Pet Health: Buddy & Porky On Candy And Dogs

Dear Buddy,

I Just received on e of those internet warnings, this time telling me that xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar free gun and candy can hurt or even kill my dog.  Is that true. What should I to prevent that from happening.

Betty

Dear Betty,

We checked with our friends at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and found out that it is true.    Xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets. Cases of such poisoning have increased significantly in the past few years, apparently because the use of xylitol became readily available only in the past few years.

Dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol can  develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.   These signs can develop very quickly, sometimes less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. If you suspect that your dog has eaten a xylitol-containing product, it is crucial to seek veterinary treatment immediately.  There also appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestion and the development of liver failure in dogs.

While it was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could result in problems, veterinarians have begun to see problems developing from ingestion of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener.   With smaller concentrations of xylitol, clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion. So even if your pet does not develop signs right away, it does not mean that problems won’t develop later on.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center strongly urges pet owners to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets.   Read the ingredients list on the package label.  If xylitol is listed near the top that product is especially dangerous, but any amount can cause problems.  As with any potentially toxic substance, if you suspect that your pet has eaten some, it is important to contact your local veterinarian immediately.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County. Our office is located at 265 West First Street, Oswego, New York. Phone (315) 207-1070. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.oswegohumane.org.

Find a cool cat for the summer at our next adoption day on July 12th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Tractor Supply Company at the Price Chopper Plaza, Route 104, Oswego.

And chasing balls is never harmful!  So come to the Eighth Annual Chasing and Fetching Balls (a/k/a Golf) Tournament, starting at 9 am at the Emerald Crest Golf Club on Rt.3, Palermo.  Go to www.ochsgolf.eventbrite.com to sign up or check our website to download a mail in form.

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