A sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free and dietetic cookies, mints and chewing gum is proving highly toxic, even fatal, to snack seeking dogs.

Veterinarian Dr. Michael Kopf continues to treat seven-year-old Gracey for Xylitol poisoning. A few weeks ago, Gracey got into a box of sugar-free Tic Tacs.

Within minutes, Gracey’s insulin surged and her blood sugar fell to dangerously low levels. Seven-year-old Julia Sciortino explained what happened to her dog.

“She was on her back, and she was just shaking; it was really scary,” Julia said.

Julia’s mother, Dr. Pat McGuire, was in the kitchen when it happened.

“I heard a noise in th dining room.  I looked through the door. Gracey was on her back having a seizure,” she said.

McGuire knew her beloved pet lab was in serious trouble, but she did not know the cause. Fortunately, Julia figured it out.

“I was in my room and my Tic Tacs were in the back of my counter. When I went back to my room, the box of Tic Tacs was in the middle of my floor all chewed up,” Julia said.

Had Dr. McGuire not acted quickly and called her veterinarian, Gracey could have died within 30 minutes.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in many sugarless products, from candy and gum, to toothpaste and baking goods. It’s safe for humans, but when ingested by dogs it can cause a dangerous surge of insulin and life-threatening liver damage.

Dr. Kopf said the number of Xylitol poisonings is increasing.

“It’s getting scary how common it is. As a sugar substitute the chemical is becoming ubiquitous in our society because of human weight problems,” Kopf said.

“Everyone is surprised. No one has ever heard of this before,” McGuire said. “I was even surprised some friends said they gave their dogs Tic Tacs as breath fresheners.”

Gracey is on the upswing. Dr. Kopf induced Gracey’s vomiting within the crucial 30 minute window and put her on medication to address her elevated liver enzymes.

It’s unclear how Xylitol affects cats, rabbits and other household pets, but Kopf said don’t presume if it’s safe for humans that it’s equally safe for pets.

NewsChannel 5 attempted contacted the makers of Tic Tacs and several manufacturers of Xylitol, but no one responded.

Here are some other foods that are perfectly safe for human consumption but can be poisonous to pets:

1. Chocolate: is poisonous to all species; but dogs are most likely to eat dangerous quantities. chocolate stimulates the nervous system and the heart. Possible effects of poisoning can include: vomiting, increased thirst, restlessness, agitation, increased or irregular heartbeat, increased body temperature, tremors and/or seizures.

2. Grapes/Raisins: is poisonous to dogs and cats. The fruit can damage kidneys. Possible effects of poisoning include: increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, vomiting.

3. Onions/Garlic: is poisonous to cats and dogs. They can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in pets. Possible signs of poisoning include: red colored urine, vomiting, weakness, anemia.

4. Bread Dough/Raw Yeast: is poisonous to all species. Forms gas in the digestive track of animals; fermentation of yeast causes alcohol posioning. Possible signs of poisoning include: vomiting, distention of abdominen, disorientation, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seizures

5. Alcohol: alcoholic drinks are poisonous to all species. Drinks can depress the nervous system of an animal. Signs of poisoning include: vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, coma, seisures.

6. Macadamia Nuts: are poisonous to dogs. Can cause muscle and nervous-system problems. Signs of possible poisoning include: vomiting, lethargy, weakness, increased body temperature, tremors.

7. Avacados: are poisonous to most species; however, birds are most sensitive. Avacados contain persin which damages the heart muscle. Signs of poisoning can include: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing.

If you think your pet has consumed any of the foods mentioned above, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. You can also contact theASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

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