something like Trident gum?
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What is in Trident Gum?
Trident gum is a type of sugarless chewing gum that’s extremely popular, and comes in a wide variety of flavors. This and many other brands of sugarless gum contain the sweetener xylitol.
Xylitol is extremely poisonous to dogs. In fact, it doesn’t take much of this sweetener to cause hypoglycemia and liver failure. Just one stick is enough to make a small dog very sick.
So, if your dog has eaten some Trident gum, then you’ll need to call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
The vet will probably ask you some questions which may include the following:
- What type of gum did your dog eat?
- What are the ingredients in this gum?
- How long ago did your dog eat the gum?
- How much gum did he eat?
- How much does your dog weight?
- Is your dog currently showing any symptoms?
Try to have as much of this information down as possible when you see the vet.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Trident gum:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Drowsiness
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Convulsions
- Low blood pressure
- Unable to control bodily movements
This is a medical emergency, so call your vet immediately, even if your dog isn’t showing symptoms. Xylitol poisoning symptoms may not be apparent for several hours after the dog has eaten the gum.
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Ask a Vet Live NowDiagnosis & Treatment of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
When you get to the vet’s they may first try to induce vomiting to help your dog get rid of the toxin. Other methods they may choose include gastric lavage or the use of activated charcoal.
Your vet will also perform a physical exam and may also order lab tests. The lab tests will show if there’s been liver damage, as well as checking the level of toxicity.
Treatment may include IV fluids, medications to protect the liver, as well as antibiotics. If the blood clotting factor has been affected, then your dog may also require blood plasma or a blood transfusion.
It’s more than likely your fur baby will have to stay in the hospital to be monitored. The vet will check to make sure your dog’s liver is functioning and watch for any other issues.
You may still need to monitor your dog after he comes home, and the vet may request updates on your dog’s condition and recovery.
Dogs who have eaten Trident gum will have a better chance at survival if they receive quick treatment. Never give your dog gum to chew, and if he accidentally eats some Trident gum, then be sure to call the vet immediately—you may save your dog’s life.
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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