Something useful I learned today:

[featherynscale]

From DVM Newsmagazine:

Some candies prove toxic for dogs

Xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums and candies, can cause serious or life-threatening problems for pets, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Dogs that ingest significant amounts of candies made with the sweetener can develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, which could result in depression, loss of coordination and seizures, says Dr. Eric Dunayer, consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

"These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product, he says.

Some data appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestion and the development of liver failure in dogs, Dr. Dunayer says, but no firm conclusion can be made at this time.

Comments

Well, t hat's unnerving

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

...particularly since I've just recently started bringing Xylitol into the house. Thank goodness I don't often brush the dog's teeth or squirt things up her nose.

Re: Well, t hat's unnerving

[featherynscale.livejournal.com]

Thank goodness I don't often brush the dog's teeth or squirt things up her nose.

Well, you probably don't, anyway...
What do you have with xylitol in it that you squirt up your nose?

Re: Well, t hat's unnerving

[saffronhare.livejournal.com]

It's called Xlear, and it was recommended as a sinus treatment by both rougewench and my doctor. The experience is no more bizarre than the neti pot, but quicker. It also induces a staggering volume of sneezes -- literally -- for about 30 minutes after the treatment.

[rougewench.livejournal.com]

I'm interested in exactly why someone would be feeding a significant amount of candy to a pet in the first place, let alone candies made with Xylitol...?


D.