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Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in many food products, including peanut butter, candies, and baked goods. While it is safe for human consumption, xylitol poses a severe risk to dogs, as even small amounts can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and potentially death. Recently, manufacturers have begun labeling xylitol as "birch sugar" on ingredient lists, a term that can easily be misunderstood by pet owners. Birch sugar is a natural name referring to xylitol derived from birch trees but represents the same dangerous substance. Due to this labeling practice, pet owners must be even more vigilant when reading product labels. Products that commonly contain xylitol include sugar-free gum, peanut butter, candy, baked items, and dental products. Because dogs tend to be attracted to sweet scents and tastes, ingestion of these products can occur accidentally. To protect your pets, always check ingredient labels meticulously and avoid giving dogs any products that list xylitol, birch sugar, or sugar alcohols among their components. In case of suspected xylitol ingestion, immediate veterinary attention is critical for the best chance of recovery. For more pet safety information, pet owners are encouraged to follow veterinary advice and use resources like the #vetmed community for updates and tips on preventing accidental poisoning.