Danger! Pet Poison Safety Tips

2 year old Luna

Stories like this are heartbreaking: A beloved 2 year old Golden Retriever named Luna, dies after ingesting gum sweetened with Xylitol.

A few hours after rushing Luna to the vets they were told that her blood work wasn’t good and she would have only a 25% chance of surviving the treatment that would cost an estimated $20,000. Her owners did not want her to suffer anymore and chose to have her humanely euthanized. I can’t begin to imagine the pain…

How often do you leave a pocketbook, backpack, or work bag on the floor containing sugarless gums or mints without even thinking about it??? These stories are so tragic I think it’s important to spread the word.

Xylitol has risen in popularity as a sweetener used in many human products labeled “sugar-free”: vitamins, toothpaste, dental floss, candy, gum, baked goods, yogurts, etc. Now there’s a new PEANUT BUTTER that contains xylitol!!! I am not trying to play veterinarian here, just hoping that if a little attention and knowledge could save just one pet it’s worth it. In addition to knowing your veterinarian’s hours and where your closest emergency vet is, all pet owners should have easy access to a pet poison hotline.

Write down the information and keep it handy – time is of the essence when dealing with many poisons. There are a few organizations out there, but one I have used is www.petpoisonhelpline.com. They have a $49 per incidence fee and are available 24/7 (855) 764-7661. They may direct you to your vet or tell YOU what to do if there isn’t enough time. Pet Poison Helpline also has an extensive list of things that are poisonous to dogs and cats.

We love our pets like family. Holidays become times of confusion – we’re rushing around tying to accomplish so much that we often forget details. But everyday life can be hectic as well, and we must be mindful that a random chance meeting with some sugarless gum could end in tragedy for our beloved pets. Spread the word. It can’t be repeated enough.

RIP sweet Luna. Your unfortunate and untimely death was not in vain – it is helping to educate and spare others from a similar tragedy.