Chewing gum can be harmful if swallowed.

1. Chewing gum can be harmful if swallowed.

You certainly enjoy chewing gum, but when it comes to dogs, blowing bubbles is not cute. The old cliché about gum taking a long time to digest applies to dogs as well, and your four-legged companion may struggle to digest the sticky substance. Gum can obstruct the stomach and intestines, resulting in severe damage or death.

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Photo Credit: Here Pup

Some even include xylitol, a substance that is harmful to dogs. Xylitol is a common sugar substitute that can be lethal to dogs if consumed in large amounts. Sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements, a few peanut butter brands, and other ‘low sugar’ or sugar-free goods all include it. If you suspect your dog has swallowed chewing gum, make an appointment with your veterinarian for an X-ray to confirm it will pass adequately.

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