Symptoms
Worryingly, there is evidence that some animals show no symptoms, not even dogs, until it's too late.
Below are some of the symptoms associated with xylitol poisoning:
However, these problems may not be that evident. For instance Eddy was always snoozing in one of his three beds! He initially vomited and we thought it may have been a bad egg in the pudding he stole. He also appeared to recover and then suddenly, some time later (and in the middle of night), took a huge turn for the worse. From scouring the Internet, there doesn't appear to always be absolute definites with xylitol-poisoning. As an ex nurse pointed out recently, most people wouldn't recognise hypoglycaemia in a human, never mind an animal!
Below are some of the symptoms associated with xylitol poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Yellowing eyes
- Blood spots on the skin
- Decreased potassium
- Hypoglycaemia
- Seizures
- Coma
However, these problems may not be that evident. For instance Eddy was always snoozing in one of his three beds! He initially vomited and we thought it may have been a bad egg in the pudding he stole. He also appeared to recover and then suddenly, some time later (and in the middle of night), took a huge turn for the worse. From scouring the Internet, there doesn't appear to always be absolute definites with xylitol-poisoning. As an ex nurse pointed out recently, most people wouldn't recognise hypoglycaemia in a human, never mind an animal!
Be prepared!
Don't wait for a disaster to happen. Take a few necessary steps beforehand, just as you would for a child.
* Keep somewhere handy the telephone number for your vet and emergency vet (if different)... in the same way as you have your doctor's number to hand.
* Know the fastest route to the vets.
* Keep Dextrose and Zantac in the house (they tend to have a long shelf life). DON'T USE THOUGH UNLESS THE VET TELLS YOU TO.
* Always ensure that your pet insurance is up to date and of sufficient coverage; Xylitol-poisoning often results in very costly vet's procedures.
If you suspect xylitol-poisoning
PHONE YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.
Information that we've seen indicates that, in some circumstances, the vet will want you to induce vomiting immediately but be prepared for a mad dash to the surgery too.
Move your pet's water bowl out of the way. Xylitol-poisoning can induce extreme thirst but drinking too much may make matters worse. If you can't get to the vet immediately, give the pet only little sips. AGAIN, SPEAK TO YOUR VET!
DON'T TRY ANYTHING YOURSELF!
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Information that we've seen indicates that, in some circumstances, the vet will want you to induce vomiting immediately but be prepared for a mad dash to the surgery too.
Move your pet's water bowl out of the way. Xylitol-poisoning can induce extreme thirst but drinking too much may make matters worse. If you can't get to the vet immediately, give the pet only little sips. AGAIN, SPEAK TO YOUR VET!
DON'T TRY ANYTHING YOURSELF!
It's better to be safe than sorry.
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared based on Internet research and, unfortunately, experience. Project Eddy does not claim to have any veterinarian experience. This site is very happy to accept expert advice. IF IN DOUBT, SPEAK TO YOUR VET.