Top 10 plant poisoning insurance claims for pets, marijuana near top

March 19, 2:51 PMDC Dogs ExaminerMichelle Critchell

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Pets eat some odd stuff and plants are among the most commonly injested items. According to a recent study, claims were higher for pets that ate marijuana than walnuts. Does that indicate more marijuana laying around or just less alarm for a dog that eats a nut?

Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently analyzed more than 400 claims it received last year for toxic plant ingestions. Raisins and grapes topped the list, followed by mushrooms and marijuana. 

Top Plant Poisoning Claims of 2008:

1. Raisins/Grapes

2. Mushrooms

3. Marijuana

4. Lily

5. Walnuts

6. Onion

7. Sago Palm

8. Macadamia Nuts

9. Azalea

10. Hydrangea

The average amount claimed for plant poisoning was $427.

"Almost all plant poisonings in pets can be prevented, but prevention depends on knowledge," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. To avoid plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins, onions or nuts"

Pet owners have good reason to take the threat of grape/raisin ingestion seriously. Even in low doses, ingestion can place pets at risk for acute renal failure. Symptoms include anorexia, lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some experts think that there may be a toxic component in the skin of the grape/raisin. Immediate treatment is essential.

Mushrooms most responsible for poisoning pets are the common "backyard" variety. These often grow in grassy places, especially after a heavy rain, and contain toxic components that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract and liver. If ingested, mushrooms can cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure. Pull wild mushrooms up when they appear.

Nearly all claims for lily ingestion were submitted for felines.

While not a plant or plant product, fertilizer is another garden variety toxin often ingested by pets. The strong smell of fertilizer can motivate dogs to taste or eat it. Unfortunately, some fertilizers contain organophosphate pesticides, which impair the nervous system. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving fertilizer by not using pesticide-containing fertilizers in an area frequented by pets. 

Watch out for your pets.  They are toddlers in animal suits.

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