Have You Heard of Xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that is safe for us, but DEADLY to pets. It is much more toxic to dogs than chocolate. Unfortunately, it is increasingly found in many everyday products, sometimes labeled ‘sugar-free’ or ‘sweetened naturally’. Xylitol can drop your pet’s blood sugar VERY quickly and can lead to catastrophic liver damage! How can we keep our pets safe from this danger? The best way to be sure a product does not contain xylitol, is to carefully read the list of ingredients.
Some of the products it can be found in include:
*Candies
*Chewing Gum
*Ice Cream
*Cookies
*Cakes
*PEANUT BUTTER! (and other Nut Butters)
*Toothpastes
*Mouthwash
*Cosmetics
*Hand Creams
What Are the Signs of Xylitol Poisoning?
Some signs of xylitol poisoning can include:
*Vomiting
*Staggering
*Weakness
*Collapse
*Seizures
*Bleeding
*Stomach Distension
*Coma
If you believe your pet may have ingested a product containing xylitol, it is always best to err on the side of caution and have him or her seen by a veterinarian!
Let’s All Stay Safe and Have Fun this Halloween!
Here at Helping Hands we truly believe pets are family! We want everyone in the family to have a super fun, super safe holiday. Please share this with other pet families!
We want to hear from you…what are your best pet Halloween Safety Tips? How do you help your anxious pets stay calm around people and pets in costumes or when trick or treaters ring the door bell?
Debra Fidler says
Valuable information thank you. I sent this out on my FB page immediately where 99% of my friends are pet parent
Debra
Are you still collecting pop tops aluminum. I have sandwich bag full.
Veronica says
Oh thank you so much Mz Fidler! Yes, we collect the pop tops for our local Ronald McDonald House, and the clear plastic water bottle caps for the Wounded Warrior Project♥
Thomas says
Your approach to Halloween pet safety should also consider seasonal decor. Light up displays can pose risks of electrical shock or entanglement, not to mention they can also be frightening to pets. Jack-o’-lanterns with real candles can become fire hazards if knocked over by a curious pet. They can also singe whiskers and cause burns. LED lights offer a safer alternative.
Veronica says
Wow Thomas! Great tips! Thank you so much! Yes, getting tangled in decorative displays is even more of a risk for pets who are on those extend-a-leashes! We agree LED lights are the MUCH safer way to go, in
Jack-o’-lanterns and really in place of any candle. Thanks again for taking the time to share this!