Want to be a better pet parent? The top pet care trends set to take 2022 by storm have been revealed by Rover – and they include smart solutions for battling separation anxiety.
"There are certainly more chapters that have yet to be written before this pandemic comes to an end, but one subplot has already emerged: love and appreciation for our pets has reached an all-time high," Kate Jaffe, trend expert at Rover, told Supermarket News.
"More and more, we're relying on our pets to be our friends and to provide emotional support. It's a fair assumption that pet parents will repay the favour in 2022, accelerating the pet industry to new heights."
Take a look at the trends below...
1. Solutions for battling anxiety
Lockdown has been hard for all of us — even our pets. According to Rover, the demand for training and anxiety solutions is "ten times higher" than pre-pandemic levels with owners looking for new solutions to help their pets. If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, give them something to play with to prevent boredom, such as long-lasting treats or chew toys.
2. Pet parents going green
Family animals produce a heavy carbon pawprint, which is why 2022 will see more owners opting for sustainable and eco-friendly pet products. According to Rover, we should expect to see more mindfulness, a 'how-can-I-reduce' mentality, and products such as sustainable pet food protein sources, packaging and cat litter.
Worried about the environment but not sure what you can do to help? Take a look at our guide on the habits every eco-friendly pet owner should have.
3. Improvement in pet nutrition
Enhancing pet food quality and improving nutrition will also be a top trend for 2022, with owners ensuring their furry friends get a healthy, well-balanced diet that fits their needs. As well as this, many of us will seek out alternative protein sources with more nutritional benefits and less environmental impact, choosing fresh pet food options where possible.
4. Investing in pet tech
Enter a new wave of pet-friendly gadgets to help pet owners care for their new family members. In 2022, the experts predict owners will invest more money in purchasing technology-based solutions than ever before. Some of these include dog-activated video calls, virtual vet visits, smart collars, and health and safety monitoring solutions.
5. The humanisation of pets continues
The bond between pets and humans will only grow stronger in 2022, with many owners spoiling their furry friends with luxuries such as organic bedding, meal delivery services, and TV subscription services.
"If you ask most parents, they'll say that their top priority is providing their children with happy, healthy and fulfilling lives — and they'll do just about everything in their power to make that happen," says Kate. "I really think we're approaching the point where the same can be said for pet parents."
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12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
