Vol. 1 Issue 6, August 2006
by Barbara Marshall-Cassel
Xylitol, Good for Us, Bad for Pups
Please understand I do try to add a little humor to these articles, so if I am successful some of the time, please forgive the unsuccessful attempts.
I was asked to do some research on the effects of Xylitol on our dogs, and I did, and I learned something that I didn’t know, once again! Yeah, I love learning new things, especially great info. That will make me a more intelligent pup parent.
As responsible pup parents, we must remember that not everything that is safe for us, (notice, I didn’t say good for us, because I’m certainly guilty of eating things that are NOT good for me), 2 legged beings is good for our pups. We do have different digestive systems. (now most of you are saying OH MY GOSH Barbara, as if we didn’t all know this already)…..Well, I for one, didn’t know about the grapes and raisins being bad for our pups, (who woulda thunk it), something so GOOD for us, was so BAD for our pups? So, I started digging and doing some research about the Xylitol. One of the reasons for doing this is because I use it and love it, and so does my brother who has a dog and a cat. I also know several others who use it and I’m sure they are unaware of the dangers. Here is what I found, the following are quoted from several different websites and research groups:
1. “Because of xylitol’s tremendous benefits, many people want to share it with their pets. Although perfectly safe for human consumption, xylitol may pose a risk to your pets, especially dogs.
1. Because the metabolic processes of a dog are different than those of a human, xylitol poses a risk of toxicosis and hypoglycemia if ingested by dogs. Common symptoms associated with the ingestion of xylitol may include depression and vomiting, and hypoglycemia. If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.”
2. “The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' Animal Poison Control Center is warning veterinarians, their staff, and pet owners that the xylitol—a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing gums, candies, and other products can cause serious—possibly life-threatening problems for dogs.
The American Society for the Prevention of Dogs ingesting large amounts of products sweetened with xylitol may have a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting depression, loss of coordination, and seizures, according to Dr. Eric K. Dunayer, a consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the poison control center. The center is most concerned about products in which xylitol is the primary ingredient. The American Society for the Prevention of "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product," Dr. Dunayer said in a statement. "Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately."
3. “Xylitol, a newer artificial sweetener finding wide use in sugar free gums, is very bad for dogs, see http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=75125. The word on grapes and raisins being toxic to dogs has been around for a while, but new findings show some dogs are very sensitive to them, only taking a few to kill them.”
4. Links:
"Chewing Gum Poisons Dog!"
http://www.holisticvets.com/NewsLetter/ChewingGum/
ChewingGumNewsletter.htm "'Sweet' Temptation for Dogs"
http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/Foss-Tox_Brief-Nov_VT_04.pdf?
docID=3781 “Remember, Xylitol is not only in foods for humans so double check your canine and kitty treats.”
I hope this has been helpful for everyone, and you will share this information with anyone you know who might need to know. ------*****Please feel free to print and/or save these articles for your own personal use only
******Hope you enjoyed this article!
Blessings to all,
Barbara
©2006 Barbara Marshall-Cassel
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