Dog owners have been warned to be extra careful this festive season
Pet insurance experts have revealed which breed is the UK’s “Christmas’s clumsiest canines” on the run up to December 25. There are six common breeds which have made the list with owners being urged to take extra care this festive season.
Uncovering which dog breeds are most likely to ramp up the festive mayhem, Napo Pet Insurance, has drawn on historical claims data “submitted between November 2024 and January 2025 to capture incidents linked to the festive season”. The insurers then pinpointed the pups most prone to holiday mishaps – and the results show some breeds simply can’t stay out of trouble.
The findings come as Napo reports a 65% spike in pet claims over the festive season compared to the rest of the year, meaning people may want to take extra care around the holidays. So which breeds made it to the list?
UK’s Christmas’s clumsiest canines
Do you have any of the six breeds listed?(Image: Getty)
Miniature DachshundEnglish Springer SpanielCocker SpanielBorder CollieGolden RetrieverCockapoo
According to the experts: “Miniature Dachshunds have officially stolen the crown as Christmas’s clumsiest canines, with 27% of all claims for the breed made during the festive season, pushing last year’s top offenders, the English Springer Spaniel (24%) and Cocker Spaniel (20%), into second and third place.
“But the chaos doesn’t stop there. Energetic breeds like Border Collies (17%), ever-lovable Golden Retrievers (15%), and curious Cockapoos (10%) also feature in the festive mishap charts, proving that no breed is entirely immune to the temptations of Christmas.”
Why people claim
As well as the breeds which seem to experience more accidents, the experts have said what conditions seem to be the most common, too.
The Twelve Claims of Christmas (issue, number of claims)
Allergy, 239Dental disease/gingivitis, 190Mass lesion, 152Vomiting, 138Seizure disorder, 123Gastroenteritis, 120Arthritis, 115Cruciate disease, 112Wound, 107Ear infection, 103Intervertebral disc extrusion/herniation/prolapse, 101Corneal ulcer, 99
Allergies were the leading cause last Christmas with 239 claims, indicating that festive food, decorations and seasonal plants can trigger irritations. More severe health problems also saw a rise over the holiday period.
The experts have also revealed which issues are the most common(Image: Getty)
Seizure disorders and arthritis flare-ups were among the most frequently reported conditions, while cruciate injuries – often associated with sudden movements, slips or excessive excitement – were also prevalent. The list also mentioned wounds, ear infections, disc issues and corneal ulcers, showing the diverse risks pets encounter during the Christmas season.
Charlie Morris, senior manager – Claims Operations, said: “Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, but it also brings a perfect storm of distractions and temptations for pets. From tinsel that looks like a toy to festive treats left within reach, it doesn’t take much for a curious dog or cat to find themselves in trouble.
“At Napo, we know how stressful a trip to the vet can be, especially over the holidays, so our aim is to get things resolved quickly, often paying vets directly, so owners can get back to enjoying Christmas with their pets. While we’re always here when mishaps happen, a few small precautions can make all the difference in keeping your festive season safe, calm and chaos-free.”
Top tips to keep your pet safe
Watch out for festive toxins: Chocolate, mince pies, Christmas pudding, raisins, grapes, onions and certain plants (including holly, mistletoe and poinsettia) can all be dangerous for pets. Keep food hampers, wrapped gifts and leftovers well out of reach – if in doubt, assume it’s not pet-safe.Pet-proof your decorations: Tinsel, ribbons, small baubles and string lights can be irresistible but risky. Pets may swallow them or get tangled. Hang decorations higher, avoid fragile ornaments, and cover the water tray under real Christmas trees — stagnant water can be harmful.Create a calm “safe space”: Visitors, noise, children and parties can overwhelm even confident pets. Set up a quiet, comfortable zone where they can retreat without being disturbed. This helps avoid stress-related behaviour, upset stomachs and accidental escapes.Keep presents pet-safe: Wrapped chocolates, edible gifts and food-based stocking fillers should be kept off the floor and out of sniffing distance — some pets have a talent for unwrapping what isn’t theirs.Supervise during the excitement: Festive play, opening presents and bustling kitchens increase the risk of slips, trips and zoomie-related injuries. Keep an eye on pets during busy moments to avoid accidental knocks or tumbles.Stick to routine where you can: Changes in feeding times, fewer walks or unfamiliar guests can unsettle pets. Keeping meals, exercise and quiet time consistent helps prevent behavioural issues and stress-related illnesses.
