In the world of sugar substitutes, a wolf in sheep's clothing has emerged – "birch sugar/sap". Formerly known as Xylitol, this sweetener has undergone a name change, but its dangers for our companions remain as potent as ever. Xylitol, often lauded for its low-calorie sweetness in human diets, poses a severe threat to dogs, cats, and ferrets when ingested. Now, marketed under the friendlier-sounding term "birch sugar," this substance can be found in a range of products, from