A clinical vet is warning dog parents to look out for xylitol this Halloween.
It’s spooky season, and that means lots of bite-size candy scattered around the house. While most dog parents already know to keep chocolate out of reach, there are other substances you may not know about. Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly seen in sugar-free candies. And even though it may be better for your health, some experts are advising people to keep it away from their dogs.
Susan Nelson is a clinical veterinarian at Kansas State University. Recently, Nelson spoke to Atchison Globe Now about xylitol and why it matters to dog parents. “Unfortunately for dogs, when they consume xylitol, it does release insulin and causes low blood sugar,” said Nelson. “There also are cases where enough was ingested that it caused liver failure. This can cause clotting disorders and seizures in dogs, with a poor prognosis for recovery.”
Xylitol: A Real Halloween Scare
Along with sugar-free sweets, “nicotine gums, baked goods, breath mints, antacids, multivitamins, nasal sprays, pain medication, sleep aids, anti-anxiety medication, toothpaste, and mouthwash,” all can contain xylitol. Surprisingly, even items well-known to be okay for dogs—like peanut butter—can sometimes contain xylitol.
Unfortunately, Nelson also says you won’t always find xylitol by name, since some companies use a proprietary blend. However, even tiny amounts can seriously hurt your dog. Nelson says, “One stick of sugar-free gum can cause toxicity in dogs weighing around 10 pounds.”
Making Sure Food Is Safe for Dogs
As a dog parent, it’s important to know what foods are safe for your dog. If you’re looking to learn more about xylitol, how it affects dogs, and what to do in case your pup ingests it, this article has all the information you’re looking for. Currently, there is no specific antidote for xylitol poisoning. But Nelson says the earlier it’s handled, the better the odds are for your dog.
Her main advice for dog parents? “The bottom line is that any products that have artificial sweeteners in them or medications that contain xylitol need to be kept away from your pets.”
