With so many people spending their days at home since lock downs and quarantines began, we had a hunch that dogs were getting more attention than ever. But we wanted to understand the extent people were going to and in what ways they were spoiling their pups.

So we surveyed 1000 dog owners and learned that our suspicions were correct, 78% of dog owners ARE giving their dogs more attention, 21% of dogs are receiving the same amount of attention and just 1.5% of dogs are receiving less attention.

Most people love giving extra attention to their dogs, but a few said that with work conference calls and kids at home, they just didn’t have time to spend time with their dog. And then others in the front line of this pandemic have been working many many hours a day and so their dogs unfortunately are left to fend for  themselves.

CUDDLES & SNUGGLES

Dog owners are giving attention to their dogs in a variety of ways the most prevalent being more cuddles.

• Some people are working from home, so their pup is sitting in their lap or nearby
• Other people on furlough or laid off are spending more time in front of the TV, so of course their fur baby is sitting on or nearby their human.
• People are sleeping in more, and allocating family cuddle time in the morning… dogs included!

EATING MORE WALKING MORE

Everywhere I go I see people out walking their dogs so we weren’t surprised to learn that 55% reported they are walking their dogs more often and 34% are going on longer walks. This is great for the human and especially the dog so they can work off all those extra calories they’ve been getting from the treats they’re being fed. 57% of respondents report giving their dogs more treats.

BUT THERE’S SOME BAD NEWS

Some dogs have been negatively affected by Coronavirus. 39% of respondents said they used to take their dogs on lots of outings, to dog parks, day care, dog beaches but now they can’t go to any of those places.

And over 12% said their dog is actually get fewer amenities like treats because they can no longer afford them.

GET CREATIVE

We also asked people if they’ve done anything unexpected or extra-ordinary with their pup since Coronavirus was a thing. We were inspired by the activities people are doing with their pups.  Here’s a sampling:

1. Homemade Dog Food. A full 7% of people say they are now making their dog’s food, from scratch. 

2. Training and agility. Many people said they’re teaching their dog’s new tricks. They’ve signed up for online courses or following YouTube videos or articles.

3. Baking. Lots of people are baking treats and cakes for their pups.

4. Celebrating Birthdays. We are all desperate to celebrate, something, anything…People are ordering doggie cakes, decorations and are ready to party.

5. Car Drives. Dogs are enjoying going on essential errands with their humans. Also, many people mentioned leisure drives, heading out to the beach or mountains with their dogs, then turning around and going home.

6. Canine Massage. Yes, it’s a real thing and people are rubbing away their dog’s woes like never before.

To see the full list of extra-ordinary things people are doing with their pups, visit 27 Things To Do With Your Dog During A Pandemic

* check out the full survey results here.

We recently asked 1000 pet parents what they were doing with their dog (s) now that they were home more often. Here are the top 27.

1. Hiking & Walking. Canines are hiking and walking at unprecedented levels. Most people are walking their dog at least twice as much as before, and including interesting hikes and wilderness trails in the mix. Find a dog friendly hiking trail near you.

2. Car Rides. Dogs are going on „essential“ errands with their human. Also many  people, desperate to get out of the house, are going on leisure drives to look at the ocean and mountains.

3. Daily Brushing. Now that you have the time, brush your dog daily. This will help reduce shedding on your sofa (where you’ve been spending more time) but it will also help with alleviating itchy skin. Read more about daily brushing.

4. Washing & grooming. Since many groomers are closed, and you’re snuggling  more with your dog, bathing your dog is a task you’ll have to tackle. Wondering how often your dog needs to be bathed? This article will tell you based on the type of dog and his/her activity level.

5. Easter Egg Hunt. What fun, hiding treats for your dog. Unfortunately during COVID-19 you won’t be able to invite your friends but on the bright side your pup will be happy there’s no competition. Here’s how you can create an awesome Easter Egg Hunt for your pooch. 

6. Baking for Your Dog. Make a cake, make cookies, make treats. It will be fun for you and your dog will be in heaven. Want to make cookies? Here’s some cookie recipes we love. And if you want to bake a dog safe cake, check these out.

7. Making home made dog food. This is one of those things that you always think you’d love to do if only you had the time. Well, now you do. Here’s 20 recipes you can try.

8. Dog Training / Tricks. We were surprised how many people said they were teaching their dog a new trick, or going through online dog training programs. Head on over to YouTube where you’ll find an abundance of dog training videos. This video that goes over the basics like sit, stay, leave it and more.

10. Playing Fetch & Frisbee. Lots of dogs would play fetch all day long if you’d let them. Well, now’s your chance to test that out.

@aria_the_bernedoodle

11. Celebrate your Dog’s Birthday. This year the celebration will have to be on the smaller side, as you can’t invite anyone, but you can still celebrate with cake, ice cream, cuddles, toys, presents and singing. Need a cake for your pup’s party? The Dog Bakery has been making cakes for dogs for over a decade and will ship it straight to your house. Learn more here.

12. Swimming. You can either heat up your pool and let your dog splash around, or buy a kiddie pool. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as the one pictured above that @gusgusinthecity is in.

13. Make Pupsicles. if it’s warm where you live, this could be a fun project for you AND your pup will love them. Here’s some recipes

14. Create an obstacle course. Your dog will have a blast running a safe obstacle course with treats and prizes after every achievement. Learn  how to make a low-cost agility course in your own living room or backyard!

15. Doggie Massage. Did you know that canine massage is a thing? It really is. You can even become a certified Canine Massage Therapist!. If your dog is arthritic or just desirous of some attention, give your dog a massage. Be sure to check out this article so you know how to do it properly. 

16. Dress up your dog in cute outfits. This one is more about the human than the dog but hopefully your pop will enjoy the attention.

17. Let Your Dog Sit With You While You Work. This one is self explanatory!

18, Family Cuddles In Bed. Many people reported that they were spending time each morning simply cuddling in bed with the entire family, doggos included!

19. Bike Rides. This might not be for everyone, but a few people said they purchased a k9 Sport Backback so they could take their dog with them when they went cycling!

20. Puzzles & Games. There are lots of games you can play with your pup. Here are a few.

21. Teeth brushing. Beyond the obvious better breath factor, dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems as well, saving you tons of money over the long term

22. Dog Photo Shoot & Videos. This is something you might enjoy more than your dog will, but then again, if your dog becomes a  star it could be a game changer….Does your dog have what it takes? Learn how to decode the success of #Instafamous pets.

23. Homemade Soup. Hey why not? Especially a bone broth soup. Traditionally bone broth was recommended for dogs with leaky gut and digestive problems but recently it’s popularity has grown as more benefits are discovered. Benefits such as improved joint health, liver detox, reduced inflammation, healthy bones, and more. Learn how to make it.

24. Meditate With Your Dog. While you’re going over your to-do list, emm, I mean meditating, your dog can be snoozing. Important thing is that you’re doing it together!

25. Hide & Seek – Doesn’t have to be fancy… use Kongs, paper towel or toilet paper rolls (if you can find them), egg cartons, tissue cartons, —really anything you can safely stuff food into!

26. Blow Bubbles – You can blow bubbles for visual stimulation, plus it’s just fun to watch your dog chase around bubbles. Your dog will love these peanut butter scented bubbles.

27. Snuffle Mats. What the heck is a snuffle mat you ask?

They’re used to give your dog a fun yet challenging way to sniff out food and treats. They encourage your dog to use their natural sniffing and scavenging abilities, and they’re a fun way to have your dog work for their food. Make your own (Tie fabric strips to a base) or buy one ready made.

 READ THE RESEARCH: we surveyed 1000 dogs owners to find out if dogs were becoming more spoiled during COVID-19. Here’s what we learned.

When you plan a party for your dog, it can be fun and stress-free as long as you take a few considerations into account. Some of the most pertinent concerns for a backyard doggie party are removing hazards, addressing potty concerns, and supplying the basic needs of your doggie friends. Here’s what you should keep in mind if you want to host a dog party.

Harmful Hazards

If you were hosting a party for young children, you’d need to keep hazards in mind. In much the same way, you want to remove any harmful objects from the site of your dog’s party with friends. Ornamental plants your puppy would never think of touching may be attractive to other canines. Make sure none of them are toxic. Tomato plants, daffodils, Sago palms, and gladiolas are all poisonous to dogs.

Remove toxic foods like dark chocolate, raisins, and macadamia nuts from the reach of dogs. If you have a smaller dog like a dachshund, remember that your neighbor may bring a taller dog like a German shepherd who can reach tabletops and counters. Remove hazardous supplies like bleach or glass cleaner before your dog’s guests arrive. Wall off the pool in case any dogs visit who cannot swim.

Potty Problems

Any party for your dog requires you to provide for the event that your dog’s guests will need potty breaks. You can stick to a specific area of the yard for canine visitors to urinate or defecate or purchase a large dog potty box. Modify this area with pea gravel, artificial turf, or other materials that not only encourage defecation but also are easy to clean. Synthetic grass is pet-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about pesticides or other harmful chemicals where the dogs are pooping either. You can also designate timed sessions where owners take their dogs on walks.

Once you decide where dogs can take care of business, it’s easy for you to provide poop bags. Disposable poop bags can be plain or offered in bright festive colors. Waste disposal bags are also handy for the occasional „accident“ outside of designated areas. An alternative, if you do not want tiny plastic sacks everywhere, is to provide scoops or rakes and a lined trash bin. Encourage your guests to pick up after their dogs immediately. Plan on checking your yard after guests leave and give any lawn areas extra TLC by watering them more and withholding fertilizer if your yard has natural grass.

Basic Needs

Tailoring your guest list may be the most difficult part of organizing a backyard doggie party. You must figure out how best to utilize the space you have. If you have a small backyard, you probably only want to invite one or two playmates for your dog. Your yard’s size will also influence the type of activities you plan for the dogs. Figure out if your pet’s friends will have enough space to run and feel comfortable. Dogs need to be able to get out of each other’s way, especially if you have a rambunctious group.

Make sure to have fresh water always available. If you invite several canines, you may need to set up multiple watering stations. If your backyard does not have much natural shade, you will need to set up additional areas. You can use tents, temporary awnings, and pet hammocks. Other cooling ideas involve misters, sprinklers, or a kiddie wading pool. If you provide snacks, treats, or a birthday cake, make sure ingredients are pet-friendly and be mindful of possible allergies.

If your dog enjoys playing with other pooches, there is no reason you would not want to host a party for him or her. Your backyard might make an ideal spot to host a dog party, as it is convenient, affordable, and familiar. To ensure your dog’s party goes perfectly, take care of a few essentials during your planning process such as removing harmful substances, accommodating potty needs, and supplying basic requirements.

To make for an even better party for your pooch, try getting some of these yummy treats for the dogs to try!

📸 @itsdougthepug

So, Doug the Pug has 3.2 million followers on Instagram and a contract with Claire’s accessories.

JuniperFoxx has 2.9 million followers, and along with her pal Fig, has a line of clothing sold from a website devoted to her and her woodland pals. Not only is there a pair of North American foxes, but also the odd sleeping squirrel and the best friend German Shepherd dog. 

Then, there is the phenomenon of Mr Pokee. 2.9 million Instagram fans mourned the loss of Mr Pokee when his death was announced in 2019, expressing the monumental love they felt for the spikey little critter. The Mr Pokee website lives on, tracking The World’s Cutest Adventurers, selling its calendars and other merchandise.  Mr Pokee survives in the brand, with his cute smiling face – even if his life as an IG star has come to an end.

The numbers might seem crazy to you – but the success of #instafamous pets is astonishing.  People cannot get enough of our furrier friends. What is the secret to success? What can we learn about what moves people; what motivates them to click?

Lesson 1: They are just darn cute

The world is a tough place.  There are lots of awful images in the world and lots of people being fake.  There is something beautiful about a fox with a huge smile on her face. Who isn’t going to fall for the big eyes of the most wonderful pug? You only need to look at the sheer star power of Tucker the Labrador and you will know that heart-melting cuddly looks are a massive part of this selling power.  

However, if cute were all it took then every Bonzo, Tilly and Jim would be a pet superstar.  We all think our pet is the cutest critter ever.

📸 @juniperfoxx

Lesson 2: Dressing up seems to be key

Take our doggy friend Doug and the once magnificent Mr Pokee as examples.  A hedgehog in sunglasses. The same hedgehog in a fluffy hat, with a snowy backdrop.  Then, there is the hedgehog in the flying cap. You get the idea. And Doug, well he has been dressed in almost every outfit you can imagine – the gangster outfit being a clear favorite for some of us! 

We love the personifying of animals.  The best dogs on the internet are all given “Hooman” voices.  We all crave those characters from our children’s books – and they make things seem innocent again.  Although this is a massive part of the success of these pets on social media, there still has to be another key ingredient.

📸 @mr.pokee

Lesson 3: Humor and technical skill

Although the animal takes center-stage, the human photographer and storyteller must take much of the plaudits.  The shots of the animals and the scenes they create are full of humour. A dog with an ice cream upturned on his head – who isn’t going to love that.  

Then, there is the staging of the photographs and the idea behind them.  Scan through the images, and they look professional. JuniperFoxx and her pals are delightfully shot – all photos you would love on your wall.  Mr Pokee is sometimes staged like those baby photographs that used to be popular. Smart, funny and distinctive.  

So, although you need a cute animal and a few props – the real X-Factor of these instafamous pets is the skill of the human account holder.  Still, it offers a fantastic opportunity to start your clothing line or calendar club – must go and catch my black Lab now – he would look fabulous in a doggy Tux.

Laura McLoughlin is a Digital PR based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She has experience as a website editor and journalist, and now writes for Omnia, a branding agency with offices in Dubai.

Your dog means the world to you, and few things are more fun than celebrating that, especially once spring is near. After all, spring weather calls for long walks, fun times playing fetch and even a dog-centric party or two. So, whether it’s your four-legged friend’s birthday or you just want to spoil your dog rotten because it’s so much fun to do, a party is the best way to ensure both of you have a great time.

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Losing a dog is difficult. Canine companions are part of the family and honoring them after their passing helps with healing and keeping their memory alive. If you have experienced the passing of a pet, this guide offers ideas for celebrating your dog’s life that could provide comfort and peace.

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Many people think of winter as primarily a season to stay indoors or cozily relax by the fire. However, winter can also be a fantastic time for both indoor and outdoor parties, especially with our fuzzy four-legged friends.

Santa’s Little Helper

Most dog owners know that there is never a bad opportunity to have your furbaby play dress-up. There have never been more adorable and versatile dog costume options available on the market. However, winter is a particularly good time for these costumes as they not only look great, but they also help keep your pup warm. There are countless cute costume ideas for your pet to look their best during your next winter party. Almost all dogs love dashing through the snow, and they can look great doing it in a festive Santa costume. Or, if your dog would rather serve as Santa’s helper, consider an adorable elf or reindeer outfit as well!

Cookies for All

People often associate the holidays with baking and festively decorating cookies, and this activity doesn’t have to be limited to just the people in your life. Many pet stores offer adorable holiday-themed dog cookies so that your pet can get in on the baking action as well. Or, if you prefer to take a crafty, hands-on approach, try your hand at baking your own.

Snow Day

Dogs often love playing in the ice and snow, but precautions need to be taken as well. If your dog is smaller or older, make sure to keep them adequately warm. Sweaters are a great way to make sure they stay comfortable, and booties can keep their paws nice and dry. For owners of white dogs, costumes also have the advantage of making them much easier to keep track of in a winter wonderland. Especially during the beginning of the season, ice can pose a dangerous situation for your pup. It’s recommended that you’re careful around pools and frozen lakes to avoid drowning or injury. If you aren’t sure how thick the ice is, it is best to avoid it altogether.

Make It a Play Date

A relaxing snowy day outside is a great excuse to invite your friends and their dogs over to join in the fun. Consider purchasing a few extra outfits and treats so that your friends’ dogs can feel part of the fun and action. The only thing dogs love more than running in the snow is running with their friends. Whether it is just a brisk afternoon in your local dog park or a snow-filled romp in your backyard, winter doesn’t mean you or your pet needs to be cooped up inside. So don your favorite winter apparel, invite your friends, grab a few cookies for you and your pup, and head outside!

Want holiday-themed products for your pup? Take a look at our seasonal offerings!