60% of dog owners feel Christmas guilt
Almost half of dog owners in the UK are worried about giving their canine companions the care and attention they need over Christmas, new research from Woodgreen Pets Charity reveals.
A poll of more than 1,000 dog owners found three in five experience increased pressure to adequately maintain their pet’s routine at Christmas and struggle to devote as much time as they’d like in meeting their dogs’ needs, leading to feelings of guilt and anxiety.
The survey revealed younger owners are more likely to struggle giving their dog the love and attention they need at Christmas, with 73% of 18 to 30 year olds saying they felt a lot or some pressure.
The poll was commissioned by Woodgreen Pets Charity (the location for Channel 4’s The Dog House) to highlight the impact of Christmas on the nation’s dogs. Christmas is the busiest time of year for the charity, with around 10% more stray dogs arriving at its centre than at any other period. Sadly, many of these pets need significant veterinary and behavioural rehabilitation before they can be matched with new homes.
Sue Ketland, behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen and a familiar face on The Dog House, said: “Some people find Christmas time really stressful. Sometimes they just can’t cope and their dogs are the ones that pay the price. We get stray dogs at Woodgreen all year round, but it seems sadder when they come in at Christmas because all they want for Christmas is someone to love and to love them in return.”
More than two in five dog owners say they often feel unable to cope with their pet’s needs at Christmas because there’s too much going on, the survey revealed.
The research also highlighted how Christmas takes a toll on our dogs’ wellbeing. One in four miss out on exercise and stimulation, while 8% display signs of anxiety, unhappiness and restlessness. Woodgreen is urging struggling dog owners to seek advice and support before things spiral out of control.
“Charities such as Woodgreen can help guide owners through Christmas with advice on keeping pets’ routines, managing stress in dogs and dealing with behavioural changes,” added Sue.
The survey was carried out by OnePulse. The figures are representative of dog owners across the UK (aged 16 to 80), with a total sample of 1,101 people.
Key findings from the survey:
- Parents are almost 20% more likely to feel the strain at Christmas, with 67% of dog owners with children finding it harder to juggle Christmas duties with dog ownership responsibilities compared to non-parents.
- 25% of dogs miss out on exercise and stimulation at Christmas.
- 43% of dog owners say they often feel unable to cope with their pet’s needs at Christmas.
- 59% of dog owners feel increased pressure to give their pet the love and attention they require over Christmas.
- 16% of dogs pick up on their owner’s festive stress.