HARTFORD, Conn. -- A common sweetener could prove fatal for your dogs.

Benjamin, 8, is described as a precocious dog. He was a stray on the streets of Hartford when Christina Brine saved his life.

Keeping an eye on Benjamin can be challenging, but it's important when considering the potential harm from a sweetener found in products like Orbitz gum -- just two sticks, and your pet could die, Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Mike Hydeck reported.

"I had no idea," Brine said. "That's very scary because he eats things like crazy."

The sweetener, Xylitol, can also found in some baking mixes and some toothpastes.

Veterinarian Robert Effron said this is something that needs to be taken seriously.

"In dogs, it causes a huge release in insulin in the pancreas, and insulin makes the blood sugar go down, and the dogs become profoundly hypoglycemic," Effron said.

Some of the symptoms of illness after ingesting Xylitol include lethargy and possible depression. There's even part of the condition that can make them appear drunk.

"The drug Xylitol is absorbed by the intestine so you have to act quick," Effron said.

Effron said that if your dog just ingested Xylitol, you can make them vomit by giving them hydrogen peroxide. But no matter what, get to a vet right away for tests.

"I'm always keeping him on a tight leash, but that's kind of spooky," Brine said.

To protect your pet, check the ingredients on the sweet things you eat.

More Information

More: Sugar Substitute Can Kill Dogs

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