MILLIONS of dog owners secretly confide in their canine pals because they are better listeners than humans, a bizarre study has revealed.
Brits are whining to their pooches about the weather - or even burdening them with work and money woes.
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Hug it out - dogs in the UK are hearing all about our troubles Credit: Getty
Of those dog owners in a relationship, 37 per cent even admit to giving their furry friends more affection – including extra kisses and cuddles – than to their partners.
And more than half would think nothing of kicking their other half out of bed to make room for the dog.
Our pooches even get a mention during special occasions, with soppy owners including their names in birthday and Christmas cards.
Yet guilty Brits are clearly worrying too much about their beloved pets, telling them how 'sorry' they are about leaving the pooch alone (41 per cent).
Lottoland.co.uk carried out the research to celebrate its Win-Win Charity Lotto and Scratchcard partnership with the Blue Cross.
A spokesman said: "We’ve always known dogs hold a special place in our hearts, but this study proves our canines are relied on for more than simple companionship.
“Dogs are definitely part of the family and many of us talk to them as if they were able to answer back - asking anything from where to go for a walk to what they think about the weather.”
The study found owners will also chat to their dogs about how much they love them (51 per cent), and what food and treats they might want (48 per cent).
CLOTHES 'ADVICE'
Apparently Brits also like slating their annoying neighbours to their pooch (20 per cent).
Dogs are also being used as a non-confrontational sounding board for what outfits look good to wear (16 per cent).
Another topic of conversation is venting about a partner (29 per cent).
Almost two-thirds of the dog lovers surveyed admitted their life revolves around their pet's welfare.
A staggering eight in 10 believes the company of their pet has helped them cope with the past 18 months of Coronavirus lockdowns.
And more than three-quarters (79 per cent) admitted they couldn’t be in a relationship with anyone who didn’t like their animal.
CALMING EFFECT
The survey also found that many cheeky canines are allowed to get away with being mischievous.
This is apparently being blamed on their owners 'loving them so much' – resulting in dogs barking to get attention (32 per cent), or begging for food (31 per cent).
In addition to being a good listener, the nation’s dogs also make owners feel happy (59 per cent), loved (53 per cent) and relaxed (48 per cent).
One in five admitted that having a dog brings out their 'maternal side', while others said owning a pooch has a calming effect on them (45 per cent).
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The spokesman added: “A dog’s love is unconditional and uncompromising and for that they deserve only the best from us.”
Mark Corbett, head of fundraising at Blue Cross said: “We know how much pets mean to their owners and the special bond they can have, which is why we strive to keep pets and owners together through hard times with our clinical and behavioural support services.
"The money raised by Lottoland will be a huge boost to help our work caring for sick, injured and abandoned pets and also support those who have lost their beloved pets.”
WHAT BRITS 'CHAT ABOUT' WITH DOGS
In the UK, here are the 10 most popular topics of 'conversation' with our pooches:
The weather Where to go for a walk How much they love them Food and treats How sorry they are to leave it alone for a few hours General things that have annoyed them What to have for dinner How their day was Their partner What’s on the TV
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It's official - Brits spoil their dogs rotten, a study shows Credit: Getty
Moment Glasgow woman and DOG push stranded car through floss