What dangerous physiological effect is caused by the artificial sweetener Xylitol in dogs?
Answer
A rapid, dangerous drop in blood sugar
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in many sugar-free household products, and it poses a severe poisoning risk to canines, including the small Yorkshire Terrier. When ingested, Xylitol triggers an exaggerated release of insulin from the dog's pancreas. This massive insulin surge acts quickly to remove glucose from the bloodstream, resulting in a profound and immediate drop in blood sugar, which is clinically known as hypoglycemia. This effect is dangerous because the brain relies almost entirely on glucose for fuel, leading rapidly to weakness, collapse, and seizures if not treated.
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