• Almost three quarters (73 per cent) of pet owners admits to having fed their dogs human food
• Nearly a quarter (23 per cent) feed their dogs human food every day

• 1 in 10 people paid £300 - £1,000 for vet treatment because of their dog digesting human food
   

New research published by Direct Line Pet Insurance1 reveals how many people feed their dog human food, giving rise to fears of more pets being poisoned through digesting potentially toxic foods.

The research showed that a worryingly high numbers of people feed their dogs human food on a regular basis, with almost three quarters of pet owners (73 per cent) admitting to feeding their canine companions leftovers.

The study also revealed that when owners were asked how often they feed their dog human food, nearly a quarter (23 per cent) said theyfeed their dog human food every day.

A third of owners (33 per cent) were found to be giving dogs dairy-based products like cheese and milk. These products are not only unhealthy due to their high fat content, but some dogs can also experience acute intestinal distress such as gas, diarrhoea or vomiting whenever they consume these kinds of foods.

Worryingly, nearly one in ten (eight per cent) owners still feed their dogs chocolate. Theobromine, a toxic component found in chocolate, takes dogs much longer to digest allowing it to build up to toxic levels which in some cases can prove to be fatal.

According to the research, 31 per cent of owners have fed their dog bones from joints of meat. Feeding cooked bones can cause injury to dogs as they become brittle and can splinter inside the dog’s digestive track, damaging important internal organs.

Sarah Page-Jones, Chief Veterinary Officer at PawSquad, a video and chat consultation service for concerned owners, said: “Owners should think twice the next time they're thinking of feeding their pets human food, as what seems to be a nice tasty treat could inadvertently poison their pet.

“It is concerning to see so many owners feeding their pets human foods since there can be serious health implications. It's important to raise awareness amongst owners about the associated dangers.

“If owners are worried, they can contact our vets via our video or chat consultation service, to seek reassurance and get some expert advice.”

In the worst cases of animals digesting human foods, owners could end up paying over a thousand pounds for treatment. The data showed that one in ten owners that had taken their dog for treatment due to eating human food, having paid between £300 to over a £1000.

Madeline Pike, veterinary nurse at Direct Line Pet Insurance, says: “Responsible pet owners should acknowledge the importance of providing a healthy diet to their dogs. In the case of a dog digesting harmful human food, it is important to have insurance cover to make sure you can treat your pet without being out of pocket.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 Direct Line Pet Insurance partnered up with K9 Magazine, a lifestyle magazine featuring a wide range of dog ownership topics. K9 Magazine issued a survey to its readers, to which 1,318 responded
 

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster

Direct Line

[email protected]  

0165 183 1672
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com

About PawSquad

PawSquad launched in 2015 by serial entrepreneur and dog owner Francesco Cardoletti following his own frustrations as a pet owners needing advice from vets. The service offers video and chat consultations with experienced vets to pet owners for just £15. Available on your tablet and mobile, the app allows for an even easier consultation on the go so owners can truly carry a vet in their pocket.  With over 10,000 pets registered so far, PawSquad is quickly establishing itself as pet owners’ best friend. 

Typical problems PawSquad can help with:

• Puppy and kitten care, from settling in to problem behaviours
• Advice on general management of  common chronic conditions, including arthritis and diabetes
• Feeding your pet, including diet and weight management
• Behaviour, including separation anxiety and aggression
• Advice on travelling with pets
• Coughing and sneezing, including allergies
• Diarrhea and vomiting, from common causes to chronic conditions.
• Routine dental care advice

PawSquad vets can’t diagnose illnesses over video but can help owners understand symptoms, care options and the urgency of the problem or behaviour they’re seeing in the pet. PawSquad also wishes to effect a change in owner behaviour whereby vets are consulted for everyday, non-critical care of the animal including nutrition, pet behaviour and the best environment for their pet, much of which is currently guided by unverified, often untrustworthy internet advice, and often not covered in veterinary consultations due to time restraints.