Danger to Dogs - Xylitol / Sorbitol

In July 2007 our dog had a seizure that we could not explain. Of course it’s on a weekend evening and we rushed her off to the emergency animal hospital in Myrtle Beach. We thought maybe she had been poisoned. Her symptoms were sudden a few minutes earlier she had been playing like a puppy then later she could barely walk; was lethargic and yelping in pain from the slightest touch.

Just this weekend we have finally figured out what happened. I had heard on the news in Houston the other day that Sorbitol and Xylitol sweeteners are poisonous to dogs. I heard the blurb on the news and decided I needed to read up on this since I chew gum that is sweetened with these sweeteners.

I first read an article that was in USA Today back in 2007. Then I did more research and found the AVMA had posted a warning back in October 2006. Further research lead to a blog by a Veterinarian in Miami who had written an article about the dangers of Xylitol and dogs.

The symptoms Sheeot had were exact to what has been described in all my reading. It was quick to come on and it was very serious. After reading all this I realize that she is lucky to be alive. I feel bad that I didn’t know about this sooner.

I would have thought with us giving the exact descriptions of this to the Vet they would have at least been prompted to ask us if we had Altoids or Sugar Free products where the dog could get them. This information had been published less than a year prior in the JAVMA which I would hope the veterinarian would have read (I guess not).

All the articles I have read indicate that Dogs bodies don’t process Xylitol like we humans. The dog can develop a sudden drop in blood sugar, loss of coordination, become lethargic and have seizures. The effect is rapid and can come on in as little as half an hour or start up to 12 hours later. The JAVMA states that you need to act swiftly and get your dog to the Veterinarian.

Many of the articles tell you to call the Animal Poison Control Center. There is a $60 cost for support and you are told to pay it because they will assist the Veterinarian once you get there. As of this weekend I have programmed the Animal Poison Control Center number - 888-426-4435 into my cell phone. I have also posted it at the house.

Please spread the word to your family and friends of the dangers of sugar free products to dogs. Don’t assume they are informed – trust me I had no idea until recently. I can't even say your Veterinarian will catch it quickly enough. Ours never figured it out.

Looking back I’m sure our dog picked up an Altoid or some gum I may have dropped near my recliner. She’s not above helping herself to things out of the trash can.

So this is my Public Service Blog.

Listed below are the links just in case you can't get the links above to work.

USA Today - http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-03-18-xylitol-sweetener_N.htm
AVMA - http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/oct06/061001b.asp
Animal Poison Control Center - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
888-426-4435
Dolittler Blog - http://www.dolittler.com/2006/10/27/pet.vet.dog.cat.vs101.10.27.06.html

What happens around the house while I work?

Well this is what I found a few minutes back when I went to go get coffee. No wonder she is up prowling around all night and waking me up in the morning.

There are not words to describe how jealous I am of these two right now... I want a NAP TOO!

What’s in the iPod

I have decided to have a standing “What’s in the iPod” blog. Since the songs prompt me of things to write about or remind me of things from the past. This week I was listening to “Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine” by Tom T Hall.

The song talks about advice he got from an older gentleman in a bar. The old man says there are only three things in the world worth a solitary dime (Old Dogs, Children and Watermelon Wine). I really like the line “Old dog’s care about you even when you make mistakes”. This certainly describes a good dog (old or young).

We have a wonderful dog named Sheeot. Of course she does not think of herself as a dog so much as a princess.

She will be 12 years old this summer and she is still as active as a puppy. She may only weigh 11-12 pounds but she fills the house with laughter, love and playfulness. We are glad that she let’s us share the house with her (she’s kind in that way). She even let us bring home a cat and didn’t kick us out.


I really miss my home office days when I had the cat on my desk in the inbox and Sheeot keeping my feet warm under the desk. They both know when to speak and when to be quiet. For some reason they always sense when I’m on the phone (often better than humans do). Sheeot has been my co-worker for 5 years now. She has supported many conference calls in her days.

No matter what time I come home, or leave she is at the door to greet me or see me off. She is so happy to see me when I walk in the door, she wags her nub of a tail so much it the whole body shakes. Who could ask for a better greeting than that?

She loves playing ball and heaven forbid you have a water hose she is game to catch the water in her mouth. One of her favorite things is to go for a ride in the car. She doesn’t like long distance trips as much as a short one to the store and back.

When I take her with me she always gets special attention. At the drive-thru Cash & Dash gas station she gets a doggy biscuit, at the bank drive-thru she gets a treat. And if you dare take her to Burger King, Hardees or McDonalds she always finds a way to get a freebie.

I guess when you’re that cute life has special advantages. She’s such a special animal we wish we could clone her, but we know there will never be another like her.