For The Love of Dogs

Exactly how much do we love our dogs in the UK, is it even more than we love our partners?

To mark Valentine’s Day this year, Burns Pet Nutrition commissioned a UK survey (2,000 pet parents) to learn about the extent of our love for our pet pooches.

The new survey of 2,000 pet parents found that over a third of UK dog owners admit they prefer their pets to their partners and, given the choice, would rather spend time with their four-legged companions. Some 58% of Brit dog owners say they share their bed with dogs, according to a new study commissioned by us at Burns Pet Nutrition.

Kissing your dog more than your partner

Also, 27% of dog owners admit they kiss their dog more than their partner throughout the day as well as a quarter of pet owners revealing they say “I love you” more to their dogs than their significant others.

Findings also revealed that being a dog lover could increase your chances of “landing a date”, with two thirds of owners admitting they are more likely to fall for someone who loves dogs, and 58% confirming they would turn their nose up at a potential partner if they did not like dogs. Women (66%) are more likely than men (50%) to be put off by someone if they aren’t a fan of dogs.

The ‘tin-dog’ technique – dogs in dating profiles

Interestingly, the ‘tin-dog’ technique appears to be more popular amongst men with 46% of males thinking having a dog on their dating profile would make them more attractive to prospective partners and boost their dating chances, compared to 27% of females.

The study also found that Londoners come out top dog in the “dog lover stakes”. Eight in 10 (79%) Londoners say they are more attracted to someone if they like dogs and 72% say having a dog makes them more attractive to others. 85% say they currently have or will use(ed) a picture of their dog on their online dating profile.

Laura Crotch Harvey, nutrition manager at Burns Pet Nutrition, said:

“Our survey has shown just how much the UK really does love dogs. Pet parents here will do everything they can to keep their pets happy and healthy, and to show them how much they love them. “It’s great to see that so many people are planning to treat their dogs this Valentine’s Day but, while owners might be tempted to give their dogs things they wouldn’t usually have to mark the special occasion, it’s important to remember to check what dogs can and cannot eat.”