Beware of pet poisons
28 March 2006
The majority of UK vets regard pet owners’ knowledge of the foods they should and shouldn’t be feeding their pets as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’, according to research by Halifax Pet Insurance.
Highlighting this view, further research from the insurer shows that over six million British dog owners admit they’ve fed confectionery chocolate to their canine, despite it being potentially poisonous to them.
Over the past 12 months, 87% (13,050) of UK vets have witnessed an increase in the number of cats and dogs needing treatment for ailments resulting from them being fed foods intended for human consumption. A third of UK vets cited chocolate and sugary snacks as the biggest culprits. A quarter of UK vets cited "left-overs" and a further 17% (2,550) cited dairy products.
But it’s not just feeding pets human food that’s causing concern. A quarter of UK vets have also treated pets as a direct consequence of consuming alcoholic beverages. And in this instance it’s not just the health of the animal at stake, pet owners could be putting their own lives at risk as alcohol can cause animals to act unpredictably and violently. Indeed, pet owners that allow alcohol to be fed to their pets risk prosecution for cruelty to animals.
Shockingly, nearly half of UK vets say they have even had to treat pets that have been fed paracetamol - as their owners attempt to save money on veterinary costs by feeding their pets human medicines. This is extremely dangerous and could result in the animal suffering complications, or in extreme cases dying.
John Bennett, head of products at Halifax Insurance, said: "It is important that pet owners understand that many human foods are potentially toxic to animals. Owners should always consult their vet if they are unsure about which foods they can feed their animals."
John continued: "Pet owners should be especially vigilant over Easter when chocolate is often more accessible for pets around the home. If dogs or cats consume confectionary chocolate pet owners could find themselves exposed to significant veterinary bills, or in extreme cases lose their pet."
Gavin Drummond of Ash Tree Veterinary Practice, Market Harborough commented:
"High calorie, sugar laden, pet diets can lead to dental problems, halitosis, stomach cramps and even diabetes. Cats and dogs need a balanced diet as too many rich foods could not only be toxic in the long term, but can also dramatically affect the behaviour of the pet in the short term. Owners that give pets human medicine to relieve the pain are compounding the problem."
Over one million dog owners (19%) in Wales and the West and in the North East put their dog’s lives at risk by feeding them confectionery chocolate designed for human consumption, compared to over half a million of dog owners in Scotland (17%).
Risks to animals of consuming chocolate intended for human consumption:
The enzymes in cats and dogs stomachs are markedly different to humans, so they find it hard to digest the rich foods intended for human consumption.
The chemical theobromine found in chocolate causes particular problems for animals.
Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine: It would take 25 ounces of milk chocolate to kill a 25-pound dog however it would only take 6 ounces of dark chocolate.
