I’m a big fan of xylitol in my toothpaste and sugar-free gum. It’s actually good for your teeth. So my ears perked up years ago when I heard that just like chocolate, xylitol is toxic to dogs and cats, and I should never leave my gum or toothpaste lying around where my pets could get at them. Not a problem.
- If you’ve been giving this to your pets, stop today!
Then why on earth is Virbac Animal Health, a so-called “industry leader in the scientific research, development and manufacture of quality, proven pet pharmaceutical products” for OVER TWO DECADES, selling a product for dogs and cats that lists xylitol as the 3rd ingredient after water and glycerine!? I am shocked.
The product is called CET AquaDent, and it’s a drinking water additive for dogs and cats. It’s supposed to help keep their breath fresh in conjunction with brushing.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sees over 100 cases of xylitol toxicity annually. According to the center, dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.”
With smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion,” according to a 2006 press release from the center.
That was four years ago, Virbac. Shame on you.
In September, we’ll be giving away a pet oral health kit from Naturally Green Tropiclean, including a similar water additive and teeth cleaning gel, neither of which contains xylitol. Stay tuned!
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Thank you so much for this information, I had no idea. Just checked my dogs food and treats and no sign of xylitol. I will be sure toi check all ingredients from now on.
Looks like xylitol is still #3 on the ingredient list as of August 2011!
Why don’t they make it without that ingredient? I think I’ve read elsewhere that it may reduce bacteria in human mouths & help prevent throat infections.
If it’s only there for flavoring, they should remove it. Cats can’t even taste sweet things.
(The links in your post are dead.)
Virbac U.S.A. link, http://www.virbacvet.com/Home-USA.aspx
C.E.T. link, http://www.virbacvet.com/products/DentalHealth/RinsesandFoams/C.E.T.AQUADENTDRINKINGWATERADDITIVE.aspx
MTS data sheet link, , http://www.littlebigcat.com/health/geriatric-cats/
Updated link: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/
Xylitol may or may not be toxic to dogs in high concentration, but this product should only be intended for cats. It improves their oral hygiene & prevents plaque build up. Of course you should always use caution when supplementing your pets diet. The sweetness of it is not the point, its about making sure your kitty has the healthiest mouth possible. I would never give it to a dog though, just to be on the safe side.