Final answer:
Dogs should never ingest xylitol as it can cause hypoglycemia and liver failure. This artificial sweetener is safe for humans but highly toxic to dogs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dogs should never be given products or compounds that contain xylitol. This is because xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (a rapid decrease in blood sugar levels), which can be life-threatening for dogs. Ingesting xylitol can also lead to liver failure in dogs due to the way their bodies process this artificial sweetener. It's much more toxic to dogs than other artificial sweeteners, and even small amounts can be dangerous.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is used in a variety of sugar-free or reduced sugar products. While it is safe for human consumption and has benefits such as being noncaloric and helpful for people with diabetes to control carbohydrate intake, it is extremely harmful to dogs. Dogs that consume xylitol may initially demonstrate symptoms such as vomiting, loss of coordination, and lethargy, which can progress to seizures and liver failure if not treated promptly.