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In the average household, many pets are only one bite away from disaster. Veterinary Pet Insurance, a USA pet health insurance firm, recently studied its medical claims data to determine the most commonly ingested household toxins and poisons. VPI ranked the toxic substances by the number of claims received in 2007 for each type.

Shockingly, the most dangerous poisons by far are human medications intentionally given to pets by their owners. Following is the list of top household toxins, with 2007 claim counts and prevention pointers for each.

1.   Drug Reactions (3,455 claims) — VPI received more claims for drug
reactions than all other poisoning claims combined in 2007. Many of
these claims involved pets given drugs intended for human
consumption, such as over-the-counter pain relievers. Pet owners
often give pets over-the-counter or prescription drugs for their
ailments, unaware that even given in small amounts, many of these
drugs cannot be metabolized by pets fast enough to prevent an
overdose. Never give pets medications without consulting a
veterinarian.

2.   Rodenticide (870 claims) — Even if these poisons, most often sold in
pellet form, are placed away from pets, rodents can carry them to
pet-occupied areas. The taste and smell of rodenticides is designed
to appeal to small mammals. Pet owners should consider other options
for eliminating rodents.

3.   Methylxanthine (755 claims) — The methylxanthine class of chemical
compounds includes theobromine and caffeine, both of which are common
ingredients in chocolate. Toxic amounts of theobromine can cause
vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, hyperactivity, abnormal rhythms of
the heart, or even seizures in pets. Unsweetened baking chocolate
contains much higher levels of theobromine than milk chocolate,
causing toxicity with the consumption of much smaller amounts.

4.   Plant Poisoning (466 claims) — Many household plants can be toxic to
pets, including sago palms, tulips, oleander, hyacinths, poinsettias,
azaleas, lilies, and amaryllis. Other plant products including
onions, grapes and raisins are also categorized under the company’s
plant toxicity code. Pet owners should exercise extra caution when
pets are near these plants and abstain from giving grapes and raisins
as treats.

5.   Household Chemicals (313 claims) — Pets will get into just about
anything with bright colors and strong odors. Ingestion of cleaning
supplies such as bleach, liquid potpourri, even deodorant or
toiletries can result in an ill pet. Keep these items secured.

6.   Metaldyhyde (88 claims) — This deadly component of snail bait can
also attract pets. Signs usually occur quickly and include vomiting
and whole body tremors.  Pet owners should consider alternative
methods for getting rid of snails and slugs.

7.   Organophosphate (60 claims) — This group of insecticides works to
inactivate acetylcholinesterase, which is essential to nerve function
in insects and pets. Ingestion can occur through skin absorption or
oral intake. The chemicals degrade quickly after being sprayed
outside, but pets should not be exposed to any area that has recently
been sprayed.

8.   Toad Poisoning (58 claims) — Some species of toad, particularly
along the Gulf Coast, secrete a toxic substance when threatened — or
licked by curious dogs. Toxic effects are immediate and can be
life-threatening.  Make sure to regularly monitor pets when outdoors
to reduce exposure to hazardous creatures.

9.   Heavy metals (48 claims) — Mercury, lead or excessive amounts of
zinc, iron, cobalt and copper can cause serious illness in pets,
especially if allowed to accumulate in a pet’s body. Pets may be
exposed to heavy metals through lead-based paint, ingestion of
pennies coined after 1982, vitamins, soil contamination, or water
pollutants.

10.  Antifreeze (36 claims) — The sweet taste of antifreeze appeals to
pets. While most people are aware of the poisonous potential of
antifreeze, they may not notice a pool collecting from a leak beneath
a car. Regularly give a glance beneath the car and clean any spills
immediately.

“Pet owners should be aware of the symptoms of poisoning — vomiting, drooling, seizures — and be familiar with the location of an animal emergency clinic,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Treatment for poisoning can cost hundreds of dollars and an effective way to ensure preparation and peace of mind for emergency expenses is to safeguard your pet with a pet health insurance policy.”

Ken and Judy Liberti of Union City, Calif., discovered how VPI Pet Insurance prevented a medical emergency from becoming a financial crisis when their Beagle, Molly, decided snail bait made a tasty snack. The couple caught Molly sniffing around the flower beds with snail bait in her mouth and rushed her to the veterinarian. Molly’s doctor induced vomiting to get the rest of the snail bait out of her stomach. Aside from the discomfort of vomiting, Molly was unharmed. VPI reimbursed $275 of the $355.55 bill for Molly’s treatment, making the price for her recovery more manageable.

“We’ve decided to take our chances with snails in the flower beds rather than use snail bait ever again,” said Judy Liberti. “The cost to treat Molly’s poisoning could have paid for a whole new garden. That’s why we have pet insurance. No matter what problems we’ve had with Molly’s health, VPI has always paid more of her veterinary bills than we have.”

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