Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. Reveals Top Ten Plant Poisoning Claims of 2008

Raisins, Mushrooms and Marijuana Top List of Toxic Plants Most Often Ingested

BREA, Calif., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The wrath of grapes was, unfortunately,
all too familiar for many dogs and cats in 2008. Veterinary Pet Insurance
Company (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health
insurance, recently analyzed the more than 400 claims it received last year
for toxic plant ingestions to find which plants and plant products proved most
likely to poison pets. Raisins and grapes topped the list, followed by
mushrooms and marijuana. In 2008, the average amount claimed for plant
poisoning was $427.

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

"Almost all plant poisonings in pets can be prevented, but prevention depends
on knowledge, thus it is important for pet owners to become familiar with
which items can be toxic if ingested," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice
president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI. "Prevention is a
simple matter of keeping these hazards out of a pet's environment. To avoid
plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins,
onions or nuts, and make sure that a new pet is introduced to a backyard free
of sago palms, wild mushrooms or other toxic plants."

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. The exact cause is unknown, but some experts think that
there may be a toxic component in the skin of the grape/raisin. Treatment by a
licensed veterinarian may include inducing vomiting and/or administration of
intravenous fluids. Immediate treatment is essential.

The 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. The best way to prevent an accidental ingestion
is to regularly scan a yard, or any other grassy area a pet may occupy, and
pull wild mushrooms up when they appear.

Most mushroom ingestion claims were submitted in late summer and fall. In
fact, half of the plant poisoning claims received in October were due to
mushroom ingestion. In addition to the top 10 plant poisonings, VPI received
claims for ingestion of the following plants or plant products: delphinium,
crocus bulbs, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, tea tree oil, poison ivy,
nightshade, tobacco, poinsettia, oleander, brunfelsia, hibiscus, almonds,
scarlet pimpernel, potpourri and kalanchoe. 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. In 2008, VPI received 60 claims
for organophosphate poisoning. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving
fertilizer by not using pesticide-containing fertilizers in an area frequented
by pets. As with plant poisonings, prevention of fertilizer poisoning is
primarily a matter of observation and knowledge of a pet's environment.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.
Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and
largest pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide
Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since
1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet
lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover
dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions
relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare
Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee
benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in
California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated
company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance,
call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.

Brian Iannessa of Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., +1-714-989-5662, mobile,
+1-714-981-2056, biannessa@petinsurance.com