These are the most common topics pet owners search for

By Rich Jenkins, 72Point via SWNS

Pet owners are most likely to read and search topics including "can my pet get COVID-19?," "is my pet overweight?" and "can it eat cheese?"

Other common quandaries include "should I leave the radio on for them?," "is my pet depressed?," and "why do they break wind so much?"

"Does my pet like me?," "do I need to brush my pet’s teeth?," and "what happens if I give my pet chocolate?," are other frequently asked questions.

The research of 1,000 pet owners found they’ll typically search for pet-related answers three times a month, spending around an hour reading about their furry, scaled, or winged friend.

But one in 10 will spend three hours or more a month reading pet stories.

Commissioned by digital magazine and newspaper app Readly, the study found the most popular subject to search for or read is their pet’s general health, scoured for by 59 percent of owners.

Another 44 percent will check for information on diet or nutrition, while 39 percent will make a search based on an unusual behavior.

Just under one in 10 tend to seek out answers around their pet’s sleeping habits more often than anything else.

Behavioral psychologist, Jo Hemmings, said: “No matter what pet you’ve got - from a terrier to a tarantula - you want the best for it.

"We are seeing a huge amount of mental energy being put into our pet’s welfare over the last two years with more people living and working at home alongside their pet.

"Pets are at the heart of family life so it’s only natural that people are wanting to read more in depth around their pets and be informed as to how to be the best owner possible. It’s like reading around a new baby.”

The study also found 61 percent of those polled admit the welfare of their pet is always at the back of their mind.

And 80 percent worry about their beloved companion when they’re forced to be away from them, while nearly half said their pet is the last thing they think about before dropping off to sleep.

Six in 10 even admitted to worrying more about the pet than their own wellbeing - and three quarters would love nothing more than for their pet to be able to talk to communicate their needs.

Another 56 percent reckon owning a pet gets easier and less worrying, the longer you own them, according to the OnePoll research, for Readly.

Jo Hemmings added: “As a Behavioral Scientist as well as ‘mum’ to a much-loved cat Louis, I am endlessly fascinated by his health, his well-being and his behavior. It’s a continual learning curve.”

It also emerged nine in 10 think their pet counts as a member and a ‘big part’ of the family - but 31 percent still worry theirs is lonely.

Four in 10 stress about whether they’re using the right type of food, and 44 percent can’t bear the thought of their pet trying to tell them something - that they can’t understand.

Chris Crouchman, head of content at Readly, which has more than 6,300 titles to help provide inspiration and information for pet owners, said: “Interest in our pet category has surged over recent years.

"There are no silly questions when it comes to your pet and mostly other pet owners would have searched and read around the same issue at some point.

"Pet owners can not only deep dive into the latest pet issues on our platform but read from the back issues too to ensure they are as informed as possible when it comes to their much-loved pet."

TOP 30 QUESTIONS PEOPLE HAVE SEARCHED FOR ABOUT THEIR PET:

1. Why is my pet being sick?
2. What should I feed my pet?
3. Is my pet overweight?
4. Is my pet happy?
5. How many treats should I give my pet a day?
6. Is my pet bored?
7. Is my pet getting enough exercise?
8. How often should I feed my pet?
9. How do I know if my pet is in pain?
10. Why does my pet have diarrhea?
11. How long can I leave my pet home alone for?
12. Is my pet happy having the same food every day?
13. What does my pet do when I’m not around?
14. Do I need to brush my pet’s teeth?
15. Can my pet get COVID?
16. Can my pet eat cheese?
17. Is my pet depressed?
18. Should I leave the radio on for my pet when I’m out?
19. Does my pet like me?
20. Why is my pet always hungry?
21. Why is my pet shaking?
22. Why is my pet biting me?
23. Can I get COVID from my pet?
24. Is it normal for my pet to poo a lot?
25. Is my pet dying?
26. What happens if I give my pet chocolate?
27. How do I know if my pet has COVID?
28. Why does my pet break wind so much?
29. Does my pet think I am its mother or father?
30. Is my pet jealous of my relationship with my partner?