Alert: Dogs Getting Ill from Sugarless Gum

Hello,

People are being warned that more dogs are getting ill after eating sugarless gum. If you chew sugarless gum, note that it contains xylitol, that causes canines to get very ill.

Did you know that xylitol is 100 times more toxic to a dog than chocolate? I sure didn't. Dr. Ahna

Brutlag, a veterinary toxicologist say that they are seeing more cases of dogs becoming sick from xylitol ingestion. The doctor says they've seen a 'dramatic increase' in these cases, when interviewed by the Journal. In 2015 alone there have been 2,800 calls to the Pet Poison Hotline about pet poisoning due to xylitol, up from 300 in 2009.

Xylitol is in many products, some you wouldn't associate with it. Along with mints, xylitol is found in children's gummy vitamins, toothpaste, specialty peanut butter, and melatonin sleep aids. The reason it's found in all these products are that it's got two-thirds the calories of sugar and its safer than sugar for diabetics. Some gum makers say that people have dental health benefits from it.

On the stock exchange, Hershey sells xylitol products in gum (HSY-dwn—40%).(Information from Fortune Magazine.

A spokesman for Hershey stated that “they certainly understand the passion that pet owners have for their animals, but there are many foods and ingredients, including xylitol-containing foods, intended for human consumption that should not be consumed by animals or pets.” per Journal.

Pet parents need to put this on the list of things to keep away from their beloved pets. Watch your pup hoovering for warm gum sticking to sidewalks and in stores on the floor (for those of us who can take our animals with us inside). Many dogs like to pick up the warm gum, and >gulp!< eat it. Gross, but true.

So: chocolate, xylitol, grapes-fresh or dried...big baddies. Basically, if it ain't dogfood or dog treats don't let them near it. The Poison Control Line for animals is 1-888-426-4435. It is a $65 fee to use the line, and is run by the ASPCA.

http://fortune.com/2015/11/03/xylitol-dog-poison-gum/

Good Things to Know!

LV, JT & FX