Press Releases

September 7, 2006
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Michelle Pintar
Direct: (414) 431-6104
E-mail: mpintar@wihumane.org

Sugar-Free Sweet Treats Bad for Sparky

MILWAUKEE – Sugar-free chewing gum, candies and other goodies may be favorite sweet treats for people. However, some sugar-free products can cause serious and potentially fatal consequences for your companion animals due to what is found in sugar-free treats – a sweetener called xylitol.

Companion animals that ingest xylitol may have a sudden drop in blood sugar, which would result in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. Xylitol may also be linked to liver failure in dogs. It is common for negative affects to occur in animals within minutes after ingesting products with xylitol, but sometimes serious problems may not appear until later.

Fortunately, to date the Wisconsin Humane Society hasn't treated an animal with health problems due to ingesting xylitol. However, WHS urges guardians of companion animals to never give their animals any food containing this sweetener.

If you feel your animal has consumed xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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Note: Wisconsin Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Randy Zeman is available to talk with the media about the dangers of companion animals ingesting xylitol on Friday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. To schedule a time to talk with Dr. Zeman, please contact Michelle Pintar at (414) 431-6104.