Monitoring blood sugar crashes over the next day
Even after vomiting was induced, xylitol's effects can linger. Your 15 kg dog's body may still struggle to maintain normal blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. The first 8 hours are most critical for hypoglycemia signs—check every few hours for glassy-eyed staring, trembling, or sudden lethargy. These can appear even if he seemed fine at the clinic.
Offer water in tablespoon amounts every 30 minutes once he's alert enough to swallow safely. Too much at once could trigger more vomiting. Skip food for at least 6 hours unless your vet advised otherwise—his system needs rest. Keep him in a quiet, dimly lit room to reduce stress on his body during recovery.
Liver risks that emerge later
Xylitol's delayed liver effects sometimes take 12-48 hours to surface. Watch the whites of his eyes for yellow tinges and his gums for unusual paleness. Even normal play could exhaust him faster than usual—limit activity to short leash walks for bathroom breaks only.
His vomit at the vet likely removed most of the bar, but trace amounts might still affect him. Write down the exact brand and flavor—some protein bars contain additional stimulants like caffeine that complicate recovery. If he pants excessively or seems restless overnight, call the vet back immediately.
When to disrupt sleep for checks
Set alarms every 2-3 hours overnight to verify he's responsive. Gently call his name—a hypoglycemic dog may seem to be sleeping deeply when they're actually unconscious. Lift his lip to check gum color; pale or blue-tinged means emergency care.
Keep your phone charged and the emergency vet's number visible. Have honey or corn syrup on hand—if he shows wobbliness, rubbing a teaspoon on his gums could temporarily boost blood sugar during the drive to the clinic. Never force-feed if he's disoriented though, as this risks choking.
Longer-term observation needs
For the next week, note any changes in appetite or bathroom habits. Increased thirst or darker urine could signal lingering liver strain. Your vet may recommend a follow-up blood test in 3-5 days to confirm enzymes are normalizing.
Until he's fully recovered, avoid high-protein treats or foods—his liver is processing extra waste. Stick to his regular kibble in smaller, more frequent meals. Store all protein bars in locked cabinets—dogs often seek them out again after one exposure.
The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Protein & energy bars food facts page.