Dog owners need to be aware of a silent killer, often found in their own home, as 7.1 million cats and dogs have fallen ill after digesting something toxic, with one in nine pets poisoned last year. Over a quarter of dog owners (4.6 million people) and a fifth of cat owners (2.5 million) believe their pet has fallen ill after consuming something poisonous according to the study by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Dog poisoning research: key findings

  • On average vets treat 323 dogs and 56 cats for poisoning every day across the UK
  • One in six (17 per cent) poisoned dog and cat owners believe their pet was poisoned deliberately
  • Claims data reveals Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Poodle crossbreeds to be the three dog breeds most commonly poisoned over the last two years
  • 4.6 million dog owners and 2.5 million cat owners believe their pet fell ill after consuming something poisonous, with one in nine pets being poisoned last year
  • On average vets treat 323 dogs and 56 cats for poisoning every day across the UK
  • One in six (17 per cent) poisoned dog and cat owners believe their pet was poisoned deliberately
  • Claims data reveals Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Poodle crossbreeds to be the three dog breeds most commonly poisoned over the last two years

Dogs getting seriously ill by poisoning

The study revealed that three in four dogs (69 per cent or 3.2 million) that were poisoned became so unwell that they had to be taken to the vet and 342,000 (seven per cent) died as a result. More than three quarters (71 per cent or 1.8 million) of poisoned cats also had to be taken to the vet and 237,000 (nine per cent) subsequently died.

Vets estimate that nearly 120,000 dogs were treated for food or substance poisoning last year, equating to 323 dogs every day. Over 20,400 cats were treated in 2020 for poisoning – that’s 52 cats poisoned per day. Sadly, vets claim that these high levels of poisoning have remained consistent for the past three years with no indication of cases declining.

Deliberate poisoning of dogs and cats

Worryingly, half of dog and cat owners (49 per cent) whose pets were poisoned suspect it was done deliberately, with one in six (17 per cent) being certain that the poisoning was with intent. Family members are the main suspected culprits (17 per cent), closely followed by strangers (16 per cent) and neighbours (15 per cent).

Where dogs are being poisoned

The most common place that pet owners suspect their pet was poisoned is while on a walk with either them or a friend or family member (26 per cent).

This is followed by the garden (16 per cent) and while outside with a paid walker (15 per cent). Pets consuming something poisonous at home while supervised (eight per cent) and at home alone (seven per cent) complete the top five most common locations.

The vast majority (91 per cent) of pet insurance claims for poisonings are made for dogs. The dog breeds that have been most affected by poisoning over the past two years are Labradors (13 per cent), Cocker Spaniels (six per cent) and Poodle crossbreeds (three per cent). Golden Retrievers (three per cent) and Spaniel crossbreeds (three per cent) complete the top five.

Chocolate, grapes and onions: a common danger

Chocolate is listed as a main cause of dog poisoning by 91 per cent of vets. A further 54 per cent say grapes are a leading issue, while 51 per cent say medication can be a major source of poisoning.

One in seven (14 per cent) identified onions and 10 per cent said household items. In contrast, the main causes for cat poisoning are from outside the home.

More than half (54 per cent) of vets claim wildlife is one of the main causes of cat poisoning, with 40 per cent specifying lilies and 33 per cent saying plants and foliage were large contributors. Rat poison (29 per cent) and mouldy foods (17 per cent) were also listed as being very dangerous.

Most common causes of pet poisoning identified by vets

Dogs Cats
Chocolate 91 per cent Wildlife 54 per cent
Grapes 54 per cent Lilies 40 per cent
Medication 51 per cent Plants/foliage 33 per cent
Onions 14 per cent Rat poison 29 per cent
Household items 10 per cent Mouldy food 17 per cent
Plants 4 per cent Rotten foods 16 per cent
Mouldy foods 3 per cent Cheese 13 per cent

(Data source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2021)

January is the worst month for poisoning claims for both cats and dogs, with a fifth (19 per cent) of all poisoning-related claims in 2020 taking place in January – amounting to nearly 2,000 claims, or 62 every single day.

Madeline Pike, Veterinary Nurse for Direct Line Pet Insurance, said:

“Pets are part of the family and seeing your dog or cat unwell is a pet owner’s worst nightmare, especially if you suspect it is due to someone else being careless, whether accidentally or deliberately.

Beware of foods that are poisonous to dogs

“There are many foods and substances that are harmful to animals and it is important for owners to educate themselves and those around them about these. To minimise the risk of your pet eating something that could make them ill, there are some precautions you can take at home. Make sure to keep food locked away, secure your bins and remind guests not to leave food out.

“If any pet owners are concerned that their cat or dog may have consumed something poisonous, vets have identified the most common symptoms to look out for including; tremors, excessive panting, high heart rate and sickness/diarrhoea.

“Direct Line pet insurance customers receive 24/7 access to a vet via PawSquad with live chat or video calling. You can use the service for free, from the comfort of your own home and get any questions directly answered by a vet.”

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