Forum Topic

Seriously toxic to Dogs - please read below

Many dog owners may already know that Xylitol is highly toxic to Dogs, however it's now been re-branded as 'Birch Sugar' and is found in Peanut Butter and Ice Cream. Please always check that whatever you feed your canine friends that Xylitol/Birch Sugar is NOT in the list of ingredients.

Loraine Pemberton ● 1871d4 Comments

Thanks Loraine - I knew about xylitol but wasn't aware it was also branded as birch sugar.It's not found in all ice cream I think, but it can be found in lower calorie ice cream.It can also be found in chewing gum (not that I'd imagine anyone would deliberately give their dog chewing gum).

Andrew Jones ● 1871d

I have gently intervened when I have seen people outside cafes giving their dogs ice cream to ask them to google the heath risks to dogs.  Fortunately to date it has been well received.  As for chewing gum, not happened for a few months, probably a summer thing but in the past I have reguarly had to extract used chewing gum from one of my dogs, he loves it. None of us are perfect, a couple of years ago I had to make a midnight dash to Medivet with one of my dogs (me in pyjamas) as one of the cats had knocked a full but opened box of sultanas I had been cooking with on the floor and dog was by empty box of sultanas and looking very happy.  Fortunately all ended well. So much is toxic to dogs, and even more to cats.

Claire Moran ● 1871d

health, even

Claire Moran ● 1871d

Thanks Lorraine - it's also used in human toothpaste, cakes and vitamin supplements and many sweets so essential to keep eyes peeled when out and about, especially with a puppy or confirmed scavenger.It is not always labelled as xylitol so beware anything that states "artificial sweetener".The Veterinary Poisons Information Service are currently warning abut seasonal problems including conkers, autumn bulbs and fungi.

Charlotte Kasner ● 1869d