Products with Xylitol as a Sweetener Harm Dogs

Dog owners beware: The number of dogs harmed from ingesting xylitol, a sugar substitute used in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste and baked goods, is on the rise, according to a recent report from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center.

In 2003, the ASPCA recorded only three xylitol poisonings, which can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure and even death in dogs. That number skyrocketed to 70 in 2004. In 2005, there were more than 170 cases, and between January and August 2006, there have already been 114 cases reported.

What is causing the dramatic increase? Experts believe the poisonings are becoming more frequent because of increased availability of products containing xylitol as a sweetener. More companies are using xylitol as a sweetener in their products because it has the same sweetness as sugar but with significantly fewer calories, it has been reported to prevent tooth decay (one reason it's an ingredient in Trident gum), and it is slow to increase blood sugar in humans.

Signs that your dog might have ingested products containing xylitol as a sweetener can show up quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes of eating the product. According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, a veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs that have ingested small amounts of xylitol might be affected but not show signs until up to 12 hours afterward. Signs your dog has ingested a product containing xylitol as a sweetener include an abrupt drop in blood sugar, vomiting, depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

If you find that your dog has consumed a product containing xylitol as a sweetener, call your veterinarian immediately. If the dog is exhibiting symptoms, take the dog to the vet's office right away.

To prevent xylitol poisoning, dog owners should be aware of products that often contain xylitol as a sweetener, and keep those products out of reach of their dogs. They include: candy, chewing gum, breath fresheners, smoking cessation aids such as nicotine gum, toothpastes, sunscreen and some vitamins and diet supplements.

"Our concern used to be mainly with products that contain xylitol as one of the first ingredients," said Dunayer. "However, we have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener."

If your dog accidentally consumes something he's not supposed to, be sure to read the list of ingredients on the product label to find out if the product contains xylitol as a sweetener.