Well-intended pet owners are unknowingly poisoning their pets

June 1, 2008

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently analyzed its medical claims data to determine the most commonly ingested household toxins and poisons.

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) recently analyzed 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. Following is the list of top household toxins with 2007 claim counts.

Common Pet Toxin or Poison: # of Claims

1. Drug reactions: 3,455

2. Rodenticide: 870

3. Methylxanthine: 755

4. Plant poisoning: 466

5. Household chemicals: 313

6. Metaldyhyde: 88

7. Organophosphate: 60

8. Toad poisoning: 58

9. Heavy metals: 48

10. Antifreeze: 36

Source: VPI Pet Insurance, March 20, 2008.