Dog Owners Beware of Xylitol – Found in Many Human “Sugar Free” Products

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol -- an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn.1 This sweetener is found in many human "sugar free" products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. In humans, high doses may have a mild laxative effect, but in dogs, ingestion could be fatal.

It has been known for quite some time that there is a link between xylitol ingestion and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Now, with the prevalence of this sweeter in human foods, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has noted a connection between xylitol consumption and acute toxicity in dogs. Xylitol has also been suspected of causing toxicity in ferrets2.

Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose. This in turn may cause the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
  • Depression
  • Hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Liver dysfunction and/or failure

Xylitol is found in many products

The most common xylitol item is sugar-free gum. Gum can be found everywhere, and is often tempting to dogs. Keep gum out of reach - watch out for open pockets, purses, counter tops, and in the car. Xylitol can also be found in sugar-free (low carb and diabetic) candies, baked goods, some pharmaceuticals and many dental products, including mouthwashes, mints and toothpastes. Only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste.

My pet may have eating a product containing xylitol

If you suspect that your pet has eaten a xylitol-containing sweet or food, please contact your veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

If is soon after ingestion (before clinical signs develop), your vet may advise inducing vomiting to expel the xylitol item(s). Veterinary treatment involves close monitoring, supportive care and treating the resultant low blood glucose and possible low potassium levels.

 

Adirondack – Save -A – Stray Pet’s for Adoption

Adirondack Save A Stray
4880 New York 9N, Corinth, NY 12822
(518) 654-6220
11am - 6pm • adirondacksaveastray@yahoo.com

IMG_7285Doc- 8 year old, pure breed Beagle. Neutered, up to date on shots.

Poor Doc! He's got quite the story to tell. He was put on Craig's list(We hate Craig's list) because his owners wanted a smaller dog and he was too big, at 30 lbs. So they gave him away at the tender young age of seven, to a nineteen year o...ld with no stability in his life. Last week the nineteen year old was evicted with Doc and four cats. We took in Doc and two of the cats and another rescue took the other two cats. Doc is a very confused gentlemen. He is a little sad and all he wants is a family with kids, other animals and a place to call home till the end of his days. He is a purebred beagle, a little chubby, up to date on vaccines and neutered. He is the sweetest boy ever.
IMG_7287Snoball - This is one of Doc's companions that we took in. He is a little confused as to what happened to him but he is safe and warm. He is up to date on shots and will be neutered next week so he will be ready for his forever home.
BulldogX017_nBull dog mix pups - These guys are beautiful pups. They are about 8 weeks old, up to date on shots and have had their first worming.

Saratoga County Animal Shelter Pets for Adoption

Saratoga County Animal Shelter

6010 County Farm Road

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

(518) 885-4113

(518) 885-2570 FAX

Benney +Ceaser

Hi our names are Benney & Ceaser. We are 15 year old declawed neutered brothers. We are litter trained, good with kids, and other cats. We are not fond of dogs. We are very loving boys. Since we have been together our whole life, we need to be adopted together.

 

 

 

 

Felix

Hi my name is Felix. I am a 2 year old neutered Pitbull Mix. I am housebroken, good with kids, and other dogs. I do not like cats. I was adopted and returned because the older dog in the home didn't like me.