ALMOST two-thirds of pet owners in Southampton wouldn’t be able to spot the signs if their pet was poisoned, according to a new study.

A survey carried out across the city has found that nearly two-thirds of pet owners are putting their pets at risk because they’re unaware about what foods can poison them.

AnimalFriends.co.uk have conducted the survey, which also found that more than one-fifth of owners in Southampton have had to remove something from their home to stop their pet ingesting it.

Across the country, the animal insurance organisation say that so far this year, they have received 200 claims regarding poisoning, totalling £50,000 in veterinary fees.

Westley Pearson, of the organisation, said: “Many people think our pets can eat the same food and drinks as us but their stomachs aren’t built that way, so however good they have been, don’t be tempted to feed them human treats like blue cheese or chocolate.

“Certain foods can cause havoc with digestion systems and unfortunately, prove fatal – even things you may consider healthy, like raisins.

“Owners should stick to pet food that has been carefully created by specialists and take care to stash non-edible, toxic items out of reach.”

Twenty-two per cent of owners have had to remove something from their home to avoid it being eaten, with four per cent of owners making more of an effort to protect their pet from poisonous items that their own children.

Letting pets eat normal household food such as gapes, mushrooms, avocados and nuts can cause seizures and even death.