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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning dog owners that xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugarless gum and many other products, can kill their pets.

The FDA said there have been several reports of dogs that have died or become very ill after eating xylitol, a sweetner known as sugar alcohol present in many products for human use such as breath mints, toothpaste, mouthwash, children's chewable vitamins and baked goods.

In people, xylitol does not stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas. But when dogs eat something containing xylitol, the xylitol is more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and may result in the rapid release of insulin from the pancreas.

This can cause a rapid decrease in the level of blood sugar known as hypoglycemia, an effect that can occur within 10 to 60 minutes of eating the xylitol. Untreated, hypoglycemia can quickly be life-threatening.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, followed by symptoms associated with the sudden lowering of a dog's blood sugar, such as decreased activity, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures.

People who suspect their dog has eaten xylitol should take the animal to a vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately, according to the FDA.

Xylitol poisoning in cats has not been documented. The FDA said cats appear to be spared, in part, because they dislike sweets.

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