We learned this the hard way this past week with Chief. Most people know that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Lately, awareness has grown that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs (even a few). Also, onions. Of course, this is an addition to poisonous plants and flowers.
But sugarfree gum and candy can also be poisonous to dogs. The artificial sweetener xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Chief got a pack of gum off the table that belonged to my son. He ate about 12 pieces - wrapper and packaging included. Fortunately, I found the evidence of the crime shortly after he did it. At first I was worried about what all that gum would do to his digestive track, but I quickly learned in my Google searching that the xylitol was the more urgent danger.
I called the vet who confirmed that the Orbit gum he ate had the sweetener. But since at that time, I didn't know if Bella, Chief, or both ate the gum, I had to bring them both in.
Vomiting was induced and Chief named the culprit. His blood was checked for any signs of problems, and fortunately, none were found. I believe quick action combined with reduced absorption because of the wrappers, prevented any problems. The vet did say that he had consumed enough to cause severe damage to his organs.
Of course, at this point, Bella was mad that she had to throw up, and it was all Chief's fault. <smile>
For links to lists of substances poisonous to dogs, go here.
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