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Dogs are known for their curious nature, but some everyday household products can pose serious risks to their health. Xylitol, a common sugar substitute found in many foods and products, is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. From chewing gum to toothpaste, items you may not think twice about could lead to severe illness or even death for your furry friend. In this article, we’ll explore the top surprisingly deadly household products that contain xylitol and why they’re so dangerous to dogs.
Packaged Goods & Baking Mixes
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Pet parents that commonly purchase sugar-free items need to be especially aware of foods containing xylitol in their pantry. These items can include Jell-o, pudding mixes, cake, and cookie mixes, ice cream, and even yogurt.
Candies, Gum, & Mints
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Sugar-free gum, mints, and candy are commonly scattered around households. Whether there’s a pack of gum in your purse or a candy bowl on the counter, your dog could get creative to reach it. If your pup ever gets into any of these items, be sure to enlist emergency help.
Jams, Syrups, Condiments, Honey, & Raw Xylitol
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Even your fridge and pantry staples may contain this sugar substitute. Jams, honey, and other sweet products in jars and bottles could include xylitol. Also, those who bake sugar-free confections using this sweetener should refrain from giving their pup a taste.
Protein Bars & Powders
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Some high-protein health foods use xylitol as a replacement for calorie-filled sugar. They might seem healthier for humans, but they can be more dangerous for our furry friends.
Flavored Waters & Drink Powders
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While it’s a good idea to scan any ingredient panel, be extra careful with drinks that promote health, weight loss, or energy. Beverages that are labeled “diet” or “sugar-free” are especially risky. Despite their appealing names for humans, they have underlying dangers for dogs.
Chocolate
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It’s commonly known that if your canine consumes chocolate, you need to seek emergency medical care. But if that chocolate contains xylitol, it’s even more urgent. Dark chocolate is the most likely to use xylitol as an ingredient.
Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
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Some nut butter brands have xylitol snuck in as a lighter sugar replacement. Many dogs love to snack on peanut butter, which is normally okay if it’s all-natural and given in small amounts. Just make sure that your pup’s favorite Kong stuffer doesn’t contain this toxic ingredient!
Dental Products
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Sugar is bad for your teeth, yet dental hygiene products usually have a sweet, minty taste. That’s why xylitol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, mouth sprays, whitening products, and even nasal sprays. So, this is one of the many reasons that human toothpaste should never be used to brush your dog’s teeth. Make sure to keep these products inaccessible to curious canines!
Medicines, Vitamins, & Supplements
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Your dog should NEVER consume any of these items without consultation from your vet. But many dog parents don’t realize that one of the many harmful ingredients these products contain is xylitol.
Cosmetics, Body, Face, & Hair Products
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Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason as to why our pups choose to chew (and swallow) certain non-edible items. For this reason, check your makeup, body, face, and hair products for mentions of xylitol and keep them out of snout’s reach. Even if the products you buy don’t contain this ingredient, consumption is certainly a cause to seek emergency help.
Miscellaneous
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There are a couple of even more surprising products that can contain this ingredient. Parents of pups who love stealing laundry should know that certain brands of athletic clothing have pieces that contain xylitol. And, for those with little ones, some pacifier wipes and bottle wipes can also have the ingredient in them. Who knew?!
Keeping Your Dog Safe from Xylitol
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As products on the market are constantly changing, it’s always safest to scan the ingredient lists of the products in your home and make sure that toxic items are safely out of your dog’s reach. Knowledge is power, and the best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared!
Toledo, United States.
