The Amazing Adventures of Archibald Esq.
Health Hound: Beware of Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in candy and chewing gum. It can also be found in other products such as chewable vitamins, throat lozenges and oral health products. Obviously Xylitol — a sugar alcohol — is safe for two-leggeds, but it can be DEADLY for dogs. Woooo!
When Xylitol is ingested by dogs it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin. In as little as a quarter of an hour after a dog has eaten gum containing Xylitol the dog may ahve a marked drop in blood sugar. In higher doses, it is believed that Xylitol is toxic to the canine liver. To put in perspective: just 3 grams of Xylitoal can kill a 65 pound dog. Woof!
Because the amount of Xylitol varies with different manufacturers, it is difficult to say how many sticks of gum can be fatal, but a good rule of paw is that 8-10 sticks of gum can be fatal for a 65 pound dog, and even small dogs can easily die after ingesting as few as 2 sticks of gum.
Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning occur within 30 minutes, and dogs affected need IMMEDIATE veterinary attention to survive. Without immediate attention irreversible brain damage occurs. Enough said, no?
According to a study published in the 1 October 2006 Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association, of 8 dogs who ingested Xylitol, 5 died of liver failure and an additional 3 dogs died after the study finished.
While more research is clearly needed, the adverse affects of Xylitol on drugs appear undeniable. So if you think your four-legged beloved has ingested any sugar-less gum or such like, call for help immediately. If you live more than an hour away from a vet’s they will probably ask you to induce vomiting at home. Though you yourself may feel sick about things, remember the induced vomitting is for the dog!
Treatment usually involves overnight hospitalisation and the use of intravenous fluids containing glucose. In controlled conditions the dog’s blood sugar would be monitored every few hours. If liver values are normal after 24 hours your dog can return home.
Final last word: remember dogs are curious and usually willing to try most things once — even things that can be very dangerous. You know your pooch has had the runs from time to time from eating dodgy things off the pavement, but that doesn’t stop them trying the next tasty sidewalk morcel… So comb your house and remove any sugar-free gum within the hound’s nose. And always remember that what’s good for two-leggeds ain’t always good for four-leggeds. Chocolate, raisins, and grapes can be poisonous to dogs. So too with sugar-free gum.
Awwoooof!
Archie
Posted 19 May 08
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