The Dangers of Sugar Free Products and your Dog
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is safe for people - but not safe for the dogs that ingest it.
Xylitol can be found in a variety of foods including sugar-free gum, mints, toothpaste, chocolate, candy, vitamins, mouthwash. You can even buy it in the supermarket and use it in your baking. Recently it was found in the ingredient list of a type of peanut butter - very worrying given that a lot of people use peanut butter as a treat for their dogs.
Xylitol causes two main problems. Dogs bodies confuse xylitol with real sugar - and release insulin from the pancreas in an effort to drive the sugar into the cells. Unfortunately, xylitol is not sugar and the insulin release causes the blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low (hypoglycemia). The main clinical signs seen are weakness, collapse, tremors, and in extreme cases, seizures and death. These signs can start within 30 min. to 12 hours after ingestion. Luckily hypoglycemia can be treated with an intravenous infusion of dextrose to help raise the blood sugar levels.
In high doses, xylitol can also cause liver failure. The mechanism for liver damage is still unknown but usually happens 12-24 hours after ingestion, and after signs of hypoglycemia. This type of intoxication is much more difficult to treat and can result in death. Of course, clinical signs will depend on the amount of xylitol ingested, and the weight of the dog.
It is important to check ingredient lists before giving any of the above mentioned products. If you dog accidentally ingests something containing xylitol it is best to seek veterinary help right away. If caught early enough the dog can be made to vomit the xylitol before they have a chance to absorb it. They may need to have their glucose (sugar) levels checked and monitored for 12 hours if ingestion and absorption have already occurred.
(For other common foods that are toxic to dogs, take a look at the photo below)
Dr Jeff Odell
