Dog Seizes Opportunity Amid the Christmas Chaos

By Liz O'Connell

Pets Reporter

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As holiday parties get underway, pets often try to sneak treats or crumbs—but one festive slip-up left a dog owner facing a nearly $900 emergency vet bill.

Owner Oliver Bennett of Leighton Buzzard, a town in Bedfordshire, England, usually keeps the kitchen blocked off with baby gates for his dog, Whisky, but with people coming and going during a holiday party, someone left it open. This allowed Whisky to sneak in and seize his opportunity.

"Whisky is an opportunist, and the moment he spotted the gap, he dashed in, jumped onto the counter, and stole the one remaining mince pie from lunch," Bennett shared in a press release.

While Whisky did not show any immediate symptoms, Bennett rushed him to the emergency vet, knowing the dangers. Mince pie consists of chopped fruit, spices and sometimes meat or suet. An article from VetsNow says that the ingredients in these tasty pastries, like raisins, grapes, sultanas and currants, are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure—or even death—even in small amounts.

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The vet induced vomiting, costing Bennett about $900. Thankfully, his pet insurance helped cover most of the bill.

“It was a scary experience and a reminder of how easily dogs can get hold of food they aren’t supposed to," Bennett said. "We’ll definitely be keeping a much closer eye on Whisky for the rest of the Christmas period and making sure mince pies are safely out of reach.”

The close call serves as a reminder for pet owners to stay vigilant as festive celebrations continue, as about one-third of all pet poisoning cases occur over the holiday season, according to The Insurance Emporium.

Other holiday foods to be aware of as your dog eyes them include ham, alcohol, chocolate, candy, caffeine, eggnog, meat bones, onions, garlic and pumpkin pie. Buttery, sugary and fatty foods are also dangerous.

“If your pet has eaten a mince pie or any other food containing harmful ingredients, contact your vet straight away," Kara Gammell, pet insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said in the press release. "Even tiny amounts of raisins can cause serious health issues, and quick action can make all the difference in preventing symptoms from escalating. Keeping festive treats out of reach is the best way to avoid an emergency."

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