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Xylitol is found in hard candy, chewing gum, and mints.
Xylitol can be dangerous to dogs because if they eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas.
This rapid release of insulin causes a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, this hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
Common clinical signs and symptoms of xylitol poisoning develop rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes of consumption. Signs of hypoglycemia may include any, or all, of the following:
Vomiting
Weakness
Lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing
Depression or lethargy
Tremors and seizures.
Please call us on 01665 252250 if your pet has ingested any xylitol products.
