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Showing posts with the label Xylitol toxicity in dogs

Why You Shouldn't Feed Your Dog Ice Cream

Why You Shouldn't Feed Your Dog Ice Cream Feeding your dog ice cream can seem like a harmless treat, especially when you’re enjoying it yourself.  However, many ingredients in ice cream can pose risks to your dog’s health.  Understanding these ingredients, their potential effects, and how to handle situations where your dog consumes ice cream can help you ensure your pet’s safety. Ingredients in Ice Cream That Affect Dogs  Lactose Intolerance in Dogs Most ice creams contain dairy products like milk and cream.  Dogs, especially adult ones, often lack sufficient lactase enzymes to break down lactose, the sugar in milk.  This can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhea and gas. Some dogs may have varying degrees of lactose intolerance, and even small amounts of dairy can cause discomfort.  Puppies, however, often tolerate lactose better than adult dogs because they naturally produce more lactase. High Sugar Content The high sugar content in most ice c...

Why Xylitol is Dangerous to Dogs

 Why Xylitol is Dangerous to Dogs Are you aware that a common ingredient in sugar-free products could be deadly to your dog? Xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute, is extremely toxic to dogs.  Understanding xylitol toxicity in dogs, recognizing signs of xylitol poisoning, and knowing what to do in an emergency can save your pet’s life.  This guide provides everything dog owners need to know about preventing xylitol poisoning. Why is Xylitol Toxic to Dogs? Xylitol is safe for human consumption and often used as a sugar alternative because it doesn’t significantly impact blood sugar levels.  However, dogs process xylitol very differently. Once ingested, xylitol is absorbed into their bloodstream, triggering an excessive release of insulin.  This can result in a rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. In severe cases, xylitol can also cause acute liver failure, which is often fatal if not treated immediately. What Products Contain X...