Is Gum Toxic to Pets?
Yes — gum is toxic to cats. Yes — gum is toxic to dogs.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Toxic compound
- Xylitol
- Toxic parts
- Sugar-free gum
- Also known as
- chewing gum, sugar free gum
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Wobbliness
- Collapse
- Seizures
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Wobbliness
- Collapse
- Seizures
What to do
If your cat ate gum
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate gum
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Much gum is sugar-free and sweetened with xylitol, which can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs within minutes to hours. Treat any gum ingestion as an emergency until you check the label.
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Frequently asked questions
Is gum toxic to cats?
Yes — gum is toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, weakness, wobbliness.
Is gum toxic to dogs?
Yes — gum is toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, weakness, wobbliness.
Which parts of gum are toxic?
Sugar-free gum.
What makes gum toxic?
Xylitol.