Every month we will try to present an interesting article related to dentistry

MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER                            by Dr. Heim

Dog Owner Alert

There are many foods safe for human consumption that are poisonous to dogs including: chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado, onion and citrus fruits.

 

Xylitol is a sugar substitute derived from berries, corn and mushrooms.  It  is used to sweeten  food products in place of sugar to decrease calories and to decrease their potential for promoting dental caries (cavities).

Xylitol is found in Trident and Spry chewing gum, some brands of mints and candies, jams, jellies, maple syrup and honey and commercial baked goods.

Xylitol, like some other sugar substitutes, can have a laxative effect on humans if consumed in large quantities.

 

Xylitol in small quantities can be harmful to dogs.

For example a single stick of xylitol chewing gum can cause  HYPOGLYCEMIA  in a 13 pound dog.  (3 sticks for a 40 pound dog)

A 13 pound dog can have  LIVER FAILURE  from eating 9 sticks of gum (27 sticks for a 40 pound dog)

 

Xylitol  content in gum and foods can vary, so ANY QUANTITY of XYLITOL should be considered UNSAFE FOR DOGS.