Advent calendars, loved ones and a post-dinner snooze: How the nation’s pets enjoy the festive period

18 December 2024

  • New research from Co-op Insurance indicates how pets enjoy the festive period, with one in four (25%) having received an advent calendar.
  • Meanwhile, over three in five (62%) tuck into a special Christmas dinner and almost seven out of ten (69%) get to unwrap their presents on 25th December.
  • However, Co-op Insurance and its veterinary partner, FirstVet are also issuing pet owners with guidance on how they can keep their furry friends safe over the festive period.
  • This comes as the member-owned organisation reveals it has seen claims as high as £2,000 for pet illness over the festive period. *

As the big day approaches, from turkey dinners to advent calendars, Co-op Insurance reveals how the nation’s pets enjoy the festive period.

New research based on answers from Co-op's very own member-owners found that over three in five (62%) pets can look forward to a special dinner on 25th December, with some pet owners even admitting that their furry friends will be tucking into festive staples such as turkey, vegetables and even sprouts.

Indeed, many of those surveyed said that food was the best part of the festivities for their pet, whilst one Co-op member-owner stated that their dog’s favourite part of the day is “[s]noozing after eating a huge Christmas dinner.”

What’s more, one in four (25%) pets are getting into the festive spirit with the help of an advent calendar, whilst more than two thirds (69%) are set to open presents on Christmas Day. Owners have also revealed that their furry friends will be unwrapping all manner of gifts, from treats to ‘new clothes’.

Yet some admit that their pets aren’t fussy when it comes to presents, with another Co-op member-owner sharing that: “[h]onestly, they are more interested in the paper.”

Despite the excitement, Co-op Insurance is also advising pet owners to take precautions to keep their furry friends safe over the festive period.

The member-owned organisation revealed that it had seen claims as high as £2,000 for pet illnesses during the festivities last year, as a result of raisin and chocolate ingestion. Another claim of more than £2,000 was due to the ingestion of xylitol, a sweetener that’s often used as an ingredient in many peanut butter products. *

Meanwhile, the average treatment cost for a poisoning claim last year was more than £600, with ingestion of beer and bacon among the causes.

The three most common pet poisoning reasons in December 2023**

| 1. | Raisins/Mince Pies/Cake | | 2. | Chocolate | | 3. | Human medication |

This means that, in addition to the emotional distress, those without the right cover or who failed to renew their cover, could face a significant financial impact should their pet fall ill during an already costly festive period.

However, for those that may be concerned about their furry friends during the festive period, FirstVet, a 24/7 independent digital veterinary clinic partnering with Co-op Insurance, advise that there are a number of ways to avoid any mishaps.

FirstVet Lead Vet, Emma Bower explained:

"With loved ones visiting and new toys to play with, many pets love the festive period. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many festive food and drink items can be dangerous for our beloved furry friends.

"When it comes to the Christmas dinner, avoid feeding dogs cheese, sausages or too many roast potatoes as fatty foods can cause dogs pancreatitis. Meanwhile, you should also ensure that they avoid Christmas pudding and mince as raisins, dried currants and grapes are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure.

"Anti-freeze is a real danger for cats and can be fatal, so all owners need to be aware of the risk during the colder festive period. What’s more, if anyone buys you flowers for Christmas, make sure that they avoid lilies as even the water that they are sat in, can be toxic if a cat drinks it!

"Additionally, cats often love to play with string, but if they get their paws on Christmas tree lights and tinsel it can be a risk to them if they chew it, so make sure you keep them out of reach as best you can."

Andrew Nevitt, Head of Co-op Pet Insurance, said:

"From advent calendars to time with loved ones, we know that the festive period is an exciting time of year for many people and their furry friends.

"Our research suggests that individuals and families up and down the country are increasingly trying to ensure that the festivities are just as special for their pets as it is for themselves.

"However, it’s important that people remain vigilant during the celebrations and keep their pets away from any potential dangers to ensure that they remain happy and healthy."

FirstVet has also provided the following guidance for pet owners: **

Common dangers: - Tinsel, lights, ribbons and strings on parcels, as well as candles, batteries and festive foods. - Christmas trees are a potential issue, so make sure that lower branches are free from anything chewable.

For dog owners: - Treats like mince pies and Christmas pudding must be kept out of reach, as more than a single grape or raisin can lead to serious kidney damage in some dogs. - Keep chocolate out of reach as well. The danger depends on the type of chocolate as the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk. - Other problematic foods include onions, leeks and garlic in large amounts, as well as fatty foods and bones. - Secure waste food away from pets as certain moulds on decomposing food can be extremely toxic to them.

For cat owners: - The most dangerous foods for a cat include chocolate, nuts or anything with grapes and raisins such as mince pies and Christmas pudding. - Leftover carcass bones from turkey, goose or chicken can make cats unwell too. - Plants like mistletoe, holly and ivy can also upset your cat's stomach if ingested, licked or chewed.

Co-op pet insurance customers and members can enjoy access to FirstVet services. For more information about Co-op pet insurance, visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance

Ends

Notes to the editor Research based on survey of 1,375 Co-op members conducted between 6.12.2024-10.12.2024.

Co-op Insurance customers and members can enjoy 24/7 access to vets online and can book a vet video consultation anytime through FirstVet without paying an excess, it affecting their premium or counting as a claim.

About Co-op

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 55,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk