Artificial sweetener may dangerous to dogs

If your dog likes to sneak food, you may want to start hiding the peanut butter.

Veterinarians say products containing the ingredient Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, can have harmful side effects if eaten by dogs.

"What it can do is cause low blood sugar, life-threateningly so, and it can also cause liver failure, which can also be life threatening," said Kansas State University veternarian Susan Nelson.

Xylitol is not yet found in the most common brands of peanut butter, but some specialty brands do use it. Dog owners should check the labels before allowing their pets any peanut butter as a treat or to help them down a pill.

Nelson recommended using foods like cheese or pieces of bread to give your dog pills.