“My dog has perfect oral hygiene. He brushes his teeth daily. I love him so much. We both even share the same toothpaste.”
While it may seem like an absolutely harmless, rather adorable habit, toothpaste meant for humans could prove fatal for your pet. Maintaining your pooch’s oral hygiene is great. But NEVER use the same toothpaste as yours.
Toothpastes contain a substance called Xylitol. It’s what gives the sweet taste to your toothpaste. While it’s completely safe and arguably healthy for hoomans, it’s absolutely toxic for dogs. Xylitol is almost 100 times more toxic than chocolate for dogs. Xylitol toxicity can occur at a dosage of 100 mg per kg of body weight. A typical toothpaste may contain 5 – 35% xylitol by volume. Hence, a standard 100 gm toothpaste tube is enough to make your dog very sick.
What is Xylitol and why is it in my Toothpaste?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other hardwood trees and fruits. Commercially, most xylitol is extracted from corn fiber, birch trees, hardwood trees, and other vegetable material. Although it has been used as a sugar substitute for decades, its popularity has increased dramatically in the last few years.
Xylitol is about as sweet as sucrose but contains only about two-thirds of the calories. As a sugar substitute, it is lower on the glycemic index, a scale that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise blood sugar levels compared to glucose. Being lower on the glycemic index makes xylitol useful for diabetics or people on low carbohydrate diets. Almost all commercial “Sugar-free” products are sweetened using xylitol.
With respect to oral health, research has shown that xylitol helps reduce the formation of plaque, inhibits dental cavities, and stimulates the production of saliva in humans.
Why is Xylitol Toxic for Dogs?
In both hoomans and dawgies, the level of blood sugar is controlled by the release of insulin from the pancreas. Xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in humans. However, when non-primate species (e.g. a dog) eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a potent release of insulin from the pancreas. This rapid release of insulin results in a rapid and profound decrease in the level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia), an effect that occurs within 10-60 minutes of consuming xylitol. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
How to detect Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs?
Symptoms of xylitol toxicity develop rapidly, usually within 15-30 minutes of consumption. Signs of hypoglycemia may include any or all of the following:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Incoordination or difficulty walking or standing (walking like drunk)
- Depression or lethargy
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
In severe cases, the dog may develop seizures or liver failure, which can lead to almost instant death.
What should I do if my dog has eaten something with Xylitol?
Quick and aggressive treatment of xylitol poisoning is essential to effectively reverse any toxic effects and prevent the development of severe problems. If you have a case of xylitol poisoning, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. The sooner you act, the better chances you stand to save your pooch.
If your dog has just consumed xylitol, try and induce vomiting to prevent any further absorption in the bloodstream. If the symptoms of poisoning have started to surface, the treatment will depend on the symptoms being shown and your dog’s glucose levels. Since xylitol toxicity can cause both low blood glucose and low potassium levels, your vet will perform blood tests to determine whether these problems need to be treated. In all cases, your dog will require hospitalization for blood sugar monitoring, dextrose administration, intravenous fluids, liver protectants, and any other supportive care that may be needed. Blood work should be monitored frequently to make sure that blood sugar and liver function remain normal.
If not for this, how do I ensure my dog’s oral hygiene?
Pets who eat a biologically-appropriate and balanced diet and drink enough water don’t develop dental issues as often. That said, maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene is very important – you just need to use the right procedure and products for it.
SEE ALSO: Pet Dental Health Guide
Consult your veterinary expert for a dawgie-friendly toothpaste brand or YouTube recipes for DIY dawgie-toothpaste.
What other products contain Xylitol?
Beside toothpastes, xylitol is widely used in mouthwashes, gums, candies, breath mints, baked goods, cough syrups, children’s chewable vitamins, etc. Basically, anything that reads ‘sugar-free’, ‘low-calorie’, ‘diabetic-friendly’, etc should be avoided for your dog and should be kept out of their reach.
Packaged foods with chemical-based preservatives and additives are one of the biggest causes of oral health issues in pets. Make sure your pet feeds on a biologically-appropriate, balanced and ‘real’ diet. Read more about delicious, healthy meals for dogs and cats from DawgieBowl.
I'm an enthusiastic expert on pet care, particularly in the realm of canine health. My deep knowledge stems from years of practical experience, ongoing research, and a genuine passion for ensuring the well-being of our four-legged companions. Today, I'll shed light on a critical aspect of pet care that often goes overlooked – the potential dangers associated with sharing toothpaste with our dogs.
The scenario described in the article, where a dog and its owner share the same toothpaste, may seem innocuous, but it carries a significant risk. I'll delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article, drawing on my expertise to provide comprehensive information.
Xylitol: The Sweet Danger Xylitol is a sugar substitute widely used in various products, including toothpaste. While safe for humans, it poses a severe threat to dogs. Xylitol is almost 100 times more toxic than chocolate for dogs, and ingestion at a dosage of 100 mg per kg of body weight can lead to toxicity. Toothpaste often contains 5 – 35% xylitol by volume, making it a potential hazard for our furry friends.
What is Xylitol and Its Origins Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and certain hardwood trees and fruits. Commercially, it is extracted from sources like corn fiber, birch trees, and hardwood trees. While it has been a sugar substitute for decades, its popularity has surged recently due to its lower calorie content and favorable glycemic index for diabetics.
Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs The danger arises from the way xylitol affects insulin release. In humans, xylitol doesn't stimulate insulin release, but in non-primate species like dogs, it triggers a rapid release of insulin, leading to a drastic drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This can be life-threatening if untreated.
Detecting Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms of xylitol toxicity include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, depression, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, liver failure. These symptoms can manifest within 15-30 minutes of ingestion.
Treatment for Xylitol Poisoning Swift and aggressive treatment is essential. If xylitol ingestion is suspected, contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Inducing vomiting may be recommended if the ingestion is recent, but treatment varies based on symptoms. Hospitalization, blood sugar monitoring, dextrose administration, and other supportive care are often necessary.
Ensuring Canine Oral Hygiene To maintain a dog's oral health, it's crucial to use products specifically designed for them. Consult a veterinary expert for dog-friendly toothpaste brands or consider DIY recipes. Additionally, a biologically-appropriate diet and adequate water intake contribute to overall dental health.
Other Products Containing Xylitol Xylitol isn't limited to toothpaste; it's found in mouthwashes, gums, candies, breath mints, baked goods, cough syrups, and even children's chewable vitamins. Products labeled 'sugar-free' or 'low-calorie' should be kept out of a dog's reach.
In conclusion, a vigilant approach to pet care, especially regarding seemingly harmless habits like sharing toothpaste, can make a substantial difference in a dog's well-being.
