{"id":716,"date":"2019-03-26T16:12:20","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T16:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbahvet.com\/?p=716"},"modified":"2019-03-26T16:12:20","modified_gmt":"2019-03-26T16:12:20","slug":"xylitol-and-the-dangers-of-peanut-butter-for-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/xylitol-and-the-dangers-of-peanut-butter-for-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"Xylitol and the Dangers of Peanut Butter For Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"

The danger of peanut butter for pets has gotten a lot of press lately. A small scoop of peanut butter is often used as a treat and also a delicious way to hide important medications. So what has gone wrong with this wonderful and helpful product? <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not peanut butter that\u2019s the problem (though too much of a good thing can cause trouble), rather an ingredient that has been sneaking its way into certain brands over the past few years. This ingredient, a sugar substitute called Xylitol, is toxic for dogs, cats, and some other animals \u2013 even a small amount can be fatal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your team at Sunrise Boulevard Animal Hospital thought it about time to focus on this substance and build more awareness around how to keep your pets safe. <\/span><\/p>\n

What is Xylitol?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Originally used in Finland in during World War II \u2013 when sugar was scarce \u2013 Xylitol is a substance that was first derived from fruit and vegetable fibers. Nowadays, it\u2019s manufactured from a product called xylan, from hardwood trees and corn cobs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, Xylitol is used to sweeten weight loss food items, since it is extremely sweet yet contains a fraction of the calories of sugar. It is also gaining popularity for use in oral health products since it reduces mouth bacteria\u2019s ability to produce acids that damage teeth. <\/span><\/p>\n

Xylitol and Pets<\/span><\/h3>\n

Xylitol is extremely toxic to pets. When consumed, it causes a massive insulin release from the pancreas. This in turn leads to a severe dip in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that can cause weakness, muscle tremors, seizures, and collapse. <\/span><\/p>\n

The first signs of Xylitol toxicity may be seen in pets anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours after they consume it. Vomiting may be the first sign. In large quantities, Xylitol causes acute liver failure (hepatic necrosis) which may be followed by death. <\/span><\/p>\n

Although dogs are the more common victims of Xylitol toxicity, cats are just as susceptible. However, since cats are more discriminate (read: picky!) about what they eat, they are less likely to consume a toxic dose. <\/span><\/p>\n

Peanut Butter, Xylitol, and Your Pet<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are currently 5 brands of peanut butter that contain Xylitol. They are:<\/span><\/p>\n