Sherpa Warns of Xylitol Danger For Your Dog

Wilmington, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/29/2012 -- Xylitol is one of the most highly regarded sugar substitutes. However, there are xylitol side effects that consumers, especially dog owners, must be aware of. When humans consume excessive amounts of xylitol, flatulence, bloating and diarrhea can result. But a more serious xylitol danger is when a dog ingests too much of it. 

Dogs can sometimes ingest foods sweetened by xylitol. When they take in more than 100 milligrams of xylitol, they can develop hypoglycemia (low blood pressure) and this can be life-threatening. Within 30 minutes of ingestion, symptoms of low blood sugar such as seizures, depression, loss of coordination, and collapse may be observed. One study that the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics published showed that too much xylitol indeed causes hypoglycemia and even liver damage. 

What is xylitol? It is a sugar alcohol sweetener that occurs in nature. It can be found in fibrous materials including corn husks, sugar cane bagasse and fibers from various fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is widely used in the production of medical and dental products. 

The good effects of xylitol gum on dental health is well noted. It is shown to help in the prevention of tooth decay. It works by attracting the harmful microorganisms in the mouth and ‘starving’ them. 

However, the increased popularity of xylitol also poses a real danger to man’s best friend. Consumers are advised to use caution when using xylitol sweetened products and make sure that they are not easily accessible to pet dogs. 

About Natural Health Sherpa
Natural Health Sherpa provides in-depth, science-based, independent reviews of natural health therapies and remedies that have been proven to be both safe and effective and are backed by good science -- multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies. Unfortunately, there are many charlatans making bogus, unfounded claims in the natural remedy area, so our goal is to separate fact from fiction to pinpoint what actually works.

While we may be more educated from the pet food scare about what to feed our beloved pets, we still aren't always sure about how to properly select ad give our pets safe, daily nutrition. Read more at the following link;

Prevent Pet Problems by Adopting a Natural Approach to Health

Animals suffer from the same illnesses as people, even stress and anxiety, a compromised immune system, either from illness or diet, arthritis, hip dysplasia, digestive issues, dry skin, and thinning fur, along with more serious diseases like diabetes.

Vitamins, herbs, and minerals are very helpful for all animals including horses, especially stress and anxiety supplements.  Your pet can have stress related issues from moving to a new home, a new pet added to the family, loss of a human companion, illness, surgery, change of routine, or being left behind during vacation. Symptoms can be seen as;

--refusing to eat
--urinating indoors
--destroying furniture
--any other behavior that is not typical

As pets age joints and tendons can cause hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. Natural minerals and herbs such as glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, and MSM will help with joints, tendons and ligaments.

Pets can also benefit from adding essential fatty acids to their diet. Fish and plant oils give them shiny coats, moisturized skin, and less shedding. Enzymes and probiotics are formulated to help with a range of digestive issues including loose bowels, constipation, and fur balls.

A high quality diet along with exercise will help maintain your pet’s health.  Using natural herbs and specific formulas for their illnesses can help in maintaining good health and vitality for life.

Effective and Safe Natural Remedies for Your Pets - Buy 2 Get 1 Free AND a 15% off Coupon at PetAlive!

Home Made Flea Collar

Commercial type flea collars with chemicals like cyphenothrin and permethrin are synthetic toxic poisons that can weaken our pet’s immune systems. Beside skin irritations and hair loss, flea dips have been shown to cause cancer. The popular spot-in products may be convenient but there were over 40,000 reported cases of side effects in just the US. The problems affected their coat, digestion and nervous system and some dogs died; the smaller the dog the more problems naturally. Do we really want our pets to be exposed to these chemicals? Would you?

Home made flea collar for dogs: Do NOT use on cats.

2 tablespoons peppermint essential oil

1/2 cup rosemary essential oil

2 tablespoons white cedar essential oil

1/4 cup citronella essential oil

2 tablespoons eucalyptus essential oil

Soak a natural fibre rope in mixture and let dry for several hours. Tie around pet's neck.

natural flea and tick collars online

Vegan Pet Food for Dogs?

Helen DeGeneres, part owner of the new pet food "Halo" may not be making the right recommendations concerning this line of dog food.

Dr. Becker has the full story at her healthy pets site.