While pet insurance can be a great investment for keeping your beloved pets healthy and happy, you can do many things right at home to keep vet visits to a minimum. For example, did you know that chocolate is bad for your pets? Most of us like to share the occasional treat with our cat or dog, but some “people food” is particularly dangerous.

Chocolate contains a chemical that is similar to caffeine called theobromine and pets are quite sensitive to it. The amount of theobromine varies depending on the quality and the type of chocolate (milk or dark, for example). But, don’t take chances. Even a small amount of dark chocolate (a variety particularly high in theobromine) can cause your pet to experience tremors, agitation, excitability, and even convulsions and heart problems.

All in all, it’s best to reserve treats for special occasions, and to choose treats that are formulated for pets to avoid problems. For those times when your pet is ill or injured despite your best love and care, you can make vet visits less financially painful by having a pet insurance policy. They are affordable and can really help you out if your pet acquires a serious illness or needs surgery. Always compare pet insurance policies before buying so you you’ll choose the best pet insurance for your pet, based on his or her species, age, breed, and other characteristics.