We’ll spend £166m this Christmas... on our dogs!
EVERy dog has its day, so they say. And for many in Britain, it appears to be December 25.
While the best presents many men can expect on Christmas Day are a pair of socks or aftershave, their so-called best friends receive far better treatment.
Two in three dog owners will buy their pets a festive present this year, spending £166million over the season, research suggests.
Christmas treats and gifts for the family dog average out to £18.42, and this year that could include six Good Boy Mini Festive Christmas Mince Pies at £3.54, or a Pedigree Christmas Dog Stocking with a selection of chews and treats at £6.69.
For the well-groomed hound there is a ‘shampoo and set’ pack, which includes a bath, brush and ear cleaner starting at £35.
And for owners who want to turn their terrier into a reindeer or their labrador into a lion (with an adjustable mane) there are numerous fancy dress costumes on the market. The horror of festivethemed jumpers can also be shared by the family pet – matching dog and dad reindeer pullovers cost as little as £39.
Today’s pets can also join the household tech revolution. The Furbo Dog camera is listed as a bestseller on Amazon despite its £129 price tag.
The camera allows owners who have to leave their dog home alone for a short time over Christmas to watch and speak to their pet via video and microphone in real time using a smartphone app. It will even dispense treats on demand.
Not surprisingly, average annual spending on Britain’s nine million dogs has risen from £1,252 to £1,342 in two years, says American Express, which commissioned the research ahead of Small Business Saturday this weekend.
The lion’s share is made up of food, insurance and vet’s bills.
However, more than £200 of the total goes on toys and treats and another £200 is spent on grooming, including trims and massages.
A spokesman for American Express said: ‘We hope dog lovers will show their support for the pet stores, grooming parlours and other independent pet businesses that serve them and their best friends, by shopping small this Saturday.’ The initiative is aimed at supporting local, independent retailers during the crucial Christmas period as they combat the rise of online stores.