LorraineO
08-07-2004, 08:25 PM
PET HEALTH ALERT: PRODUCTS SWEETENED WITH XYLITOL CAN BE
TOXIC TO DOGS
Sugar-free candy and gum may be sweet enough for you,
ASPCA News Alert readers, but they can possibly be toxic to your animal
companions. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC),
xylitol--a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gum, candies and
other products--can potentially cause serious, even life-threatening
problems for pets.
Based on data collected from the 40-plus related cases the
center has managed since last July, canines who have ingested significant
amounts of gum or candy solely or largely containing xylitol may develop a
sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination
and seizures. "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30
minutes after ingestion," says Dr. Eric Dunayer, consulting veterinarian for
the APCC. "Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary
treatment immediately."
The APCC advises pet owners to be especially diligent
about keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of their
animals' reach. For more information on how to protect your pet from
potentially dangerous substances, please visit APCC online.
TOXIC TO DOGS
Sugar-free candy and gum may be sweet enough for you,
ASPCA News Alert readers, but they can possibly be toxic to your animal
companions. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC),
xylitol--a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gum, candies and
other products--can potentially cause serious, even life-threatening
problems for pets.
Based on data collected from the 40-plus related cases the
center has managed since last July, canines who have ingested significant
amounts of gum or candy solely or largely containing xylitol may develop a
sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination
and seizures. "These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30
minutes after ingestion," says Dr. Eric Dunayer, consulting veterinarian for
the APCC. "Therefore, it is important that pet owners seek veterinary
treatment immediately."
The APCC advises pet owners to be especially diligent
about keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of their
animals' reach. For more information on how to protect your pet from
potentially dangerous substances, please visit APCC online.