The artificial sweetener Xylitol is as dangerous to your dog as a puddle of antifreeze. Dogs metabolize Xylitol differently than humans and will suffer a massive crash in blood sugar within minutes, followed by liver failure. Quantities as small as a couple sticks of gum are often fatal for small dogs, and it won't take much more to seriously damage a larger dog.
Sugar-free cakes, muffins, sweet breads, candy, Jell-O and chewing gum smell irresistibly delicious to your pooch. Please treat these foods the same way you would a bottle of antifreeze. Keep them far away from your pet. If you keep a pack of sugar-free gum in your purse, you may need to take extra precautions when leaving that purse by the door. If you have diabetic/ sugar-free baked goods on the counter, could your dog potentially reach them?
If you suspect your dog has eaten food containing Xylitol, you should immediately visit the nearest veterinarian. Jump right in the car. Swift veterinary intervention may just be able to save your dog. Any longer than 30 minutes after ingestion, vomiting will not reverse the effects of this chemical but your veterinarian can take other measures to try to stabilize your dog.