By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A dog that steals a few regular gummy worms from a party bag will most likely get away with a sugar rush and soft stools. The real question is which gummies they were. Sugar-free lollies can contain xylitol, which can drop a dog's blood sugar dangerously within an hour. Gummy vitamins, sleep gummies and cannabis edibles look just like lollies and can be far more serious. Before deciding whether to worry, find the packet.
Key takeaways
- Standard gummy worms are mainly sugar, glucose syrup, gelatin, acids and colours. They are not toxic but can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Sugar-free gummies may contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Other sugar alcohols can cause diarrhoea.
- Gummy vitamins, supplements and cannabis edibles are a separate and often greater risk.
- A big sticky clump of lollies, or the packet, can be a choking or blockage risk in small dogs.
- If in doubt, call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738.
- Related: xylitol and dogs, gummy bears and dogs, lollies and dogs.
What is in a gummy worm
Most gummy worms are made from sugar and glucose syrup, gelatin for chewiness, starch, food acids, flavours and colours. Sour worms add a coating of acid and sugar. None of these ingredients is toxic to dogs in the amounts in a few lollies, but they offer no nutrition and a lot of sugar. Large amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, a sore stomach and, over time, weight gain and dental problems. Dogs with diabetes can have unstable blood sugar after a sugary binge.
Why xylitol changes everything
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar-free lollies, gum, some peanut butters, mouthwash and some human medicines and supplements. In people it barely affects insulin. In dogs it triggers a rapid, large release of insulin, which can cause blood sugar to fall within 10 to 60 minutes. Larger exposures can cause liver damage, which may show up a day or more later. Even a small number of xylitol-sweetened gummies can be a concern for a small dog.
Check the ingredients for xylitol, sometimes listed as birch sugar or additive number 967. Other sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, maltitol and isomalt are not toxic in the same way but commonly cause diarrhoea and wind.
Gummies that are not lollies
- Cannabis (THC) gummies. Increasingly common, and dogs are very sensitive to THC. Signs include wobbliness, dribbling urine, dilated pupils, a slow heart rate and sometimes agitation. Some products also contain chocolate or xylitol.
- Vitamin and supplement gummies. Some contain iron, vitamin D or xylitol, all of which can cause problems in larger amounts.
- Melatonin and sleep gummies. Often sweetened with xylitol.
Be honest with your vet about what your dog may have eaten. Their only concern is treating your dog safely.
Signs to watch for
After regular gummies:
- Vomiting, diarrhoea or a sore tummy
- Increased thirst
- Hyperactivity followed by tiredness
After possible xylitol:
- Weakness, wobbliness or lethargy
- Vomiting
- Trembling or seizures
- Collapse
- Later, yellow gums or eyes, bruising or dark urine
After possible cannabis:
- Stumbling, swaying or dribbling urine
- Dilated pupils, a glazed look
- Sensitivity to noise or touch
- A slow heart rate or low body temperature
When it is an emergency
Go to a vet immediately if your dog ate sugar-free gummies containing xylitol, or any gummy product you cannot identify, even if your dog looks fine. Also seek urgent care for weakness, collapse, tremors, seizures, wobbliness, repeated vomiting, a swollen belly, or choking. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.
How vets treat it
For regular gummies, most dogs need only monitoring and supportive care for gut upset. For xylitol, vets may induce vomiting if your dog is seen early and is stable, check blood sugar repeatedly, give sugar support through a drip and monitor liver values over the next few days. For cannabis exposure, care is supportive, with monitoring of heart rate, temperature and hydration. Treatment is tailored to your dog.
Prevention
- Keep lolly bags, party bags and handbags off the floor and out of reach.
- Store vitamins, supplements and any edibles in a locked cupboard.
- Choose a dog-safe treat for children to share with the dog.
- Read labels on sugar-free products before bringing them into a home with dogs.
FAQ
My dog ate three normal gummy worms. Do I need to see a vet?
Usually not. Watch for vomiting or diarrhoea. Call your vet if your dog is very small, diabetic, or the packet may be sugar free.
Is gelatin bad for dogs?
Gelatin itself is not harmful and is used in some pet treats. The sugar, sweeteners and additives are the concern.
How quickly does xylitol cause problems?
Low blood sugar can develop within 10 to 60 minutes, though it can be delayed with some products.
Can dogs eat sour worms?
The acid coating can irritate the stomach and they are still sugary. Best avoided.
Talk with a vet
If your dog has eaten lollies and you are not sure what was in them, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you check the ingredients and decide how urgent it is. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Xylitol toxicosis in dogs.
- Dunayer EK, Gwaltney-Brant SM. Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006;229(7):1113-1117.
- Meola SD, et al. Evaluation of trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in a state with legalized medical marijuana: 125 dogs (2005-2010). J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 2012;22(6):690-696.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Xylitol.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.
