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Main Street Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic

4100 Kirkpatrick Lane

Flower Mound, TX 75028 US

(972) 355-0008

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  • People Food for Pets

People Food for Pets

  • Created in Video Newsroom, Other Interests
Image of dog sitting by a person's feet.

On a low carb diet? Planning on sharing some of those low calorie dessert treats with your canine friends? STOP! That sugar-free snack you think is good for you and your dog could actually send you to the veterinarian

The sugar substitute, Xylitol, has been a great development in the fight against tooth decay and in helping diabetics gain better control over their disease. However, this popular sweetener may be devastating to the family pet. New research now being released shows that ingestion of Xylitol by dogs can cause liver failure and even death. Reports from the ASPCA Poison Control Center show the number of Xylitol related pet exposures is on the rise and that rise has many veterinarians and pet owners concerned.

For years, veterinarians have suspected that Xylitol could make dogs sick, but an article in the October issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) has documented the outcomes of several cases of Xylitol ingestions in dogs from 2003 to 2005. Five of eight dogs died or had to be euthanized due to complications stemming from Xylitol ingestion.

Often found in human mints, sugar-free gums, toothpastes, and sweets, Xylitol, has been a popular sugar substitute since the 1960s. However, researchers found that even small amounts of Xylitol can cause liver damage and even death in dogs.

Dogs that ingest large amounts of Xylitol have sudden and profound drops in blood sugar levels, leading to weakness and uncoordinated movements. Occasionally, seizures may be seen as well. However, even small amounts of Xylitol are not safe. As little as 1 gram of Xylitol can set off a chain of events leading to liver damage. A dog could receive this amount in just a few candies or sticks of gum containing this sugar substitute. Xylitol can also be found in children's chewable multi-vitamins, certain cough medications and even mouthwashes.

Although most pet owners routinely give some sort of "people food" to their dogs, the JAVMA report should be a wake up call, showing that many foods that are safe for humans can be harmful to pets.

Any pet owner concerned about anything their dog has ingested should seek veterinary medical attention immediately.

  • We Help Your Pet With
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Birds
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Ferrets
    • Rabbits
    • Reptiles
      • Lizards
      • Turtles
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Finding Your Pet
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Fun with Pets
    • Equine
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Unbelievable Pets
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Pet Dangers
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
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  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
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    • Other Interests
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Office Hours

Monday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

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Testimonial

  • "I like the fact that the staff at Main Street Veterinary Hospital is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I would recommend them to my friends and family."
    Kathy Lemoine - Flower Mound, TX
  • "I appreciate the convenience and quality care offered at Main Street Veterinary Hospital. They are very thorough and they are always able to work us in any day. Our dog seem comfortable here. I would recommend them."
    Rauny Ruiz - Flower Mound, TX
  • "I have never been to a vet that was so caring ; the entire staff was amazing. I felt like they treated my dog Rascal like he was one of their own and answered all my questions in great detail. I felt blessed to have been referred here."
    Alexis C. - Flower Mound, TX
  • "Joshua came for shots and a heart worm test, which ended up positive. I am thankful for Dr. Pierson and the vet tech that helped Joshua and I to understand his diagnosis."
    Heather Markanovic - Flower Mound, TX
  • "Polly enjoys her weekly visits for her bath! Everyone seems to like Polly and spoils here rotten! I love it! You all are the BEST! Keep up the GREAT work!"
    Martha Balderston - Flower Mound, TX

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