"Rescue Remedy" Warning!

The following was posted on another greyhound list. As a vet tech, I think it's really great information, although a bit alarmist. Recent studies suggest (by no means conclusively) that in the pill form, Rescue Remedy - which is commonly used to calm dogs - may be harmful. Although the post says repeatedly that "small amounts" are toxic, that really is not true. It is harmful in amounts greater than 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, and possibly causes fatal liver complications in greater amounts. So take the following with a grain of salt, but as I said, it's good info to be aware of.

"Rescue Remedy" is an herbal concoction that can and does calm your dog, safely. However, there is some suggestion that when in the "Pastilles" (pill) form, it may have concentrations of a naturally-occurring chemical sweetener Xylitol which may be life-threatening in dogs (studies show possiblity of hypoglycemia and/or liver failure). However, it's important to note that the jury is out on this one: the World Health Association concluded after studies using high levels of Xylitol (more than 100 mg per kilogram weight of animal) that no adverse effects were present. It is important to note that not only do different studies suggest different conclusions at this point in the research, but in all cases very large doses were given.

But until there is more research, it might be a good idea to stick to the liquid form, which you can count on as being safe for use in dogs.

If you have concerns about the Xylitol content of any food or herbal substance, here are the suggested precautions:

To find your dog's weight in kilograms: weight in pounds divided by 2.2 = kilos (Remember that the weight in kilos is always a lower number than the weight in pounds.)

Over 100 milligrams Xylitol PER kilogram of body weight: It has been suggested that this could cause hypoglycemia. Symptoms: disorientation, vomiting, fainting, stumbling.

Over 500 milligrams Xylitol PER kilogram of body weight: It has been suggested that this could cause liver failure. Symptoms: vomiting, jaundice, severe lethargy.

Susie

I was looking for something to take the edge off of my old dog who has dementia. A lady at one of the pet stores recommended Rescue Remedy because they had some sort of chewable and I didn't want a liquid. I went to my local Vitamin Cottage and spoke to one of the clerks and explained that it was for a dog and she suggested I try the "pastilles" because that was the chewable form.

I bought it, took it home and gave one to her. It did ease her anxiety so I went
to their web site to learn more about it and I found a warning that the
"pastilles" form is not recommended for pets because it contains the artificial
sweeter Xylitol and it is highly toxic to dogs. Apparently this product hasn't
been out very long and people are getting confused because "Rescue Remedy" is
fairly commonly recommened for pets.

Yikes! My old girl is OK (too big to react to only one piece) but that was
almost a scary accident. There is no warning on the packaging to say that you
should not give it to pets. Of course, I should have checked in advance but I
didn't think about it.

It is only the "pastilles" form that is the problem. The liquids and creams are
OK.I didn't know what a small dose of Xylitol could do to a dog. And since it is a
sweetener it may be tasty so that dogs would seek it out. This is a good
article.

http://www.petconnection.com/blog/hansen-xylitol/"

Be careful! Xylitol is popping up in more and more places and a scary small
amount can sicken/kill a dog. I have some xylitol products but they have xylitol
in the name and I do keep them out of dog reach. I hadn't thought of what it
might be put into without any sort of advertising.