You shouldn't use human grade toothpaste because it contains Xylitol which
is toxic to dogs. Toothpaste made for dogs does not have Xylitol in them,
and they too are flavored so the dogs like them.
Can I use Human Toothpaste On My Dog?
I was incredulous when I read this. Xylitol is a zero-calorie sugar
substitute that is touted as a great step forward for humans. It tastes like
sugar and it prevents the growth of bacteria that cause dental disease in
humans. It is widely available in sugarless gums and, I am sorry to say (for
reasons outlined below), it is becoming more common.
Xylitol is famously toxic to dogs. Xylitol in the bloodstream tricks some
dogs' bodies into thinking that it is real sugar. These dogs then react as
if their blood sugar is too high, their bodies release insulin to lower
their blood sugar, and their real blood sugar levels crash dangerously low.
Low blood sugar levels from xylitol ingestion can lead to coma, seizures,
and death. I know one person whose dog required five days of intensive care
and continuous sugar infusions.
But sadly, the horrors of xylitol toxicity don't end there. Some dogs that
consume it will suffer liver damage or life-threatening liver failure. The
cause has not been definitively determined, but the threat has been well
documented.
Adding xylitol to human plaque reducers makes sense. However, adding it to
canine ones is insanity. Would any manufacturer actually add a known toxin
to a canine product?
A quick Google search revealed the sad truth. The answer is yes. Consider,
for instance, Breathalyser PLUS, a water additive. A website selling it
lists the ingredients as follows (emphasis mine).
Purified water, Glycerine, Hydroxymethyl-cellulose gum, xylitol, polysorbate
20, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, barley malt extract, zinc gluconate,
proteolytic enzyme (Emilgase), FD&C Blue No. 1 & chlorhedidene [sic]
digluconate 0.049% w/w as a preservative.
I unequivocally recommend that no dog owner use this, or any, product that
claims to prevent plaque in dogs. In the best case, you'll waste your money.
In worse cases, the product will contain a known poison.
Susan, thank you for alerting me to this travesty. I recommend that you
attempt to habituate your dogs to toothbrushing over time (admittedly, this
is easier in puppies than in adult rescues, but it may still be possible).
If that fails, consider regular dental work at intervals that prevent
serious problems from developing (such work should be less expensive than
the sort of work that corrects major disease). But under any circumstances,
please avoid plaque "preventers" that contain xylitol.
Dr. Eric Barchas
Posted in ASK A VET, HEALTH & CARE
Peggy
-------Original Message-------
From: myknitt
Date: 7/13/2013 6:57:23 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Chihuahuas] Re: bad breath
Haha yeapp,.. my chi also have bad smell. I usually use a dog's tooth brush
that can be find ar petshop. This brush can be slipped at finger so it will
be easilly grab her mouth. I also use child's toothpaste with strawberry
taste so they will like it. Haha..
It quite helps making my chi's mouth not too smelly..
--- In [email protected], ann banks <ann.80.june@...> wrote:
>
> I brush my dogs teeth and syarted when very young. Now they enjoy it..
just
> use doggie tooth paste and smallest childs tooth brush.
> Ann
> On Jul 13, 2013 5:24 AM, "Robin Gordils" <GinbarMinPins@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Unless fed really bad food at that age her teeth shouldn't be bad. Going
> > into heat doesn't cause shaking or panting but she should have been
spayed
> > before any heats to prevent breast cancer. The risk rises with every
heat
> > until about 2 yrs old when she has the same risk as an unspayed bitch.
> > Panting and shaking could be stress related, mild seizures, being hot or
> > cold but not hot and cold at the same time obviously. She needs a vet
exam,
> > bad breath which smells like urine could be kidney or urinary problems
and
> > breath that smells sweet to be diabetes. A rotting smell could be
something
> > caught in her teeth bad teeth or even cancer.
> >
> >
> > Robin, Dobe Axel CGC, TT, German Pin Ranger CGC, TT, Chihuahuas Alice
CGC
> > and Monte CGC, MinPins HoneyB, Brutus, and IMPS foster Jordan
> >
> > Www.minpinrescue.org
> > Www.chi-rescue.com
> > Http://chihuahua.rescueme.org/Florida
> >
> > Jessica Harris <evans_mommy1114@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > My year and a half old chihuahua has awful breath any tips how to get
rid
> > of it?
> > Also she is always shaking and panting? Any idea if that means she's
going
> > into heat? Bc i have no idea
> >
> >
>
