Accidental Ingestion of Medications (pet or human drugs) 5,131
Rodenticide (mouse & rat poison) 4,028
Methylxanthine Toxicity (chocolate, caffeine) 3,661
Plant Poisoning 2,808
Household Chemicals 1,669
Metaldehyde (snail, slug poison) 396
Insecticide 323
Heavy Metal Toxicity (lead, zinc) 288
Toad Poisoning 270
Antifreeze Poisoning 213
Walnut Poisoning 100
Alcohol Toxicity 75
Strychnine 28

VPI policyholders spent more than $6.6 million between 2005 and 2009 treating their pets for poisoning. Accidental ingestion of pet or human medications, the most common type of poisoning, cost policyholders an average of $791 per claim. The most expensive type of poisoning, heavy metal poisoning, cost an average of $952 per claim.

“Not only can a poisoning incident be life-threatening for the pet, it’s traumatic for the pet owner as well,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. “Depending on what substance the pet has ingested and the amount, the reaction can be sudden with the animal exhibiting alarming symptoms such as staggering, vomiting, drooling, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. We recommend that pet owners be aware of which items around their homes can be harmful to their pets – medications, insect poisons, chocolate, and certain nuts – and keep these items safely out of reach. Also, they shouldn’t assume that their pets will ignore that bottle of bleach in the laundry room or the Philodendron plant by the window. Our data shows this just isn’t so.”

In addition to taking steps to avoid poisoning emergencies, pet owners should be prepared for such an emergency should it arise. For example, owners should keep the phone number of their pets’ regular veterinarian and a phone number for an emergency veterinary hospital handy at all times. For more information about pet poisoning prevention and poisoning first-aid, please visit the Pet Poison Helpline at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

Pet Protect’s dog insurance product stacks up well against the market leaders. The cover benefits are impressive and the premiums not going to require you to take out a second mortgage.

•One month free online discount
•Up to £6k vet fees every year – no time or financial limits per condition
•No special restriction on alternative treatments giving you the greatest flexibility when choosing the best treatment for your pet
•Claims settled quickly and direct to your vet if required, giving you absolute peace of mind.

Select The Best NOT The Cheap Dog Insurance Policy

Did you know that you can purchase health insurance to cover your puppy or dog? It is absolutely true! You can get a health plan for all of your dogs. However, just like shopping for insurance premiums for things like car insurance, rental insurance, etc., shopping for dog insurance takes a little research to find the right company.

Below are a few basic questions that can help you get a better understanding of the type of insurance plan a company can offer for your dog.

1. Find out if the insurance company covers any pre-existing health conditions. This is very important because should your dog become ill or have an injury that stemmed from a previous condition, and the insurance company does not cover pre-existing health problems, you may be paying the expense out of your pocket.

2. Be sure to ask if the company is licensed to offer their services in your state. You generally will not have a problem with this issue, but there is the occasional rogue insurance company that covers pets but is not fully legal to do so. In that case, you may come out on the loosing end of an insurance claim.

3. Ask how many years the company has been in business and how long they have offered insurance plans that cover dogs. A fairly new company may not have the experience or the coverage that an older, more experienced service provider would.

4. Ask what the insurance policy does NOT include, such as checkups, heartworm tests, dental care, worms, etc. Obviously these items are important so you know what to expect to pay if a particular health condition with your dog springs up.

5. Find out if the insurance for your dog will cover bone scans, medications, reconstructive surgery, and CAT scans. If your dog gets seriously injured and is suspected of having a major condition as a result from the injury, he may need the above mentioned procedures and tests. These can be quite expensive if the insurance plan does not include them in the service.

6. And of course, be sure to know what your deductible will be. In addition, ask if there is a cap on any specific type of illness or accidents your dog may possibly be in.