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Dog owners have revealed the extent of their bond with their furry friends – including having “conversations” with them, sleeping in the same bed, and eating from the same plate.
A poll of 2,000 US adults who own a dog found 87 percent consider their canine to be their best pal, while 97 percent consider them to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
Precisely three-quarters have shared dialogue with their furry friends, with 62 percent “often” using a “dog voice” to do so.
For 47 percent, their relationship is so strong that they let their pet sleep in their bed every night, while 54 percent have also shared a plate of food with their dog at one time or another.
Others have thrown birthday parties for their four-legged friend (40 percent), created social media accounts dedicated to them (45 percent), and had video calls with them when away (60 percent).
Commissioned by Minties FreshBites dental treats, the study found 80 percent know such behaviors might seem strange to non-dog owners, but to them, there’s nothing odd about the closeness they share.
A spokesperson said, “Contrary to the expression, a dog’s life sounds pretty great – many owners likely envy their lives.
“And it’s clear they absolutely adore their dogs – they bring them so much joy, companionship, and comfort too.
“They really are part of the family, and owners are rightly proud to show that love in creative ways.”
The study also found 50 percent have dressed their dog in clothes – including superhero costumes (13 percent), bowtie collars (16 percent), and formal clothes like tuxedos (10 percent).
While 28 percent have cooked homemade meals for their pet, 21 percent have taken them for spa days, and 10 percent have hosted dog photo shoots.
Almost one in 10 (nine percent) revealed their dog even appeared in their wedding or engagement photos.
This love for their canine pal may explain why as many as 29 percent of owners admit their entire life is centered around their dog.
And why 37 percent “constantly” talk to friends and family about their furry friend.
But while owners might be besotted with their pets, there is one slight obstacle – bad breath.
The research carried out through OnePoll found 81 percent have been put off getting too close to their tail-wagging pal as a result.
With 37 percent having to move away from them completely, such was the stench.
A spokesperson for Minties FreshBites dental treats said, “While we love seeing how much owners adore their dogs, bad breath can put a damper on those special moments.
“But nothing should get in the way of the bond they share – least of all smelly breath.”
Top 25 Things Owners Have Done With Their Dogs:
1. Have conversations with them – 62 percent
2. Had video calls with them when away – 60 percent
3. Shared plates of food with them – 54 percent
4. Dressed them in clothes – 50 percent
5. Share a bed with them every night – 47 percent
6. Created social media accounts dedicated to them – 45 percent
7. Let them ride in the car’s front seat – 43 percent
8. Share snacks or treats together – 42 percent
9. Thrown birthday parties for them – 40 percent
10. Let them sleep under the covers – 36 percent
11. Give them personalized beds or blankets – 36 percent
12. Bring them along on vacations – 35 percent
13. Buy them birthday cakes or “pupcakes” – 30 percent
14. Cook homemade meals for them – 28 percent
15. Dress them in cute outfits or seasonal costumes – 22 percent
16. Give them spa days or grooming sessions – 21 percent
17. Take them to dog-friendly cafés or restaurants – 17 percent
18. Create custom collars or accessories – 15 percent
19. Let them “help” with chores – 15 percent
20. Make paw-print art or keepsakes – 13 percent
21. Host dog photo shoots – 10 percent
22. Give them their own social media hashtags – 10 percent
23. Create TikTok or YouTube channels for them – nine percent
24. Read books aloud to them – nine percent
25. Include them in wedding or engagement photos – nine percent
