Far from being a ‘man’s’ best friend, it is women who go barking mad for their dogs on holiday. Female dog owners miss their pets more than their partners, friends or family when they are away, reveals global travel search site Skyscanner.

Skyscanner surveyed over 1,000 dog owners and found that, while men would miss their partner the most if they were on holiday without them, with 37 per cent putting them top, women don’t return the favour. Only 21 per cent of women polled said they’d miss their partner most with 37 per cent putting their favourite pooch first.

And the canine craze doesn’t end there. Dog owners go to great lengths to keep in touch with their pet while on holiday. As many as 40 per cent have called or texted from holiday to check that Fido is OK, while 14 per cent have admitted to ‘chatting’ to their dog by phone so that it can hear their voice.

Five per cent have taken it further and had a holiday Skype ‘conversation’ with their dog. For those favouring a more traditional touch, six per cent have put pen to paper to write their dog a postcard.

The survey also reveals many travellers feel ruff when it comes to jetting off abroad without their four legged friend, with 22 per cent of holidaymakers taking a photo of their pooch on holiday.

A shocking three per cent of dog owners admit to having cut their hard-earned holiday short and returned home early as they missed their dog too much.

Six per cent have put pen to paper to write their dog a postcard

With owners not wanting to be separated from their beloved pets, it’s perhaps not surprising that over half of holidaymakers have planned breaks with their pets in mind to ensure they aren’t left at home.

One in five dedicated dog owners have never been away without them and 20 per cent claim the company of any pet would make for the pawfect companion on holiday, more so than their own children and even their friends.

Skyscanner’s Victoria Bailie said: “Many dog owners see their pet as part of the family, so it’s understandable that they miss them when they go away on holiday.

“The survey does show that there’s paws for thought as to whether a dog really is man’s best friend, particularly if they know that their partners are missing their dogs more than them when away.”

How do dog owners stay in touch with their pets on holiday?

Called or texted to see how it is getting on - 40%
Spoken with their pet on the phone - 14%
Sent their pet a postcard - 6%
Added their pet’s name onto the postcard - 5%
Skype - 5%
Video link - 2%