Eric Ales

People prefer their pets to other people. They are more likely to spend time with their pets than with other people. They also spend more money on their pets than on other people.

There are many reasons for this phenomenon but the two most prevalent are that humans have a natural instinct to care for animals and we have had a long-standing relationship with domesticated animals since the beginning of civilization.

But, does that still hold true when it comes to pets versus life partners?  Do pets still win the day or does the human companion come out in front?

ALMOST A QUARTER OF BRITS PREFER THEIR PET TO THEIR PARTNER, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH

A nationwide poll of dog and cat owners has revealed as many as 21 percent admit they are fonder of their furry friend than their other half.

Overall, more than two thirds (67 percent) claim their pet is their best friend, while 17 percent confess that their animal companion is more important to them than anyone else in their lives.

Three in ten (31 percent) claim they value their pet more than their best friend, while 57 percent reckon they have more photos of their pet than their family on their phone.

When it comes to what makes our pets special, 58 percent said it’s because they don’t judge us, while half (51 percent) think their pooch or kitty is more loyal than the humans in their life, and 47 percent love the fact that their pet never answers back.

To celebrate the launch of the DC Super-Pets Happy Meal® in restaurants, McDonald’s polled 1,500 British parents with dogs or cats, and found that HALF of pet owners even talk to their pets about their feelings while 37 percent go as far as claim that their four legged friend has “special powers”.

These range from knowing when their owner is sad (66 percent), knowing when they need a cuddle (57 percent) and wanting to protect the whole family (48 percent).

45 percent even claim their pet can communicate with them – with just a look.

In fact a fifth (21 percent) say their animal understands them better than their other half ever could.

And this bond runs so deep that over a third of dog and cat owners (35 percent) aren’t ashamed to say they would even prefer a holiday with a pet over their loved ones.

Over half (57 percent) aren’t afraid to treat their furry friend to gifts on special occasions, like their birthday or Christmas Day.

And a fifth (19 percent) admit that while their loved ones are important, they regularly splash out more money on presents for their pet.

Meanwhile two thirds (66 percent) describe their furry friend as the ultimate sidekick for life.

It’s also been revealed that the connection between man and dog runs deep, with a whopping 90 percent claiming the furriest member of the family has a very special bond with their kids.

The research reveals that on average, dog owners take an extra 5427 steps a day compared to people who don’t have a pooch.

Pet owners will laugh eight times a day on average, thanks to their furry friend, will also enjoy around 14 hugs or embraces with their cat or dog a day, and will play around four games a day with their pet.

Lockdown led to a surge in pet ownership.  People were at home a lot more, often alone, and wanted the company of a pet. In many ways a dog seemed the perfect choice as you could walk your dog when you went for your daily exercise – the dog was almost an excuse to get out of the house.  Things have changed though as more people have gone back to work.  For some looking after a pet is more difficult as they are no longer at home quite so much.  How many regret taking on the responsibility of a dog now they are having to leave them at home during the day?  Dogs might well be finding it difficult to adapt to their humans not being around quite so much as before.

A nationwide poll of UK dog owners has revealed that the average hound is left by itself at home for 40 hours a month, with 63 percent regularly chewing, ripping and damaging items.

And of those, an average of £110 worth of damage is caused to interiors and personal items every year, according to the report.

The research by the UK’s leading joint supplement brand for dogs, YuMOVE, revealed that 25 percent of owners have returned to find a pair of shoes chewed up beyond repair.

30 percent have found a child’s toy ripped to pieces, a fifth (20 percent) have returned to scratched walls and doors, 19 percent have discovered shredded paper littering their homes, and 14 percent have come home to find that their pet has had an accident on the carpet.

And as we head into the festive season, the study found that more than one in twenty (7 percent) of the 1,500 dog owners surveyed had come home to find their pooch had knocked their Christmas tree over, and the same number (7 percent) have had decorations destroyed by chewing.

Curtains that have been pulled down from their poles (9 percent), chewed chair legs (17 percent) and ripped books (15 percent) have also greeted the nation’s dog owners on returning after a spell away from home.

The study found that more than one in ten (12 percent) of dogs have symptoms of separation anxiety, according to their owners.

And the data revealed that 30 percent of owners admit that Christmas will see their four-legged friend at home by themselves much more than usual, as social gatherings, festive fairs and nights out on the town are back on the agenda.

Dr Jayne Laycock, resident vet at YuMOVE, commented “Our research shows that people hate leaving their dogs at home – and our dogs clearly don’t enjoy it much. Separation anxiety can clearly cause dogs much emotional and physical stress, so it’s really important that if you own a dog, you put them and their needs first. With Christmas coming, we know our canine friends are set to be left alone more than usual. This is why YuMOVE is launching its nationwide Christmas Dog Walking Service, giving owners the chance to book their dog in with a professional dog walker for a free 2 hour festival walk while they head off to do their Christmas shopping or perhaps visit a grotto with the family.”

The data found that a staggering 93 percent of owners admit they feel guilty when they go out without their dog.

Dr Jayne Laycock of YuMOVE concluded: “It’s fine to go out and have fun if you have a dog, but owners need to think ahead and plan care arrangements for their pooch so they aren’t left feeling blue – and you don’t risk coming home to a chewed sofa. Shorter intervals of four hours or less are generally okay so long as you ensure your pooch has been for a nice long walk and they have plenty to keep them occupied while you’re away. However, if you’re planning to be out for longer periods of time, it’s usually best to arrange for someone to check in on your dog during the day, schedule a local walker or put them into daycare where they can have fun with trained canine carers and other dog pals.”

TOP TIPS FROM DR JAYNE LAYCOCK ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE PLANNING TO LEAVE YOUR DOG HOME ALONE THIS CHRISTMAS:

LESS THAN 4 HOURS:

• Take out dog for a brisk 20-30 minute walk before you head out so they’re well exercised and not bursting with energy while you’re away
• Make sure you feed them at least two to three hours before you leave, so they have time to digest and do their ‘business’ outside before you leave
• Make sure you leave your dog with plenty of fresh water and a small bowl of food if it coincides with a regular meal time
• Some dogs are comforted by background noise, so it might be worth leaving the TV or radio on for them while you’re out. Classical music can be very soothing, but your dog may also have a favourite show they tend to watch – so pop that on repeat
• Leave out things to keep them occupied, such as a favourite toy or a Kong, which you can fill with a doggy friendly paste or dry kibble – it can be tough for them to get to the treat so things like this help to keep their minds occupied for hours
• If your dog really suffers from separation anxiety, it can also be a good idea to leave an item of clothing with your scent on it in their basket. Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell and your scent can often help comfort them, even when you’re not physically in the home

4-6 HOURS:

• Ask a friend, family member or neighbour can pop in to check up on your dog. They can let them outside to do their business, have a little sniff around and stretch their legs
• If someone can take them for a 15-20 minute walk around the block, even better, as this should help dissipate any pent up energy and keep them going until you get home

MORE THAN 6 HOURS:

• This is when you really need to think about getting someone to take care of your dog for the day. The longer they’re left alone, the more likely they are to experience separation anxiety, so for complete peace of mind, you should consider making one of the following arrangements:
  1. Get a friend, family member or neighbour to look after your dog for the day. Drop them off on the way out and make sure you take a little bag of everything they need to feel at home, like favourite toys, food etc
  2. Hire a professional, like a local licensed Dog Walker or Doggy Day Care place for the day, so you can feel rest assured that your dog is being well cared for and isn’t suffering at home alone

Finally, regardless of how long you plan to be away, always remember to ‘dog proof’ your home. Is there anything on the floor they could chew and potentially choke on while you’re away? Anything within easy reach that could harm them like plants, foods etc? Think like a dog and make sure it’s all safely stored away from harm.