KANSAS CITY – For those in Kansas City who have long owned pets, the dangers for dogs and cats in your home are well-known, but new pet parents are reminded to make sure toxic products are kept safely away.
One of the leading reasons for calls to the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) last year was due to human food and drinks, including products containing Xylitol. Also known as birch sugar or wood sugar, Xylitol is used as a substitute in some items that are low sugar or sugar free.
While safe for people, products with Xylitol are toxic for pets. That can include sugar free peanut butter, jam and jelly, candy and gum, and mouthwash and toothpaste.
According to the FDA, Xylitol poisoning of a dog or cat can start to show within 20 minutes. Signs include vomiting, weakness, shaking and seizures. In severe cases it can cause death. Other potentially dangerous foods for pets include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic and chocolate.
Chocolate was another leading call reason at the Animal Poison Control Center last year, along with both over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs.
It's estimated that there are around 1.4-million pet households in the Kansas City Metro. On the Missouri side, dog owners outnumber cat owners 45% to 29%. In Kansas, the split is 43% dogs and 32% cats.
Then there are the homes with both dogs and cats and multiple pets, followed by freshwater fish, small animals and birds.