XYLITOL AND DOGS ~ DANGER!

Today I went to my local health food store here in Westerville, Raisin Rack. Recently I read how deadly the artificial sweetener xylitol is for dogs ~ our beloved family members . . .at least in my house. I talked to a worker-bee at Raisin Rack today and was told I should discuss the dangers of xylitol with their 'pet person' who runs their pet department. She knew about the dangers but compared it to chocolate. . . .I tried to tell her that very few consumers know about the dangers of xylitol to dogs and as an example (I am someone who is internet savvy and watches the news and reads the papers regularly) and did not know of the dangers. I recently purchased some items that contained xylitol (one being chewing gum). I have a dog that would indeed pull a pack of gum from my purse and eat it if it smelled like me. So bottom line ~ the pet department person did not seem particulary interested in letting consumers of xylitol containing products know about its dangers. She felt people know about chocolate, so why not already somehow know (maybe through osmosis or telepathy. . .) about the xylitol dangers.

I am just angry about her lack of interest. She said 'she might be able to put up a notice in the pet department'. That is not where the xylitol containing products are though. I don't buy my pet food at the health food store. I buy my pet food at a pet food store. The notice should be near the cash register . . where the xylitol containing snacks, gum, and nasal spray (yes, its in nasal spray) are.

Here is a bit on dangers of chocolate. . .(it takes a large amount to harm a dog luckily)

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg/kg to cause a toxic reaction. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.On average,Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz.Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz.Baker's chocolate 390mg/oz.Using a dose of 100 mg/kg as the toxic dose it comes out roughly as:1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semisweet chocolate1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight for Baker's chocolate.So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

BUT XYLITOL is a different story:

I copied this from From: Carole Jackson Bottom Line's Daily Health News ~

No Sweets for Dogs I have always followed the rule of thumb that dog food is for dogs and people food is for people, though I know that I am in the minority on that one. However, as much as we think of our pups as man's best friends, their digestion is definitely different, and they cannot tolerate a number of "people products," including the sugar-free and low-calorie sweetener xylitol (often found in gums, breath mints, candies, toothpastes and baked goods). In fact, xylitol in dogs can be down right deadly. When I spoke with Eric K. Dunayer, VMD, veterinary toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about the recent report regarding dogs and xylitol, he told me that dogs actually have a sweet tooth and seem especially attracted to xylitol. This sweet tooth can get dogs into serious trouble, even, on occasion, kill them. With their powerful sense of smell, dogs can ferret out xylitol products in seconds and have been known to consume an entire jumbo-sized pack of xylitol sweetened gum lickety split, according to Dr. Dunayer.
DANGERS OF XYLITOL AND DOGS
Two major physiological events might then occur. For reasons unknown, dogs metabolize xylitol differently than humans -- their insulin levels increase which is why their blood glucose levels drop -- which can lead to hypoglycemia. The dog becomes sleepy, weak and unsteady on the feet and may collapse and seize. This cascade can develop rapidly, says Dr. Dunayer, starting within 30 to 60 minutes after xylitol consumption, depending on the size and age of the dog. The second danger, however, is even more insidious -- fatal liver failure and internal bleeding can develop in dogs who did not show hypoglycemia initially. These reactions have occurred in dogs of various breeds, mixes and both genders, says Dr. Dunayer. Consequently, he says, anyone whose pet has ingested the sweetener must call the vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless the vet tells you to do so. The reason: The symptoms move quickly and if the dog should collapse, it could choke on its vomit. So, all you softies who feed your doggies little yum-yums, stick with the ones that are doggie approved and keep the xylitol along with any chocolate (including cocoa), raisins and grapes far from Fido's reach. (If you didn't know, chocolate can cause rapid heartbeat and excitement... and raisins and grapes can trigger kidney failure in dogs.)

Dogs dying from xylitol poisoning is going up every year due to increased number of consumables containing this ingredient. So be diligent! Beware!

Tess

Laying those we love to rest

Well, I'm back after a long absence. Had my head up my you - know - what and forgot what was important to me for a while. Lost my father a few days ago, buried him on his birthday ~ 7/28/08 . . . he would have been 91.

He had a long healthy life. Loved by many, misunderstood by some. . . .failed to love those he should have. . . .at least not in the way he should. Cryptic you say. . .no, I'm talking about his relationship with me. Sometimes good, never great, much of the times lousy. His family was not my family. My mother's family was always the family I knew, loved and still love so very much. Lucky, very lucky, to have them.

Got to see The Boy. So happy to see my loved son after over 8 months. He's changed ~ some ~ not as much as I thought he might. But enough to know that the 'spaces in our togetherness' is good for him and me.

David is back in Cali now. . .doing his thing . . working, playing, and getting ready to embark on his California college adventure. I am so psyched for him. Always wanted to live in Cali and he's living the dream. . . .I hope it is good for him always.

Me I'm looking for a path that helps me finish growing up and helps me appreciate the good life I do truly have. I do have a man that loves me. A son that loves me and is growing up in a way that I know I've done something right with him. Two great dogs, a crazy ass sister that I wouldn't trade for the world, and another friend that has turned out to be a true gem. My sister, Mona.

So my sadness is in layers. Loss of a parent who betrayed me numerous times in my life. These time brings back memories of the loss of my mother 5 years ago. . . .she too betrayed me many, many times in my life. I was able to come to terms with that relationship though. Having my dearest son come and visit. A visiting so fleeting it was here and gone in a blink. Layers and layers of sadness. . . I'm digging my way out. . .I see a glimpse . . .a glimmer of my inner fortitude that will sustain me. . . .I am sure.

What is it. . I am woman, hear me roar. I'll be ok this time too. T