Scottish dog owners treat their pets before their kids and partners, according to new research.
Food subscription company tails.com has revealed how dog owners in Scotland portion up the treats.
The surprising figures show the pooches take priority in Scots households.
Dogs are twice as likely to get treated (47%) than human partners (21%).
It also revealed parents are 46% more likely to buy treats for their dogs than their kids.
Believe it not, 39% of Scottish men cook or bake for their dogs and 82% of people asked had celebrated their dog’s birthday with a cake.
Tails.com Head Vet Sean McCormack said: “A study published in the journal Society and Animals suggests that people are more empathetic towards dogs than fellow humans, which could explain why we’re seeing an increasing number of dog owners going the extra mile when it comes to their dogs happiness and well-being.
“Just like humans, treats should be a healthy part of a balanced diet (especially as part of your dog's training routine).
"It’s worth remembering that treats still count towards your dog’s daily calorie intake, which can put them on the path to weight gain, so I've put together some key advice when it comes to deciding when, how and what to treat your dog with.”
- Use kibbles from your dog’s daily allowance as treats – so you’re not doubling up on calories
- Give healthier options – look for low-calorie dog treats, most packets include the nutritional information
- Know your snacks – some human favourites have too many calories or can even be harmful for dogs
- Know your dog’s weight goals – weigh your dog regularly and keep track of any fluctuations and adjust food and treats accordingly.
