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Dog Owners Beware: FDA Warns Against Deadly Ingredient More Harmful Than Chocolate

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While chocolate has received the most attention for its deadly effect on dogs, another ingredient is gaining momentum.

The FDA has just published a strong warning about xylitol, an ingredient that experts believe is 100 times more harmful than chocolate, The Wall Street Journal reports. The artificial sweetener is found in many food items and household products, including hewing gum, sugar-free candy, breath mints, baked goods, cough syrup, mouthwash, chewable vitamins, some nut butters and toothpaste.

Dogs have an adverse reaction to the ingredient because of its impact on the pancreas. A pup’s blood sugar levels are controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol triggers the rapid release of insulin in dogs causing the dog’s blood sugar to drop dramatically, resulting in hypoglycemia. If left untreated, a dog can die.

Related: Purina Stands by Beneful Brand as Lawsuit Grows

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, followed by decrease in a dog’s activity, weakness, wobbliness, loss of coordination and seizures.

If you think your dog ingested xylitol take him to the vet immediately. It can take up to 12 to 24 hours for the full effects to occur, so your pup may need to be monitored.

To prevent this life-threatening situation, owners should read labels and keep anything with xylitol away from their dog.

The FDA warning comes after poison-control centers have seen an increase in dog deaths and illnesses after dogs ingested xylitol.

Related: Purina Gets Slapped With Lawsuit Over Claims Food Is Poisoning Dogs

According to one report from the Pet Poison Helpline, there have been 2,900 xylitol-poisoning calls last year, up from 300 in 2009, The Wall Street Journal reports. This year, the center has seen a 15 percent increase from 2015.

While pet professionals applaud the FDA for raising awareness about xylitol poisoning, some are urging the government organization to do more. Dr. Jason Nicholas of Preventative Vet would like the FDA to require food packages to include more information about xylitol including the weight per serving and a symbol or warning about the dangers of xylitol for dogs, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Dr. Ahna Brutlag of Pet Poison Helpline added that she wished the FDA would have named specific products with xylitol and highlighted the non-food items that also include the ingredient, such as face lotion, medication and spray lotion.

Related: 7 Deadly Sins: The People Food You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Image via Flickr

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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