Did you know that candy canes really can kill your pet? I wish it were a myth, but unfortunately, something as seemingly harmless as holiday candy cane can take your beloved pet from you. It is estimated that more than 6,700 pets die each year from accidental poisoning from this one ingredient. Here’s what you need to know this holiday season…
There is an artificial sweetener that is added to a large number of products, not just food items, that can have a devastating effect on your dog if consumed.
This holiday season, as people are coming and going from your home, please be aware that while you may not have any of these products in your house, your guests may! The accidental drop of a candy cane or lollipop on the floor by an innocent child could lead to the death of your beloved pet. That product is called Xylitol and there is NO safe level of consumption of xylitol for a dog or ferret.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is sweetener found in well over 700+ products including candy canes, candies, gum, toothpaste, peanut butter and so much more. While it has been ruled as perfectly safe for human consumption, it’s an extremely strong insulin release stimulator in dogs.
In fact, a tiny amount, just 0.1g/kg consumed by a dog causes a severely dangerous drop in blood sugar known as hypoglycemia. In addition to affecting insulin levels, Xylitol also causes dangerously low potassium levels.
Mild hypoglycemia symptoms can show up as weakness and lack of coordination. These symptoms can appear in as little as 10 minutes following consumption or as late as up to 16 hours.
Unfortunately, cases of Xylitol ingestion and poisoning in pets is on the increase as more and more products are being manufactured with artificial sweetener. Last year alone, the average number of calls to the ASPCA for Xylitol poisoning was 18 per DAY! That number doesn’t include calls to the Pet Poison Helpline, or direct calls to veterinarians either.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning
If you suspect your dog ingested candy or gum containing Xylitol, immediately head to your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic. Symptoms can include:
- Abnormal mentation (aka when your dog is acting funny, not responding normally to you or things around him/her).
- Acute collapse
- Black-tarry stool
- Bruising
- Clotting problems
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Jaundiced gums
- Racing heart rate
- Seizures
- Trembling or tremoring
- Vomiting
- Walking drunk
- Weakness or lethargy
What will happen at the Vet?
If your pet ingests any amount of Xylitol, they will very likely require hospitalization where his or her blood sugar will be closely monitored for 12-24 hours, they will receive the administration of dextrose, iv fluids, liver protectants, and any additional supportive care that may be necessary depending on the amount consumed.
Your dog will most likely need critical care. It is imperative that you share ALL of the symptoms your pet is experiencing as well as what item he or she consumed so they can pinpoint exactly how much Xylitol was eaten.
Prevention is the Best Cure
They say “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. If your friends and family interact with your pets be sure to ask them if they have any sugar-free or low-sugar products with them. Ensure they don’t share any baked treats with your dog and keep guest room doors closed if your pet is prone to snooping.
I’m a pet lover myself and this really does sadden me. So, I wanted to help people who have been struggling with this issue by providing a little more information on how they can keep their pet safe during the holiday season. The best thing you can do is to always keep your pets supervised when you have them around the house while preparing food or candy.
Last christmas, my sisters little dog ingested a candy cane she stole off the tree, and gobbled it down. She was rushed into the hospital and had to undergo emergency surgery because it had perforated her colon and intestines. There are more than just dangers from various sugars!
Even if they don’t contain Xylitol, for some dogs, eating sugar can lead to a medical condition called “hyperesthesia syndrome” which is when they have an overactive nervous system. Hyperesthesia syndrome can then lead to seizures or even death.
People like to give dogs candy canes during the holiday season, but this is dangerous for your pet. Normal human food can be deadly if ingested by your dog.
The ASPCA recommends keeping all candy out of paws’ reach during the holiday season to keep you and your pets safe. Candy cane ingestion also causes acute gastritis which results in vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
Acute gastritis generally goes away on its own with supportive care at home, however, some cases require additional steps such as intravenous fluid therapy or surgery depending on severity of symptoms.
If you notice that your dog has eaten a candy cane, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Thank you for posting this! I’ve always given candy canes to my kids without thinking twice about our dog grabbing them. Now I know to be cautious, especially with xylitol around. For anyone looking for holiday-themed dog treats, I’ve found some dog-friendly mint chews that my pup loves and are completely safe.
💬 Whoa, I had no idea candy canes could be such a risk for dogs until I read this! My pup once chewed on one, and I freaked out—thankfully nothing serious happened, but now I know how dangerous it could have been! 😬