Xylitol, the deadly sweetener that can kill your dog
What do all these products (and similar products) have in common that can kill your dog? They all contain Xylitol. This artificial sweetener is in a lot of product to add sweetness without adding natural sugar containing calories.
Within 30 minutes of ingesting xylitol, a dog can have seizures, within 24 hours liver damage and without vet care irreversible brain damage and death.
This poison is in so many common foods in your pantry and products in your home. If a product says “low sugar” that is a good indication that it may contain xylitol. Some products containing this poison are: sugarless gums, cereals, drinks, mints, candy, peanut butter, sugar free jello, powdered proteins, cough drops, mouthwash and toothpaste, nicotine gum, Childrens elixirs, fiber gummies and sleep aids. GabapentinXylitol (liquid form) which is prescribed by vets for pain management contains xylitol; Gabapentin solution 250mg/5ml does not. Be the voice for your dog and always ask your vet is any medications contain xylitol.
The ASPCA Poison Control says a tiny amount of xylitol can kill a dog. A 10 pound dog ingested 1 piece of sugarless gum and died. I personally know a full grown husky that ate toothpaste and was at the ER for days with kidney failure.
You always have to read the labels! However Xylitol can also go by other names such as: Birch Sugar, wood sugar, birch bark extract, sucre de bouleau, the European code E967, Meso-Xylitol, Xlitol, Xylite, and Xylo-pentane-1,2,3,4,5 and be suspicious of sugar alcohols.
Signs of Xylitol poisoning include: vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking/standing, shaking/seizures, liver failure.
Xylitol poisoning can kill your dog. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested something with xylitol. Every second counts.