Pet Alert Archive

COMMON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER CAUSE OF RECENT DEATHS IN DOGS

A new threat to our pets' lives has just come to light, dramatically and tragically. A pack of Trident bubble gum, containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol, was recently eaten by a 70 pound Labrador in perfect health. The dog died a horrible rapid death from liver failure within one week.

There have been eight published reports of liver failure in dogs from Xylitol-containing products, although the most common problem caused by Xylitol is seizures brought on by a rapid onset of low blood sugars. This effect can be caused by as little as two sticks of gum in 30 minutes in a 20 pound dog. The only effective treatment is rapid decontamination and supportive care which can only be done in an animal hospital.

This danger is so recently discovered that Animal Poison Control has yet to determine the exact reason behind the liver failure nor the exact dosages needed. Complicating matters is the fact that the exact amount of this artificial sweetener contained in varying products is considered a proprietary secret by the manufacturers—which means that Animal Poison Control calculations are best guess extrapolations.

Products that contain Xylitol are sugarless gums, toothpastes, mints, boxed dessert mixes, pancake syrups, and vitamins to name just a few. Dog owners should exercise extreme care with food storage and read product labels carefully.

Contributed by Dr. Patricia Hart, Southport Veterinary Center, Southport, CT