Foods that may contribute to pet insurance claims

16 March 2010 09:16:16

Certain foods could lead to unwanted pet insurance claims.

Britain is renowned for its love affair with pets and the nation's furry friends are often viewed as part of the family. Some owners even feel tempted to share their food with their beloved animals, but this apparent act of kindness could have disastrous consequences and lead to avoidable pet insurance claims. This is because many of the foods that humans like to eat can be dangerous to dogs and cats, even in small doses.

A healthy diet

Dogs and cats need a well-balanced diet in order to remain fit and healthy. While tinned and dried pet food may seem unappealing to humans, the products are specifically designed to cater for animals and good quality brands provide all of the nutrients a pet needs. In contrast, the majority of human meals are unlikely to give pets the nutrition they need and should not be given to them.

Foods to avoid

Owners should be wary of giving their pets human foods, not just because they may contain an incorrect balance of nutrients, but because they may also be harmful. One of the most important foods to avoid is chocolate. It contains a chemical called theobromine, which can have fatal consequences for dogs, even when consumed in tiny amounts.

It is wise to keep an eye out for signs of potential chocolate poisoning as, even if an owner has not deliberately given chocolate to their pet, dogs are adept at sniffing out hidden stashes of confectionery. Symptoms to look out for include vomiting, abdominal tenderness, hyperactivity, salivation and an increased heart rate, and they may last for up to 72 hours after consumption.

Elaine Pendlebury, senior veterinary surgeon at charity PDSA, noted: "Not only is there the issue of chocolate toxicity for dogs and many other pets, but it is also worth bearing in mind that the high sugar content of chocolate won't do anything for your pet's waistline or teeth either."

Chocolate is not the only food that should be avoided, as grapes, pear pips, onions, potato peelings and liver can all cause problems for pets. Care should also be taken when giving dogs leftovers from a roast dinner as, although the meat may seem like a welcome treat, the bones represent a major choking hazard.

Cat owners should also remember not to give cow's milk to their pets. This is because cats find it hard to digest the lactose in the milk and may suffer stomach upsets as a result.

Preventing obesity

Finally, care should be taken over the amount of food given to pets. Mintel research suggests that more than £1.7bn was spent on dog and cat food in 2008, but vets are concerned that many owners give their pets too much. A report published in 2008 by veterinary charity PDSA warned that almost one in three dogs was overweight and experts claim that the problem is due to a combination of people walking their pets less frequently and giving them too many treats.

Commenting on the financial implications of pet obesity, Charles Sweeney of Bestpet Pharmacy recently pointed out that overweight pets face a heightened risk of heart complaints, diabetes and arthritis, all of which could lead to unnecessary pet insurance claims.

He advised: "Responsible pet owners who ensure their cats and dogs have a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce expensive vet bills in the future."

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