If you have sugar free gums, candies, mints, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, or throat lozenges in your home, you may want to store them in a safe, secure place that your dog cannot access. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in many of these products, can be very harmful to your dog if ingested.
Xylitol is a sugar alternative that has made its way into many household snacks and is perfectly safe for humans as well as cats. However, when consumed by dogs the additive promotes rapid release of insulin, which can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Dogs with toxicosis can even develop liver failure in as little as 72 hours after ingesting Xylitol, which is why preventing and recognizing the signs of poisoning are crucial to dog owners.
Loss of muscle control, seizures, collapsing, and depression are all warning signs of Xylitol poisoning, says the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. The most important things for dog owners to remember are that these items need to be in a secured place and to always read labels and ingredients carefully. Never assume that because a food is safe for you, it is also safe for your dog.
Again, any sugarless snack or medicine can contain Xylitol, and it is important for you to read labels thoroughly. Always beware of leaving bags or backpacks on the floor or anywhere a dog might be tempted to investigate and explore. To read more about Xylitol poisoning, click here.
