Pet owners across the UK are being urged to exercise extra vigilance this Christmas, as new research highlights a significant spike in accidents and illnesses involving dogs during the festive period. Analysis of insurance claims has identified the breeds most likely to land themselves in trouble and the common seasonal hazards responsible.
The UK's Most Accident-Prone Christmas Canines
Specialists at Napo Pet Insurance have analysed historical claims data submitted between November 2024 and January 2025 to determine which dog breeds are most susceptible to festive mishaps. Their findings reveal a staggering 65% surge in pet claims throughout the Christmas period compared to the rest of the year.
Topping the list as Britain's clumsiest Christmas canines is the Miniature Dachshund, with a notable 27% of all claims for the breed made during the festive season. This pushes last year's leaders, the English Springer Spaniel (24%) and the Cocker Spaniel (20%), into second and third place respectively.
The research shows that energetic and curious breeds are also well-represented in the festive accident charts. The full list of the six most claim-prone breeds includes:
- Miniature Dachshund
- English Springer Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Border Collie (17% of claims)
- Golden Retriever (15% of claims)
- Cockapoo (10% of claims)
Common Festive Health Issues for Pets
Alongside identifying accident-prone breeds, the data from Napo Pet Insurance pinpoints the most frequent health conditions prompting claims over Christmas. Topping the list was allergies, with 239 claims, indicating that festive foods, decorations, and seasonal plants often trigger adverse reactions in pets.
The 'Twelve Claims of Christmas', listing issues by the number of claims, also highlights more serious concerns. These include:
- Dental disease/gingivitis (190 claims)
- Mass lesions (152 claims)
- Vomiting (138 claims)
- Seizure disorders (123 claims)
- Gastroenteritis (120 claims)
The list further details issues like arthritis flare-ups, cruciate injuries (often from slips or sudden movements), wounds, ear infections, spinal disc problems, and corneal ulcers. This demonstrates the wide variety of hazards pets face amidst the holiday chaos.
Expert Tips for a Pet-Safe Christmas
Charlie Morris, Senior Manager of Claims Operations at Napo, commented: "Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it also brings a perfect storm of distractions and temptations for pets." He emphasised that while insurers are there to help, prevention is key to a calm and chaos-free holiday.
Experts have compiled essential safety advice for dog owners to follow during the festivities:
1. Eliminate Festive Toxins: Numerous traditional Christmas items are dangerous for pets. Keep chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, raisins, grapes, onions, and certain plants like holly, mistletoe, and poinsettia well out of reach. Assume any human food or decorative plant is not pet-safe unless confirmed otherwise.
2. Pet-Proof Your Decorations: Tinsel, ribbons, small baubles, and string lights can cause choking or intestinal blockages if swallowed. Hang decorations higher up, avoid fragile ornaments, and cover the water tray of real Christmas trees, as stagnant water can be harmful.
3. Create a Calm Sanctuary: The influx of visitors, noise, and general excitement can overwhelm pets. Establish a quiet, comfortable 'safe space' where they can retreat without disturbance to prevent stress-related issues or escape attempts.
4. Supervise and Maintain Routine: Keep a close eye on pets during busy activities like present opening or kitchen preparations to prevent slips and injuries. Where possible, stick to their normal feeding, walking, and quiet times to provide stability amidst the change.
By understanding the risks and implementing these simple precautions, owners can significantly reduce the chances of an emergency vet visit and ensure their furry family members enjoy a safe and happy Christmas.
