Xylitol is deadly for family pets, animals

Our family dog has gone through hell for the past four days.  He woke us up at 3:00 am in severe convulsions Thursday morning.  I got him to the North Idaho Animal Hospital and they immediately started him on anticonvulsants but it was hours before they could finally get the convulsions under control.  The next 24 hours were touch and go and we had nearly given up hope.  Drs Pierce, Mehra and Wetzel worked on him for hours.  We were at a loss to figure out what had stated his illness.  His lab tests and response to medications finally confirmed that the most likely cause was Xylitol  — an artificial sweetener most commonly used in sugarless gum. 

The ASPCA has the following to say about Xylitol:

“Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Please, be extremely careful with products that contain Xylitol.  It is very common in products marked for diabetics.  Even sugarless gum that has been chewed can be dangerous.  We nearly lost a beloved member of our family — don’t let this happen to another animal.  This substance can be deadly to you family pet. 

We are thankful we got to bring our little man home today.  He can’t walk yet and the extent of damage to his liver won’t be known for awhile yet.  We are hopeful for a full recovery — time will tell.  I will definitely be reading labels even more carefully from now on and there will never be another piece of sugarless gum in our home. 

SANDI and DIXIE TERRY

Sandpoint