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The San Diego Union-Tribune (via Paw Nation) reports that there's something in your refrigerator (or purse) that sounds as dangerous to your pets as anti-freeze and is even more accessible: sugar-free snacks and gum. That's if they contain the sweetener xylitol, which is harmless to humans and found in many foods.
"Two pieces of sugarless gum can be harmful or fatal for a 20-lb. dog," vet Ashley Weinberg tells the Union-Tribune. Adds vet Valerie Caskey: "One pudding cup can cause harm to a 90-pound Rottweiler."
If you think your pet has eaten something containing xylitol, take him or her to the vet or call the ASPCA's poison control hotline immediately at (888) 426-4435:
Symptoms are vomiting, weak and wobbly appearance or extreme lethargy. A dog's blood sugar can bottom out in 30 minutes, and a pet can fall into a coma, veterinarians say.Still, this doesn't mean you need to trash all your sugarless foods: Many don't use xylitol at all. Just check the label and, if a food does contain xylitol, be sure to keep it well out of your dog's reach.
These symptoms can be observed from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer the pet goes without help, the more grave the condition becomes. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
From the Petfinder library:
Things Poisonous to Pets
Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Pet Poison Prevention Tips
Poisonous Fragrances
Things Poisonous to Pets
Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs
Pet Poison Prevention Tips
Poisonous Fragrances
Thanks for spreading the word on pet toxicities like xylitol - please remember that this is in more than just gum. Some sugar-free candies, some liquid medications, some human chocolate calcium chewable vitamins, and other baked goods contain xylitol! It's so important for pet owners to be aware of the lurking household poisons in (and outside of) their house! As an ER specialist, I see so many toxicities that owners bring in too late (making it more expensive to treat, with a worse prognosis!). When in doubt, it's so important to call a Poison Control for peace of mind!
I wanted to make you aware of another important resource out there also - Pet Poison Helpline is an additional Animal Poison Control Center, and it's one of the most cost-effective animal poison ($35/case vs. ASPCA's new $60/case) controls out there nowadays. Unfortunately, because animal poison controls are not federal- or state-funded, there is a fee to allow the service to be run 24-7. We provide a similar service, but have the added benefit of veterinary specialists (in internal medicine and emergency and critical care) as part of our staff. You can always call 1-800-213-6680 if you ever have a problem. Thanks for spreading the word!
Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC
Associate Director of Veterinary Services
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
www.drjustinelee.com
Sorry Barbara for your loss. We lost our baby Angel (chihuahua) Aug 28/09 due to accidental poisoning and know the hurt and pain. Remembering the good times helps but will never erase the loss. Only time will I suppose. JDB
Barbara- I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved baby. Losing a pet unexpectedly can be some of the worst pain ... and one that can be hard to express to non-pet-parents. Thank you for sharing your story.
WOW! We keep a lot of "sugar free" products around. While my dog is NOT fed people food & isn't much of a scrounger, I still want to know this kind of info so I can be sure to keep my dog (& future dogs) safe. Thanks for sharing this story.
@ Barabare ~ I am sorry for your loss. You are so right. Accidents do happen!!
Good To Know! It is always helpful to educate pet owners and create awareness when something is perceived to be harmful to our pets. Keeping these products out of reach is the key. Prevention! Thanks for the info!
Janine
Vetdex.com
It is horrible to watch your baby fight to live for 10 days while being treated for liver failure caused from xylitol contained in 2 pieces of sugar free gum that she ate.
Two years ago, I lost my 6lb. Pomeranian after a long fight for her life. After 2 blood transfusions, and lots of other medical care from her wonderful vet, she still lost the battle.
It can happen to anyone if you have it around, accidents do happen.