Antlerz


After months of wanting to order some Antlerz for Tiggles to try, I finally found them at a natural dog boutique.

Antlers are:
• 100% natural
•mineral rich
•long lasting


They DO NOT contain:
plastics
•petrochemicals
•empty starches
•artificial flavors




Here is what the company says about them:
"ANTLERZ are made from a natural material that is rich in minerals, does not splinter and comes from a completely renewable source: Deer Antlers! Wild deer shed their antlers once a year as part of a natural process, after which the deer re-grow another set. These shed antlers are gathered by ranch workers and transported to QT Dog's manufacturing facility. The antlers are cut to the appropriate size, cleaned, and packaged to produce ANTLERZ™ brand dog chews. ANTLERZ™ hold up substantially longer than most traditional chews made from plastic, bone, or compacted starch. A minerals analysis of ANTLERZ™ show high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus, with trace amounts iron, zinc, and sodium. Unlike processed livestock bones ANTLERZ™ don't chip or splinter when they are being used by even the most aggressive chewing dogs. A dog's chewing action grinds ANTLERZ™ down slowly. "



So you can see I was super-excited when I had found them. I immediately gave it to Tiggles to try.

She sniffed it, licked it, gave it a nibble-and that was the end. It now remains in her (open) toy box.
Looks like it will be given to our neighbor's dog :D




This one didn't appeal to Tiggles or Tracksie, but I would recommend trying it with your dog. I have heard nothing but great things about Antlerz, and I still believe it is an exceptional chew.

Portable Pet Water Bottle

This Portable Pet Water is convienent-just squeeze the bottle and water streams into the pan. Dogs lap up the running stream. You never have to fill the pan. Stop squeezing and the automatic valve shuts off the water stream. No wasted water, no hassles, no backwash.

However, there are two things...
  1. It leaks. You can't fill it all the way up, or else water will spill everywhere because you have to keep it upright. Sounds easy enough, but actually this can be quite difficult if you want to pack it in a bag.
  2. You must remember to change out any leftover water before each trip - especially in the summer. Also, I cannot leave it out in the sun much, for the worry of the bottle heating up and causing the plastic contents/chemicals to melt into the water and causing harm.

I mostly just use this when I go for short trips to dog parks, walks, or after a day at the beach. I have decided that it is more convienent for me to use a collapsable water bowl when on hikes, vacations, and at agility events.

Happy Ending #2

Southern Belle
-------Kate Crnich convinced her husband that they were ready for a new addition to the family—a dog to complete the home they shared with their cat, Dexter. “We visited a local shelter, and there were so many dogs that I was nearly in tears,” says Kate. “How do you choose just one?”
-------But sometimes, it’s the dog who does the choosing. “Walking past one cage, I saw this little thing bouncing up and down,” says Kate. “When we got right in front of the door, she just stopped, sat down, cocked her head and looked up at us, big pointy ears sticking straight up.” And after learning about the history of this Boston terrier/American Staffordshire terrier mix, the little dog’s friendly nature was especially remarkable.
Explains Kate, “When she was dropped off, her legs had a multitude of cigarette burns on them, and it was suspected that she’d been kept on a chain for the first years of her life.” Shelter staffers surmise that she was being used for bait in a dog fighting ring. Needless to say, Kate and her husband were on their way home with their little livewire half an hour later.
-------It’s been nearly a year, and Raleigh—named after the Crnichs’ native North Carolina—couldn’t be any more loving. “She is truly our baby,” says Kate. “She makes us feel so loved every day, and it is so very clear in the way that she looks at us that she is grateful for her happy home. ”

EzyDog Neo Collar

EzyDog Neo Collar

We went to the beach today! Well, at least Tracksie and I did.
My friend invited us, so we went with her and had some fun!
It was a nice day, I brought Tracksie's seatbelt, Doggles, wetsuit, lifejacket and of course, her EZYDOG COLLAR, because she loves to swim.


The interior of the Ezydog collar is made of Soft, neoprene material. It also has nylon webbing for strength. It is completely waterproof, quick drying, and very easy to clean--perfect for a Northwest doggy, or any dog that lives near water!
I first saw this collar at the Downtown Dog Lounge, but you can order it online at www.ezydog.com. My first reaction was how tough looking and durable it was! It is also comfortable and stylish. Hook and loop adjustments make sizing a breeze and the quick release buckle offers strength with ezy-on and ezy-off convenience.
It has a reflective strip...perfect for late night walks. Comfort, looks and quality is #1 in this collar...I highly recommend it :D

The Top Ten Reasons for Dog Relinquishment


The Top Ten Reasons for Dog Relinquishment to Shelters in the United States:

  • 1. Moving
  • 2. Landlord issues
  • 3. Cost of pet maintenance
  • 4. No time for pet
  • 5. Inadequate facilities
  • 6. Too many pets in home
  • 7. Pet illness (es)
  • 8. Personal problems
  • 9. Biting
  • 10. No homes for littermates

The Starfish Story

The Starfish Story
If all the available shelter dogs were to find homes, each person would need to adopt 7 dogs. A family of four would need to adopt 28 dogs! It can feel overwhelming, and often times people wonder if they are making any kind of difference at all by adopting "just one dog" from a shelter or rescue. Yet, through the continuing education of rescues, the collective efforts of spaying and neutering and people remaining committed and bonded to their pets through times of stress and change; A difference is made.







Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference to that one."

DIY at Home--Doggie Bath!

Lately, instead of taking Tracksie and Tiggs to a groomer to be bathed, I've been saving a few bucks and bathing them myself...at home! Here is a little something I wrote up about how to bathe your dog:


First, collect all of the supplies needed because you will need to have everything in reach. You should get combs, brushes, a plastic cup or pitcher, towels, a washcloth, dog treats, and dog shampoo. Be sure to choose the proper dog shampoo to bathe your dog with. I prefer all-natural, organic, shampoo. To keep water out of your dog’s ears you may also want to get cotton balls. Also, find a rubber mat or towel to place in the bath tub to keep your dog from sliding.
Before you bathe your dog, comb its fur thoroughly. Make sure your dog does not have any tangles or knots; these will be very hard to remove when your dog is wet. Next, have your dog hop into the tub and carefully place the cotton balls in each ear. Water in your dogs' can cause ear infections.

Then, turn the water on run it too make sure it is not too hot or too cold. Remember to talk softly in an encouraging voice to your dog while bathing. Use the cup or pitcher to wet your dog and use a washcloth to clean its face. Apply the shampoo and lather it into their coat. Be careful not to get it into their eyes! Once the shampoo is properly lathered, thoroughly rinse their coat. Remove the cotton balls from the ears and be prepared for a big doggie shake!
Now, choose to either blow-dry their fur, or just let it air dry. Give your dog a tasty treat she loves, and a lot of praise because now you are finally done! Dogs tend to get very excited after baths, and will most likely be running and rolling all around the house. Now enjoy your clean, sweet smelling dog without having to make a trip to the groomers!

We met our Dogster pals!


What a day it was.

We went to Genesee park to meet-up with some of our Dogster pals!


TnT had fun, though after the ride they were both very tired, so they didn't do any zoomies!

From left to right; Roper, Sienna, Fling and Tiggles




We were wanting to go to the Bite of Seattle afterwards to get some grub---but, lots of food and two Beagles? Hmmmm...

You do the math.






Anyways, so after saying goodbye to our friends, we drove down to the water for a good view.






Poor TnT, they wanted to chase the geese...


Only, I didn't let them :'(






















On the way home, I decided to take them to a few dog stores and picked up some of their favorite RAW: Turkey Necks, Duck, Chicken, and Lamb RMB's!






I also got some more Fresh Frozen Organic Turkey Dinner for their rotation because they LOVE it!






And finally, we got back in the car for a nice, long, ride home.
«Tiggs enjoyed *safely* looking out the window in her Doggles®- here's a quick vid:


Be prepared


Summer has proven to be a very busy season for natural and manmade disasters from wildland fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and the ever unpredictable earthquake. It is a good time to prepare yourself and your animals for the unexpected.

Animals depend on people for their survival during a disaster, but planning for your pet doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. There are two critical steps to ensure the safety of your animals if you must evacuate with them in the event of a disaster:

  1. Prepare – Have a safe way to transport your animals and have supplies gathered in one location that can be easily accessible.
  2. Plan – Know where you can take your animals if you had to be away from your house for any given amount of time. And appoint someone to evacuate your animals if you are not home when a disaster strikes.

To prepare for a disaster you should put together an animal disaster supply kit with everything you’d need to care for your animals for at least 72 hours. The contents will vary depending on the type and number of animals in your care, but every kit should include the following basic items:

  1. Food and Water. Keep a 3-day supply in an airtight container and be sure to rotate this supply periodically to ensure freshness.

  2. Containment and control supplies. Pack a leash, carrier or crate to safely control and confine your pet.

  3. Current photos of your animals. Include a photo of yourself with your animals if case you need to prove ownership.

  4. Collar and ID. Make sure you have a secure collar and up-to-date ID tag on your animals.

  5. Sanitation Items. Include litter, litter box, newspapers, plastic bags, disinfectant, and basic first aid supplies.

  6. Vet records and medications. Copy vaccination records and set aside a supply of daily medicines.

It takes less than a day’s effort to put together a plan for you and your animals in the event of a disaster, a day’s effort that could potentially save you and your animals' lives.


If you found this information helpful, please support SPCA International so that they can educate more people about disaster preparedness for their pets and save more animals' lives this disaster season.

Happy Ending #1

Music, sweet music...
-------Beautiful eyes and a smattering of freckles drew Marianne Lordi of Youngstown, OH, to the online photo of a two-year-old beagle-collie mix. What she couldn’t tell from the picture was that the canine had been saved within minutes of her life. Says Marianne, “Her time was up at the pound when the owner of Canine Crusaders, a local dog rescue, paid her fee and posted her photo online, hoping to find her a special home.”
------- Well, it worked! Marianne swooned over the photo and when she went to visit, the pup swooned right back. The dog shyly settled down at Marianne’s feet and rolled onto her back, staring up at her new human friend. “I couldn’t resist,” says Marianne. “I named her Banjo because she made my heart sing.”
-------Marianne’s choice was confirmed when, at home, the pup cast her gentle spell over the family pets. “Banjo made friends with my two Westies immediately,” remembers Marianne. No sooner was the pooch running around the yard with her new friends than the family’s ten-year-old cat walked over and began to give her kisses. “Banjo just sat there, letting the old boy check her out,” Marianne recalls. “That was all I needed to see!”
------- Nowadays, the furry charmer continues to expertly play the family’s heartstrings. “Although the dogs are both smaller than she is, Banjo always lets them win when they’re playing,” says Marianne. “She’s so gentle, even the cat plays with her.”
------- But don’t be fooled—this little virtuoso also sings to another tune. “She found out quickly that if she sat upright and begged, we would give her a treat,” Marianne informs us with a smile. “Now when we tell her that she’s had enough, she sits straight up and waits, knowing we can't resist her.”

Walk it out


Turn on any TV or radio, and it won’t be long before a pitch for the latest fad diet, exercise gadget, or weight loss book surges through the speakers. But missing from the over-hyped offers is the most critical ingredient for success – the motivation to stick to the plan. Enter our furry canine friends.
America has a love affair with its pets. And canine companions are the “top dog” with 34 percent of American households owning one or more dogs. That’s more than 65 million pooches in the U.S. – and that’s a conservative estimate. While dog lovers nationwide know the strong emotional bond that can develop between humans and dogs, a study at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that this relationship can result in more exercise and more weight loss than most nationally known diet plans. The study showed that participants who walked their dogs daily lost 14 pounds on average in less than a year – far more than the average “fad” dieter. A key reason for the better results: the dog walkers stayed with the program because of the emotional connection between dog and dog owner.
Dogs are pack animals. As such, they relish companionship. While we humans are not described as 'pack' animals, we are also social creatures who need companionship. Therefore, dogs are perfect pets for humans since the relationship is based on the same need for love and interaction. This mutual need was a key driver for the study participants, who reportedly “stuck to the program” because the emotional bond was a motivator.
Despite a solid emotional bond, many dog lovers have difficulty controlling their dogs on leash while walking, which can dramatically reduce the frequency of walks and the enjoyment of them. We’ve all seen the scenario: the hapless human stumbling down the sidewalk, dragged by the dominating dog. It’s a classic suburban image – but it need not be that way. As pack animals, dogs need clear and consistent leadership to feel safe and happy, whether within their packs or their human families. This need is instinctual. If in a dog’s mind a human companion is not up to the task, the dog will constantly challenge for leadership.
Both research and anecdotal evidence show that the key to managing dog behavior is communications and leadership. Dogs have a specific manner of communicating and need leadership to feel secure. Just like humans, dogs need training to set parameters for behavior.



Establishing On-leash Leadership
The key is focus, focus, focus. Keep your dog focused on you, rather than distractions, such as other dogs, people, kids’ toys, etc. To establish and maintain this focus, anticipate distractions (rather than waiting for a distraction to occur), communicate with your dog in a way he understands. To refocus your dog, voice a low guttural sound (“BAH,” like a growl) and gently flick the leash, just enough to get your dog’s attention. When your dog responds appropriately, give positive praise in a high-toned voice, such as “good dog.” Use this technique to direct your dog to walk at your side. When the dog’s focus strays, repeat the procedure. With practice, dogs will respond to this method because it is similar to their instinctual method of communications.



More Ideas for Walking Dogs
Keep your dog’s interest by changing pace frequently – intermittently walk fast, slow, stop, etc. Do this regularly and your dog will see this as a game – and find the activity fun and stimulating. Also, dogs can easily differentiate sounds. When you want to stop, shuffle your feet on the ground to indicate you are coming to a stop. Also, change directions frequently. Go left, right, turn in front of the dog, reverse direction, etc. Each time you make a change in direction give a gentle flick of the leash to alert your dog you are about to change direction.
Gaining a better understanding of the dog psyche strengthens the human-canine connection, and learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is a critical step in establishing leadership and control. With some practice, dog owners can establish the leadership required for a satisfying stroll with Fido and reap the benefits of both weight loss and overall fitness. Much more so than the ubiquitous weight-loss infomercials, the emotional bond will be a motivator – and your waistline and your pooch will thank you.

Liver Treats

Liver Treats

  • 1 lb raw sliced beef liver (in the meat freezer section at Safeway, or better, go to your local health food grocery)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup self rising cornmeal mix or rice flour
  • 1/4 cup quick cooking oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tBsp brown sugar (I don't use this...)
  • 2 tBsp canola oil
  • 1 beaten egg

Preheat oven to 350 deg F

Boil liver in 3 cups of water until no longer pink

Remove liver and set aside the liver water.

Puree the liver and 1/4 of the liver water.

In a large bowl combine the rest of the stuff in the list with the
liver slurry plus 1/4 more of the liver water.

Roll out the dough 1/2" thick for large treats, 1/4" for small treats.
Cut into shapes and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 10 min.

Flip and bake for 10 more min.

Cool for 2 1/2 hrs to make extra crunchy.

Refrigerate in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks (they get moldy otherwise). Freeze for longer (bet they are really crunchy frozen!).

Makes 3-5 dozen

TnT's Travel Tips

TnT's Travel Tips

Traveling with your doggie is one of the most rewarding experiences that a pet guardian can have. By taking very little effort, you can make a checklist of things to accomplish before leaving for your destination.




No matter the length of your trip, you should always keep in mind the safety and comfort for your child with fur. Here are a few reminders to make your trip a success:




  • When traveling with pets in extremely hot weather, you will want to make sure the air conditioning functions properly before you hit the road. Water is always a necessity no matter the weather condition so make sure you have plenty on hand for both you and Fido.
  • As far as feeding your pet, you might want to curb the usual amount so as not to create too many pit stops.
  • If you and your pet are the active sort, bring plenty of towels. You can wipe your feet at the door, but so far, to our knowledge, your dog will probably require some assistance to get the mud and gunk from his paws. Besides, if your dog is like most, they really don't mind the mud and gunk but your host will thank you for it!
  • If you know your dog will jump on the furniture and bed, bring a couple of sheets to use as 'cover-slips' during your stay.
  • Check ahead for daycare and pet sitters before you travel. The day will certainly present itself when you want to take in an event and Fido is not permitted. We suggest you don't leave him in the room alone unless he is kenneled. Even then, it's probably not a good idea unless yours sleeps all day and you know he won't bark his head off. A strange place brings out strange behavior and many hotels do not allow you to leave your pet unattended for any reason, kenneled or not.
  • If boarding your dog: Did you bring his health record? Better make sure you did because there is no admittance without them. Your vet would be able to fax updated info in case you forget, but if it's Sunday and you just decided to leave your dog in daycare, you'll be out of luck.
  • Work up to activity: If you have a couch potato at home and expect him to hike to the tallest peak on your vacation, you will probably be disappointed. Although he is sure to try and please you, give him the opportunity to work up to any extra activity. Start taking him out more often for extended walks and hikes before the big vacation so it's not a shock to his system and his paws.
  • Remember the first aid kit: Just in case of ouchies.
  • Safety restraints: When traveling by truck: Do not let your best friend ride in the back of a pick-up. Road debris can fly up and harm him and in case of an accident, he will have no protection. When traveling by car, use a special safety restraint or place Fido in his kennel which is secured. There are many sad stories of pets being used as projectiles during a car accident.
  • Airlines: All airlines differ in their policy of flying your pets. Be sure and check policy before planning your trip. Remember, you will probably have to fly your dog as cargo and the weather may dictate what time of year you fly. Be sure to ask the airline if their cargo area is heated or air-conditioned. Temperatures can be extreme. Some airlines prohibit flying your pet during certain times of the year.

  • Timeshares: Carefully researching your travel destination when planning your vacation is a must. Timeshares are especially attractive to pet-owners because dogs feel most comfortable with a certain level of routine and there are pet-accommodating timeshares for sale all over the world. When researching, you'll want to consider whether the resort imposes weight-limits, ensure that the resort offers pet-sitting or grooming, and note its vicinity to Fido's favorite activities. One way to ensure that these criteria are met is to try your timeshare on a rental basis. Trying pet-friendly timeshares for rent is a great way to learn more about the area before you commit to ownership.
  • And finally, bring the usual from home; lots of toys and chewies, water, food, his dog bed or blanket and most of all, lots of hugs and kisses. Happy Travels!

Credit:

OMD

Whew! What a day.
Rally-O, Agility AND freestyle, all in one day.

Tracksie won the freestyle competition and got 1st place, as well as $40 certificate to our favorite doggie store.

Tiggles excelled in agility, at lightning speed, she blew everyone away!



We are all super tired.
Pictures to come soon! Check back for more updates on the exciting day ;D

How to Protect Dogs From Cancer

Cancer not only affects humans. In fact, it's among the leading causes of death in pets, especially dogs. According to Parade magazine, half of all dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime.



So how can you protect your dog from cancer? Interestingly, in many of the same ways you can protect yourself. Like humans, dogs and other pets can develop cancer from exposure to all of the following:

  • Smoke
  • Sunlight
  • Radiation
  • Hormones
  • Chemicals
  • Immune System Failure
  • Viruses

Canine cancers are the most common. With over 100 varieties, canine cancer is the most prevalent among all domesticated pet species. In fact, according to the Canine Cancer Campaign, a non-profit organization focused on curing canine cancer, one in four dogs will die from the effects of cancer.

Many dog breeds even carry hereditary risk factors. Golden retrievers are at high risk for Lymphoma and cancers of the blood vessels and spleen. Retrievers are susceptible to Transitional Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma (skin/mouth) cancers. Boxers have been known to inherit Lymphoma and brain cancers. See which dog breeds are at risk for certain cancers, visit http://curecaninecancer.org/why_help.html

Despite the many risk factors facing your dog, there's a lot you can do to help make sure they stay cancer free. Below are six critical steps you can take to protect your pets from cancer.

  1. Visit the Vet: Make sure you and your dog visit the veterinarian on a regular basis for cancer screenings and checkups. The sooner cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated. This vastly improves the chances that your dog will beat the disease. Vets recommend a checkup every six months for dogs over 7. For younger dogs, an annual exam is a safe precautionary measure. The Canine Cancer Campaign and the Pet Cancer Foundation are now offering Free Cancer Consultations for pets, visit http://www.curecaninecancer.org/free_screening.html for more information.
  2. Doggy Exercise: To stay healthy, dogs need regular exercise. Studies have shown that exercise strengthens immunity to a range of diseases, including cancer. In fact, overweight pets are twice as likely to develop cancer than their healthy counterparts.
  3. Avoid Chemical Exposure: There are many known carcinogens that your dog interacts with everyday, but by keeping them away from herbicides, insecticides, and tobacco smoke, you can make sure they won't develop cancer from chemical exposure. Instead of using toxic house and garden products, choose non-toxic products and keep your pets away from secondhand smoke. Most importantly, don't use unnatural flea products on your pet, as many flea collars, sprays, and shampoos are full of poisons. Use natural, less-toxic methods of flea control. These include natural flea shampoos and frequent vacuuming. Pyrethins are a natural means of flea control.
  4. Spay and Neuter Pets: Simply spaying or neutering your dog can decrease the risk of breast cancer in females to almost zero; the risk of testicular cancer is zero for neutered males.
  5. Prevent Sunburn: While all dogs can get sunburned, short-haired and light-haired dogs carry a greater risk for developing skin cancers caused by overexposure to sunlight. Dogs need sunscreen just like their owners. Rub a bit on your dog's nose and ears.
  6. Avoid Contaminated Water: Keep your pet from drinking stagnant water in street puddles, which can contain cancer-causing toxins. Change your pets water daily, and make sure the bowl is clean and fresh.

Remember, even if your dog is diagnosed with cancer, all is not lost. Many cancers can be cured if they're discovered early. There are many other options too, including:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Hyperthermia
  • Cyrosurgery

Don't forget that if your pet already has cancer, you should avoid all vaccinations because they can stress your pet's immune system. Still, active prevention is the best defense. Follow the tips above to reduce the risk of your pets developing cancer during their lifetime, and you'll enjoy more time together.

Top 10 Benefits of RAW


Top 10 benefits of feeding your dog raw food:
  1. Teeth brighten and lose plaque, eliminating the need for cleaning.
  2. Breath becomes almost odorless indicating a healthy start to the digestive process.
  3. Skin becomes healthy and vibrant and creates a hostile environment to most parasites.
  4. Coat shines brightly and sheds minimally. Raw Feeding is very popular among show dog owners and judges, yielding many awards to raw feeders.
  5. The stool is less in volume and much less offensive even in the litter box.
  6. Optimal body weight is easily obtained and maintained. As a result, the vascular system is much less stressed, allowing the best function of the heart, liver and thyroid.
  7. Large breed puppies have much less chance of growing too fast. Their joints can grow without undue stress and their long-term quality of life is optimized.
  8. Arthritic conditions are minimized and many geriatric companions have a chance at A Second Childhood. This is greatly attributed to the natural Essential Fatty Acids as well as the overall PH balance becoming normalized, reducing inflammation. Glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen are a natural component in raw meat.
  9. Quicker recoveries from infections or infestations as well as over-all healing occur. The strength of the immune system is revitalized, like it was before we treated every cut or flea with drug therapies.
  10. The ravages of a degenerative disease seem to be decreased and overall chances for full recovery are optimized.

The Dangers of Xylitol

Did you know that Xylitol, a sugar substitute (artificial sweetener) that's found in chewing gum, hard candy, gum drops, sugar-free pudding, jello, diabetic foods, baked goods and toothpaste, can be fatal to pets?

To keep your pets safe from this harmful substance, please keep foods containing Xylitol, well out of their reach. It could save their lives. Even a very small amount of Xylitol can be potentially life-threatening.

Xylitol causes mass insulin release in dogs, leading to sudden hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar levels. Dogs can show symptoms in as little as 20 minutes, or as late as 12 hours. Symptoms include ataxia (staggering gait), depression, lethargy, confusion, seizures & in some cases, death.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a food or candy containing Xylitol, call your local emergency vet immediately to let them know you're on your way, and go straight there for urgent treatment. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for advice, on (888) 426-4435 but it is crucial not to delay medical attention because of the very sudden effects of consumption.