• Cleaning products should be stored in a lockable cupboard or closet.
• If you have open shelves in your kitchen or pantry, store hazardous items up high where your pet can’t jump.
• Auto products be kept in the garage and in a secure storage space.
• Use your phone to research houseplants at the store before buying them. Any houseplants that are toxic to pets should either be disposed of or kept on high shelves.
• Never leave the kitchen while cooking or baking and clean up as you go so pets don’t eat food that is toxic to them.

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Has your pet been poisoned?

Not sure if your pet has ingested a potential toxin? Toxicity signs can vary depending on the poisonous substance, but there are some common signs to watch for.

• Lethargy or sluggishness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Stumbling or staggering
• Di­fficulty breathing
• Tremors or seizures

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Planning Ahead with Pet Medical Insurance

Pets are unpredictable, and accidents can still happen even when you are taking the best precautions. Over the past two decades, Trupanion has paid over $8 million towards pet poison and toxicity claims so it’s a good idea to take control ahead of time and have an emergency medical plan in place. Along with taking note of the nearest animal hospitals, a good pet insurance policy can help you tackle surprise medical costs. Having this in place will let you focus on what really matters in times of crisis — taking care of your pet.

State Farm is working with Trupanion, a leader in high-quality insurance for cats and dogs, to help protect your pet from new and unexpected illnesses and injuries. Discover how a pet insurance policy can be there for your pet during their lifetime. Talk to a State Farm agent or get a free, no-obligation quote online today.

State Farm and Trupanion are offering pet owners the gift of pet safety this season with simple tips to keep your furry family happy and healthy.

Oh, Christmas Tree: If you celebrate with a live Christmas tree, make sure it is secure so it doesn’t fall. Keep tree water clean and fresh but don’t add aspirin, sugar, or other additives to the tree water. If you prefer an artificial tree, don’t let your pets chew on the branches or on any ribbons or tinsel.

Candle Cat-astrophe: Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, blow candles out!

Poisonous Pretty Plants: Mistletoe and holly can be mildly toxic to pets when ingested. Poinsettias can cause mouth irritation if chewed on. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. If you have holiday plants, consider placing them in rooms or locations where your pets don’t have access.

Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach.

Leave the Leftovers and Skip the Sweets: Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans. Bones, fatty and spicy human foods, and chocolate should not be fed to animals.

No Cocktails for Kitties or Canines: If your holiday celebration includes adult beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them.

A Place for Peace and Quiet: With all of the holiday activity, guests, and parties, it isn’t just people that get stressed out. Give your pet his or her own quiet space to retreat to away from all of the activity. If your pet is excitable or scared, consider putting your pet in another room with some toys and a comfortable bed.

You want to enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer with your furry friends but the unexpected can happen. If your pet does become sick or injured, you want to get your furry family member the medical care they need. Consider how pet medical insurance can be there for your pet when they need it most.

Fast Facts

• According to data from Trupanion, there is an increase of 294% in veterinary emergencies because of pets eating chocolate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Ingestion of foreign material (ribbons, tinsel, wrapping, and more) is 10% higher than the daily average on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Burns to pets are 64% higher than daily average on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The posts went live March 2 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Combined, the posts received nearly 107 thousand likes. WeRateDogs has over 11 million combined social media followers.

One of the featured dogs is Tavi, a Canine Companions for Independence^® puppy, sponsored by State Farm. A potential future service dog, Tavi is being raised by State Farm employees Robin and Tony Bird.

Benefits of Pet Medical Insurance

For Illinois State Farm agent Axel Jimenez, talking about pets comes naturally. “My agency is BIG on keeping updated on household members. Asking about pets is a very easy step since we view fur babies as household members. Showing customers that we care about everyone in their family helps with relationship building and pet medical is a great product to offer pet parents.”

Pet medical insurance is an important part of a financial plan to help prepare for unexpected illness or injury. The last thing any pet owner wants to decide is whether they can afford to treat their beloved dog or cat for illness or injury. Medical insurance for pets makes the decision easier, allowing pet owners to focus on care and not cost.

Since 2018, State Farm has offered medical insurance for pets through Trupanion, first piloting the product in six states before expanding to all 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2020. Pet owners can sign up for medical insurance by visiting the State Farm website at www.statefarm.com/insurance/pet or by contacting an authorized State Farm agent.

Note: Pet owners in AR, SC, RI, and MA can sign-up for a pet medical policy online only at this time.

Why Pet Medical Insurance Matters

Agent Axel Jimenez shares his own story of the importance of pet medical insurance and how it helped his family and his dog, Archie.