Xylitol: I Almost Killed 2 Dogs Today!

[Maya]

I can't believe this happened! We've had a second dog in the house since last Saturday - it's a rescue cocker spaniel we are fostering, Our first foster doggie! So... I put an Epic toothpaste (loaded with Xylitol) on the stairs, one or both of the dogs got hold of it, and bit through it a few times. I found the toothpaste on the couch, next to Isabelle (our foster). I immediately called my vet, she said to call Epic and ask how much Xylitol is in the toothpaste, and also to bring both dogs into the veterinary hospital, so they can monitor them. So far, so good... they haven't noticed any drop in blood sugar level, or any other symptoms; their blood was checked twice today; they are back home now. It seems the dog/dogs didn't like the toothpaste - so she/they just dropped it, thank God!

The reason I am posting this is the following: all the stories I've heard or read on the Internet about dogs eating Xylitol, were always about GUM that contains Xylitol. I have not read one story about dogs trying to eat toothpaste with Xylitol. I've been so careful with gum, alwas reminding my husband and the kids that we cannot have any gum lying around, always checking to make sure my purse is out of our dog's reach, because that's where I keep gum... didn't cross my mind to be as careful with Xylitol toothpaste! So, here's something worth knowing: Epic Xylitol gum has 1 gram of Xylitol per average amount used for one toothbrushing. Also, all-Xylitol gum has about 1 gram of Xylitol per piece. 3 grams of Xylitol can kill a 65lbs dog. Our Doodle Cassie is 44 lbs, so even 2 grams could be lethal. Isabelle, our foster is much smaller - my guess is about 15lbs. Another thing - if you realize your dog might have eaten something with Xylitol, and you realize it soon after it's happened - induce vomiting immediately. After about 60 min. it's going to be in the dog's blood system, not just the stomach.

SCARY STUFF!

[Sandy (Rorie & Riley's Mom)]

I discovered that a dog product I had been using contains xylitol. It's the stuff you spray on their teeth to help with plaque and bad breath. I used it for a couple weeks last summer when I ran out of toothpaste. For some reason, the other day I happened to check the ingredients and one of them is xylitol. I can't believe they would put it in a dog product. I was planning on asking the vet about it the next we go.

[Maya]

Now THAT is even scarier (sp?)! Please let us know what you find out. Have you thought about calling the manufacturer and asking them about it?

By the way - I didn't know there's a spray for doggie's bad breath! What will they think of next?!?

[Belinda Stevens]

Wow! I am so sorry you have had to go through this! You know I know how scary it is! Thank you for sharing the information about the toothpaste as I had no idea. I had only known of it being in some (most) sugarless gum and some candies. I guess it goes to show that we all should be reading the ingredient list in everything we buy. I may have to now block off days to go shopping. I will be sending good thoughts your way and praying your 2 pups will be fine, which it sounds like they are.... but I will be anyway!

[Leslie and Halas]

Thanks for the warning. I knew it was in other products besides gum, but I still associate it mostly with gum, so it's good to have the reminder. Glad it looks like your dogs will be fine.

[Mary Walker]

Its amazing what they can get into isn't it??

[Kathy Spyker]

Thanks for the warning. I must really be in the dark, because I never knew anything about this . It is good to know.