The arrival of a pet transforms a household’s grocery shopping habits, influencing everything from the discovery of new foods to the discovery of new products, a new study reveals.

A survey of shoppers aims to better understand these changing habits and how they spend with their new furry family members in mind.

The study explores how these life events influence purchases, how households discover products, and which factors are most crucial in their purchasing decisions.

Pets Influence Changing Grocery Shopping Habits

The focus on family extends beyond human children to include pets as well. Pet owners are adapting their shopping behaviors, balancing what matters most to them with where and how they shop.

Although many purchases still occur in-store, a significant portion of households with pets now turn to online shopping. Nearly one-third of households with pets report purchasing dry food, treats, toys, and grooming items online.

When purchasing pet food, pet owners prioritize everyday low prices above all else, with a majority of shoppers ranking it as the most important factor.

Digestibility ranked second with , followed by brand reputation. Online shoppers prioritize three main factors: convenience, price, and variety.

Pet owners specifically mention the ease of having heavy items like food and litter delivered directly to their homes. This highlights a notable shift in food shopping habits toward digital convenience.

With so many products available, new pet owners use a variety of sources to learn about new items.

Social Media

Pet owners also rely on word of mouth, but dog owners, in particular, are more likely to discover new products through social media.

The study found that 30% of dog owners learn about new products on social media, while 35% of cat owners use ads as a primary discovery channel.

These discovery patterns show that brands must use a multi-channel approach to reach new shoppers and influence their food purchasing habits.

Economic Pressures on Purchasing Habits

The current economic climate is also affecting how households shop for their new family members.

Most consumers expressed concern about inflation and consumer prices, with 50% reporting being “extremely concerned” or “very concerned.” These concerns are causing pet owners to make changes to their spending habits.

For example, 60% of households with pets are purchasing fewer toys and accessories. When it comes to pet treats, 55% of pet owners are opting for less expensive options.

The study also found that 45% of pet owners are willing to switch to a less expensive food option. These economic considerations further shape pet owners’ food purchasing habits as they navigate rising prices while caring for their pets.

The findings of this study provide a comprehensive look at the evolving world of family shopping.

By understanding the unique drivers, priorities, and discovery channels of these specific customer groups, retailers can create more effective strategies to meet the needs of modern families, both two- and four-legged.

Our obsession with spoiling pets has gone too far

Nowadays, some people prefer having pets instead of children. This phenomenon is increasingly common in modern society, especially in urban settings and among younger generations.

Many choose this lifestyle because of the flexibility it offers in terms of time and resources, as having a child entails a much greater financial and time responsibility.

How much are they spending on their pets?

The pet food market has undergone a notable shift, driven by a growing demand for higher-quality products. Premium and super-premium options, which feature natural ingredients and specialized production processes, have become more popular.

Furthermore, the relationship between people and their pets has transformed not only the market but also the lives of pet owners.

A large majority believe that having a pet helps reduce stress, while a similar number indicate that having animals in the home improves emotional well-being.

Responsible pet ownership also contributes to a more active lifestyle, as 50% of owners say they walk their animals frequently. This not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens the emotional bond between people and animals.

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An intense heat wave affects millions of people every year. The weather phenomenon, which lasts for several weeks and can reach temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F (40°C), raises concerns for the health and safety of pets.

However, during the most critical days, heat and humidity increase the risk of heat-related illnesses in both humans and pets. Authorities and experts have issued specific recommendations to protect residents and, especially, their pets.

Here’s how to keep dogs, cats, and other pets safe when the heat is extreme.

Why Pets Are at Risk in a Heat Wave

Dogs, cats, and other pets are especially sensitive to extreme heat, as they don’t sweat like we do and regulate their temperature differently. Therefore, during a heat wave, they need our attention and some very specific precautions more than ever.

Walking Dogs Safely in Hot Weather

One of the first recommendations is to avoid walks during the middle of the day. Asphalt can reach temperatures above 140 degrees F, which can seriously damage dogs’ paw pads.

Ideally, go out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the weather is cooler. And if we have any doubts, we can do the back-of-the-hand test: if we can’t stay on the ground for five seconds, neither can they.

Hydration: Fresh Water at All Times

Likewise, water should always be available, clean, and fresh.

Therefore, changing it several times a day is key to maintaining good hydration.

Cooling Products and Home Tricks

Among the recommended items to keep animals cool during a heat wave are portable battery-powered fans, cooling vests and mats, and spray bottles with cool water, paying special attention to the abdomen and paw pads.

Monitoring Pets’ Temperature

Monitoring pets’ body temperature is a key aspect in preventing complications. Veterinarians emphasize the importance of using a rectal thermometer to detect fever: a temperature above 39.2°C is considered dangerous and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Should You Shave Pets During Summer?

Furthermore, animals’ fur should never be completely shaved, as hair acts as thermal insulation. A light trim may be acceptable, but removing natural protection can expose the animal to sunburn and dehydration.

For cats, who naturally drink less, we can place several bowls in different parts of the house.

Safe Spaces and Ventilation

Ventilated, shaded spaces away from direct drafts are essential. If our pet lives outdoors, it’s essential that they have a shelter to protect them from the sun.

Fans can help, but don’t point them directly at the animal. And be careful with heat exhaustion: if we notice excessive panting, weakness, vomiting, or very red gums, we should see a vet immediately.

Similarly, we should avoid extreme haircuts. Although we think “less hair, less heat,” many breeds need their coats to protect them from both the sun and the heat. Regular, thorough brushing helps more than a radical shave.

Final Tips for Pet Summer Care

Finally, we can prepare small homemade tricks to cool them down: from cold mats, damp cloths on their backs, or toys filled with ice or frozen food.

Cats will also appreciate a cool towel or a box in a shady corner where they can lie down.

They can’t express with words that they’re having a bad time, but with a little observation, we can help them better cope with the summer, which can be very difficult for everyone.

During heat waves, it is recommended to keep pets indoors and away from windows.

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Dogs don’t have the same cooling mechanisms as humans, which makes them more vulnerable to high temperatures. So, how do dogs manage to stay cool in the summer? Let’s explore their natural adaptations and what you can do to help.

Dogs’ Metabolism and Heat Regulation

As you probably know, dogs descend from wolves, which, with a few exceptions, are primarily found in temperate and cold climates.

In the evolutionary process leading to the emergence of dogs, they inherited from wolves the fact that they aren’t particularly well adapted to heat.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that thousands of years of selective breeding have given rise to a huge variety of dog breeds, each with its own unique characteristics.

Dogs, like us, are homeothermic animals. That is, they control their body temperature within a narrow range (in their case, around 100-101 degrees F).

This requires expending energy on physiological thermoregulatory mechanisms.

Another detail we must keep in mind is that all living beings, including bacteria and trees, generate internal heat as a product of our metabolism. In other words, the simple fact of being alive means that we are constant heat producers.

Dog panting is the equivalent of human sweating

When temperatures rise, our bodies have difficulty transferring the heat we produce to the environment around us, so it accumulates and we become increasingly hot.

If the ambient temperature is higher than body temperature, we even tend to absorb thermal energy from the outside, adding it to the energy we produce ourselves.

In these situations, the only effective way for a land animal to cool itself is through evaporation. The water on our skin absorbs some of our thermal energy to transform from a liquid to a gaseous state.

Humans have learned to effectively exploit this mechanism, developing thousands of sweat glands in our skin. These are triggered when our brain detects the possibility of the body overheating, cooling it at the expense of expelling water.

The vast majority of other mammals have not exploited this possibility.

Thus, dogs have a very limited ability to sweat, restricted almost exclusively to the pads of their paws and nose. Therefore, they must resort to an alternative strategy: panting.

For a dog, panting is its primary way of thermoregulating. Heat triggers a nervous reflex that dilates the blood vessels in its nose and tongue, while also inducing the production of large amounts of highly diluted saliva.

A succession of rapid inhalations through the nose and exhalations through the mouth help evaporate water from the upper respiratory tract, thus cooling the blood circulating in the area.

Since the process depends on a properly synchronized respiratory system, dog breeds with flattened muzzles, short nasal bones, and narrow nostrils, such as bulldogs, boxers, or Pekingese, have much greater difficulty reducing their body temperature and are at greater risk of hyperthermia.

Although sticking their tongue out of their mouths increases the moist surface area in contact with the air, the process is much less efficient than humidifying large areas of the body through sweating.

Furthermore, both strategies require an external supply of water to replace what has evaporated, so it is important to always provide them with an abundant source of fresh water when it’s hot.

Hair, yes, or no?

It’s common to think that we help our dogs stay cooler by trimming their hair in the summer. Keep in mind that the coat acts as a buffer for heat exchange between the body and the outside world.

While it’s true that shorter hair can promote heat loss to the air, it also increases heat gain through solar radiation.

Hair absorbs much of the sun’s energy and prevents it from reaching the skin.

Risk of Heat Shock

Dogs are quite sensitive to heat in general. Of course, just like humans, puppies and older individuals are at greater risk of life-threatening heat shock.

A major problem for dogs is that when humans want to spend time doing leisure activities with them, they become so excited that they have trouble controlling themselves.

Therefore, it’s up to the owners to monitor the situation: avoid excessive activity during the hottest hours, as well as prolonged direct exposure to the sun.

Always have fresh water within reach of your dog, although they also usually appreciate a good, timely shower or bath. And, of course, never, ever leave a dog locked in a car, even with the windows half open and for just a few minutes.

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Pets are no longer a luxury but a constant presence in homes. Dogs and cats are full members of millions of families worldwide, requiring daily care, attention, and steady financial investment to ensure their well-being.

This raises an important question: how much of the household budget should be set aside for pets without affecting family stability?

Specialists agree that allocating 5% to 10% of monthly income is ideal. This covers food, health, hygiene, and accessories, while leaving room for unexpected expenses. Far from being a whim, this reflects a clear trend: pet spending has grown steadily, boosting the global pet care industry.

Food: The Main Expense

The largest share of pet spending goes to food, representing 40% to 60% of the budget. Costs depend on the animal’s size, age, and needs. A large-breed dog can double the monthly expense of a cat or small dog.

• Basic feed: cheaper but with lower nutritional value.
• Premium feed: pricier, but with better ingredients and preventive health benefits.

Veterinarians note that a quality diet often reduces future medical costs by preventing disease.

Veterinary Health: Prevention Saves Money

The second major expense is veterinary care, which takes 20% to 30% of the budget. This includes routine checkups, vaccines, deworming, and emergency care.

Preventive medicine is the smartest strategy: early detection avoids costly treatments or surgeries. Experts recommend scheduling annual visits and setting aside an emergency health fund.

Accessories, Hygiene, and Well-being

Items like toys, beds, and grooming products may seem secondary but usually absorb 10% to 15% of the budget. They play a key role in mental stimulation, rest, and hygiene, preventing issues such as parasites or skin problems.

The growth of e-commerce has made these purchases more accessible, offering wider choices and competitive pricing, further fueling market expansion.

Insurance and Extra Services

In many countries, pet insurance is gaining traction. While optional, it helps cover accidents, illnesses, or liability costs, and is especially useful for families with stable incomes who want financial security.

Urban households also spend on services like daycare, grooming, and dog walking, which generally represent 5% to 10% of the monthly pet budget.

Urban vs. Rural Spending

Pet expenses vary depending on where families live.

• Urban households usually face higher costs due to reliance on processed foods, specialized veterinary services, and extra help like dog walkers or daycare.
• Rural households often save on food by using local or home-prepared options, though this advantage may be offset by limited access to advanced veterinary care or premium products.

In both cases, well-being depends less on how much is spent and more on how resources are planned and prioritized.

Why a Pet Budget Matters

Setting aside a fixed percentage of monthly income is key to balancing pet care with household stability. A planned budget helps families:

• Secure basic needs such as food, health, and hygiene.
• Handle emergencies like accidents or sudden illnesses.
• Avoid overspending through better control.
• Improve quality of life while strengthening bonds with pets.

Experts recommend allocating 5% to 10% of income, enough to cover essential needs without straining the family budget.

Love and Responsibility

The rise of the pet care industry reflects a major social shift: pets are no longer just companions, but central family members. With this change comes new financial responsibility.

Budgeting for pets is not a restriction but a guarantee of stability and well-being. True affection is shown not only in care and attention, but also in responsible planning that ensures proper nutrition, health, and quality of life.

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