We do everything we can to make sure our pets are safe and well, but there are everyday household items that can be fatal for our pets.
One such item was used by Ms Chacksfield when she was baking brownies for herself - and unfortunately, it ended up killing her dog. She has since spoken out in a bid to alert fellow dog owners.
Xylitol around the home
Kate had decided to make brownies, but, in a bid to be a little healthier, she used the sweetener "xylitol" in the brownies rather than sugar.
Ruby, the family's Hungarian Vizsla, cheekily stole a brownie or two from the kitchen worktop, but within 36 hours, her health began to deteriorate rapidly. Kate rushed her beloved dog to the vet, and despite the dedicated care of a veterinary team, Ruby sadly died a week later.
Xylitol can be found in numerous everyday items such as chewing gum, toothpaste and cake mix. It is considered immensely toxic to dogs and even the smallest amount can lead to fatalities.
The smallest amount can be fatal
‘It takes just half a gram of pure xylitol per kilogram of weight – around an eighth of a teaspoon – to cause liver failure in dogs,’ according to Dr Nicola Robinson, head of Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). ‘Roughly a quarter of a teaspoon is enough to harm a dog the size of a Labrador.’
‘I knew about the dangers of chocolate to dogs,’ Kate said, ‘but I had no awareness about xylitol at all. When she [Ruby] passed away, it was just devastating. We are beside ourselves with sadness and guilt. All I can do now is try to raise awareness. It only takes your dog having a lick of the leftovers from a takeaway or yoghurt.’
The symptoms of xylitol poisoning usually appear between 1 and 12 hours after ingestion. These include:
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Collapse
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact your local vet as soon as possible.
