Accidental Ingestion in Dogs and Cats Trending Upward Among 0-2 Year Olds

Anicom Insurance, the leading pet insurance provider in Japan, has analyzed insurance claim data regarding accidental ingestion in dogs and cats. The results indicate that ingestion accidents are frequent among young pets aged 0 to 2, with a particularly high risk observed in households welcoming a pet for the first time or in cases where the pet has a history of ingestion. As the rainy season approaches, pets may spend more time indoors, leading to boredom or stress, which can result in chewing or swallowing objects; therefore, caution is advised. Accidental ingestion is common in the 0-2 age group for both dogs and cats, remaining at high levels since the latter half of 2020. For dogs, the ingestion claim rate for 0-year-olds rose from 8.1% in 2019 to 13.0% in 2024. This may be attributed to changes in the pet-rearing environment since the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in first-time pet owners. Among insurance claims for pets aged 0-4, 'gastrointestinal foreign bodies/ingestion' remain high. While gastrointestinal and skin diseases are common, ingestion accidents are notable because they can often be prevented through environmental management and daily vigilance. A trend was observed where ingestion accidents occur more frequently with first-time owners. Especially for 0-year-olds, the claim rate is higher for first-time owners compared to those with prior experience, suggesting the importance of early preventive education. Pets that experienced an ingestion accident in the previous year are more likely to have another the following year. Continuous measures for recurrence prevention are crucial, especially for those with multiple past incidents. Owners can prevent these accidents by organizing the living environment. When a pet is new or has a history of ingestion, it is essential to re-evaluate the surroundings and potential hazards. Items frequently touched or valued by the owner are of interest to pets, leading them to chew or grab them during play. Attempting to take these items away in a panic may cause the pet to swallow them out of fear of losing them. Training pets to 'give' items in exchange for a reward can help prevent accidents. Additionally, young pets need adequate play and exercise to release energy and reduce stress. Anicom Insurance remains committed to utilizing claim data analysis to foster a society where animals and owners can live healthy and happy lives.