Is Xylitol Really Safe For Me? What About My Dog?

FIRST... WHAT IS XYLITOL?

The well-known health-dangers posed by sugar have many families seeking alternative sweeteners.  One of the most popular alternate sweeteners on the market is known as Xylitol.  Xylitol is a naturally-occurring “sugar alcohol” found in corn, some hardwoods, fruit, mushrooms, lettuce and more.  Processed, it is a white, crystalline form, similar in look and taste to regular, granulated sugar.  Unlike regular sugar, however, which is clearly detrimental to the health of humans, research shows Xylitol to have some promising health benefits:

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF XYLITOL

• Xylitol promotes tooth and gum health by alkalizing the pH in the mouth, thus inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
• By alkalizing the entire body, it helps protect against viral, bacterial, and fungal growth.
• Interestingly enough, it also shows promise in reducing the rate of childhood ear infections.
• It appears Xylitol may improve bone density in aging adults.
• Xylitol is the only sugar which does not feed yeast, thus it promotes yeast/candida die-off.
• Xylitol has 40% fewer calories than regular sugar and a very low glycemic index.

While some people might experience a bit of indigestion as they get used to Xylitol, the taste and texture is very similar to sugar, and baked goodies turn out nicely...  Slow introduction can prevent tummy upset, so this can be a great choice for many wishing to lose weight or control diabetes (consult your physician for dietary changes).  For those following “Trim Healthy Mama” (or low-carb diets, such as Atkins, this can be used in conjunction with stevia extract and erythritol, making it quite versatile.

IF YOU HAVE CANINE FAMILY MEMBERS, ALL IS NOT SWEET, HOWEVER…

There is a dark side to Xylitol that all pet owners MUST be aware of. 

Xylitol is TOXIC to canines… and by “toxic”, we must be clear – even in very small amounts it can be deadly!  For those who say, "So is chocolate...", It is estimated that Xylitol is approximately 100 times more toxic.

The most common serious side-effects of ingestion are hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure.  Hypoglycemia can occur less than 15 minutes from the time of consumption, resulting in death if not treated immediately!   Unfortunately, even prompt medical attention can be futile, as there is no known "cure", only supportive treatment.

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IF YOU ARE ALARMED, LET IT BE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

1. If your pet will have any access to your baked goods, gum, or sugar-free candies, then using Xylitol is not absolutely not worth the risk.  There are wonderful alternative sweeteners, safe for both pets and humans.
   
   
2. “If it kills dogs, how can it possibly be safe for me and my family?” 
   I am certain you have noticed by now that your 4-legger is very different from humans.  This is not just on a cosmetic basis, but also internally as well:  Your dog’s digestive system is that of a carnivore; you, on the other hand, are an omnivore.  The digestive process is quite different between canines and humans, and each system has its strengths and weaknesses. 
   
   For instance, you could not (should not!) go out and eat a rotting squirrel carcass in the yard; as a carnivore, your dog absolutely could and would live to tell the tale.
   
   In the instance a human consumes Xylitol, the body is unable to efficiently absorb the sugar alcohols, and the pancreas does not release a heavy load of insulin...  This is one reason Xyltol helps regular blood sugar in humans.
   
   Unfortunately, when dogs ingest Xylitol, their systems rapidly absorb the sugar alcohols, eliciting an immediate release of insulin, in turn causing a swift, life-threatening drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia.)
   

HOW MUCH IS “TOO MUCH”? 

ANY Xylitol is too much for a canine.  Some brands of Xylitol-sweetened gum contain enough Xyltol for 1 stick of gum to result in severe hypoglycemia in a 20 pound dog; as few as 5 pieces could cause complete liver failure.  Other brands might take twice that number to result in severe toxicity... but ANY Xylitol is likely to cause harm.

SYMPTOMS OF XYLITOL POISONING

Hypoglycemia can occur within 15 minutes of ingestion, but may not present for up to 60 minutes, possibly longer.  Symptoms may include:

Vomiting
Muscle weakness or lack of coordination
Lethargy, obvious fatigue
Tremors/Seizures
Coma

HIGH TOXICITY
Bleeding disorder
Liver failure

HAS YOUR DOG HAS EATEN XYLITOL?

Call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline IMMEDIATELY, then load your pet into the car and drive IMMEDIATELY (but safely!) to your vet clinic.

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