[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/xylitol-and-pets-not-so-sweet\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/xylitol-and-pets-not-so-sweet\/","headline":"Xylitol and Pets: Reminders of a Not-so-Sweet Reality","name":"Xylitol and Pets: Reminders of a Not-so-Sweet Reality","description":"With its claims of weight loss and improved health, the low-carb craze has everyone from teenagers to grandparents giving it a go. Because \u201clow-carb\u201d usually equates to \u201clow-sugar,\u201d sugar substitutes such as aspartame, erythritol, stevia, and xylitol seem to be in practically everything these days. Meeting your health goals while still keeping your pet safe […]","datePublished":"2018-09-19","dateModified":"2024-11-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/#Person","name":"chris","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/author\/ceastwayadvance360-com\/","identifier":3,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"West Park Animal Hospital","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/westhospitallogo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-926930584-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/iStock-926930584-1.jpg","height":933,"width":1400},"url":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/xylitol-and-pets-not-so-sweet\/","about":["Blog","Cat Health","Dog Health","Pocket Pet Health"],"wordCount":498,"articleBody":"With its claims of weight loss and improved health, the low-carb craze has everyone from teenagers to grandparents giving it a go. Because \u201clow-carb\u201d usually equates to \u201clow-sugar,\u201d sugar substitutes such as aspartame, erythritol, stevia, and xylitol seem to be in practically everything these days.Meeting your health goals while still keeping your pet safe requires education, especially when it comes to xylitol toxicity. Xylitol and pets do not mix, and we want to make sure our readers are aware of the dangers associated with this particular substance. What is Xylitol?Xylitol is a sugar substitute that\u2019s often found in sugar-free baked goods, candy, gum, mints, peanut butter, chewable vitamins, oral care products, and pharmaceuticals (to name a few). This naturally occurring substance is similar in taste and appearance to sugar and is usually extracted from corn fiber or hardwood trees, such as the birch tree. The popularity of xylitol has increased dramatically over the past few years due to its low glycemic index and cavity-fighting properties.Xylitol and PetsAlthough xylitol is safe for human consumption, it\u2019s extremely toxic to dogs. Even in small amounts, xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (known as hypoglycemia), seizures, liver failure, and even death. Xylitol has no known adverse effects in cats (although we do not recommend feeding your cat anything with xylitol).Clinical SignsIf your dog has come into contact with xylitol, it should be considered a medical emergency. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs typically appear within 10-15 minutes or several hours of consumption. Signs can include any of the following:VomitingWeaknessLoss of coordination, difficulty walking\/standingDepression or lethargyCollapseTremorsSeizuresIf you suspect your pet is suffering from xylitol toxicity, please bring them in to see us or visit the nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away. Time is of the essence when it comes to xylitol poisoning. Fortunately, with prompt treatment, many pets make a full recovery.Prevention is KeyIf you or anyone in your family regularly uses products containing xylitol, make sure they\u2019re stored out of your pet\u2019s reach. Always read labels before sharing any people-food with your pet. When brushing your pet\u2019s teeth (which we recommend), be sure to use a pet-specific toothpaste (never use human-grade products).Keep a close eye on backpacks, lunch boxes, purses, and coat pockets, as these can be of particular interest to dogs and are likely to contain gum, candy, leftover food, or other items that could be harmful. Initiate a strict family policy that all personal items be hung up immediately or otherwise stored out of your pet\u2019s reach upon entering the home. Double check each day to make sure this has been done.If you have additional questions regarding xylitol and pets, please don\u2019t hesitate to contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital.The post Xylitol and Pets: Reminders of a Not-so-Sweet Reality appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Pet Resources","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Xylitol and Pets: Reminders of a Not-so-Sweet Reality","item":"https:\/\/wpahcle.com\/pet-resources\/blog\/xylitol-and-pets-not-so-sweet\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]