Veterinarians have issued a warning to pet owners about a sugar substitute that is found in more and more foods and could be deadly for your dog.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute.  It is safe for humans, but even a small amount can cause low blood sugar, seizures and even liver failure in dogs.

Xylitol is found in products ranging from sugar-free gum, to candy and chewable vitamins to even some baked goods and peanut butter.

Symptoms for dogs include vomiting, diarrhea,  and seizures.  Veterinarians recommend pet owners act quickly if their dogs ingest the substance.

“The good news is if it’s caught quickly, they are good in responding to treatment,” said Dr. Kristen Datte, at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Care for Pets in Franklin.  “We can give them IV fluids with sugar supplements for their body.”

Dr. Datte recommends dog owners should go through their kitchen and check the labels of all products that are marked as sugar-free.  Anything that contains Xylitol should be put in top candidates and out of the way of pets.

“Check the fine print,” said Dr. Datte.  “Pets’ bodies are different than ours and their bodies can’t respond to everything we can.”

Some animal welfare groups are calling for warning labels on products with Xylitol.