And finally…£78m for a hot-dog?

Research by Energy Saving Trust revealed 43 per cent of Pet owners admitted they leave the heating on during the day to keep pets warm.

Around 26 per cent also said they turn on the radio while 15 per cent admitted they leave the TV on to keep their pets company.

The charity warns that leaving the heating on all day could add up to £140 a year on energy bills.

The research also found that 22 per cent of dog owners admit regularly leaving on the TV while 38 per cent switch on the radio to keep their pet company.

More than a third of pet owners (38 per cent) and 53 per cent of dog owners admit leaving the lights on for their pets when they are out.

Philip Sellwood, chief executive at Energy Saving Trust said: “We just want to make sure that everyone is aware of the facts so they can heat their home comfortably and affordably.

“These creature comforts do come with a cost and heating represents the greater portion of this expense. On average we spend more than half of our energy bills on heating so to spend more money when we’re not there for pets that have fur coats isn’t essential. We are urging householders to programme their heating to reduce energy use and save money.”

Some animal experts even said leaving the radio or telly on can actually stress pets.

More than half of dog owners (53 per cent), worried their pet will feel cold when they’re not around, decide to leave the heating on when they go out - compared to 47 per cent of cat owners.

Rosie Barclay, chairwoman of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, said: “Our pets have different needs when it comes to staying warm and comfortable, but people are often tempted to humanise their pets, thinking they enjoy the same things us.

“Dogs and cats by and large are designed for the outdoors and don’t necessarily need the heating left on for them. It’s far better to let the temperature reduce gradually when you head off to work, then gradually increase when you get back. You can do this quite easily by programming your heating.

“Even something like leaving the television on when you go out can actually trigger separation anxiety and stress for your pet. This is because our pets are clever and associate switching on the TV or radio as an indication they are about to be left on their own and not receive your attention.

“It’s far better to leave your pet with a play toy with a treat hidden inside, or even hide some treats around the house, for example in a cardboard box full of scrunched up paper.

“But if that’s not an option you could give them a t-shirt you slept in and it will have your smell on it. This will likely give them far more comfort than any programme on television or the radio.”