NTIWC Newsletter - North Texas Irish Wolfhound Club

XYLITOL (sugar substitute) can be toxic to dogs!
The ASPCA'S Animal Poison Control Center is warning
veterinary care professionals and pet owners that
xylitol, a sweetener found in some sugar-free chewing
gums, candies, and other products can cause serious
or possibly life-threatening problems for dogs.
Dogs that have eaten products containing high levels
of xylitol might need immediate medical attention,
even if they are not yet showing illness. Sick dogs
(vomiting, weak, seizuring) will require aggressive
veterinary treatment and close monitoring of blood
values, in order to recover.
Dogs that have consumed large amounts of products
sweetened with xylitol may have a sudden drop in
blood sugar, depression, loss of coordination, and
seizures. This is mainly with products where xylitol is
the main ingredient.
These symptoms can develop quickly, even less than
30 minutes after consumption of the product. It can be
critical for pet owners to seek veterinary treatment
immediately.
Some data indicates a link between xylitol
consumption and liver failure in dogs, although it is
insufficient to claim positive conclusions.
Dogs ingesting foods containing high doses of xylitol
(greater than 100mg xylitol consumed per 2.2lbs
bodyweight) have exhibited low blood sugar or
hypoglycemia) which can be life-threatening. Intake
of very high doses of xylitol (greater than 500 - 1000
mg) has also been indicated in liver failure of 8 dogs,
which can be fatal.
One reported death occurred in a standard poodle
that ate five or six cookies sweetened with xylitol.
Xylitol was originally derived from Birch trees (in
Finland) and was first popular in Europe as a safe
sweetener for diabetics that would not change insulin
levels. It is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that is used
as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is a naturally occurring
sweetener found in the fibers of many fruits and
vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats,
and mushrooms. It can be extracted from corn fiber,
birch, raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is
roughly as sweet as sucrose but with only two-thirds
the food energy.
Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, can have a laxative
effect, because sugar alcohols are not fully broken
down during digestion. It has no known toxicity, and
people have consumed as much as 400 grams daily
for long periods with no apparent ill effects.
NTIWC 3
In 2004, popular North American Trident gum was
reformulated to include xylitol, but not as the main
sweetener (which are still sorbitol and maltitol and
IceBreakers brand Ice Cubes Gum from Hershey.
In 2006, Wrigley Company reformulated their
Orbit gum to contain xylitol and released it under
the name "Orbit Complete." Critics have noted that
the amount of Xylitol in some chewing gums is
small, and other sugar alcohols may be used in
larger amounts.
Although it is dangerous to dogs, it does have some
medical applications helpful to humans.
Dental care - Xylitol does not encourage tooth decay
and may actually aid in repairing minor cavities
caused by tooth decay.
A recent study demonstrated that a water additive
for animals containing xylitol was effective in
reducing plaque and calculus accumulation in cats.
Diabetes - Possessing approximately 40% less food
energy, xylitol is a low- calorie alternative to table
sugar. Absorbed more slowly than sugar, it doesn't
contribute to high blood sugar levels or the
resulting hyperglycemia.
Osteoporosis -Xylitol also appears to have potential
as a treatment for osteoporosis. It has been shown
to prevent weakening of bones in laboratory rats,
and actually improves bone density.
Ear and upper respiratory infections - Studies have
shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent
ear infections the act of chewing and swallowing
assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing
the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol
prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian
tubes which connect the nose and ear.
Pregnant or Nursing Women -Xylitol is safe for
pregnant and nursing women, and studies show that
regular use significantly reduces the probability of
transmitting the Mutant Streptococci bacteria from
mother to child during the first two years of life by
as much as 80%