According to a survey of 2,000 dog owners by Burgess Supadog Sensitive, 18% of women say they speak to their dog more than their partner or husband.

Not only that, but it seems the older you are, the more likely you are to strike up a conversation with the dog: 21 per cent of respondents aged 45-54 said they talked to their dog more than their partner as opposed to 10 per cent of 18-24 year olds.

Other findings from the survey included:

  • 62% of dog owners admitted to buying presents for their pet
  • 42% take time off work to be with their dog when it is ill
  • 36% let the dog sleep on the bed
  • 34% leave the television or radio on for the dog in their absence
  • 2/3rds of owners claimed to be aware of their pet's emotional state, and able to identify whether they were happy or sad, hungry or tired.
  • 23% of owners said their pet preferred action programmes on TV, as opposed to 8% that said they preferred horror and only 3% that preferred sci-fi (this is getting silly).

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.