When I first heard of Xylitol it was in a sugar free chewing gum. Well, I don’t chew gum so I didn’t think much about it. Then manufactures started putting it in PeanutButter! OMG.. it was killing dogs and I was recommending using Peanut butter in home made treats! Now a few years later it is EVERYWHERE!!!
From Bottled Water, Natural Foods and our Clothes!!!
I make many decisions on products that I purchase based on our dogs and animals. Years ago, I learned that Teflon cook ware could kill birds and parrots.
Febreze air fresheners could do the same so I quit using them. Now years later we find out that they are not only toxic to our animals but to us.
I am not going to discuss if I thinks artificial sweeteners are good for us but I am going to tell you that Xylitol is KILLING dogs! There are now THOUSANDS of products made with xylitol and the list is growing daily.
Why am I concerned? Because ONE piece of Xylitol chewing gum can KILL a Cavalier!!
COOKING
The altered culinary mindset with NON-SUGAR, low Carb or Palieo Diet has jumpstarted an already growing market for Artificial Sweeteners. While they are marketing them as a healthy alternative, they are NOT healthy for our dogs.
CANDY & GUM
Artificial Sweeteners are wonderful for wight loss and diabetics. Xylitol started out with sugar free gum and candies. Now bottles are named for the ingredient.
Many of the breath mints are hard to determine exactly what Artificial Sweetener is added in. Hard Candy, gummy bears and many more!!
CHOCOLATE
Great advertising here…. Sugar free, Naturally sweetened, Diabetic Friendly, Vegan, Lactose Free, Gluten Free Made with Xylitol. Sorry for the large picture, however I thought you all needed to read it.
Because Xleltol is made from a plant bark it is considered a natural sweetener.
CLOTHING with XYLITOL !! Seriously?
The shocking one is that some of our sports wear, fabrics and tennis shoes actually has Xylitol in them. It is called IceFil r technology uses xylitol as a cooling agent. If true, this technology is in more sporting gear than we suspect.
I unsuspecting purchased this travel pillow for myself. It is called Cool Max. After contacting the company they finally said that has a xylitol cool lamination in the material. Seriously??? I returned it!
Sports Wear and Outdoor clothing.
Clothing such as Cabella Cool Phase Tech line has the IceFil technology. Now its just not feeding our dogs, but we have to make sure none of them chew our tennis shoes, sports wear and cooling underwear!!
PEANUT & NUT BUTTERS
DENTAL Toothpaste, Floss, Mouth Wash and Rinses
MEDICATIONS, Vitamins, Supplements and Oils
There are so many Vitamins and especially Children’s products that contain Xylitol. If you have children, I highly recommend that you go to the link below to the PreventiveVet that has a list of items. This is a full time job looking up items!!
Look at the OTHER INGREDIENTS: Fructose, Xylitol, Natural Mixed Berry Flavor
Reality Check here.. if there is already Fructose that is a sugar, why would they include Xylitol too??
HONEY
COOKIES, DESERTS, MIXES, ICE-CREAM & YOGURT
Basically, any foods that say they are Sugar Free, Reduced Calorie, Diabetic or made for Children you need to look.
Non Fat Yogurts, Cake Mixes, and Protein and naturally sweetened!
Please check the link below by PreventiveVet that has a good list.
JAMS and SYRUPS
CONDIMENTS & SAUCES
WATER & DRINK POWDERS
Xylitol is making big waves in sports waters… how about some XY WATER.
POWER & PROTEIN BARS / POWDERS
There are so many now that you really need to do your home work.
COSMETIC & HAIR CARE
Is exploding with Xylitol items Everything from Soap to lip balm. One of my girls was chewing on my lip balm and I about had a fit. Thankfully nothing in it, but I am more hesitant now on every purchase.
BODY & FACE CREAMS
Lotions are my real concern because dogs love to lick them.
I am now shocked how many sun screen products, and even hair products contain Xylitol.
Products that Contain Xylitol LIST (now a very small list)
WHAT TO DO INGESTION of XYLITOL
Ingestion xylitol in dogs affects insulin release throughout the body Insulin causes an increase of glucose (blood sugar) uptake into the liver, muscle, and fat cells resulting in decreasing blood glucose levels. Xylitol strongly promotes the release of insulin from the pancreas into circulation leading to a rapid decrease of blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur with in 30-60 minutes of ingestion of xylitol. Hypoglycemia may compound further into liver toxicity, liver damage and ultimately liver failure.
Ingestion of xylitol greater that .5g xylitol / 2.5g body weight increases the risk for developing liver toxicity.
The typical amount of Xylitol in ONE piece of gum is 300-1,500 mg. This means a 20 lb Cavalier can experience toxicity after eating just one piece of gum containing 1,000 mg.
Signs of ingestion: Most dogs vomit. Hypoglycemia developed within 30-60 minutes therefore if you think your dog has had ingested Xylitol run immediately to the vet office. Hypoglycemia results are lethargy and weakness, trouble walking, collapse and seizures. Prolonged blood clotting and hemorrhaging is also a problem.
If quick action is given the prognosis with aggressive supportive care is good. Delays of 30 minutes or more with out immediate proper treatment the development of liver toxicity will occur and the prognosis is very poor.
