VETS WARN DOG OWNERS ABOUT DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

VETS WARN DOG OWNERS ABOUT DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is warning dog owners of the danger that the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can pose to their pets.  Xylitol is not considered harmful to humans, but if ingested by a dog the substance is dangerous because it triggers a sudden release of insulin which causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and can lead to liver damage.

Xylitol is increasingly used as a sweetener in sugar-free chewing gum and other confectionary; it is used in dental hygiene products and is also found as an excipient in many medicines.   Of particular concern are the sugar substitute products that contain Xylitol which are used in home baking as well as in manufactured goods.  Cakes, biscuits and other goodies made with it are toxic to dogs.  Owners may not be aware of these dangers and may not associate clinical deterioration with ingestion of these foodstuffs.

Other animals such as ferrets and cats may be similarly affected and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is monitoring all referred cases.

BVA Past President Nicky Paull commented:

“While most dog owners are now aware that foods such as chocolate and grapes can be toxic to their pets few are aware of the dangers if their dog eats a cake or muffin containing Xylitol.

“If you think your dog may have eaten chewing gum or a sweet or cake containing Xylitol and appears unwell, perhaps vomiting or lacking coordination,  then contact your vet for advice immediately and be ready to provide information on what’s been consumed.”

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances.  The ‘Pets and poisons:  keeping your animal safe’ leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website at www.bva-awf.org.uk or you can request a copy from the Foundation.

Alexander Campbell, Head of Service at VPIS, added:

“With the increasing number of products containing Xylitol on the market the VPIS recognises the extreme importance of raising awareness of the danger to dogs of ingesting this substance, particularly in the light of a case we handled the other evening which involved a dog eating a muffin made with this sugar substitute.

“This is yet another instance where a food or food additive deemed safe for human consumption proves to be dangerous for other species. Pets should really only be given foodstuffs formulated for them.

“It is possible that other animals such as ferrets or cats might be affected similarly, but few cases are yet documented. The VPIS continues to monitor all referred cases in all animals with the aim of clarifying the situation in other species as and when more data become available.

“The VPIS would like to see manufacturers of these products provide some visible warnings and information on the packaging and to inform the retail outlets they supply of the potential risks to dogs.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1.         For more information please contact the BVA media office

2.         The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation is the veterinary profession’s charity committed to improving the welfare of animals through veterinary science, education and debate.

3.         ‘Pets and poisons: keeping your animals safe’ is one of a series of BVA AWF leaflets designed to assist pet owners. Other leaflets include:

  • What makes my pet happy?
  • Taking your pets abroad: your guide to diseases encountered abroad
  • Ornamental fish keeping
  • An introduction to goat keeping
  • Caring for your ferret

All BVA AWF literature can be downloaded.  Individual copies of the leaflets can also be obtained by contacting the BVA AWF directly on 020 7636 6541 or email bva-awf@bva.co.uk.

4.         The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) was launched in 1992 and provides 24-hour telephone advice for veterinary professionals on the diagnosis and management of poisoned animals. It is a subscription-based service and does not take enquiries from members of the public or pet owners, who are encouraged to call their local veterinary practice for advice.

The VPIS also publishes reviews and reports using data collected from poisons enquiries in scientific journals and magazines, monitors trends in poisoning and teaches at various universities and veterinary colleges.

The VPIS is part of the Medical Toxicology Information Service (MTIS) of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

5.         The VPIS has drawn attention to Xylitol poisoning in dogs in a letter to the Veterinary Record of 17 July 2010.

Helena Cotton
Media & International Affairs Officer
British Veterinary Association
7 Mansfield Street
London  W1G 9NQ
+44 (0)20 7908 6342 direct
+44 (0)20 7636 6541 switchboard
+44 (0)7503 190247 out of hours number for media calls only
helenac@bva.co.uk
www.bva.co.uk – www.bvapublications.com – www.vets.tv

If you would like to sign-up to receive our electronic newsletter please visit http://www.bva.co.uk/newsroom/BVA_e-news.aspx

VAT Registration Number GB 232 7441 80

Lost Lily Cavalier

Missing Black & Tan Cavalier – King Charles Spaniel,
Dog, King Charles Spaniel, black and tan, female, 1-2 years, small, private seller, Lost from Edenbridge in Kent.

Lily our beautiful Black & Tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been missing since 16:45 Friday 25th June.
She is 1yr old and was only spayed a short while ago.She was wearing a pink collar with I.D tags and is microchipped.
If anyone thinks they may of seen her or someone with her or even sees or hears an ad for a dog matching Lily description for sale please please please get in touch – we and our kids are heartbroken and so worried about her.
Thank you Lorraine
Edenbridge, 01732 866952 / 07986 283813.

Location:
Kent, Edenbridge

Contact:

Phone: 01732 866952

Spencer

progress update: 3/8/10

Spencer has now been homed !!

Hi, I am Spencer somewhere between three and four years old, I don’t keep track of birthdays.
I arrived at the rescue on Sat from a dog pound it was a narrow escape for me as I had run out of time.
I like people,dogs and am not bad with cats either.
I know sit, love toys and need a bit of training but hey who doesn’t, ask most wifes and they will say the same about their husbands.

Lady

REHOMED

progress update 11/7/10

Lady came to visit today with Craig who has adopted her and Cara (originally called Fern ) another Dawgdog.
She was not in the least fazed by the noise of the machinery that the Gas Board were using next to the car as you can see from the photo!


progress update:4/7/10

Lady has now found a home !!

Lady and Max

Dido

Dido has now been rehomed !!

Hi, my name is Dido and I am 8 months old.
Somewhere in my genes is a GSD and a Collie so I have very good ancestry getting the best of two types of dogs.
I am the size of a Collie so not too big. I love the company of other dogs and people and also love food so as often as I can get away with it steal any food I can.
Jeff who is fostering me had left a loaf of bread that he made to prove and I very nearly managed to get it but he heard the tin hit the floor and caught me out.
Helen said it was a good job too when Jeff told her as rising bread in my tummy would of made me very ill indeed.
I do like the taste of furniture so please understand I am at that age when I like to chew.
I am good off the lead and have lovely walks with Jeff and his five dogs in the forest and then we all retire for a good run around his paddock.

All in all life is good here but Jeff can’t have six dogs so a home is on the cards for me.

Max ( the terrier )

Max has now been rehomed !!

Max is a 10 month old JRT who has come from a loving home but unfortunately they are no longer to keep him.
We are told by his previous owners that Max loves going for a walk,
he is good with other dogs and his recall is great off the lead.
He is an affectionate boy who loves to give kisses and have cuddles.
He wants to be near you most of the time but he is ok to be left at home alone.
He loves being outside in the garden with you just pottering around and loves chasing the hosepipe water!

Jackson

REHOMED

progress update: 4/7/10

Hi Helen
Jackson has settled in to his new home and has come out of himself 100%.
He loves interacting with my husband, 9 year old son and 5 year cat, Booshy.
He is a mummy’s boy and we start puppy classes this week.
He continues to be very affectionate and adores human contact.
My son donated his old disney blanket to Jackson and he sleeps with it everynight in his bed.
Early mornings is his play time and last thing at night he has a funny five but thats just him.

He walks off the lead when we accompany my neighbour and her female toy poodle, Dilly and runs for miles in the forest.

As you can see by the photos he does get away with certain things we never allowed our previous dog to do such as sit on the settee.

Thanks again for allowing us to have the privilage of having Jackson in our family.

Polly, Jason & Caleb

progress update: 11/6/10

Jackson has now been rehomed !

progress update from Jackson’s foster home, 29th May 2010

Jackson has been with us for over a week now and he is such a poppet.
He is a lovely red colour and beautiful soft brown eyes that are so full of love.
Jackson has the sweetest nature,very affectionate in fact he is a 24/7 a lap dog.
He adores human contact and gives the nicest kisses, he is so gentle and loves everyone. He lives happily with our 3 dogs and socializes well.
He is 90% house trained and sleeps in his crate at night ,he will sit when asked and give you a paw.
I still cant believe what people do as Jackson was found wondering the streets at 11.30 at night cold very hungry and scared witless and yet this little boy has done nothing but shown me love and trust, you can do anything with him .
Jackson is maybe 11 weeks old now although I’m in no rush for him to go anywhere, it is time for him to find his new home and for me to let someone else have a chance to love him,as believe me you will fall in love with this special boy.

Lots of Love Angela & Jackson.

JACKSON HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED

Have you seen Sammy?

—–Original Message—–
From: Mark & Lyn Purden [mailto:purden@talktalk.net]

Subject: LOST GREEK DOG

Dear All – having just recovered fromWolfie’s escapade of 3 weeks on the
loose in theNew Forest, I couldn’t believe my ears this afternoon when the
lady looking after Sammy whilst Penny and Nigel went to Italy, phoned me to
say she had let him off the lead just a few hours after she had taken him
into her care. Sammy is an extremely shy dog and will be very difficult to
coax. He went missing at 12.30 this afternoon in Bear Wood. Mark and I were
alerted at 3pm and we spotted him at 4.30 on King John/Richard Drive area of
Bear Wood. He was running down the middle of the road and we didn’t stand a
hope of catching him. Unfortunately, it was terribly hot today and there is
no surface water. He was, though, near to where he went missing and we are
hoping he will try to make his way back. However, Chris and Barbara also
spent the evening looking for him but had no luck. Penny and Nigel are not
yet aware and I hope we get him back safely long before their return.
The lady responsible for him is at 92 Plantagenet Crescent and her phone number
is 01202 594157 and Sammy is wearing one of her tags as well as his own.
Any help will be very much appreciated. Should you see him then please
contact her as she thinks he will come to her. This is all such a shame as
he has come a long way since his arrival last October. Kind regards Lyn