The wrath of grapes was, unfortunately, all too familiar formany furry companions in 2008. Veterinary Pet Insurance Company(VPI) analyzed more than 400 claims from last year involving toxicplant ingestion. The primary focus of the investigation was topinpoint the plants and plant products most likely to poison catsand dogs.

Topping the list of toxic offenders were raisins and grapes,followed by mushrooms and marijuana. VPI reported that the averageamount claimed for plant poisoning was $427 in 2008. According tothe insurer, pet owners have ample cause to take the threat ofgrape/raisin ingestion seriously. Even in low doses, ingestion canplace pets at risk for acute renal failure. The exact cause isunknown, but some experts think that there may be a toxic componentin the skin of the grape/raisin.

According to VPI, the mushrooms most responsible for poisoningpets are the common “backyard” variety. These often grow in grassyplaces, especially after a heavy rain, and contain lethalcomponents that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract andliver.

In this sampling, the majority of mushroom ingestion claims weresubmitted in late summer and fall. In fact, half of the plantpoisoning claims received in October stemmed from mushroomingestion. Emphasizing that virtually all incidents can be avoidedrather easily, VPI offered various tips — recommending that petowners be observant and familiarize themselves with a list ofpotentially harmful sprouts — to keep pets safe and claims to aminimum.