{"id":571,"date":"2019-03-20T18:25:56","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T18:25:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bowmanvet.com\/?p=571"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:10:36","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T20:10:36","slug":"xyli-what-pets-and-dangers-of-xylitol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bowmanvet.com\/blog\/xyli-what-pets-and-dangers-of-xylitol\/","title":{"rendered":"Xyli-what? Pets and Dangers of Xylitol"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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You may (or may not) have heard of Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly used in many foods. In fact, you may even enjoy sugar free gum, cereal, or peanut butter sweetened with the substance. But are you aware that Xylitol is toxic to dogs and cats? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have many questions about human foods that are safe (or not) for our pets. Although Xylitol recently made the national news cycle as an ingredient in peanut butter, it\u2019s being used in more foods than ever thanks to the low-carb diet craze.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s our job to raise awareness of potential threats to your pet, and we hope that giving you an idea of what Xylitol is and where it is used can help keep your furry friends safe!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Xylitol?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A chemical compound discovered in 1891, Xylitol is commonly used as a sugar substitute due to its sweet taste, sugar-like consistency, and low glycemic index. It has fewer calories than sugar, making it a popular choice among those looking to lose weight. It is also effective at preventing mouth bacteria from producing tooth-harming acids, and is being used more and more in oral health care products like toothpaste, mouthwash, and sugar-free gum.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xylitol Toxicity<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In dogs, cats, and certain other animals, Xylitol causes a massive insulin release from the pancreas and a resulting dramatic drop in blood sugar. This low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is the basis for Xylitol toxicity, which can be deadly. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vomiting is typically the first sign of Xylitol toxicity, and can appear anywhere from a few to 12 hours after ingestion. Dangerously low blood sugar levels can also result in weakness, trembling, seizures, and collapse. In large doses, Xylitol causes hepatic necrosis, a form of acute liver failure. This condition is a health crisis that can ultimately result in death if not treated aggressively.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs are the usual victims of Xylitol toxicity due to their indiscriminate palates and tendency to \u201cget into things\u201d they should not. Cats are just as susceptible to the drop in blood sugar that causes toxicity, but they rarely eat enough of any Xylitol containing item to cause severe symptoms. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foods That Contain Xylitol<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The list of foods and other products containing Xylitol is growing all the time, so it\u2019s always a good idea to read labels. Some common products include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n