HIP HIP HOORAY!
Every dog has his day, the old saying goes, and it turns out it’s certainly true, as a huge percentage of owners make a fuss of their pet on its birthday…
As far as birthdays go, for the past year most of our celebrations have been a bit of a non-event; a glass of fizz in the garden and a Zoom catch-up with friends was as extravagant as it got. However, our canine companions on the other hand (or should it be paw?) have enjoyed birthday pampering like never before, according to a national survey by Devon-based pet food maker, Forthglade. Its recent nationwide poll found that a staggering 70% of dog owners celebrated their pet’s birthday, with 22% stating it was a highlight of the year. A huge 84% of owners said that they knew their dog’s real birthday, while 69% of those who were unsure of the actual date simply made one up to ensure a day was set aside to celebrate!
A BIRTHDAY TREAT
When it comes to treating dogs, Forthglade found that the average British dog owner splashes out £62 on their canine’s birthday, with 50% not ashamed to admit they always spend more on their dog than their partner’s birthday! Explaining perhaps why nearly threequarters questioned claimed their canine companion was their ‘soulmate’.
SPENDING POWER
When it comes to who spends the most on their pet’s birthdays, it is the under30s who really roll out the red carpet, splashing out a whopping £70 on their dogs. This compares to the over-60s, who spend on average £19 on their four-legged friend.
WHAT’S THE GIFT?
More than half of the nation’s dogs (54%) will be given brand-new toys on their big day, 39% will sit down to enjoy a special meal; either hand-made by their pet parent or brought in especially. Meanwhile 33% will buy their dog a stylish new collar, 29% of dogs will start the day with a deluxe birthday breakfast, 31% will enjoy a rendition of the Happy Birthday song, and 27% will tuck into a special dog-friendly birthday cake.
To mark Forthglade’s landmark 50th birthday this year, the Devonian dog lovers have launched a special birthday dinner for dogs. The new limited-edition Sardines & Haddock with Potato & Broccoli meal is made with fish landed in Devon. Containing 75% sardines and haddock and packed full of vitamins, minerals and botanicals such as camomile, parsley, rosemary and nettle, the new recipe is a great source of protein, nutrients and natural oils. It is free from junk or fillers and contains all the goodness a dog needs to stay healthy. It’s also grain free, making it the perfect choice for sensitive tummies. The new meal is suitable for dogs aged 1yr+, and comes in handy 395g trays (RRP £1.45) or as a case of 7 trays (RRP £10.15). Find it in supermarkets, good pet shops, online retailers and at forthglade.com.