Mary Allen
More and more often it finds its way into our kitchens – unfortunately not infrequently also into the stomachs of the dogs of many ignorant owners. Because what is still little known: Birch sugar (or xylitol) is pure poison for dogs.
Birch sugar (xylitol) has long been known to health-conscious two-legged friends and is a welcome change from conventional sugar. Because it has only a few calories and does not affect the human blood sugar level. As beneficial as it may be for humans, it is anything but harmless for dogs! On the contrary: Cases of poisoning with birch sugar are increasing because many dog owners do not yet know that just a few grams of xylitol can be fatal for the four-legged friend.
Devastating Effects
In dogs, xylitol causes excessive insulin secretion, which in turn leads to life-threatening hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar levels). It can also lead to severe liver damage and even fatal liver failure. The lethal dose for a dog is around 3-4 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight.
“Disease will occur, although one study failed to find a link between dose and disease severity. In one case report, 3 g/kg resulted in severe hypoglycemia, but the dog was saved. In another case – 3.7 g/kg – an English Springer Spaniel survived with intensive therapy,” says Professor Christine Iben from the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna.
So be careful: cakes, biscuits and other sweets sweetened with birch sugar should always be kept out of the reach of dogs! If a four-legged friend has nevertheless nibbled treats containing xylitol, the next step is to go to the vet to defuse the potentially life-threatening condition.