A new survey has revealed how the nation really feels about pet owner’s divisive habits, and it seems many of us aren’t okay with the way our loved ones act around their furry friends.
We’ve all experienced the ick before – albeit typically with a romantic partner – and know only too well how hard it can be to ignore once you’ve noticed it.
But one thing that has united the UK more than the Euros, is how much constitutes ‘too much’ when it comes to pets.
In a survey of 2,000 pet owners, Shark set to find out what people deem acceptable ‘petiquette’, alongside the behaviour that’s way over the line.
The home appliance company found that almost two thirds (64%) of us would feel uncomfortable around a partner or friend who let their pet eat from their cutlery.
Meanwhile, just 8% of those surveyed said there was nothing these cuddly companions could do that would give them the ick, with millennials (aged 25-34) the most likely to brush off behaviour like bathing with a pet, dressing them up in costumes, or kissing them on the mouth.
Top 10 worst pet owner icks
Shark’s survey revealed the following top 10 worst icks pet owners are giving their pals, in regards to their furry friends:
- Letting their pet eat off their fork – 64%
- Sharing a bath with their pet – 61%
- Sharing a cup of tea with their pet – 56%
- Kissing their pet on the mouth – 56%
- Letting their pet use a plate or bowl used by people – 55%
- Dressing their pet up in costumes – 45%
- Letting their pet lick your face – 43%
- Letting their pet sleep in bed with them – 30%
- Taking their pet everywhere with them – 26%
- Posting too many pictures of their pet – 17%
According to John-Paul Stuthridge, an etiquette expert, allowing your pet to lick your face is a very common behaviour – but it’s not without its concerns.
Ranking the seventh-worst in the survey (with almost half the nation deeming it an ick), John-Paul says: ‘As a dog owner, always assume that the other person isn’t a pet person, and let them warm up to the dog rather than allowing the dog to put its sloppy chops all over someone else’s.
‘As the person being licked, you don’t have to put up with it, you may lean away and say ‘down’ or give some similar instruction. If the dog owner is offended, then they should spend more time with people and less with pets to gain some perspective.’
John-Paul also advises owners to be careful about ‘shoving your pets in someone’s face in any way’, as well as ensuring you always clean up after them, which ‘goes without saying’.
Try to think of PDA just like you would in terms of human relationships and ‘save the overt pet love for the home.’
‘If you wouldn’t display too much PDA with a friend or partner around other people, why do it with a pet?’ says John-Paul. ‘A quick smush, boop, pat on the head once is enough.’
And if your partner is giving you the ick?
John-Paul stresses that communication is key. It’s never going to be a nice conversation to have but, like with all icks, ‘communicate them courteously in a way that makes your partner empathetic and understanding.’
‘Direct, short, honest, but polite,’ he adds. ‘That’s the way to handle all confrontations.’
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