Schweikert Pushes for Warning Labels on Xylitol-Containing Foods: Protect Your Pets from Toxicity

Arizona Congressman David Schweikert has introduced a new bill called the Paws Off Act of 2025. This legislation targets xylitol, a harmful chemical found in some foods that can be dangerous for dogs. If dogs consume xylitol, they can suffer from serious health issues like liver damage and low blood sugar.

The Paws Off Act would require products containing xylitol, which is often in items like peanut butter and sugar-free gum, to carry clear warning labels. Without these warnings, the products would be considered misbranded.

Tina Wismer, a senior director at the Animal Poison Control Center of the ASPCA, highlighted the risks. She mentioned that dogs exposed to xylitol can experience symptoms like vomiting and seizures.

Wismer also pointed out that melatonin, commonly used to help with sleep, can also contain xylitol. This serves as a reminder for pet owners to always read labels and keep dangerous items out of reach.

In 2024 alone, there were over 10,000 calls to the center regarding xylitol ingestion by dogs, with more than 250 coming from Arizona. With such a high number of cases, Wismer noted that she hasn’t seen any food products with proper warnings about xylitol’s dangers to dogs.

Earlier this year, Schweikert tried to pass a similar bill that would have made it illegal to sell food containing xylitol without warnings. That bill, however, was last referred to a health subcommittee back in February.