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.
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