{"id":3030,"date":"2010-07-17T18:02:38","date_gmt":"2010-07-17T17:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sithean.com\/dawgdogs\/?p=3030"},"modified":"2013-05-05T21:43:48","modified_gmt":"2013-05-05T20:43:48","slug":"vets-warn-dog-owners-about-dangers-of-artificial-sweeteners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sithean.com\/dawgdogs\/vets-warn-dog-owners-about-dangers-of-artificial-sweeteners\/","title":{"rendered":"VETS WARN DOG OWNERS ABOUT DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS"},"content":{"rendered":"

VETS WARN DOG OWNERS ABOUT DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is warning dog owners of the danger that the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can pose to their pets.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0\u00a0 Of particular concern are the sugar substitute products that contain Xylitol which are used in home baking as well as in manufactured goods.\u00a0 Cakes, biscuits and other goodies made with it are toxic to dogs.\u00a0 Owners may not be aware of these dangers and may not associate clinical deterioration with ingestion of these foodstuffs.<\/p>\n

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

BVA Past President Nicky Paull commented:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think your dog may have eaten chewing gum or a sweet or cake containing Xylitol and appears unwell, perhaps vomiting or lacking coordination, \u00a0then contact your vet for advice immediately and be ready to provide information on what\u2019s been consumed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and the Veterinary Poisons Information Service<\/a> (VPIS) have produced an easy reference guide to keeping pets safe from harmful substances.\u00a0 The \u2018Pets and poisons:\u00a0 keeping your animal safe\u2019 leaflet can be easily downloaded from the BVA AWF website at www.bva-awf.org.uk<\/a> or you can request a copy from the Foundation.<\/p>\n

Alexander Campbell, Head of Service at VPIS, added:<\/p>\n

\u201cWith 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

ENDS<\/p>\n

Notes to Editors:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For more information please contact the BVA media office<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation is the veterinary profession\u2019s charity committed to improving the welfare of animals through veterinary science, education and debate.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Pets and poisons: keeping your animals safe\u2019 is one of a series of BVA AWF leaflets designed to assist pet owners. Other leaflets include:<\/p>\n