Rise in pet accidental ingestion cases

Virtually every pet owner has experienced that moment of horror when they realise their animal companion’s  strange silence or sudden vomiting is because they have eaten something they shouldn’t have.

Hopefully, it’s just the tub of margarine left on the bench but according to online pet insurance specialist PD.co.nz, accidental ingestion is one of the leading causes of emergency vet visits for pets, with common household items, toxic foods and even toys posing significant risks.

Accidental ingestion consistently ranks among the top claim types for pets, year on year, with harmful objects ranging from pantry items to rocks, socks, dog toys and more, even batteries, fishing hooks and hair ties, PD Insurance chief executive officer Michelle Le Long says.

“One dog ate an AirPod, ending in vet bills of $6665 and a claim payout of all but the excess. Only the dog made it through,” she says.
“We’ve seen an increase in these types of claims in our data, highlighting the need for greater awareness. Over the past three years, ingestion-related claims have collectively ranked as one of the most common claim types for dogs and cats. In April alone, we saw a 7.77 percent increase compared to the year before.”

Dogs frequently require emergency veterinary care after consuming toxic substances. In one case, a Rhodesian Ridgeback nearly died after ingesting 30 heart medication pills, while a Border Terrier broke into a rat trap and ate the poison after the trap was pushed off a high shelf by a rat.

PD says the top five unsafe items dogs and cats ingested over the past quarter include: 

• Foreign body (i.e. socks, toys, food packaging, bones, rope, etc.) 
• Poison 
• Plants
• Chocolate “Many owners don’t realise just how many common household items can harm their furry companions,” Le Long says. “We encourage all owners to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and stay vigilant.”

Key tips for pet safety include:

• Secure harmful items: Store medications, cleaning products, and holiday decorations out of reach and locked away.
• Mind your trash: Dispose of bones, wrappers, sanitary products and leftovers safely to avoid temptation.
• Supervise outdoor adventures: Keep an eye out for hazards such as poisonous plants, toxic algae, litter, pufferfish, and fishhooks during walks or beach trips.
• Educate guests: Make sure visitors know not to share potentially toxic foods such as chocolate, onions, or grapes with pets.

However, accidents can still happen, and it’s vital to act quickly if owners suspect their pet has ingested something harmful, Dr Cath Watson, veterinarian and Healthy Pets New Zealand Trustee says.

“If you think your pet has accidentally ingested a toxic substance, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet immediately or call the Animal Poisons Helpline.” 

The Animal Poisons Helpline service is free for all pet owners. 

“Depending on what was ingested, your vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to absorb toxins, operate to surgically remove the dangerous item, or provide supportive care to prevent further complications,” Watson says. Early intervention can be the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening situation for your pet.

In some cases, pet owners may need to monitor for signs of poisoning, which can vary depending on the substance. “Common signs of accidental ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or unusual behaviour. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional help,” Watson says. “While some substances are manageable with prompt treatment, others may require more intensive care, such as intravenous fluids or hospitalisation.” 

“By staying vigilant and informed, pet owners can ensure their pets receive the best care when accidental ingestion occurs.”

Animal Poisons Helpline – 0800 869 738.