95% rise in festive chocolate poisoning prompts expert warning to pet owners
- Searches for dog-safe festive foods rose 125% in 2025, including an 84% spike in “can my dog eat chocolate?”
- Agria Pet Insurance saw a 95% rise in chocolate-poisoning claims over the festive period last year
- Chocolate-poisoning claims this festive season are already up 33% year on year, with experts issuing an urgent warning to pet owners this Christmas
9th December 2025: Christmas is a wonderful time to make memories with our four-legged friends – but when it comes to festive food, experts are urging owners to take extra care. Online searches for dog-safe foods soared in 2025, rising 125% on average compared with 2024*. The question “can my dog eat chocolate?” jumped by 84%, while interest in “overweight dog” rose by 41 points year on year.1
The spike in concern is backed up by real-world data. Agria Pet Insurance recorded a 95% surge of claims for chocolate poisoning over the festive period (Nov–Jan) in 2024 compared with the previous three months (Aug–Oct). Claims in the lead up to this Christmas are already 33% higher than last November, sparking expert warnings for dog owners to be vigilant.2
Christmas often means extra food and a lack of routine for us, but dogs don’t need festive snacks to feel included. In fact, over-feeding, sneaking table scraps or cutting back on exercise can leave dogs feeling unwell and contribute to longer-term health issues like weight gain.
Ahead of this year’s festivities, Lars Mortensen, Head Veterinarian for the Agria Pet Insurance app, advises: “Christmas is a wonderful time for sharing, but when it comes to your dog’s food bowl, the best gift you can give them is keeping things steady. Sudden changes to their diet can easily lead to sickness, diarrhoea or even pancreatitis, so try to stick to their usual meals and portions. If treats aren’t part of their normal routine, it’s kinder to show your love in other ways – an extra game, a new toy or a longer winter walk will go down just as well.
“There are also a few festive favourites I always remind owners to avoid. Keep dogs well away from chocolate, mince pies, Christmas cake, grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants. The same goes for anything containing alcohol, onions, leeks or shallots – including stuffing, gravy and many sausage mixes. Cooked bones, roast skins, goose fat, tray juices, blue cheese, macadamia nuts and any foods sweetened with xylitol can all cause serious problems too.”
But keeping dogs safe and happy at Christmas isn’t just about avoiding harmful foods – their behaviour and routine matter too.
Hannah Molloy, Agria’s Animal Behaviourist shares her tips to keep dogs happy and part of the festivities, from adding a little gentle structure to swapping extra treats for play and sniffing adventures.
Hannah’s top tips for happy, healthy dogs this Christmas:
- Practise boundaries in the kitchen and at the dinner table
Teaching your dog to settle on a bed or mat while food is being prepared and eaten can help prevent begging, scavenging and accidental snacking over Christmas. Keeping them out of the kitchen also stops them playing crocodile by the cabinets or dining table, waiting for scraps to fall – and away from well-meaning relatives (Grandad, we’re looking at you!) – who may slip them a secret snack or two.
- Don’t skip the walk!
When you don’t take your dog out for 24 hours, they really feel it – and it can make the next walk more manic or even risky, especially for dogs that pull on the lead or jump. It may be dark, chilly and uninviting outside, but a safe walk with a flashing collar or hi-vis makes a world of difference. Just avoid overdoing it: a big Boxing Day family walk can be tough if your dog isn’t used to a high level of exercise, particularly if they’re overweight. If you know a longer walk is coming, build up gradually so it’s comfortable and beneficial.
- Keep up daily attention and stimulation
Dogs need a minimum of 45 to 90 minutes of physical and mental stimulation each day. They get the most satisfaction from sniffing, and even a familiar trot around the local streets is full of new smells to explore. A few short play sessions or a puzzle toy can easily replace edible treats while still feeling special. If you're on a budget, a couple of cardboard boxes and wrapping paper are great for your dog to play in and rip up. You could also hide a carrot inside as a healthy Christmas treat to discover.
- Be mindful of your dog’s social boundaries
Christmas gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, with new people, noise and well-meaning guests who love to offer treats. Consider your dog’s social limitations and help them get used to busy rooms by not leaving them alone when visiting a new place or when guests first arrive. Offer a quiet space or comfy retreat to help them relax and stay part of the celebrations in a way that feels safe and manageable.
- Use a ‘friendship sheet’ to guide guests and avoid overfeeding or overstimulation
A friendship sheet is a quick guide you can share with family and visitors, so everyone knows your dog’s usual diet, as well as their likes and dislikes. It can be a great way to help visitors, especially children, get to know your dog and understand their needs. It sets gentle boundaries, prevents overfeeding, and reduces unintentional stress for your pet, all while making people feel included. Your sheet might explain what your dog enjoys, what makes them uncomfortable, and what behaviours to avoid.
- Don’t let Christmas steal your puppy’s life lessons
With Christmas in full swing, it’s easy for routines, training and socialisation plans to slip while the chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. But weeks 8 to 16 matter the most in shaping pups into confident adult dogs. Keep gently introducing your puppy to everyday sights, sounds, people and environments, even during the Christmas rush. (And yes – dogs can eat chestnuts, but not horse chestnuts, also known as conkers!)
This Christmas, treat your pet in ways that are fun and healthy. Cuddles, playtime and festive walks can be just as rewarding as treats – and better for their health too.
All Agria Pet Insurance policies come with 24/7 access to vet video calls through the Agria App for advice – even over Christmas. To find out more or download the app, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/agria-app/
For more information and advice on responsible pet ownership this Christmas, visit: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/keep-your-pets-safe-at-christmas/
ENDS
References:
[1] Google Trends search data, December 2025.
[2] Agria Pet Insurance Claims Data, January 2023 to November 2025.
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About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.
In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Agria has been awarded a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insurance and a Which? Best Buy for Cat Insurance for their Lifetime Premium insurance products, and is named Best Overall Pet Insurance provider by The Telegraph 2024.
For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/agriapetinsurance / https://www.facebook.com/agriapetuk