What Can I Do if My Pet Gets Food Poisoning?

 Posted on February 12, 2017 in Food Poisoning

Most Americans love their pets as if they were members of their families. Dogs, cats, and other domestic animals enjoy high quality veterinary care, organic pet food, and a range of products from accessories to toys to products to keep them safe. A pet's illness or death can be quite traumatic to the animal's owner.

Recently, capecod.com published a piece discussing the danger that xylitol, a compound used to sweeten gum and other products, poses to dogs. Xylitol is found in many food items that individuals share with their pets, such as peanut butter. When a dog consumes xylitol, it can experience food poisoning symptoms.

Can I Recover Compensation for Veterinary Bills?

Yes. However, you cannot do this in the same way that you would recover compensation for a human's medical bills.

Pets and other domestic animals are considered to be personal property in the eyes of the law. If your pet suffers because of another party's negligence and you then face high medical bills, you can seek compensation for your damages through a property damage claim. Generally, courts treat pets similarly to family heirlooms and other pieces of unique property – the sentimental value of the pet and the emotional anguish felt by the owner because of the loss are considered alongside the pet's market value, which is generally quite low.

Signs of Food Poisoning in Dogs and Other Domestic Animals

Food poisoning symptoms in pets are similar to food poisoning symptoms in people. Symptoms can include the following:

• Diarrhea;
• Vomiting;
• Fever; and
• Fatigue.

If your pet experiences these symptoms, seek veterinary attention. Some types of food poisoning, like Salmonella, can affect both humans and animals. Certain species of animal can also suffer from adverse reactions from consuming foods that are fine for humans. For example, garlic can be toxic for dogs and cats.

Preventing Food Poisoning in Your Pets

You can protect your pets from food poisoning by carefully monitoring everything they consume. Do not leave leftover food out where a pet can reach it and take care to secure your trash cans, particularly any trash cans that might contain food waste. When you travel, opt to board your pet in a secure pet boarding facility instead of leaving it with a friend or relative who might not know how to safely care for the pet.

Work with an Experienced Rolling Meadows Food Poisoning Attorney

Although you cannot pursue a personal injury claim on behalf of a non-human animal, you can seek compensation for your damages through a civil claim. If you or your child are a victim of food poisoning because of another party's negligence, however, then you can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more about both of these processes, speak with one of the experienced food poisoning lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP. Contact our firm today to set up your initial consultation. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Julia Janeta)