Pet pooches cost owners £4,000 in damages over lifetime, research shows

Man's best friend costs the average pet owner a whopping £4,000 in damages over the course of their life, according to fascinating new research.

Damaged furniture and ruined carpets are the most common complaints among animal owners according to Dr. Beckmann – racking up huge four figure bills. Almost four in ten owners (38%) say their pooch has caused irreparable damage to their carpet, resulting in £3,000 of damage over the course of the average dog's lifetime.

Elsewhere, duvets, shoes, curtains and bedsheets also take the brunt of canines' curiosity, according to the nationwide poll, racking up bills of around £300.

Meanwhile, over a third of dog owners (35%) complain about their pet devouring their food, with the average pooch snaffling the equivalent of two weekly shops over its lifetime, costing £125.

Overall, 39% of pet owners say they are less likely to buy nice furniture because they're worried their canine will ruin it, with dogs six times more likely to wreak havoc in the home than cats

The Dr. Beckmann study also delved into canine hygiene to reveal the top five muckiest and cleanest breeds. Labradors are the muckiest pooches of all, according to the data, with Great Danes and German Shepherds rounding off top three scruffiest pups.

At the other end of the scale, pint-sized Chihuahuas were found to be the cleanest breed, followed by Shih Tzus and Beagles.

*Figures based on a survey of pet owners

To celebrate the nation's muckiest pups, Dr. Beckmann has launched the first-ever Mucky Pet Awards, with owners invited to submit pictures of their dirty dogs (or even filthy felines!) to be in with a chance of winning one of five Dr. Beckmann hampers.

The hamper includes a personalised Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain & Odour Remover with the winner's filthy four legged friend on the front. The number one winning entry will also get a mucky-themed professional photoshoot with their beloved pet and a £250 voucher of their choice.

To enter, simply post a photo of your mucky pup or filthy feline on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DrBMuckyPets and tagging @drbeckmannuk.

And even if you're not a competition winner, Dr. Beckmann's Pet Stain & Odour Remover, which helps remove stains and odours from carpets and furnishings, is available at a wide range of retailers on online via www.dr-beckmann.co.uk. 

Chloe Baker, Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, said: "It's time to embrace the joy and chaos of life with our beloved four-legged friends. And this year it's Labradors that take the cake - sometimes literally!

"At Dr. Beckmann, we understand the trials of pet ownership, and that's why we're here to help. Our discounted Pet Stain & Odour Remover is your secret weapon against the messiest of mishaps.

"And as a nation of proud pet owners, let's celebrate the charm of our mucky pups! Join the Mucky Pet Awards by sharing your adorable chaos-makers on social media and enter our competition using #DrBMuckyPets and tagging @drbeckmannuk."

The cleaning and laundry brand, based in Greater Manchester, has also partnered with the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home as part of its Mucky Pet Awards and donated a year's supply of Pet Stain & Odour Remover to the home to help clean up after the residents.