With the festive season upon us, Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has revealed that British dog owners spend an average of £60 on their furry-friends at Christmas - just to make the holidays as special as possible for their canine.
Whilst it’s the norm for the majority (73%) of pet parents to buy their dog a Christmas present, nearly half (46%) go as far as making up a stocking for their pooch. Putting pups before partners, over a third (38%) say they spend more on their dogs than their other halves, and even more shockingly, one in four (27%) confess they spend more on their fur-babies than their own children.
The most common gifts include their dog’s favourite treats (84%), chew toys (81%) and a cuddly toy (46%) - however, it seems pet parents are upping their game this year. In fact, 35% of pet parents are planning to treat their fur-baby to gourmet treats this year, with personalised dog bowls (27%), designer dog beds (19%), designer collars (17%) and even doggy perfume (13%) also finding their way under the tree.
Brit’s Top 10 Bougiest Dog Gifts this Christmas
-
Plush chew toy (36%)
-
Gourmet treats (35%)
-
Personalised dog bowl (27%)
-
Designer dog bed (19%)
-
Designer collar (17%)
-
Doggy perfume (13%)
-
Grooming presents (12%)
-
Designer lead (11%)
-
Doggy pedicure set (11%)
-
Treat dispenser (11%)
And it’s not just the gifts that Brits* are wanting to make extra special this year – it’s the whole day too. A whopping 85% admit they don’t want their dog to feel left out of the celebrations, with nearly three quarters (73%) going to the effort of preparing a specially made Christmas dinner for their furry friend – complete with a festive feast of turkey (69%), pigs in blankets (39%), and a dog-friendly tipple (42%). One in five (20%) even serve their dog a juicy steak to mark the occasion.
What’s more, Brits* are going beyond simply including their dogs on Christmas Day – they’re making sure their furry friends are part of the festive build-up too. More than a third (34%) say they’ve bought a festive jumper for their canine companion, while 38% are taking their pup on Christmas light trail or along to the Christmas markets (25%). 16% are even visiting Santa’s grotto - giving their pooch the chance to meet Father Christmas himself.
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist comments: “Christmas can be a wonderful time for our dogs, often signalling more time with their families present and walks in the crisp winter air. It’s great to see so many owners now including their pups in the celebrations. Whether it’s a new toy, a festive outing or simply more quality time with the whole family, these small gestures can really strengthen the bond we share with our dogs.
Just remember that the festive period also brings new sights, sounds and foods, so keeping routines steady, prepping your dog in advance for any change, avoiding unsafe treats, and giving your dog a quiet space to relax will help ensure they stay safe and happy throughout the festivities.”
Adem has shared his top festive tips to help owners prepare this Christmas:
1.Consider your dog’s needs: The festive season can disrupt routines and bring extra visitors, which some dogs may find stressful. Plan for your dog’s needs by scheduling in quiet time, a safe space, and positive experiences with treats or toys. Tools like leads, house lines, and baby gates can help - just introduce anything new gradually and positively.
2.Familiarity is key: If you're visiting friends or family with your dog this Christmas, aim to bring familiar items like treats, chew toys, and their bed or blanket to help them settle. Food-dispensing toys can also keep them calm in new places. Keeping a loose version of their usual routine - similar walks and feeding times - can also help your dog feel more comfortable.
3.Avoid décor dangers: Some plants, like poinsettias, as well as berries and foraged foliage, can be toxic to dogs. Even a real Christmas tree can be dangerous if your dog nibbles it or drinks the water. With this in mind, be sure to keep these items well out of reach of your pooch, placing a tree ‘guard’ around the base, and closely supervise any interactions to keep your dog safe this festive season.
4.Paws off!: Festive food can be tempting for dogs but many treats, like chocolate, raisins, and even alcohol, can be dangerous for dogs. Keep food out of reach, monitor your dog closely, and avoid leaving presents under the tree that contain food - dogs’ noses are extremely powerful so it is best not to underestimate just what they might be able to sniff out – even when boxed or wrapped up!
5.A dog’s dinner: Whether this is a small portion of dog friendly foods from your home cooked meal or a festive themed complete dog food, your dog will love ‘joining’ you for dinner. Consider offering this in a food dispensing toy, snuffle mat, or creating a food style game for them to work out. Not only will this provide enrichment, as a bonus, this can also help to keep your dog happy and busy whilst the human family members are sitting down at the table – no more begging at the table!
Whether you're embarking on a festive getaway, attending Christmas parties, or simply taking some time for yourself during the festive period, Rover is here to help. With trusted sitters and walkers ready to care for your pet, new users can enjoy £20 off their first booking this Christmas with the code SANTAPAWS. Terms and conditions apply.