Think women talk mostly about their love lives or children over the water cooler at work?

Think again with Valentine’s Day only 24 hours away – a survey by new website petnet360.co.uk reveals female pet owners talk more about their dogs than their partner or children!

When asked who they speak mostly about with friends or colleagues, nearly 60 per cent confirmed they talk mostly about their dog .

Indeed 70 per cent of female (compared to 51 per cent male) owners regard their pet as one of the family.

Furthermore, more than half (52 per cent) of female owners feel at their most confident meeting people when out with their dog.

Only 23 per cent feel at their most confident meeting people when with friends.

These findings highlight the important role dogs play in women’s lives. Dogs offer women unconditional love that is less complicated than their other personal relationships.

They have the ability to make individuals feel loved on a “no strings attached” basis and they reward us with behaviour, such as greeting us at the door after a long day at work, that we experience as unquestioning love and loyalty.

Sharing stories about our pets allows us to validate our experiences of unqualified love and ensures the dog remains (wo)man’s best friend.

Reflecting the desire to talk about pets and socialise, the survey confirmed a growing trend for “petnetting”.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of female respondents have their own online profile and 20 per cent would be interested in speaking to other pet owners online. Thirteen per cent already have pet profiles; 36 per cent look online for pet health advice although 23 per cent agree there is currently no other place for them to go.