Xylitol Toothpaste

What is xylitol? Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. On food labels for people, xylitol is widely regarded as a carbohydrate.

For the purposes of human consumption, xylitol is very slowly absorbed and only partially utilized. These two characteristics contrast sharply to sugar. Because xylitol contains about 2.4 calories per gram, or 40% less than other carbohydrates, it has won an official "reduced calorie" status.

Where people are concerned, the United States has approved xylitol as a food additive in unlimited quantity for foods for special dietary uses. Over 25 years of trials with humans confirm that xylitol is the best sweetener for teeth. Xylitol is described as a natural substance is safe, convenient and effective for the prevention of dental caries for people.

The xylitol is found in "sugar free" chewing gum, candy, and mints, as well as a variety of other foods containing sugar substitutes. Some toothpastes, vitamins chewable, and throat lozenges are also being made with xylitol. In addition, products sweetened with xylitol have received endorsements from six national dental associations.

However, while xylitol can be wonderful for people, it is deadly for dogs.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that causes a significant increase in glucose (blood sugar) when ingested by dogs. The wave of insulin, leading dogs causes a marked decrease in blood sugar dangerous. This triggers symptoms such as weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, collapse and seizures. These symptoms can develop within 30 minutes. The immediate treatment of emergency vet is needed if the dog is to survive.

Xylitol also appears to cause serious liver damage in dogs within 24 hours after ingestion if they survive that long.

Only 3 grams of xylitol can be fatal for a dog 65 pounds. The amount of xylitol has been found in 8-10 sticks of gum, according to the mark. Of course, a much smaller amount of xylitol can be fatal for a toy breed, such as race sized Bichon, perhaps as few as one or two sticks of gum could claim the life of such a dog small.

As a responsible "parents" of members of the Bichon breed, we must be aware of the lethal effects of xylitol. We must also take steps to prevent our boyfriends always have access to xylitol.

Please note that due to the positive effects that xylitol has on humans, a growing number of "sugar-free foods are underway with it. In this spirit, become an avid reader of food labels . Always "Play It Safe", and avoid sharing tastes, even the tiniest of your "sugar free" foods with your boyfriend. Also make a habit to carry sugar-free gum, mints, candy, throat lozenges, and chewable vitamins in dog-proof containers. (For example, place these objects in containers child-resistant containers such as clean and empty medicine and transport in a closed subset of your purse or briefcase).

Be aware that the dogs have a natural sweet tooth. Sniffing out, find, and enter the "sweet stuff" comes naturally to our small Bichon breeds! So be careful! Many of our furry friends are excellent pick pockets, and most are "opportunistic." Given the opportunity to enjoy a piece of cake, they'll take it. If an award is available, the most stuffed animals will help themselves to any sweets that are available.

We have to keep these items safely stored and out of reach. It also means that we must remain vigilant during the visit with our little furry family members in other people's houses, and when guests come to call our homes! The handbags and jackets of our friends can contain elements readily available to xylitol.

In summary, although the xylitol many proven benefits for humans, it is fatal for the dog! (THI Please share.