• 81 per cent of people are clothing their pets despite vets saying they are unnecessary for animals
• Most common skin complaints in dogs are dermatitis, otitis and fleas
• West Highland White Terrier is the breed most susceptible to skin diseases
• Direct Line Pet Insurance launches scheme for customers to access Pawsquad for video stream  appointments for pets
   

Dog owners are increasingly treating their beloved pets like toys and children by dressing them up according to new research from Direct Line Pet Insurance1, despite veterinary professionals recommending the majority of dog breeds don’t need to wear clothes. 
 

Putting dogs in clothes like jumpers, coats and t-shirts can have an adverse effect on them according to vets2. A third (32 per cent) said it can cause rubbing against the skin while others cited stress (27 per cent) and overheating (23 per cent) as concerns. 

The three most common skin complaints in dogs seen by vets are atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disease associated with allergies, (48 per cent), otitis, an inflammatory disease in the external ear canal or middle ear (39 per cent) and allergies as a result of fleas (30 per cent).

According to vets, the most common forms of treatment for skin problems in dogs are antibiotics (28 per cent), steroids / steroid creams (22 per cent) and flea prevention like spot on and collars (17 per cent). For dogs susceptible to allergies, having a de-humidifier can be helpful, as can checking the dog’s diet to ensure it is eating hypoallergenic foods.

More than half (58 per cent) of dog owners would take their dog to a vet to assess skin conditions, while 42 per cent would choose to try and treat it at home. Despite the majority (59 per cent) spending around £50 on treatment for their dog’s skin condition, a fifth (20 per cent) spent up to £100 and 10 per cent spent more than £250.

The majority (70 per cent) of vets and veterinary nurses identified the West Highland White Terrier as the breed most susceptible to skin conditions, followed by Shar Peis and Labradors (both 35 per cent) and Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Boxers (both 26 per cent).

Dr Andrew Francis RCVS, Chief Operations Officer at Pawsquad, said:“Owners should be mindful that sometimes putting their dogs in clothing can cause skin damage, as the added materials can irritate a dog’s skin. Skin disease is the most common reason for people seeking an online veterinary consultation and, while easily treated, can cause problems if left for a long period of time. If any owner is concerned their dog may be suffering from skin disease they should speak to a vet.”

Despite owners worrying that their dogs may be cold in the winter, advice from veterinary professionals is that they typically don’t need to wear clothes. Their skin is well protected with hair and, although they may get wet, they dry off quickly and rain is unlikely to do them any harm. This runs contrary to the main reasons owners cite for dressing up dogs, as more than three quarters (78 per cent) that do so say it is to protect their animal from bad weather and keep them warm (53 per cent). One in ten confess they do it because it looks nice (10 per cent) while some admit it is done as a fashion accessory (seven per cent).

The majority of owners (81 per cent) have a coat for their dog, while others have reflective outfits (31 per cent) and jumpers (21 per cent). Some owners go one step further and dress their dog up in t-shirts (16 per cent), hats and shoes (both seven per cent) and even dresses (five per cent).

Direct Line Pet Insurance has partnered with Pawsquad to offers its customers access to live chat and video calls with qualified, experienced vets to discuss their pet’s needs 24/7.

Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Pawsquad, as it means our customers are able to speak to a qualified vet any time, night or day, for additional peace of mind and without affecting the cost of their premium. We would always urge customers to see a vet in person if it is an emergency but for those cases, like skin disease, which may not need a face to face meeting the service will be invaluable.”

Existing Direct Line customers who want to sign up to Pawsquad should do so here - https://www.pawsquad.com/direct-line?utm_source=direct%20line&utm_campaign=dlandingpage&utm_medium=website
 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 Direct Line Pet Insurance partnered up with K9 Magazine, a lifestyle magazine featuring a wide range of dog ownership topics. K9 Magazine issued a survey to its readers, to which 1,318 responded

2 Separate research about skin conditions among 23 veterinary professionals

 

For further information please contact:

 

Claire Foster

Direct Line

[email protected]  
0165 183 1672
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com

About PawSquad

PawSquad launched in 2015 by serial entrepreneur and dog owner Francesco Cardoletti following his own frustrations as a pet owners needing advice from vets. The service offers video and chat consultations with experienced vets to pet owners for just £15. Available on your tablet and mobile, the app allows for an even easier consultation on the go so owners can truly carry a vet in their pocket.  With over 10,000 pets registered so far, PawSquad is quickly establishing itself as pet owners’ best friend. 

Typical problems PawSquad can help with:

• Puppy and kitten care, from settling in to problem behaviours
• Advice on general management of  common chronic conditions, including arthritis and diabetes
• Feeding your pet, including diet and weight management
• Behaviour, including separation anxiety and aggression
• Advice on travelling with pets
• Coughing and sneezing, including allergies
• Diarrhea and vomiting, from common causes to chronic conditions.
• Routine dental care advice

PawSquad vets can’t diagnose illnesses over video but can help owners understand symptoms, care options and the urgency of the problem or behaviour they’re seeing in the pet. PawSquad also wishes to effect a change in owner behaviour whereby vets are consulted for everyday, non-critical care of the animal including nutrition, pet behaviour and the best environment for their pet, much of which is currently guided by unverified, often untrustworthy internet advice, and often not covered in veterinary consultations due to time restraints.