| Anita, it is not a dogs kidneys that are affected by xylitol but it's liver! In dogs, xylitol stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells take glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream and use it for cellular functioning. When cells take too much sugar from the blood (in response to increased insulin levels), the pet’s blood sugar can drop dangerously low—a condition known as hypoglycemia. This effect is not seen in people who eat xylitol. Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs. In severe cases, liver cells can die in large numbers, and the pet may develop liver failure. In the case of my little dog, even although he fought hard and the Vet fought hard eventually all his organs failed. It doesn't matter where the stuff comes from all that matters is that it is highly toxic to dogs and that is the message that needs to be got across |