Common Artificial Sweetener Xylitol Is Deadly For Dogs

All dog lovers love to give their dog a treat, and why not if Fido has been good.  Some times the treat is a treat humans eat too.



Warning – Be careful when you give your dog treats that are not made for dogs.
A common artificial sweetener called xylitol, found in many human foods, is deadly for dogs.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol. This artificial sweetener is made from birch, raspberries, plums and corn.

Some Human Products That may Contain Xylitol…
That Dog Lovers Often Give Their Dogs

Please note: We have only included the most common human foods dog lovers often give to their dogs.  The list of foods that contain xylitol is really quit endless, as many manufacturers use xylitol for new products every day.
Please be sure to read the ingredients of human foods before you give it to a dog.

• Various Peanut Butter Spreads – Many dog lovers put peanut butter inside rubber dog toys to keep their dogs occupied while he tries to get the yummy peanut butter.  Some dog lovers also let their dog lick peanut butter off their fingers for a treat.

• Various Gums & Chewing Gum – Many sugar free brands of chewing gum contain xylitol.  Be sure to keep any chewing gum out of reach from your dog.  This includes places like in the car, on table tops, in your purse, in accessible pockets, and any other place your dog looks for goodies.

• Many Baked Goods

• Various Candies

• Various Meat Dishes and Marinated Meats

• Some Pharmaceutical Products & Cough Medicines
  

• Human Toothpaste and/or Human Mouth Wash – Never brush you dogs teeth with toothpaste, give him mouth wash, or bad breath spray made for a human.  Only use dental products specifically made for a dog.

Many of the labels on these products do not advise dog owners that xylitol is deadly for dogs.
No matter how tempted you are to share your treat with your dog, the best habit to get into – Is to only give a dog foods or treats made for a dog.

Veterinarian Warns Xylitol is Deadly for Dogs

Xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, and results in a sudden drop of the dogs’ blood sugar level.
The sudden drop of a dogs’ blood sugar level can cause…

• Vomiting

• Dizziness

• Wobbling and/or stumbling

• Lack of coordination

• Seizures

• Coma

• Impaired liver function – That can lead to liver failure

Veterinarians advise there is nothing you can do at home to treat a dog for xylitol poisoning.  If you suspect your dog may have been poisoned with xylitol, go to an emergency vet straight away.
The ASPCA has also issued a list of People Foods to Avoid Feeding your Pets.