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Pet insurer reveals Christmas surge in chocolate poisoning
December and January saw 31 per cent of chocolate posioning claims for the past year.
Data shows big rise in cases in December and January.

New data has revealed the large rise in insurance claims linked to chocolate poisoning seen over the holiday season and into the new year.

Statistics from Kennel Club Pet Insurance, which is provided by Agria, showed that almost a third of all claims for chocolate poisoning in the past year were made between December 2023 and January 2024.

January was the highest month for cases overall, with the number of claims more than double the monthly average. The Kennel Club believes this could indicate that dogs are getting access to leftover chocolates during the post-Christmas period.

Dog owners are urged to keep any chocolates, including advent calendars and edible tree decorations, away from their dogs, as well as other Christmas foods that can be toxic, such as Christmas cakes, mince pies and Christmas puddings that contain raisins, currants, or sultanas.

To help prevent pets becoming overwhelmed by the Christmas period, The Kennel Club is also advising owners to try to stick to their dog's usual routine of walks and meal times and make sure they can retreat to their bed when they want to.

Bill Lambert, health, welfare and breeder services executive at The Kennel Club said: “Christmas is such an exciting time for the family, and while we want to make sure our canine companions are also having fun, it’s important to be aware of how overwhelming it can be for them, with unfamiliar sights and sounds, as well as, of course, tempting treats.

“These statistics show that, while Christmas may be over in January, there can often be a lot of leftovers lying around so it’s vital that owners continue to keep a watchful eye on their pets throughout Christmas and into the new year.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.