Bob, a good friend of my family's, just forwarded me one of those viral e-mails that's making the rounds. Turns out this one is true. And it contains information all dog owners need to know.

The note, from an indentified woman, talks abut how her dachshund Chloe scarfed down a pack of sugarless gum -- a move that could have killed her dog.

Many sugarless products contain xylitol. According to the Animal Poison Control Center, of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the substance can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar if eaten by dogs, leading to depression, a loss of coordination and seizures.

There also appears to be a link between liver failure and xylitol.

Dr, Eric Dunayer, a toxicology specialist at the center, told the Journal of the Veterinary Medical Association in 2006 that the center was starting to hear of cases where symptoms occured even when dogs ate smaller amounts of the artificial sweetner. In these instances, the signs of problems might be delayed as much as 12 hours.

Bottom line: If your dog gets into your sugarless gum, candy or baked goods, call your veterinarian immediately.

You also can get more information at the ASPCA Poison Control Center by clicking here.