Dog ownership is rising fast, but are spa days and dog ice cream helping, or are we just treating pets more like humans than animals?
Dogs in the UK vs. India:
If you had to be a dog, would you rather live in Britain or India? At first glance, the answer seems easy. The UK has strong animal welfare laws, and dog lovers spend billions on their pets. In contrast, India has a huge population of stray dogs, and many face dangers like traffic accidents or poor health.
In India, stray dogs often live freely. They roam the streets, form their social groups, and live according to nature’s rules. While they do face risks, they aren’t always tied down by human expectations. In contrast, many dogs in the UK live very controlled lives. They are kept indoors, walked at set times, and sometimes even treated for depression if they don’t act like “happy pets.”
UK: Nation of Dog Lovers
The UK is known for being a country of dog lovers. And the numbers prove it. Between 2011 and 2025, the number of pet dogs rose from 8.3 million to 13.5 million. Now, around 29% of UK adults own a dog. And for many of them, their dog isn’t just a pet, it is family.
- Around 80% say their dog is the “love of their life.”
- About 45% say their pet is like their child.
- People even leave money for their pets in their wills. One example is TV presenter Paul O’Grady, who left £125,000 to his dogs.
That’s not all. There’s a growing trend of preserving dead pets through taxidermy, and “companion animals” are now a popular category, even more than working dogs in some cases.
Business of Pet Care:
People in the UK are spending more money on their pets than ever before. In 2012, the average annual cost of keeping a dog was £170. By 2023, it gets up to £420. According to Nationwide, pet-related spending in 2023 reached £51.8 million, which was more than what customers spent on childcare (£37.1 million).
Some popular pet products include:
- Pet cameras to watch dogs at home
- Fitness trackers for dogs
- Memory foam beds
- Special dog foods and treats like cookies, crisps, and ice cream
And don’t forget pet insurance. Other than Sweden, no country insures pets as much as the UK.
Do Dogs Need Therapists?
One of the newest trends is mental health care for dogs. Some dog owners now book sessions with pet therapists to help dogs deal with anxiety or depression. A study by Guide Dogs UK found that about three-quarters of dogs show signs of anxiety or depression. This could include behaviors like
- Barking too much
- Hiding from people
- Losing interest in toys or walks
But are dogs really getting depressed, or are we just projecting human feelings onto them? Experts believe that over-humanising dogs might make them unhappy. Dogs are animals, and they need to live like animals, which means exercise, fresh air, time to sniff around, and clear routines. Constant cuddling, dressing them in clothes, or giving them treats all the time may do more harm than good.
Obesity and Unhealthy Diets:
Another issue is obesity in dogs. Vets say that 46% to 65% of British dogs are overweight. Why? One reason is the kind of food owners give them. Most pet owners now choose dog food based on how tasty it looks to them, not the dog. Dog ice cream, cupcakes, cookies, and high-fat treats are everywhere. But just like humans, dogs can suffer from poor diets leading to diabetes, joint pain, and shorter lifespans.
Rise of Expensive Vet Treatments:
Veterinary bills are also going up fast. According to the Office for National Statistics, vet prices have gone up 50% since 2015. This is partly because big companies have taken over many small vet clinics and increased prices. Some dog medicines now cost more than similar human medicines. And that’s not all new treatments like:
- Stem cell therapy
- Genetic testing
- 3D-printed limbs
- Custom surgeries
While this sounds great, it also means pet care is becoming extremely expensive. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) wants to put a limit on vet charges and create a price comparison website. But as long as there’s demand, prices may continue to rise.
Are Popular Breeds Healthy?
Some of the UK’s most popular dog breeds are also some of the unhealthiest.
For example:
- French Bulldogs: Short noses, cute faces but major breathing and joint problems.
- Dachshunds: Long bodies look adorable, but they often suffer from spine and hip issues.
These breeds were designed to be “cute,” not healthy. In 2020, only 8 French Bulldogs were found abandoned. In 2023, that number rose to 582 showing that people may be giving up on pets once they face health issues. Still, British Bulldogs, another unhealthy breed, are now the most expensive dogs in the UK. Looks and status still matter more than health for many dog owners.
The UK has made amazing progress in pet rights and dog welfare. Laws like the Animal Welfare Act (2006), and recent rules making pet theft a criminal offence, show how seriously the country takes pet care. But maybe we’ve taken it too far. Dogs are being turned into mini humans celebrated on social media, pampered with luxury products, and even treated with human-style therapies.
In doing all this, are we forgetting what dogs truly need?
- They need exercise, not memory foam beds.
- They need routine, not Instagram fame.
- They need healthy food, not ice cream.
- And above all, they need to be treated as dogs, not humans.
Final Thoughts:
Dog ownership is booming, especially in countries like the UK. While this shows our love for animals, we must be careful not to over play it. Dogs are trusted, loving companions, but they are also animals with their own unique needs.
Caring for a dog means more than a pet. It means giving them space to be themselves. Because in the end, what dogs want is not a birthday party or a therapist. It is a walk in the park, a belly rub, and time with someone who truly understands them.
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