Many people prefer eating sugar-free foods because of the negative effects of sugar on the general health. However, most of these foods contain xylitol, a substance that is extremely dangerous to dogs when consumed. Even a small amount of xylitol can make a dog very ill and can even prove to be fatal. If you suspect your canine buddy has eaten some of your sugar-free candies, you need to get him to your Portland, OR veterinarian as soon as you can.

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute because it contains lesser calories. Also, it does not exert the same amount of damage to teeth.

Dogs are unable to digest xylitol like humans do. Once xylitol enters the digestive tract, it is metabolized at a much faster rate causing the dog’s system to react by producing high amounts of insulin, causing the animal’s blood sugar to drop dramatically, which can prove to be deadly.

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