There it was on a cough lozenge label . . . birch sugar. It took a minute to correlate birch sugar to xylitol despite knowing that sugar-free often means xylitol is an ingredient.
So, since it is cough and cold season and many folks are dieting, it is a good time to share warnings with animal health pros and their pet owner networks that Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.
Dogs are more susceptible because they have more sweet receptors in their tastebuds, so they’re generally more interested in products containing xylitol. Even though cats can’t taste sweet as well as dogs can, they’re still at risk.” – Camille Torres-Henderson, DVM, DABVP, DACVIM
Sources:
- Birch sugar is the same thing as xylitol and it’s toxic to dogs, Colorado State University, October 8, 2021. Link.
- Birch sugar toxins: What dog owners need to know, Bark Bistro, January 12, 2024. Link.
- A list of which products contain xylitol, Preventive Vet. Link. A list of 700+ products made with xylitol. Although not 100 percent comprehensive, it is a rare online resource.
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