Accidental ingestion is one of the leading causes of emergency vet visits for pets, with common household items, toxic foods and even toys posing significant risks.

Accidental ingestion consistently ranks among the top claim types for pets, year on year, PD Insurance chief operating officer Michelle Le Long said in a statement.

Ingestion of harmful objects ranges from pantry items to rocks, socks, dog toys and even batteries, fishing hooks and hair ties, she said.

“One dog ate an AirPod, ending in vet bills of $6665* and a claim payout of all but the excess. Only the dog made it through.

“We’ve seen an increase in these types of claims in our data, highlighting the need for greater awareness. Over the past three years, ingestion-related claims have collectively ranked as one of the most common claim types for dogs and cats. In April alone, we saw a 7.77% increase compared to April 2024.”

Le Long said dogs frequently require emergency veterinary care after consuming toxic substances.

For example, a Rhodesian ridgeback nearly diede after ingesting 30 heart medication pills, while a border terrier broke into a rat trap and ate the poison after the trap was pushed off a high shelf by a rat.

The top five unsafe items dogs and cats ingested over the past quarter are:

– Foreign bodies (ie socks, toys, food packaging, bones, rope etc.)

– Poison

– Plants

– Chocolate

– Medication

Prevention better than cure

“Many pet parents don’t realise just how many common household items can harm their furry companions,” said Le Long.

“We encourage all pet parents to take proactive measures to safeguard their homes and stay vigilant.”

Key tips for pet safety include:

– Secure harmful items: store medications, cleaning products and holiday decorations out of reach and locked away.

– Mind your trash: dispose of bones, wrappers, sanitary products and leftovers safely to avoid temptation.

– Supervise outdoor adventures: keep an eye out for hazards such as poisonous plants, toxic algae, litter, pufferfish and fishhooks during walks or beach trips.

– Educate guests: make sure visitors know not to share potentially toxic foods such as chocolate, onions or grapes with pets.

Treatment for the unexpected ingestion

Even when people are clued-up on pet safety around the house and when out and about, accidents can still happen.

According to Dr Cath Watson, veterinarian and Healthy Pets New Zealand trustee, it’s vital that pet owners act quickly if they suspect their pet has ingested something harmful.

“If you think your pet has accidentally ingested a toxic substance, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your vet immediately or call the Animal Poisons Helpline,” she said.

Photo / 123rf

The Animal Poisons Helpline service is free for all pet owners.

“Depending on what was ingested, your vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal to absorb toxins, operate to surgically remove the dangerous item, or provide supportive care to prevent further complications.”

Early intervention can be the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening situation for your pet.

In some cases, Dr Cath added, pet owners may need to monitor for signs of poisoning, which can vary depending on the substance.

“Common signs of accidental ingestion include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or unusual behaviour. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional help,” she said.

“While some substances are manageable with prompt treatment, others may require more intensive care, such as intravenous fluids or hospitalisation.

“By staying vigilant and informed, pet owners can ensure their furry companions receive the best care when accidental ingestion occurs.”

Animal Poisons Helpline – 0800 869 738.

*Please note, cover limits vary by plan and maximum per-claim limits may apply.