I’m struggling with cost of living crisis but I’ve spent £250 on Christmas presents for my DOG – £100 more than my son

A DAD has admitted spending more on Christmas gifts for his DOG than his son.

Pet owner Ben said although he has "cut back" amid the cost of living crisis, he still "definitely went overboard" for his dog Cooper.

Ben, a driveway paver, said that he and his partner Amy love to splash out on their pet cockapoo Cooper.

The dad said that his dog's first Christmas three years ago saw the duo splash out a whopping £250 for the pooch - with just £150 being spent on their son.

But while they admitted their canine costs them a pretty penny, their nine-year-old son doesn't get jealous.

"My son loves the dog just as much as we do," said Ben.

"He will even spoil Cooper with his own pocket money too."

He said that aside from essentials, he probably forks out around £75 a month on his son - and said on any given month "the dog is probably around the same".

With the cost-of-living crisis shrinking budgets up and down the country, the dad conceded that he has "cut back on some things - but we try to keep the fun parts the same where possible."

Despite spoiling his canine, Ben said he isn't bothered by the critics, because "all dog owners will know that a dog is like a child."

Cooper's festive treasure trove consists of plenty of toys and treats, as well as fun dog-coats to keep the mutt warm through the winter.

"We'll also get Cooper some presents from our son so it's a family affair," added Ben.

"I'm sure as our son gets older we'll naturally spend more as he'll start asking for more expensive presents.

"A few years ago he wanted a bike, a scooter and a PlayStation so that was a big Christmas.

"The past couple of years, since we've had Cooper, he's not needed as much so mainly toys and clothes.

"We probably buy smaller treats for our son more often, whereas anything for the dog we'll buy and put away for Christmas."

It comes as dogs are found to be the most spoiled members of the family at Christmas time, according to a survey by personalised pet brand .

The survey found 90 per cent of dog owners buy Christmas presents for their pups, while over a third of dog owners will spend over £50 on their pets presents.

Five per cent even admitting to spending more than £500.