At the onset of the new year, IAMS asked the nation’s pet parents to make a resolution to enjoy a happier, healthier and more ‘paws-itive’ 2018 with their beloved companion. With hundreds of pledges submitted from pet parents across the country, IAMS can now reveal the results of the campaign, which truly reinforce the fact that Britain is a nation of animal lovers.
- Top notch nutrition was the number one pledge, with 55% of cat owners and 46% dog owners pledging a better diet for their pet
- Followed by exercise and activity, with a fifth promising more walkies for their dog and one third of cat owners committing to more playtime
- Spending quality time together was also ranked as a top priority – from giving more cuddles and ensuring our pets have a warm, comfy bed to daily teeth brushing and providing regular flea treatment
With over three quarters (76%) of owners viewing their pet as their own child, it’s no surprise that the response from pet owners was overwhelmingly positive. The results highlight that spending more quality time together is a top priority for UK pet owners. In fact, almost a third (31%) pledged to treat their beloved pet to more cuddles, while over a fifth (22%) promised to treat their dog to more weekend walkies. Some even promised to take their pet on more family holidays, verifying that we truly are a nation of pet lovers.
Weight can be a serious concern for many pet owners, with an estimated 49% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK considered overweight or obese by vets3. IAMS can reveal that pet lovers across the country agree that time has finally come to take action. According to the pledges received, the most popular resolution for British pet parents is to provide our four-legged friends with a healthy diet, with over half (55%) of cat and 46% of dog owners making a promise to feed their pet with a 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
Commenting on the results, IAMS Nutritional Expert and Veterinary Training Manager, Kellie Ceccarelli said, “The initial results of the IAMS Pet Pledge campaign highlight that the UK really is a nation of pet lovers. Taking care of a pet can bring us so much joy, and as a pet parent myself I understand how diffcult it can be to say no to puppy-dog eyes – especially when it comes to feeding them with human treats and titbits.
“However, to ensure our pets are truly happy, it’s important for us to spend quality time together and provide them with a 100% complete and balanced nutrition, so that our pets can enjoy a happy, healthy and active life. We hope that the new year pledges made by UK pet parents will become a life long commitment to improving their pets’ health – whether it’s through high quality nutrition, play, plenty of cuddle time and of course, adventurous muddy walks.”
