There is an ingredient used in many of our foods that Shetland Sheepdogs (aka the Sheltie) and other breed of dogs should NEVER ingest. Xylitol is a sugar substitute. While it doesn’t seem to cause problems in people, it can be deadly to dogs. It’s quickly absorbed into a canines bloodstream and may cause the pancreas to release a potent amount of insulin. Even a small amount of Xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure and even death.
Xylitol is being added to more of our food products every day. This sugar substitute can be found in diabetes foods, chewing gum, candy, baked goods and even some peanut butter. The harmful effects of this product can be seen in as little as 30 minutes. If you suspect xylitol poisoning you must contact your veterinarian or emergency room right away!
Message from a Sheltie mom – There are many dog owners not aware of this sweetener and have never heard of Xylitol poisoning. I know I didn’t, until I was googling about making homemade dog food last year. It’s popularity is due to its looking like and tasting like sugar but has fewer calories. It also doesn’t raise blood sugar levels….in people!
Peanut butter is a common treat for canines. I don’t know about other brands of peanut butter, but Skippy does not contain this ingredient. I was surprised to see Xylitol listed on the breath mints that I buy. If I didn’t know and I dropped a breath mint and Misty Blue ate it, I probably wouldn’t have thought anything of it. It’s so important to be aware of things like this.
Did you know about the danger of Xylitol poisoning in dogs?
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Shetland Sheepdog ~ A to Z Blogging Challenge 2020 Posts
A Is For Active
B Is For Barking
C Is For Characteristics
D Is For Dental Care
E Is For Ear Tipping
F Is For Famous Shetland Sheepdogs
G Is For Grooming
H Is For Health Conditions
I Is For Ivermectin
J Is For Jumping
K Is For Kisses
L Is For Lily of the Valley and Other Poisonous Flowers
M Is For MDR1
N Is For Nose Work
O Is For Origin
P Is For Phenol
Q Is For Quarantine
R Is For Rainbow Bridge
S Is For Shedding
T Is For Traits
U Is For Unconditional Love
V Is For Veterinarian
W Is For Working Ability
X Is For Xylitol
Y Is For Yelling and Other Noises
Z Is For Zoomies
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~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
I had no idea about this. Thank you for sharing such important information.
You are welcome. I actually came across this information by accident. I was looking for recipes for peanut butter dog cookies and xylitol came up.
No, Cheryl, I didn’t know about this sugar replacement, or it’s poisonous effects on dogs. I’ll certainly keep a lookout for it in the future!
Great informative post… 🙂
I had heard that about xylitol. I think it’s the sugar substitute in Wrigley’s Extra gum.
I had no idea that xylitol is toxic to dogs! That’s awful. I’ve seen it in many foods.
Many people have no idea, which is why I chose to write about it.