25 January 2010

Green-Fingered Dog Owners Urged To Prepare For Spring

• Garden plants, vegetables and fruit can be hazardous to dogs
• M&S Pet Insurance policyholders have access to vet nurse specialists

With only five weeks to go until March and the traditional start of spring, M&S Pet Insurance is advising green-fingered dog owners to think carefully about the type of plants and vegetables in their garden.

After a bitterly cold winter across the UK, many householders will be looking forward to getting back outside and getting their hands dirty in the garden.

M&S Pet Insurance is warning dog owners to be aware that many plants, vegetables and fruit commonly found in British gardens can be a danger to household animals. They include:

• Daffodils: Dogs can be indiscriminate eaters, and are often seen eating grass and garden plants. Whilst most plants are not toxic some, such as the Daffodil, can be lethal. All parts of the Daffodil plant (Narcissus poeticus) which is a member of the lily family (Amaryllidaceae) are toxic. Signs of Daffodil poisoning include diarrhoea, vomiting and staggering.
• Tomato plants:  Another very common plant which is not generally known as being toxic is the tomato plant. The stem and plant of this fruit contain an alkaloid which can cause serious gastrointestinal distress in dogs.
• Rhubarb: The leaves are toxic and if eaten by a dog can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, trembling and breathing difficulties.

Other potentially poisonous garden produce include pear pips, onions, garlic, grapes and potato peelings.

M&S Pet Insurance policyholders have access to a 24-hour advice line, 365 days a year.

Vetfone™ nurses provide concerned animal lovers with immediate advice on a pet's condition and can decide whether emergency medical treatment is required.

Vetfone Deputy Operations Manager, Clare Scantlebury, said: ‘No doubt dogs and their owners will be looking forward to the warmer months and getting out in the garden, but they need to be aware of hidden dangers which can cause real problems.'

David Wells, M&S Head of Insurance, said: ‘M&S Pet Insurance customers who need urgent advice have access to a qualified veterinary expert around the clock, providing vital support should a pet become unwell.'

For more information about M&S Pet Insurance or to apply, customers can visit www.marksandspencer.com/petinsurance or telephone 0800 731 4280.

ENDS

For further information please call the M&S Money press office:

Simon Coughlin on 020 7992 1574
simon.coughlin@mandsmoney.com

Liz Neild on 01244 686 068
liz.a.neild@mandsmoney.com

Notes to Editors

M&S Pet Insurance - Key Features

• M&S Premier Insurance offers up to £7,000 a year in vets' fees for illness and injury
• Cover from 8 weeks with no upper age limit
• No time limit on treatment as long as your policy is in force
• Premier and Standard cover available
• M&S Pet Insurance Premier Cover has been Five-Star Rated for features and benefits by Defaqto, an independent research company
• Save 15% when you apply online (available to new customers only)
• Unlimited telephone access to a Vet Nurse 24/7 with Vetfone. Customers receive a 5% discount from Bestpet pharmacy.
• 5% multi pet discount
• M&S Cardholders will earn 250 M&S points, when they take out a new policy

M&S Money (the trading name of Marks & Spencer Financial Services) was founded in 1985 as the financial services division of Marks and Spencer Group plc, making 2010 the company's 25th anniversary.
The company is a top-ten credit card provider and the second-largest travel money retailer in the UK.  M&S Money also offers a range of insurance cover, including home insurance and car insurance, as well as loans, savings and investment products.

In November 2004, Marks & Spencer sold M&S Money to HSBC. HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of the HSBC Group, is headquartered in London. The Group serves customers worldwide from around 8,500 offices in 86 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. With assets of US$2,422 billion at 30 June 2009, HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. HSBC is marketed worldwide as ‘the world's local bank'.

M&S Money has an executive committee comprising an equal number of representatives from HSBC and Marks & Spencer.

M&S Pet Insurance policies are provided by RSA Insurance Group plc.