With just two weeks until Christmas, new research has revealed that over a third of the nation’s dog owners (41%) believe their furry friend loves Christmas more than they do. Over a quarter (28%) even believe their pooch recognises Santa Claus.
So much so, that various Santa’s Grottos across the UK are offering pet parents the chance to bring their dogs to meet Santa this year. Dubbed ‘Santa Paws’ a whole host of shopping and gardening centres across the UK, including major high-street chains, are welcoming pets into their grottos this festive period, with many already sold out.
The research comes from leading pet insurance brand, ManyPets who have recently been on a mission to highlight the growing number of dog-friendly department stores, shops and restaurants across the UK via their ManyPets Approved Guides. As venues across the UK become ever more welcoming to pooches, the portal currently highlights the top dog-friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in cities throughout the UK with reviews of each venue.
The sold-out Grottos highlight how pet-obsessed Brits are, opting to take their canine companions with them where possible, especially over the festive period with the recent data revealing that over half of pet owners (57%) are convinced their dog knows that Christmas is a special day in the calendar, with 55% noticing a positive change in their pets’ body language during the Christmas period. Moreover, almost two thirds of owners (60%) think their furry friend shows visible excitement over Christmas.
Pet parents have attributed their dogs heightened excitement to the mouth-watering aroma of Christmas dinner (55%), the buzz of increased guests in the house (49%), and the tail wagging opportunity to play with wrapping paper (42%).
This year, our pets’ love for the festivities is top of the Christmas list, with a staggering 91% of owners admitting their pets’ excitement enhances their own enjoyment of Christmas day. Pet parents around the country are preparing to pamper their pooches with 56% of dogs set to receive special festive treats, whilst 55% of owners will whip up a pet friendly Christmas dinner.
ManyPets resident vet Dr Kirsten Ronngren, said: “We know how much humans enjoy the holiday season, and it’s lovely to see our pets getting in on all the fun too. As a valued family member, they deserve a festive time filled with warmth, treats, and the same comfort they bring into our lives every day. It’s essential however, pet owners make sure to be extra vigilant too – not everything that Christmas brings is safe for our pets.
Think not just about the hazards of offering them leftover human food (some of which is very harmful) but also think about how the larger number of people around, louder noises and smells can often be quite overwhelming for a dog. I’d recommend that you make sure they have a safe space for themselves somewhere quiet and warm that they can retreat too if it all gets a little too much.”
A huge 84% of pet owners admit they love spoiling their beloved companion and almost half (48%) will even wrap presents for their dog to unwrap alongside other family members on Christmas morning. ManyPets has today revealed that UK pet owners are set to spend up to £17 million* on presents for their pets this Christmas.
In a heart-warming twist, three quarters (75%) claim that their four-legged friend loves Christmas so much because it is a time when all the family typically come together, as 78% of pet owners ensure their four legged friends aren’t left out over the festive period by getting their pet involved in the family traditions.
Despite being a wonderful time of year, 70% of owners agree that it’s also a period where extra caution should be taken to ensure the safety of our dogs. Two thirds (66%) agree that unsuitable foods such as mince pies and Christmas pudding are a cause for concern, while having additional chocolate in the house (60%), and loud noises (44%) from things such as crackers are things to be mindful of. For more information on how to keep your pets safe this Christmas, please click HERE to read further advice from ManyPets resident vet Dr Kirsten Ronngren.
