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The Skinny on Sugarless Gum
Xylitol is an artificial sweetner found in sugar-free products like gum, candy for diabetics
and diet aids. It is a sugar alcohol. One stick of sugar-free gum can contain up to one gram of the substance,
and as few as two sticks can lead to poisoning in dogs.
Xylitol damages the dog's liver, and clinical signs of intoxication can develop in as
little as 30 minutes. Ingestion causes a massive insulin release. The result is an extreme blood sugar drop (hypoglycemia).
This can cause weakness, stumbling, collapse, and seizures. After this stage, signs of liver disease develop.
If detected early enough (within two hours), affected dogs can be made to vomit. If full-blown symptoms appear, your
dog MUST BE TREATED BY A VETERINARIAN until his blood glucose is back to normal. In many small breed dogs, Xylitol poisoning
can be fatal without early veterinary intervention. There is no known antidote for such poisoning, only supportive treatment
to return the blood glucose back to normal and protect the liver.
After his own dog survived Xylitol poisoning, Brian Landi of Connecticut, created an online
petition to encourage companies to include a warning label on products containing Xylitol, or even ban the sweetener entirely.
To sign the petition, visit www.xylitolpetition.org
(reprinted from "AKC Family Dog" publication)
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Recent veterinary research shows that when lavender
oil is diffused into the air (aromatherapy), it can make a significant difference in calming canine and equine behavior.
And when applied topically, lavender is also an excellent antimicrobial and would healer - reducing scarring and speeding
tissue repair!
Before you use lavender in the air or on the skin, it must be distilled into an
essential oil - and though it is the mildest of essential oils, experts recommend you dilute it in a carrier oil such as almond
oil. And be especially careful around puppies or cats - their nervous systems may be too sensitive for even passing
exposure to the oils.
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Dental Care - the Heart of Pet Health
After your pet's routine annual exam, many feel they have provided the most complete
care for their pets. But studies in recent years have indicated that this is not enough. Regular dental care is
vitally important in ensuring your pet's overall health. A mouth full of bacteria can cause serious health problems
in addition to tooth loss and gum disease, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society.
Oral infections, if left untreated, can infect other organs such as the heart,
kidneys and liver. Periodontal disease can cause bacteria and toxins to enter the blood stream, carrying the infection
to other parts of the body.
The following steps can put a "bite" into potential health problems:
+Take your pet to your veterinarian for a dental exam - don't wait until his
yearly exam if you suspect a problem
+Begin a dental care program at home. By brushing your pet's teeth at home,
you can greatly reduce the risk of periodontal disease. +In addition to brushing, many pet foods are now formulated
for dental care - and are proven to be effective in removing plaque and tartar! When shopping for a dental care
diet, we suggest looking for food labels specifically for dental care and one with large kibbles - ie. Hill's Science Diet
Dental Care Diet.
Take your pet's dental care to heart. It's one good way to ensure good
health for your best friend.
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