The loss of a pet is always heartbreaking, but what makes it even worse is finding out that it could have been prevented. This is exactly what happened to Kate Chacksfield when she lost her dog, Ruby, to a substance she didn’t know was dangerous: xylitol, a sugar substitute.
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Kate had been baking brownies, and like most dogs, Ruby had a weakness for sweet treats. Since these brownies had less chocolate—the ingredient in chocolate toxic to dogs—Kate wasn’t too worried. However, the danger wasn’t in the chocolate this time, but in the xylitol, an ingredient commonly used in sugar-free products.
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Things took a turn for the worse when Ruby managed to sneak and eat two full brownies. Within 36 hours, she started showing signs of illness, but Kate didn’t realize xylitol was the cause. If she had known how dangerous xylitol is for dogs, she could have rushed Ruby to the vet much earlier.
Xylitol, a sugar alternative often used by people who are trying to cut back on sugar or manage conditions like diabetes, can be deadly for dogs. When a dog consumes xylitol, it can cause a severe drop in blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and even death.
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Unfortunately, it wasn’t until eight days later, when Ruby’s condition had visibly worsened, that Kate took her to the vet. By then, it was too late. The heartbreak was compounded by a hefty $13,000 vet bill and, ultimately, the loss of Ruby.
Veterinarians emphasize how important it is for pet owners to know what can make their pets sick. Without that knowledge, it’s harder to treat or prevent an illness. Since dogs have a habit of eating things they shouldn’t, Kate assumed Ruby’s sickness came from her usual bad habit rather than the sugar-free brownies.
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Now, Kate is trying to turn her painful experience into a way to educate others. She wants people to be aware of what substances can harm or kill their pets. One-quarter of a teaspoon of xylitol is enough to make a dog seriously ill, and it’s found in many sugar-free products.
While names like xylitol and theobromine may sound unfamiliar, there are also everyday foods that are just as dangerous for dogs. Pet owners should be cautious about feeding their pets garlic, onions, grapes, macadamia nuts, raw meat, raw eggs, and raisins, as all of these can be toxic, and in some cases, fatal.
Kate’s story is a reminder of how crucial it is to be informed about what’s dangerous for our furry friends. A little knowledge can go a long way in keeping them safe and healthy.
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