Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener and humectant in human and pet products. While sorbitol is generally recognized as safe for people and not considered toxic to dogs, excessive amounts can still cause issues for dogs.

Sorbitol Is Not Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. Xylitol triggers a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to life-threatening hypoglycemia and, in some cases, liver failure. Always read labels to check for xylitol, which may also be listed under other names like birch sugar.

Sorbitol, on the other hand, does not cause that same dangerous spike in insulin. For this reason, it is not considered toxic to dogs and does not trigger the same kind of medical emergencies that xylitol does. Small amounts of sorbitol are sometimes used in canine dental products like toothpaste, where it helps create a palatable, gel-like texture.

Dogs Can Have Sorbitol in Moderation

Sorbitol is derived from fruits and vegetables. It is valued for its ability to add sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels and for keeping moisture in products like baked goods. In humans, it is considered safe in moderate amounts, though it may cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities due to its laxative effect. But dogs are not small humans, so it is important to evaluate sorbitol based on how it impacts them specifically.

That said, while sorbitol is not considered toxic to dogs, excessive amounts can still cause issues for them. In large quantities, sorbitol can cause digestive upset for dogs, and they may experience bloating, gas, loose stools, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually not life-threatening but can be both uncomfortable and unpleasant for the dog and the owner. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive issues may be more prone to these side effects.

Sorbitol can also be found in some canine medications and chews where it serves a functional role, such as binding tablets or improving taste. In these cases, the amount used is typically very low and unlikely to cause any digestive upset. As with any additive, the context and dose matter, as the saying goes, “The dose makes the poison.” A dog licking a small amount of sorbitol-based toothpaste during brushing is unlikely to experience any digestive upset whereas a dog that snarfs down a bag of sugar-free candies sweetened with sorbitol should expect some gastrointestinal discomfort for a day or two.

Sorbitol Is Not “Bad” for Dogs

Ultimately, sorbitol is not considered bad or dangerous for dogs, however it is also not an ingredient that dogs need or that they benefit from nutritionally. If a product containing sorbitol is specifically formulated for dogs, such as a toothpaste or medication, it is safe when used as directed. However, pet owners should be cautious about giving dogs human products that contain sorbitol, especially in large quantities or on a regular basis.

When in doubt, it is best to stick to dog-specific products and avoid giving your dog anything labeled as “sugar-free” unless you have confirmed that it does not contain xylitol or other harmful ingredients. If your dog has consumed a product containing sorbitol and is showing signs of stomach upset, a sensitive stomach diet and plenty of water are usually enough to help them recover, however contacting your vet is always a good idea should symptoms persist.

Pretty much everyone has heard the saying that your dog’s nose should be cold and wet. But does that mean every dry or cracked nose means the dog is sick? No.

If your dog is in a cool, damp place, his nose will be wet and cool. If he is in a hot, dry place, his nose will tend to be dry. If he is outside on a dry, windy day, his nose will tend to be dry. His nose could even get sunburned!

A dog’s nose is normally moist due to licking. Keeping that nose damp helps the dog with scenting and helps with cooling down if your dog is hot. But other factors can weigh in on whether the nose is wet or dry. A dripping wet nose may be due to an illness like an infection.

When a Dog’s Nose Is Dry

Most dogs will not lick their noses when they sleep or nap, so when they wake up, their noses are often dry. If the air in your house is dry, your dog’s nose may be dry. If he is outside in dry, cold air, his nose can get chapped just like your lips.

A fever can cause a dry, warm nose, but a dry, warm nose doesn’t necessarily mean he has a fever. If your dog is sick, usually, he will have other signs such as lethargy or a high temperature, but his nose may feel warmer than usual and dry.

A dog who is dehydrated may have a warm, dry nose, but he also probably has a dry mouth, thick saliva (if any saliva), panting, and may even collapse.

Causes of a Dog’s Dry Nose

Older dogs and brachycephalic dogs (short muzzles, short faces) may not keep their noses as damp as they should. This could be simply because they don’t lick as much. It can also be a problem with a younger dog with a normal muzzle.

A dry nose may also be due to nasal keratosis, which is basically an overgrowth of the keratin producing cells. The nose may feel rough and can even have a “shaggy” appearance. The skin on the paw pads may also become thick and cracked. Cocker Spaniels are known for this problem.

Allergies are sometimes blamed for dry nose. Pollen and other irritants may cause some extra keratin.

More serious causes of a dry nose include infection, dry eye syndrome, autoimmune disease, cancer, and chronic ear infections.

First Aid for Dog’s Dry Nose

If your dog has a dry nose, you need to determine if there is an underlying cause such as pemphigus and treat it. A veterinary visit can diagnose it but will require some diagnostics.

If your house is dry, consider adding a humidifier. Always make sure your dog has plenty of clean, fresh water to drink. Wiping on some coconut oil or olive oil can help. Shea butter and aloe vera can help with dry, cracked nose.

Commercial dog balms can be put directly on the dog’s nose. Natural Dog Snout Soother is basically a lip balm for dog noses. Blissful Dog Nose Balm and the original farmer’s friend, Bag Balm, can be used as needed. You should only need to apply any of these once or twice a day. As you put any balm on, immediately offer a treat or two to distract your dog from just licking it right off. Caution: Human lip balms and petroleum jelly may have some ingredients that are not safe for dogs, so it is best to avoid them.

Laser therapy for dogs can help with pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis or acute injuries. Laser treatments might be recommended if your dog is sore, has a pulled muscle, or has injured his back. The injury just needs to be close enough to the skin for the laser light to reach. Note: The term “cold” laser therapy may still be used but is outdated. Laser therapy generates heat in the body’s tissues.

Accelerated healing may be the most exciting thing that laser can do. It is safe to use on incisions immediately after surgery, and some veterinary facilities even do the first treatment while the dog is still under anesthesia. It is also great for superficial wounds and pressure sores. The laser light increases circulation in the area, speeding up the healing process.

If your dog has undergone orthopedic or back surgery, laser treatments will likely be part of his rehab plan. The laser will accelerate healing of the incision, reduce inflammation in the area, and provide some pain relief. It also helps resolve edema because of the increased circulation.

What Is Laser Therapy for Dogs?

Laser therapy is the use of light to change the body in desired ways. The formal term for this is “photobiomodulation.” Light enters tissue, interacts with parts of the cell, and causes changes.

Depending on the type of light used, the power of the beam, and the wavelength(s) present in the beam, photons affect receptors, enzymes, organelles, ion channels, or molecules within cells.

Laser light is special because a laser is a single wavelength in a targeted beam. This is why laser pointers are so precise, whereas a flashlight casts a wide cone of light. The targeted nature of a laser beam allows us to aim it in specific areas. Different wavelengths can penetrate deeper into tissue, so the location of the injury within the body will direct which wavelength needs to be used to get the desired effect.

What Laser Therapy Can Do for Your Dog

Laser treatments can help dogs in a variety of ways:

• Relieve pain
• Accelerate healing
• Reduce inflammation

Therapeutic, Healing Lasers for Dogs

The modern lasers used today in veterinary physical rehabilitation are Class 3B and Class 4 lasers. These devices are not “cold” lasers. They generate heat within the tissue. They do not cut like surgical lasers do, but they can still cause irritation and damage if used inappropriately.

Most dogs tolerate laser treatments extremely well, but dogs with pale or sensitive skin may develop a rash. For these dogs, tweaking the settings or lowering the dosage usually resolves the issue.

If your dog has a tattoo for identification or to indicate that she has been spayed, she will not be able to receive laser treatments in that area. The ink in tattoos heats up rapidly under the laser and quickly becomes painful.

While the phrase “cold laser” is still sometimes used to differentiate between therapeutic lasers and surgical lasers, the lasers used by vets today are higher powered and more effective.

There is one major limitation to what laser therapy can do: depth. Light can only pass so deep into tissue, and while some wavelengths can travel deeper than others, they still can’t get far. Laser is perfect for wounds and superficial joints such as the carpus or elbow but cannot reach deeper areas such as the hip joint.

When NOT to Use Laser Therapy for Dogs

Increased circulation is not always a good thing. Laser treatments are not a good choice in areas that have tumors or masses, or overactive infections. In both cases, the laser could be problematic and encourage spread of the infection or increased growth of cancer.

Laser also should not be done near the eye, as the laser beams can damage the retina and potentially cause vision loss or blindness. Your rehab practitioner will wear protective goggles and provide them for you if you are present during treatment sessions. Even with the special glasses on, do not shine the laser into your eye.

Protective goggles for dogs can be used if desired, but dogs are much less likely to look at the laser and don’t necessarily need goggles.

Tips for Canine Laser-Therapy Success

To ensure that your dog gets the most out of his laser treatments:

1. Seek out a rehab practitioner who has a certification or other specialized training in sports medicine and rehab.
2. Say yes to shaving. Hair absorbs some of the laser light, preventing those photons from reaching the target tissue. In some dogs, it may be possible to part the hair enough to access the skin, but shaving is often the best way to guarantee good penetration. He may have a weird haircut, but it will grow back!
3. Keep your dog’s skin clean and dry. Like hair, dirt and moisture both absorb some of the light particles.
4. If your dog doesn’t like to be still, try to find a facility with a Class 4 laser. These lasers have higher power capabilities than Class 3B, so your dog can get the same dosage in a shorter treatment time.

Research is ongoing to determine the best treatment settings and duration for various health problems in dogs. As we learn more, your rehab practitioner will continue to tweak your dog’s treatments to meet his needs and give him the most benefit.

Is Cold Laser Therapy a Hoax?

Nope! Therapeutic lasers do provide real benefits for our dogs. That said, laser is not a miracle cure-all. Laser light can only reach tissues close to the surface of the body and can be blocked by hair, moisture, and debris. Laser therapy is usually used as part of a larger treatment plan for your dog’s condition.

Your dog will also get the most benefit from professional-grade devices used by a trained veterinarian or veterinary technician. While over-the-counter laser devices are available for home use, they vary widely in quality and are not as strong. LED light devices do not have the same characteristics as lasers, and don’t give the same amount of control.