It’s always fun to keep up with what’s new in the world of pets and see what’s growing in popularity. But what should really put a smile on our faces is that so many current and predicted trends are all about health, wellness, and wellbeing. How wonderful! Read on for the developing trends we’ve noticed that we think will stick around.
What pet names are trending?
While new names are always popping on the scene, according to GoCompare’s pet insurance data, two of the top cat and dog names have been hogging their places for a decade or more. In 2021, Charlie was the second most popular name for both cats and dogs, but it’s been hovering at the top since the 90’s! Luna was 2021’s third most popular name for dogs but has held the number one spot for cat names since 2010!
What cat products are trending?
Products for our pets that are new to the market and on the rise vary from affordable hygiene products to downright luxury. In the first category, pet toothpaste and after-toilet wipes are up-and-coming products for those owners who want to go the extra mile for their pet’s health and hygiene.
On the other end of the scale, luxury products like Wi-Fi-enabled self-cleaning litter boxes, outdoor cat enclosures (hello catios!), and electronic health-monitoring pet wearables can cost hundreds, if not thousands of pounds! This may sound extortionate, but with many of us having spent the last couple of years not travelling or dining out as much as we would’ve, many pet lovers have had extra cash to splash on their beloved pups and kitties.
What dog breeds are trending?
As we’ve mentioned before, the French Bulldog is fast becoming the most popular dog breed in the UK, dethroning the Labrador Retriever after years at the top spot. Surprisingly though, it’s not the breed that’s had the steepest rise in popularity of late.
In the UK, ‘the greatest spike in demand and interest during the pandemic was the Cavapoo,’ according to Forbes. Cavapoos are a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, and a quick google will reveal why they are so popular: Cavapoos are un-be-lie-va-bly adorable! Before 2020, this breed wasn’t even in the country’s top 10, but in our social media age, news of a too-cute-for-words breed spreads like wildfire.
What pet diets are trending?
As you may have seen in our other articles, the raw food diet for cats and dogs is increasingly gaining traction – online searches for ‘raw pet food’ have nearly tripled in the last 5 years!
But it isn’t the only one. Freeze-dried food, the keto diet for pets, and all-natural pet food are all leaving their paw prints on the pet food industry. All four of these pet diet choices prioritise giving our pets natural food over cost or convenience. Plenty of companies are keeping up though, offering customisable pet diets delivered weekly to customers’ doors.
Similarly, healthy extras for canine and feline diets, like supplements and vitamins, are on the up. For example, online searches for ‘dog probiotics’ are up 132% compared to 5 years ago.
In paw-ticular, CBD products have seen searches skyrocket by 4,900% in the same time period. CBD products are now being specially manufactured for pets, and research is tentatively vouching for their benefits to pet health. The Baylor College of Medicine conducted a study on the effect CBD has in easing osteoarthritic pain in dogs, and found it to be effective. This is especially noteworthy considering that up to 1 in 5 dogs suffer with some form of arthritis.
If you’ve used any of these products, or you’ve noticed any other trends emerging that you think we should investigate further, let us know on our Facebook or Instagram!
