Embrace Warns of Pet-Related Dangers of the Keto Diet

Cleveland, Ohio (Feb. 28, 2019)- National Pet Poison Prevention week is March 17-23 and Embrace Pet Insurance wants pet owners to fully understand the dangers of common household items that are toxic to pets and the costs associated with veterinary care should they encounter these items.

Many pet owners are aware of more common toxic items such as chocolate or lilies, however, there are a number of more unexpected perpetrators that can cause major problems for pets. Toxins can be found hiding in everyday products that we keep accessible around the house. One of the worst offenders? Xylitol. This sweetener once found mostly in gum, candies, and mints is now often used as a low-carb sweetener for baked goods, coffees, teas, shakes, and smoothies for those following the increasingly-popular Keto diet.

"Ingested in even the smallest amounts, xylitol can be extremely dangerous to dogs leading to liver failure or worse, and the veterinary care required is also costly for owners," said Jenna Mahan, Director of Claims at Embrace Pet Insurance. According to Embrace's 2018 claims data, the average veterinary bill for the treatment of xylitol poisoning is more than $1,000. So, while the Keto diet may have health benefits for pet parents, it's important to keep in mind the dangers it may bring if four-legged family members are exposed to this common ingredient. Embrace chronicled the real-life story of a pup who had a close encounter with this deadly substance. More information on signs and symptoms of xylitol poisoning can be found here.

In additional to xylitol, pet parents should be on the lookout for the following toxic items:

  • Chocolate(average vet costs- $600)

  • Raisins/grapes (average vet costs- $800)

  • Lilies ingested by cats (average vet costs- $1,250)

  • NSAIDs (average vet costs- $1,100)

  • Rat poison (average vet costs- $500)

  • Mushrooms (average vet costs- $600)

There are also a number of additional foods that taste great to humans that should not be shared with furry loved ones including (but not limited to):

  • Onions

  • Garlic

  • Alcohol

  • Caffeine/Coffee

  • Tomatoes

  • Cherries

  • Avocado

  • Citrus

  • Nuts

  • Yeast dough

  • Salt and salty snack foods

Pet insurance can help lessen the financial stress of veterinary bills should a pet encounter any of these toxic items/foods. Visit www.EmbracePetInsurance.com to get a free quote today.

About Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance is a top-rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States. Embrace offers one simple yet comprehensive accident and illness insurance plan that is underwritten by American Modern Insurance Group, Inc. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, an optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Wellness Rewards reimburses for routine veterinary visits, grooming, vaccinations, training, and much more with no itemized limitations. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. For more information about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit www.EmbracePetInsurance.com or call (800) 660-3817