My dog recently had a scary seizure, and it took a while to understand why. We learned that some peanut butters contain Xylitol, a sweetener that’s actually worse for dogs than chocolate! It can cause big problems even in small amounts.
We had used a peanut butter trick for nail trimming, but next time we will find a safer way. I wanted to share this because I wouldn’t want anyone else’s pup to go through the same thing.
Peanut butter itself isn’t inherently deadly to dogs, but certain ingredients can make it harmful.
The Culprit: Xylitol, an artificial sweetener sometimes found in peanut butter and other sugar-free products, is safe for humans but toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.
Here’s a Breakdown:
Safe Peanut Butter: Look for peanut butter that contains only peanuts and salt. These are perfectly safe for dogs in moderation.
Dangerous Peanut Butter: Avoid peanut butter with Xylitol listed in the ingredients. Even a small amount of Xylitol can cause a dog’s blood sugar to drop rapidly, leading to liver failure and even death.
Symptoms of Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Tremors
Seizures
If You Think Your Dog Has Ingested Xylitol:
Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately.