Xylitol, a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products can kill or severely poison dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued, ‘Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off,’ May 12 after a surge in death and several illnesses from dogs that had accidentally ingest Xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 12, 2016.
A type of sugar alcohol, xylitol is an ingredient in many foods but “can have devastating effects on your pet,” the FDA said in the latest alert.
The FDA also called attention to the inclusion of xylitol in some nut butters. Owners often give peanut butter to their pets as a treat to get them to take medication.