Carmel ThomasonIt’s a hard heart that doesn’t melt at the sight of adorable puppy eyes. Spoiling our canine companions with their favourite treats and chews is something all pet owners give in to. But as pets become more firmly one of the family so the expectations of their creature comforts have grown too. By 2023 the UK pet care market is set to be worth over £2 billion. And research shows that pet owners would sooner cut back on spending on themselves that on their pet.
From doggy perfume to puppy champagne, the pet market is bursting with thousands of accessories to pamper our furry friends. Here are some of the UK’s favourites over the past year:
More than a birthday biscuit
When it comes to celebrating a dog’s birthday, a birthday Bonio or two just won’t cut it anymore. Nowadays many UK dog lovers like to make a day of it, in the way they would celebrate for any family member. The term ‘dog birthday party’ has experienced a 22% increase in Internet searches over the past year, with the term growing the most in Scotland.
Data also shows the term ‘dog birthday cake’ experienced an 83% increase, from 12,100 searches to 22,200.
The finer things in life
We all like to treat ourselves to the finer things in life every now and then, and it appears our dogs enjoy the same. Data shows that the North West region of the UK has jumped on board the pooch trend the most with 6,680 pampered-pooch related searches, closely followed by the South East region with a total of 6,120 searches.
As for specific ways we humans are pampering our pooches, the term ‘dog pedicure’ has increased by 75% in searches, and ‘dog spa day’ has experienced a 57% increase.
It seems plain old bowl of water isn’t enough for our pets anymore either. Searches for ‘dog champagne’ have grown by 136%, so now even your furry friend can join in with whatever it is you’re celebrating!
Designer dogs
Data also reveals dog owners are going the extra mile when it comes to purchasing the essentials for their pets. Dressing up your dog in an adorable outfit for their daily walk is not a new trend, however, now the human fashion world and the canine one has collaborated to create designer dog accessories.
Searches for ‘designer dog bowl’ have experienced an increase of 129%, allowing you to serve their trendy raw dog food meal in style. As for the doggy clothing industry, the nation as a collective is investing more into their pooches’ style with the term ‘designer dog clothes’ increasing by 123%. The term ‘designer dog harness’ grew by 122% in searches, too.
Canine cameras
Being stuck at work all day knowing that your pooch is sitting waiting for you to return is something no pet owner likes to think about. Separation anxiety is a very real thing, not just for pups but for their owners too. If only there was a way that we could check in on them every now and then to see how their day is going. Well, now there is! Searches for ‘pet treat camera’ have experienced the biggest increase of 180%. This clever invention allows you to not only check in on your pup but interact with him as well.
Depending on the type of pet camera you purchase, it allows you to see what your pup is getting up to, talk to them with two-way audio, and even remotely give them a treat!
