Dogs are people, too......NOT!

"Copper" 

There is a popular saying among pet owners that liken pets to humans.  Indeed, pet's that have been with an individual for a long time often have a special bond that makes them as close as one's best human friend. A pet that has lived with a family for years is often identified as "part of the family."  Anyone who has a loved pet can relate. Pet owners invest a great deal of time, love, and money into the care and well-being of their pets. Dogs, in particular, are the earthbound examples of unconditional love.  A pet is commonly described by its feelings, opinions, habits, or personality type, and thus earns the label of being "almost human."

Still, it is important to recognize that dogs, cats and other popular pets are NOT human. What may serve humans well, could endanger the life of the loved pet.  Take the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, for example. Marketed as an anti-cavity agent, this chemical is often added to many popular sugar-free toothpastes, chewing gum, chewable vitamins, candy or baked goods. Some popular products that use Xylitol are Tic-Tacs, Ice Breaker and Orbit gum, Crest Whitestrips, and even Sugar-free Jello Pudding. Each of these products are intended for use by humans, and as such, are perfectly safe.

But earlier this year the FDA issued a warning to pet owners about the dangers associated with the consumption of Xylitol by dogs and ferrets. There have been several reports of dogs becoming ill after accidentally consuming Xylitol. According to the FDA, this chemical in a dogs system can cause vomiting  depression, seizures, liver failure and extreme hypoglycemia. The ladder of these conditions can be fatal to dogs.The onset of the illness can happen in a few minutes to a few days.

As smart consumers, we know it is wise to read the labels of everything we purchase.  Labels on food goods should be plain, simple and easy to understand. A general rule to follow is that If there is something on a label you are not familiar with...don't buy it.  Do your research before putting it into your body. And, since a lot of the food we buy for ourselves ends up accessible to our curious pets (like droppings under the high chair, or toothpaste left out in the bathroom) - its good to know the chemicals that can harm them if they accidently eat it.

Who knew?  Are there other toxins in our households that can be unsuspectingly hazardous to our pets?  Turns out grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney damage in dogs. And in case you were going to bring your dog to the Annual Gilroy Garlic Festival in northern California (or any one of the other U.S. states' popular garlic celebrations), leave Fido at home!  Chowing down on garlic and onions can cause anemia in our precious pets.

For more information about unwitting poisons in your household or yard, check here.