RSPCA TELLS DOG OWNERS"

From Ann.

Daily Telegraph 13.11.18  "STOP BRUSHING YOUR PETS' TEETH WITH TOOTHPASTE,
RSPCA TELLS DOG OWNERS"
Dog owners have been warned not to brush their pet's teeth with human
toothpaste after research suggested it was being seen as a solution to bad
breath.
The RSPCA said the presence of fluoride in high-street toothpaste brands,
along with the occasional use of the artificial sweetener xylitol, could
prove toxic to dogs if swallowed.
It came as a survey of 2,000 owners showed nearly 8% had tried to offset
their hound's halitosis by scrubbing their teeth with a human toothbrush &
toothpaste.
Small doses of fluoride can give dogs diarrhoea & induce vomiting as it
reduces the calcium in the blood & increases potassium levels, Dr Nicola
Robinson, head of the Veterinary Poisons Information Service, said.   The
presence of xylitol in certain types of toothpaste could prove even more
serious - potentially leading to death if left untreated.
Caroline Allen, London veterinary director at the RSPCA, said: "Not only
will pets be less likely to tolerate the foaming & the minty flavour of
human toothpaste but there is also a risk to their health from swallowing
human toothpaste. While there is a potential risk to pets from the ongoing
swallowing of fluoride...the inclusion of the artificial sweetener xylitol
in toothpastes is a more serious concern as this is much more toxic &
products containing this ingredient should not be given to dogs." ...
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/11/12/rspca-warns-dog-owners-not-brush
-pets-teeth-toothpaste-get-rid/