What are some of the potential signs of pet poisoning?

• A change in your pet’s normal behavior
• Your pet appears drowsy or uncomfortable
• Vomiting, diarrhea or excessive urination
• Unusual salivation or drooling
• Strange odors on the breath or skin
• Unsteady walk or movements, including tremors
• Disorientation or overreaction to light and sound
• Changes in gum color to blue, pale or bright red, or burn marks on the gum

What do I do if I suspect that my pet has been poisoned?

• In most cases, do not induce vomiting
• Immediately take your pet to your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary hospital
• Be careful not to become personally contaminated; remove yourself and your pet from the source if the atmosphere is contaminated
• If you would like immediate help in your home, you may consider calling the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)

What are some of the more common items in my home that could be poisonous to my pet?

• Glow jewelry/glow sticks
• School glues, epoxy glues
• Pencils/markers
• Charcoal briquettes

• Expandable wood glues
• Liquid air fresheners and potpourri
• Batteries
• Charcoal lighter fluid

• Antifreeze/coolants
• Chocolate
• Grapes/raisins
• Pest control baits and poisons
• Human medications
• Alcoholic beverages
• Lawn and garden herbicides and pesticides

What are some of the more common toxic plants?

• Marijuana
• Sago Palm
• Lilies
• Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
• Azalea/Rhondenendron
• Oleander
• Castor Bean
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Yew

What are some other basic lawn and garden hazards and poison prevention tips?

• Read all package instructions carefully before applying any products to your lawn or garden
• Be sure not only that it is safe to use around your pets, but that you are mixing or applying it correctly and in the right amount
• Check with your local garden center about the safety of plants you are putting in your garden
• Finally, be sure to close the top tightly on all containers and put them in an area where your pets do not have access to them

Please remember that in order to be protected by VPI Pet Insurance, you must enroll your pet BEFORE he or she becomes ill or injured.

Medical Claims Related to Pet Food Recall

We at VPI share every pet lover’s concern regarding this tragic situation. We want to assure our policyholders that their VPI Pet Insurance policies provide coverage for illnesses caused by ingestion of toxic substances, including the consumption of contaminated pet food that causes illness.

VPI policyholders are encouraged to discontinue feeding their pet any foods on the recall list and monitor their pet’s behavior. If your pet shows signs of lethargy, vomiting, increased water consumption, or increased urination, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all of the families affected by this terrible situation. For more information on the recall, we encourage you to visit the Web site of the company that markets the particular product you feed your pet. A comprehensive pet food recall list can be found at http://www.menufoods.com/recall