How Watching TV With Your Dog Can Bring Great Comfort
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Let’s face it, 2020 was a year of seeking comfort—and our TV watching habits with our dogs are living proof. With 78% of Americans saying they watch TV with their dogs very often or always, and 90% saying they’re watching more TV and streaming more content since the COVID-19 pandemic began, one thing’s for sure: dog snuggles and TV go together!
This is especially true with so many staying home due to the pandemic, with 42% of pet parents saying they watch anywhere from 8 to 15 hours of TV or movies a week and 21% saying they watch over 16 hours per week! That’s a lot of TV time, but for most people, it’s also a source of comfort and opportunity to bond with their furry family members.
To dig a little deeper into this connection, we at Rover conducted a survey* of dog owners to learn more about our dogs and TV habits. Here’s what we uncovered:
Over half—nearly 60%—of respondents say their dog has a favorite TV show (and thankfully, 60% also enjoy watching their dog’s favorite show). Pet parents say their faves include Animal Planet, Wonder Woman, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones.
Everyone’s ready for some comedy: Nearly a third of pet parents listed comedy as their preferred genre for TV shows and movies during the pandemic. Action shows were a close second at 27%.
Dogs really do make the best company and they’ll never judge you for your viewing habits. That must be why 40% of pet parents prefer to kick back and watch TV or movies with their dogs over their partner, friends, or children.
These stats definitely got our attention:
- Roughly 57% of dog parents admit to waiting for their dog to get into the room before watching a show.
- The majority (70%) also make sure their dog is comfortable while binge-watching TV or movies, primarily by letting them on the couch and followed closely by letting them hog the blankets and moving their dog bed in front of the TV.
- Some pet parents even say they move to give their dog their spot or let their dog lay on them even if they can’t see the TV. Now that’s a commitment to your dog’s comfort!
What’s a movie without snacks? The majority (72%) of dog parents also say that their dog typically gets snacks while binge-watching TV, with biscuits, bones, and dog treats topping the list.
Hate leaving your dog alone? The majority of other pet parents feel the same way, with nearly 80% of them admitting to leaving their TV or streaming device on for their dog when they aren’t home. What can we say? Wonder Woman makes them feel safe.
The majority (80%) of dog parents also say that their furry family member actively watches or reacts to what’s happening on the screen, including barking or acting like the animals on screen are real.
In case you missed it: Dogs Can Recognize a Bad Person Just By Smelling Them
*Rover survey of 1,000 US-based dog owners via Pollfish in January 2021.
Many thanks to our friends at ROVER for sharing this article.
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I snuggle up with cats and dogs, they go to the beach with me, they sometimes do yoga with me. Seriously when I do it at home I have dogs on me, like goat yoga(AYUP that is seriously a thing). I know, total chaos, next up it will be “the gheyz” thinking they can get married or some such. I have been watching this show, Big Sky with Ty. Finally got him to watch The Boys with me. He likeded it a lot. Told him he probably does not want to watch the next season because one of the Supernatural guys is in it and I will drool 🙂 Also started watching Walker, the remake of the Chuck Norris show, because the other Supernatural actor is in it. What, do not judge me and my tv watching habits people.
My dogs ride with me, walk with me, and sleep with me. I rarely go anywhere without them.
It is odd when you hear people refer to dogs these days compared to 50 years ago. I really don’t think their feelings are that much different but people are more open about their feelings. Today, people see their dogs and sometimes their cats, as a member of their family.
That’s true Bill, and it didn’t occur to me before you mentioned it. Changing fortunes of time.