Beware, xlitol is dangerous for dogs

Not all dog owners know that xylitol is harmful to our four-legged friends. But what so is xylitol? It is a sugar with a sweetening power very similar to that of sucrose but with a lower calorie content. The FDA reminds that xylitol is bad for dogs and raises a new alarm.



He's about to end up run over, his mom saves him Not all dog owners know that xylitol is harmful to our four-legged friends. But what is xylitol? It is a sugar with a sweetening power very similar to that of sucrose but with a lower calorie content. The FDA recalls that xylitol is dangerous for dogs and launch a new alarm.

Xylitol is extracted mainly from birch trees but also from some types of fruit. As a food additive, xylitol is referred to in Europe with the number E967. It is mainly used as an ingredient in chewing gum and candy.


We also find xylitol for sale as sweetener in crystals to be used at home to replace white sugar. According to the FDA, it is very important to keep xylitol and any products that contain it out of the reach of dogs. Furthermore, care must be taken that dogs do not eat them chewing gum that they can find on the street.

Xylitol is dangerous for dogs because it has the same effect in their body as refined sugar and causes a high production of insulin (in our body this phenomenon does not occur with xylitol). This can lead to a rapid hypoglycemic situation which puts not only the health but also the life of the dog at risk. We can include xylitol and foods that contain it among the foods that should never be given to our dogs.


The FDA issued a first warning in 2011 and has now sounded a real alarm based on the growing number of cases of accidental poisoning in dogs caused precisely by xylitol. In 2015 there were 2900 emergency calls in the United States, while in 2009 there were only 300. A small amount of xylitol is enough to cause damage to the health of dogs.

What can we do to protect our dogs from the danger of xylitol? The FDA advises everyone to carefully check the labels of the products we have at home and to put in a safe place those that contain xylitol, to make sure that they are never reachable by dogs.

Beware, xlitol is dangerous for dogs

I symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs they include vomiting, sudden drop in blood sugar, weakness, lack of coordination in movement, collapse and convulsions. If in doubt, take your dog to the vet right away.


Beware, xlitol is dangerous for dogs

And as for the cats? The FDA pointed out that the toxicity of xylitol to cats has not yet been documented. In any case, if we have pets, it is better to be cautious and make sure never to leave drinks and foods that are not suitable for them.



Read the FDA information on the dangers of xylitol to dogs here.

Marta Albè

Read also:

Dog nutrition: 4 myths to dispel

XYLITOL: WHAT IT IS, BENEFITS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

10 FOODS NEVER GIVE TO OUR DOGS

HOME COOKING FOR DOGS: CINOCIBO, THE FACEBOOK GROUP TO LEARN

add a comment of Beware, xlitol is dangerous for dogs
Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours.