As we delve deeper into the month of February, love is in the air, and so is the temptation to share sweet treats with our furry companions. While it's heartwarming to indulge our pets, it's essential to be mindful of their dietary needs, especially when it comes to certain foods like chocolate. Spot Pet Insurance helps shed light on the importance of pet safety during this season of love.
The Chocolate Conundrum: Understanding the Risks
According to PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd claims data for Spot plans, claims for "activated charcoal administration," and other procedures used by veterinarians to induce vomiting in dogs who have ingested harmful substances like chocolate, saw a staggering 157% increase from January 2023 to February 2023.* This spike is likely due to cases of chocolate ingestion, emphasizing the need for pet parents to be vigilant about what their pets consume.
The Cost of Dietary Indiscretions
On average, claims for dietary indiscretions, such as pets consuming foods they shouldn't, can cost a whopping $455.** This hefty expense underscores the importance of pet parents monitoring their pets' diets and refraining from sharing potentially harmful foods.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance like chocolate, swift action can be crucial to help prevent further harm. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Remain Calm and Assess the Situation:
Panicking won't help your dog. Take a moment to evaluate the situation calmly, noting what your dog consumed and the time of ingestion.
Contact Your Veterinarian:
Immediately reach out to your vet or a local animal poison control center. Provide them with detailed information about the ingestion.
Do Not Induce Vomiting:
Resist the urge to induce vomiting, as this could worsen the situation. Follow your vet's instructions carefully.
Transport Your Dog to the Veterinary Clinic:
If advised by your vet, safely transport your dog to the clinic. Avoid leaving them alone or in a hot car.
Monitor Your Dog's Condition:
Upon arrival, your dog will undergo an examination and receive appropriate treatment. Stay informed about their condition and follow your vet's instructions diligently.
Treatment for Toxic Ingestion
Treatment for toxic ingestion will vary based on the severity of the intoxication and your dog's overall health. Common treatment measures include:
Monitoring Vital Signs: Close monitoring of your dog's vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure.
Supportive Care: Administration of IV fluids and electrolyte therapy to help avoid dehydration.
Medication: Anti-nausea medication may be prescribed to control vomiting, along with sedatives or anticonvulsants in severe cases.
As responsible pet parents, it's our duty to help ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved companions. By staying informed and proactive, we can help protect our pets from potential hazards and enjoy many more happy moments together. Let's cherish our furry friends and help keep them safe this February and beyond.
How Spot Pet Insurance Can Help
Spot Pet Insurance offers accident-only and accident and illness plans, which can help provide pet parents with additional financial support and peace of mind when it comes to the health of their pets. While pet parents may do their best to only give their pets snacks that are good for them, sometimes pets get into cabinets, trash cans, or abandoned plates when left alone. If your pet ingests food toxic to them, here’s how Spot plans can help:
Coverage for Ingested Toxins or Objects: Spot plans can help cover the eligible treatment for an ingested toxin or object, offering pet parents peace of mind that their pet can receive the treatment they need to get better. Pet parents can receive up to 90% cash back on eligible vet bills, helping to relieve at least the financial stress that can come from this kind of situation.
24/7 VetAccessTM Helpline: With a Spot plan each pet parent receives access to a 24/7 telehealth helpline through the member center. This feature connects pet parents to veterinary experts who can help address questions or concerns that come up regarding a pet's health or behavior.
Poison Control Hotline: Each policyholder also has access to the member center where they will find the contact information for the Poison Control Hotline. If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, you can contact the poison control hotline or your veterinarian for assistance with next steps.
I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the realm of pet safety. As the owner of an energetic mini golden doodle, I know just how stressful being a pet owner can be. I am dedicated to ensuring our beloved pets enjoy a life brimming with good health.
*January 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd claims data.
** January 1, 2023 to February 28, 2023 PTZ Insurance Agency Ltd claims data.
The average cost for dietary indiscretion was $455.64.
