Brits splash out on pressies for pooches

Posted : 28-06-2006

A third of British dog owners celebrate their pets' birthdays, according to a survey.

Dog owners spend a staggering £36 million a year on presents and treats for their dogs, to mark their birthdays, new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has found.

Toys are the most popular gift to mark a dog's birthday, with 81 per cent of owners buying one, with eight per cent giving the gift of a grooming session.

Chris Price, head of Direct Line Pet Insurance comments: "Treating our dogs to the same pleasures we enjoy on our birthdays shows just how much a nation of dog lovers we are.

"Although owners are acting in good faith, they do need to be careful not to over-indulge their dog with sweet treats that are bad for them since this could lead to health problems and expensive visits to the vets."

A special walk on Fido's special day is favoured by 15 per cent of dog owner's and nine per cent put their dog's birthday on par with their children's.

Some surveyed went even farther, 39 per cent said that they loved their pets more than some of their relatives.

Recent research by pet insurer Petplan, revealed that almost half of Britons have had their property damaged by other people's pets.


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