The Hidden Dangers of Poison Dog Treats

Some dog treats are made with toxic ingredients that can harm your furry friend. Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly used in human products, is particularly hazardous to dogs.

Many pet owners are unaware of the dangers of xylitol, which can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and even liver failure in dogs. In fact, a single piece of gum or a small amount of xylitol-containing candy can be toxic to a dog.

The consequences of xylitol poisoning can be severe and even fatal, making it essential to keep these products out of reach of your pets.

Vets are sounding the alarm about a new class of pet treats that's poisoning pets and causing acute kidney failure. Dogs are being affected by these treats.

Sweet potato and yam dog treats are the unexpected culprits. They're a new type of treat that's being linked to kidney failure in dogs.

If you're a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of this new risk.

Sweet potato treats made in China have been linked to kidney problems in dogs, similar to those caused by chicken jerky treats.

The FDA has issued warnings about risks associated with chicken and duck jerky pet treats, but veterinarians are now reporting new cases of illness in dogs following the ingestion of sweet potato treats.

Several sweet potato and yam pet treat brands are suspected of causing new cases of unexplained acute kidney failure, including Canyon Creek Ranch Chicken Yam Good Dog Treats by Nestle-Purina, Beefeaters Sweet Potato Treats, Drs. Foster and Smith, and Dogswell Veggie Life Vitality.

Dogs consuming these treats may show signs of illness within hours or days, including decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and increased thirst and urination.

If your pet has eaten one of these treats and is showing these symptoms, contact your veterinarian and save the treat and packaging for testing by the FDA.

Here are the brands suspected of causing kidney problems:

Xylitol is found in many common products, including sugar-free gum, candies, and baked goods. It's also used in some oral care products like mouthwash and toothpaste.

Cats, ferrets, and horses don't appear to be at risk from ingesting xylitol, but dogs are extremely sensitive to it. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or even death.

Product examples of xylitol-containing items include cough syrup, chewable vitamins, and over-the-counter medications. Prescription human medications, especially quick-dissolve tablets or liquids, also contain xylitol.

If you have pets, be extremely cautious when introducing new products into your home, especially those with xylitol.

Some foods are downright dangerous for dogs, and they're not just because of weight gain. If your dog eats xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, it can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) within 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. The amount of xylitol needed to cause toxicity varies by product, but higher doses can cause liver failure within 24 to 48 hours.

Here are some common foods that can be toxic to dogs:

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately.

Dogs can be poisoned by a variety of foods, and it's essential to know what to avoid feeding them. Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or even death.

Some common foods that can be toxic to dogs include:

It's essential to keep in mind that even small amounts of these foods can be toxic to dogs. If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or a 24/7 animal poison control center, such as Pet Poison Helpline, immediately.

Alcohol can be extremely toxic to dogs, causing a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and coordination problems.

Just a small amount of beer, liquor, wine, or food with alcohol can be bad for your dog.

The effects of alcohol on a dog's liver and brain are the same as on people, but it takes a lot less to hurt your dog.

The smaller your dog, the worse the effects of alcohol can be, which is why it's essential to keep all alcohol out of reach.

A little bit of alcohol can lead to coma or even death, which is a devastating consequence of a preventable mistake.

Meat Scraps can be a hazard for your furry friend. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

It's a good idea to keep meat scraps out of reach of your dog. Bones can also splinter and block or cause cuts in your dog's digestive system.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, immediately contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.

Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your dog unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. It's crucial to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible, as some dogs may already be hypoglycemic.

Keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 handy, so you can quickly get help if needed.

If your dog eats something they shouldn't, it's essential to act quickly. Keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 handy, so you can get help right away.

If you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic, like xylitol, don't induce vomiting or give them anything to eat or drink unless your vet directs you to do so. Inducing vomiting can worsen clinical signs.

Xylitol poisoning can cause low blood sugar, which may lead to vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, or even seizures. Keep an eye out for these signs, especially if your dog has eaten xylitol.

Early intervention is key to successful treatment. Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately if you think your dog has ingested xylitol. They'll guide you on supportive therapy, which may include fluid support and medication to treat your dog's clinical signs.

Here are some signs of xylitol poisoning to watch out for:

If your dog needs treatment, be prepared to keep them in the hospital for a few days, depending on the severity of their condition.

If your dog is treated before clinical signs develop, the prognosis for recovery from xylitol poisoning is good. If liver failure develops, patients will need more prolonged treatment, but the prognosis should still be good with appropriate treatment.

The quicker you get your dog treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.

Dogs that develop uncomplicated hypoglycemia that is quickly reversed with treatment also have a good prognosis.