Xylitol and Dogs

This is an article that I received from a site called Healthy Pets.  If you're a pet lover this is something you really need to know if you don't already.  I never knew how dangerous this would be to my Jesse and will be extremely careful to make sure he never gets into this deadly ingredient.

Very Important:  Never Let Your Dog Get at Any Product Containing This...

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol extracted from certain fruits and vegetables. Because of its sweet taste and plaque fighting benefits in humans, xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in a diverse assortment of products. These include sugar-free gum, mints and other candy, baked goods, nicotine gum, chewable vitamins, certain prescription drugs, and dental hygiene products. Nontoxic amounts are even included in some pet dental products.
Because xylitol has a low glycemic index, it's also sold in bulk as a sugar substitute for baking and in-home use -- which is why the Pet Poison Helpline has fielded calls from owners of dogs that became very sick after eating homemade bread, muffins and cupcakes made with xylitol.

Where Else is Xylitol Found? 

According to the Pet Poison Helpline (PPH), xylitol – which as many pet owners know is quite toxic for dogs, causing hypoglycemia and hepatic necrosis – is showing up in an ever-increasing number of surprising places. New products on the market, including some nasal sprays, over-the-counter sleep aids, multivitamins, prescription sedatives, antacids, stool softeners, and smoking-cessation gums, contain "unexpectedly large amounts" of xylitol, according to Dr. Anna Brutlag of PPH.
Dogs who sample these products get a double dose of toxicity, first from the active ingredient in the product, and secondarily from the xylitol. This potentially deadly combination can greatly complicate the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for these animals.
According to Dr. Brutlag, the following "atypical" products contain xylitol. Some may surprise you…
Over-the-counter medications:

• Axia3 ProDigestive Antacid (flavored chewable tablets, propriety amount)
• Children's Allegra Oral Suspension
• Fleet Pedia-Lax Liquid Stool Softener
• Umcka Cold and Flu chewable tablets (homeopathic product)

Dietary supplements, vitamins:

• KAL Colostrum Chewable, Vanilla Cream (chewable tablets)
• KAL Dinosaurs Children's Vitamins and Minerals (chewable tablets)
• Kidz Digest Chewable Berry from Transformation Enzyme
• L'il Critters Fiber Gummy Bears
• Mega D3 Dots with 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per "dot" (dissolvable tablet)
• Stress Relax's Suntheanine L-Theanine chewable tablets
• Vitamin Code Kids by Garden of Life (chewable multivitamins)
• Super Sleep Soft Melts by Webber Natural (dissolvable tablets)

Nasal products:

• Xlear Sinus Care Spray
• Xylear Nasal Spray (for adults and children)
• Xyliseptic Nasal Spray

Prescription drugs:

• Abilify Discmelt Orally Disinteg­rating Tablets (aripiprazole)
• Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets, benzodiazepine
• Emtriva oral solution (emtricitabine), HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor
• Mobic Oral Suspension (meloxicam), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
• Neurontin (gabapentin) Oral Solution
• Riomet (metformin) Oral Solution, antidiabetic agent
• Varibar barium sulfate products, liquids and puddings for swallowing studies
• Zegerid Powder for Oral Suspension (omeprazole), proton pump inhibitor

Foods with xylitol as the primary sweetener (excluding gums and mints):

• Clemmy's Rich and Creamy ice cream products
• Dr. John's products (hard and soft candies, chocolates, drink mixes and so on)
• Jell-O sugar-free pudding snacks
• Nature's Hollow jams, syrup, ketchup, honey and so on
• SparX Candy
• Zipfizz energy drink-mix powders

Toxicity of Xylitol Is Species- and Dose-Dependent 

While xylitol is safe for human consumption, the same can't be said for pets. In 2011, the FDA released a consumer alert on the dangers of xylitol ingestion in certain animals. The sweetener's effect varies by species. In people, rhesus monkeys, rats, and horses, intravenous (IV) xylitol causes little to no insulin release. However, it has the opposite effect on baboons, cows, goats, rabbits, dogs, and ferrets. Its effect on cats is unknown.
Humans absorb xylitol slowly, and the sweetener when ingested orally is absorbed at from about 50 to 95 percent. However, in dogs, xylitol is rapidly and completely absorbed within about 30 minutes. Just a small amount of xylitol can cause a dangerous insulin surge and a rapid drop in blood sugar.
The toxicity of xylitol in dogs is dose-dependent. The dose required to trigger hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is approximately 0.1 grams/kg, while the amount needed to cause hepatic necrosis (liver failure) is approximately 0.5 grams/kg. As a point of reference, most chewing gums and breath mints typically contain .22 to 1.0 gram of xylitol per piece of gum or per mint. This means just a single piece of gum or one mint may cause hypoglycemia in a 10-pound dog.

Determining the Amount of Xylitol in a Product 

Product manufacturers aren't required to list the quantity of xylitol on package labels, and while some companies will reveal the amount in their products, many are reluctant to do so. Incredibly, some have even asked veterinarians to sign a confidentiality agreement before divulging how much of the sweetener is in a particular product.
Fortunately, the Pet Poison Helpline has been working to get this information from manufacturers, and has been relatively successful. So if you need to know the amount of xylitol contained in a specific product, the Helpline suggests you call them first at 1-800-213-6680.
In some cases, you might be able to use the placement of xylitol on an ingredient list to estimate how much is in the product. In the U.S., ingredient lists for foods must be organized in descending order based on weight. The ingredient that weighs the most is at the top of the list. According to Dr. Brutlag, in most chewing gum ingredient lists, xylitol appears in fourth or fifth place, making it clinically insignificant. She says if it appears as one of the first three ingredients, however, extreme caution should be taken.
I'll go a step further and recommend that dog guardians avoid or very carefully secure any product that contains any amount of xylitol, no matter how small.
When it comes to medications and dietary supplements, U.S. regulations do not require manufacturers to list xylitol by name on package labels. This is because the sweetener is often categorized as an "inactive" or "other" ingredient, and such ingredients don't have to be listed in order by the amount contained in the product. To confuse matters further, when xylitol is named in these products, it is often part of an alphabetized list, which could lead pet owners to assume – perhaps in error – that there is a very small amount in the product.
So I'll repeat my recommendation to dog owners to either avoid or very carefully store any product that contains xylitol in any amount.

Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning and Required Treatment 

Symptoms of xylitol intoxication in dogs include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, seizures, and collapse.
Hypoglycemia is usually evident within an hour or two after a dog ingests xylitol, but symptoms are occasionally delayed for several hours. Treatment depends on how quickly it is given. Vomiting is induced in cases where the xylitol has just been ingested. Once a dog develops hypoglycemia, IV dextrose must be administered until the animal can self-regulate his blood glucose concentrations, which typically takes from 12 to 48 hours.
In dogs who ingest enough xylitol to cause liver toxicity, liver enzymes must be closely monitored, as evidence of hepatic necrosis can show up one to two days after ingestion. Should the liver begin to fail, the dog will require IV fluids, dextrose, hepatoprotectants (substances to help support and repair the liver), and regular monitoring of blood clotting activity.
When xylitol exposure is caught early in a dog and treated effectively, the prognosis for a full recovery is excellent. The prognosis for dogs that develop hepatic failure is less optimistic.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 8 Hops

Hops

Hops are used in beer brewing, so home brewers need to be aware of this toxic plant.  Ingestion of hops by dogs causes their body temperatures to skyrocket.  Signs can be seen within hours.  Dogs become agitated and begin to pant.  Their body temperature can get high enough to kill them - up to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 7 Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus

Autumn crocus contains chemotherapy-like compounds that attack rapidly dividing cells in the body.  Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and possible death.  Do not confuse this flower with the innocuous spring crocus which is not toxic.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 6 Castor Bean

Castor Bean

Ricinus communis (commonly known as the castor bean) contains ricin, which can be highly toxic.  Ricin causes multiple organ failure.  Ricin is found throughout the plant, but the highest levels are found in the seeds.  The seed coat must be damaged to release the toxins, so animals who swallow the seeds whole may not get sick.  the mortality rate of dogs is about 9%.  These beans are also commonly used in many rustic-type ornaments and jewelry.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 5 Japanese Yew

Japanese Yew

Yews are commonly used as landscaping plants as they stay green year-round.  A pet looking for a bit of winter green may be tempted to take a nibble.  Yews contain compounds that have a direction action on the heart.  The toxins can cause an irregular heartbeat or even stop the heart.  All parts, except for the ripe berry (a fleshy red structure surrounding the seed), are toxic.  Sudden death can occur within hours of ingestion.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 4 Grayanotoxin

Grayanotoxin Plants

Grayanotoxins can cause vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest.  sources include rhododendrons, azaleas, laaurels, and Japanese pieris.  These are typically outdoor plants, but they are highly toxic in all species and deserve extra caution.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 3 Cardiac Glycoside

Cardiac Glycoside Plants

Plants containing cardiac glycoside include oleander, foxglove and lily of the valley.  These glycosides slow down the heartbeat and can even stop it.  These plants are toxic in all species.  They are typically outdoor/landscape plants, but the popular and beloved lily of the valley is a common bouquet flower for winter arrangements, weddings and other holiday gatherings.

8 Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats and Dogs - Part 2 Lillies

Lilies

Members of the true lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis) have been shown to cause kidney failure in cats.  Some examples of true lilies include Easter lilies, tiger lilies, rubrum or Japanese showy lilies, and day lilies.  Even a small amount of exposure (a few bites on a leaf, ingestion of pollen, etc.) may result in kidney failure.  Cats often vomit within a few hours of exposure and stop producing urine within 72 hours.  Cats who receive quick treatment (intravenous fluids for two days) have a good prognosis.  Lilies are common in holiday flower bouquets and arrangements, as are popular lily-like holiday flowering bulbs, such as amaryllis, which can also be toxic to pets.

Pets and Poisonous Substances

I know this is a food site but now and then I run across something that needs to be posted to as many people as possible.  The information I'm posting today has to do with those wonderful, furry little babies that we call our pets.  If you're a pet lover like me, please copy this information and keep it handy.  It's one of the best lists of toxins that are poisonous that I've ever seen. 

Both known and unknown toxins can be found hiding in our houses and yards. In 2011, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, fielded more than 165,900 phone calls about pets exposed to poisonous substances. Visit our poison app on Facebook.

1. Prescription Human Medications
Almost 25,000 calls last year were about human prescription medications. Pets, especially dogs, are notorious for ingesting any dropped pill. Cardiac and ADHD medications make up a large percentage of these calls. Always make sure to take these medications in a safe place away from your pets.
2. Insecticides
Insecticides were the subject of 11% of calls to the ASPCA in 2011. These include products used on the lawn, in the house and on the pet. The most important thing to do is read the label before you use any insecticide, and never use a product labeled for dogs on cats.
3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can kill your pet. Never give any medication to your pet without consulting with your veterinarian first.
4. People Food
Chocolate is still the number one people food that pets ingest (we received over 7,600 calls last year). Too much chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate and seizures. The second most common food is xylitol (the sugar substitute). Xylitol can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs. 
5. Household Products
It is amazing what animals can find to chew up around the house from fire logs to paint. Some household items may just cause stomach upset, while others can be deadly.
6. Veterinary Medications
Chewable medications make it easy to give your dog or cat a pill. However, this tasty pill can also mean that the pet, if given access, will ingest all the pills in the bottle. Always make sure to keep pet medications out of reach. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than its proper dose of
medication or ingests another pet’s medication.
7. Rodenticides
When putting out baits to kill mice and rats, never underestimate the resourcefulness of your pet. Most bait is grain based and is attractive to dogs. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures.
8. Plants
About 4% of our phone calls are pet parents calling about their animals eating plants. This is one category that cats lead dogs in the number of exposures. Lilies can cause kidney failure and death in cats. Please see our list of toxic/non-toxic plants for more information.
9. Lawn and Garden Products
Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive to pets, so it is not surprising that we get many calls (almost 3,900 in 2011) on lawn and garden items.
10. Automotive Products
With more people keeping their animals inside (especially cats), the number of animals exposed to automotive products (antifreeze, brake fluid, etc.) has dropped. This is great news since many of these products, if ingested, can be life-threatening to pets.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.