Le Lézard
Classified in: Health
Subjects: PET, PSF, ANW

Xylitol Pet Poisoning Cases More than Doubled Over Five Years


MINNEAPOLIS, March 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Many people are cutting back on sugar, which has led to an enormous increase in the number of products that contain xylitol, a lower-calorie sugar substitute with a low glycemic index that is found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees and some other fruits. Now it is being used to sweeten everything from chocolate and other candy, to peanut butter and toothpaste. While that's great news for people, pets aren't so lucky.

"Xylitol consumption by pets, particularly dogs... can be extremely toxic and potentially deadly" said Dr. Ahna Brutlag

According to the veterinary toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline, this increase in products containing xylitol has resulted in a corresponding increase in the number of xylitol-related pet poisoning cases.  Between 2015 and 2020, calls regarding xylitol poisoning increased 108 percent, and the biggest one-year increase was in 2019, when calls were up 47.2 percent from 2018. Interestingly, in 2020 xylitol poisoning calls to the Helpline were second only to regular chocolate poisoning calls.

"Most humans can safely consume products containing xylitol. In fact, some research suggests that the chemical compound may also have positive health benefits for people, including better dental health, prevention of ear infections and it possesses antioxidant properties," said Dr. Ahna Brutlag, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. "Xylitol consumption by pets, particularly dogs, on the other hand can be extremely toxic and potentially deadly. The most common effect of xylitol poisoning in dogs is a precipitous drop in blood sugar. Seizures, brain damage and death are not uncommon, as is liver failure that sets in hours or days afterwards." Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of the dog's blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, incoordination, collapse and seizures.

The number of xylitol poisoning cases continues to rise, and sometimes those cases are tied to other trends such as the legalization of marijuana. As the use of marijuana increases nationally, so does the consumption of THC-infused edibles ? many of which contain xylitol. For example, a California dog recently ingested more than 30 THC-infused mints that were sweetened with xylitol. Her owner not only had to worry about the negative effects from both the THC and the xylitol, but if there would be any negative interactions between the chemicals, causing further harm to her dog.

National Poison Prevention Week is the third full week of March every year, or March 21-27, 2021. Pet Poison Helpline chose to highlight the dangers of xylitol during this annual educational campaign due to the staggering number of products using this popular sugar substitute. In addition to candy and other sweets, xylitol is now being used in peanut butter, nasal sprays, sleep aids, shampoo, deodorant, multivitamins, prescription sedatives and medications, antacids, stool softeners, make-up remover, smoking cessation gums and much, much more.  

About Pet Poison Helpline
Pet Poison Helpline, an animal poison control center based in Minneapolis, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $65 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

Contact: Maja Ferrell 
Pet Poison Helpline
(952) 852-4608
[email protected]

SOURCE SafetyCall International, LLC


These press releases may also interest you

at 10:30
Endoscopy Equipment Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $32.3 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $46.2 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarketstm. The growth in...

at 10:29
Integrity Marketing Group, LLC ("Integrity"), one of the leading independent distributors of life, health and wealth products, today announced that Integrity Co-Founder and CEO Bryan W. Adams has been recognized as a top CEO for large companies in...

at 10:28
On March 28, 2024, Broncus Medical (02216.HK) (the "Company" or "we" ) announced annual results for FY 2023. In 2023, Broncus Medical earned product sales of US$12.41 million, an increase of 32% compared to the previous year. Of which, total revenue...

at 10:28
In a groundbreaking leap forward in the realm of nutrition and fitness technology, Portions Master announces the launch of its revolutionary app, set to transform the way individuals approach portion control and nutritional tracking....

at 10:21
Highlights of the Annual Results as of December 31, 2023: Revenue reached RMB2,155.6 millionGross profit amounted to RMB738.5 millionAdjusted non-IFRS net loss improved to RMB208.8 million, representing a significant turnaround from a negative...

at 10:17
The life insurance comparison site QuickQuote.com recently published a guide to accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. It revealed that some plans cost only $4 a month and provide $100,000 in coverage....



News published on and distributed by: