Owners are set to spend £162m on their dogs this Christmas, says study

An estimated 7.37 million furry friends will receive presents such as treats, soft toys and bones and chews

An estimated 7.37 million furry friends will receive presents such as treats, soft toys, and bones and chews (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Britain’s dog owners are set to spend £162 million on their canine companions this Christmas as a thank you for their support this year.

A survey of 2,000 dog owners found almost three-quarters will be treating their animals during the festive season — spending an average of £21.92 per pet.

With an estimated 10.1 million dogs in the UK, that means 7.37 million will receive presents such as treats, soft toys, and bones and chews.

The Guide Dogs charity is attributing pet owners’ generosity to a thank you for the support they have received from the animals during the pandemic — with 75 per cent of respondents saying their dogs helped them more than they could have imagined in 2020.

It also emerged that 87 per cent of owners are excited about their dog’s Christmas, with 22 per cent saying it would be their first with them.

This follows the huge rise in demand for dogs as people spend more time at home.

Dr Helen Whiteside, head of research at Guide Dogs, said: “The research shows we like to treat our dogs like a member of the family and many lucky animals will be spoilt rotten by their adoring owners this year.

“Many dogs will be having their first Christmas with their owners and it’s an exciting time as millions prepare to treat their beloved pets as a thank you for being there this year.”

When it comes to the big day, 78 per cent of dogs will have to open the presents after they are wrapped in gift paper.

Almost half of owners will also be making the dog a special Christmas dinner — with 73 per cent of the pets eating at the same time as the family.

The survey revealed 15 per cent of dog owners even plan to spend more on their pooch than their parents, while 13 per cent said the dogs will have more spent on them than the children.

And 16 per cent admitted they would rather spend Christmas with their dogs than their family.

The survey, carried out via OnePoll also found that one in five will be buying their canine companion a Christmas card, and almost 60 per cent will sign their dog’s name in cards they are planning to send out to others.

SWNS