Toxicity-related veterinary claims are on the rise in Canada, with new data indicating a 19 per cent increase in dogs and a 27 per cent increase in cats since 2020.

The findings, based on more than 71,000 claims analyzed by Trupanion, highlight a steady stream of toxin exposures presented in clinical settings, with food and medication-related incidents leading case volumes.

Grapes and raisins remain the most common source of toxicity in Canada, followed by chocolate and drugs or medications. Plant-related toxicities and cannabis exposures rank higher in Canada than in the U.S., reflecting regional differences in risk profiles.

Xylitol (gum) ingestion, while less frequent, continues to pose a significant clinical concern due to its severity and associated treatment costs, which exceed $1,300 (CAD) per claim on average.

Canada’s toxicity claim rate now sits at 1.35 per 1,000 pets; 27 per cent higher than the U.S. average of 1.06. This places the national baseline above nearly 80 per cent of U.S. states, including large markets such as Texas and New York. Notably, four provinces—Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia—each report higher claim frequencies than Louisiana (1.75), the highest-ranking U.S. state.

These findings reinforce the need for ongoing client education on common household toxins, along with preparedness for timely intervention in toxicity-related presentations.