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- High Pet Spending Spurs New Breed Of Products
A growing admiration for pets has Americans buying increasingly creative pet products, from self-washing, toilet bowl-shaped cat litter boxes and dog strollers to tennis ball-launching doggie golf-club drivers, treat launchers and high-tech clippers. These hot new products and hundreds of others were unveiled at Global Pet Expo, the pet industry's largest annual trade show in the world. Figures from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) show spending on pets is at an all-time high-an estimated $38.4 billion this year.
So just where are these billions going? - Six Tips To Help You Care For Your Aging Pet
If you own a pet, you have lots of company. Pet ownership in the U.S. is at its highest level with an estimated 69 million households owning a pet, according to the 2005-2006 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association's National Pet Owner Survey. The survey further reported that 75 percent of those homes are estimated to have aging pets. As a result, there is a growing demand for health-enhancing products for senior pets.
The current market leader in newborn pet care, PetAg, is quickly establishing itself as the leader in senior pet care by introducing DogSure and CatSure, the first liquid food supplements that also serve as nutritionally balanced meal replacements. As animals age, they lose their desire to eat and consume fluids, which affects their ability to maintain optimum health and body weight. - Canine Conundrums And Feline Unfathomables
Pets can delight, amuse, befuddle and confuse their owners with their quirky, amusing and often annoying behavior.
Fortunately, two new books may help pet owners decipher the strange and fascinating actions of their furry friends. - Westminster Viewing Guide
Every year since 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club has staged its famous All Breed Dog Show, making it America's second- longest, continuously held sporting event. In those early years, of course, you had to attend in person at Madison Square Garden in New York City if you wanted to see the country's greatest dogs.
But since 1948, millions of viewers have been able to see the evening finals of the competition on television, which happens once again in 2007, live on USA Network on February 12-13. And for the third year, viewers will be able to watch highlights of each day's breed judging by logging on to the Westminster Web site (www.westminsterkennelclub.org). - Bugs In Your Rugs? It's Prime Time For Fleas
Now is a good time to ensure that your pets and your home are flea-free.
The best way to deal with a flea problem is before you have one and the best time to use a flea product is before you see fleas on your pets. It's much easier to prevent fleas than to get rid of them, because the fleas you see are just a small part of the problem. Eggs and wormlike larvae represent 80 percent of the flea population that can infest your home, lurking in the rugs and carpeting where your kids and pets play. - Welcome Home Your Puppy With Preparation And Planning
If you're thinking about surprising that special someone with a huggable puppy this season, think twice before tying the bow on Rover's collar. While your intentions are noble, selecting and caring for a puppy is a significant commitment that should not be made in the flurry of holiday spirit and excitement.
"Puppies require constant care and attention. The holidays are a wonderful time of family gatherings and trips to see relatives but the hectic activity makes it a less-than-ideal time of year to begin training a pup," said Melissa Brookshire, DVM, director of veterinary technical services for Diamond Pet Foods. - A More Affordable Approach To Pet Health Care
There's good news for those who want their pets to be healthy and happy. Research suggests that pet owners will spend just over $38 billion on their pets this year, up from $21 billion just 10 years ago.
Of this, over $9 billion will be spent on veterinary services, second only to spending on food, estimated at just over $15 billion. Veterinary costs have increased over the past 10 years, averaging an annual increase of over 6 percent. - Cancer Is As Common In Pets As In Humans-what You Need To Know
Many people don't realize that cats and dogs are as vulnerable to cancers as humans and that proper veterinary care can help ensure your pets get the treatment they need.
Pets develop the same types of cancers as people. Dogs, for example, are 35 times more likely to develop skin cancer than humans, four times more likely to get breast cancer, eight times more likely to succumb to bone cancer, and twice as likely to develop leukemia. Insurance claims show lymphosarcoma and skin cancer as the most common pet cancers. - Americans Love Their Pets!
Americans are more pet-crazy than ever. Nearly two out of every three U.S. households own a pet, with millions more adding pets every year. If you're considering adding a pet to your family, how do you decide what kind of pet is best for you?
While cats and dogs immediately jump to mind, potential pet owners should consider four key areas-health issues, residential restrictions, your level of pet experience and the work required to care for the pet. - Something Safe And Healthy For Dogs To Chew On
Your favorite pair of shoes, the new dining room chairs and your son's first baseball-a dog's need to gnaw can wreak havoc on your home. To help give your pet something better to sink his teeth into than your furniture or the kids' toys, an innovative, long-lasting, meaty treat for dogs has been created. Called Pedigree Super Chew, it offers a safe, delicious and highly nutritious alternative to otherwise bland or potentially dangerous chew toys.
A recent survey shows that almost six out of 10 dog owners (57 percent) have had a valuable personal possession damaged by a teething dog. The more than 1,000 dog owners surveyed ranked shoes (39 percent), furniture (38 percent), clothing (26 percent), kids' toys (20 percent) and electronic equipment (15 percent) the top five personal possessions ravaged by their dog's chewing addiction. - Pedometers Help Dogs Make Great Strides
Play is an important part of any dog's day. As a fun form of exercise, play is key to maintaining healthy body weight and promoting strong joints. And now there's a way to determine just how active your pooch is: a pet pedometer. Long used by people, pedometers are growing in popularity for pets. In fact, free pet pedometers are available through a program called Steps to Play More, sponsored by Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., maker of canine arthritis medication, Deramaxx® (deracoxib).
Daily exercise, like play, is a vital component of successful weight control for both dogs and their owners. It doesn't have to be a run through the park; even moderate exercise burns calories, boosts metabolism and helps strengthen muscles while keeping fat off and increasing lean body mass. Through 4,000 veterinary clinics nationwide, the program aims to get inactive and arthritic canines up, out and playing again. Pet pedometers help owners ensure that it all adds up to a healthy dose of fitness. - Hanging With The Westminster Crowd Up Close And Personal In The Benching Area
It's the Westminster Kennel Club version of the Olympic Village, right in the heart of New York City.
It has happened every year since 1877, when the world's greatest dogs gather at Madison Square Garden, and it will happen again in 2007 when the 131st Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place on February 12-13 (televised live on USA Network). - Kids And Pets: Introducing A New Resource For Parents
There are some facts parents should bone up on before welcoming four-footed friends into the family.
"Pets have always been very special to children and are important for childhood development, but parents need to play an active role in ensuring a healthy environment and interaction between children and pets," said Dr. Lynn Buzhardt, a nationally recognized veterinarian on family/pet concerns and consultant to a new resource, GrowingUpWithPets. com, presented by Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. - How Luxury Travel And Vacations Have Gone To The Dogs
You could say that luxury travel has gone to the dogs. As leisure travel surges, vacationers are increasingly packing the pooches, fetching the felines and taking flight with the birds.
Pet travel soared 33 percent last year to a record 20 million, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, and 80 percent of them were dogs. And a full 14 percent or 29 million Americans travel with their pets, according to a recent Travel Industry Association study. - Holiday And Winter Hazards For Pets
The winter holidays are fun times for the family but can be hazardous for pets. These tips from North Shore Animal League America will help keep them safe:
1. Christmas Trees-Christmas trees bring holiday cheer but potential hazards for pets. Tree water may contain fertilizer and bacteria that, if ingested, can upset a pet's stomach. - Make Sure Holidays Are Safe For Pets
Think a turkey neck or table scraps should be a part of Fido's holiday tradition? Think again-too much festive feasting can be deadly for pets. While a family pet often plays a part in holiday celebrations, new foods and decorations around the house this time of year can pose hazardous temptations for them.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has some advice on having a healthy holiday by remembering to plan for the safety of your cat, dog or bird: - Canine Oral Health Continues To Make Significant Advances
Veterinarians now have an additional tool available to aid in the prevention of periodontitis in their canine patients. The first of its kind, the Porphyromonas Denticanis-Gulae-Salivosa Bacterin is now available.
"Many dog owners don't check their dog's teeth and gums until they notice bad breath or their veterinarian identifies periodontal disease, yet maintaining healthy teeth is critical to keeping a dog healthy," said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., associate director, Veterinary Medicine Research & Development, Biologicals Clinical Development, Pfizer Animal Health. - Puppy Love: Having A Pet-worthy Valentine's Day
It seems love has gone to the dogs-and the cats, birds, fish and other pets across America.
A recent survey of pet owners found that about 9 million people plan to give a Valentine's Day gift to their pet. - Pet Prepping Your Home
Whether your new pet has four legs, fur or feathers, her arrival doesn't have to mean your home goes to the dogs. Try these tips for getting your house ready for its new arrival:
Pet Proofing 101 - Make Sure Your Pets Can Weather The Cold
While many people assume pets enjoy the cold weather, even the hardiest dogs and cats can be at risk when temperatures dip below freezing. Fortunately, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers these tips to keep your pets healthy:
• Not all dog breeds are robust in low temperatures. For example, huskies were bred for icy climates and are more naturally winterized than larger, short-hair breeds such as Great Danes. Old and young dogs are also more vulnerable. When necessary, consider using dog coats and boots to help keep animals warm. Boots can help prevent ice from caking on dog paws-often in the hair between a dog's toes-which can cause pain and injury. - Dog Breath No More
If you think there's nothing that can be done about your dog's bad breath and grungy teeth, you may be barking up the wrong tree.
Pet owners can use specially formulated oral care treats to improve their dogs' dental hygiene. - Pets Help Teach Children Life Lessons
Walking the dog can be an important step towards a child learning responsibility. So can feeding the cat, taking care of a horse or just about any other task involved in caring for a pet. Try these tips for helping children learn from caring for their pets: - Dental Hygiene Important For Pets, Too
Almost 80 percent of adults brush their teeth at least twice a day, according to the American Dental Association, but many of us also completely ignore the dental health of our pets. February is National Pet Dental Health Month, sponsored in part by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA offers some tips and information on how to keep your pet's teeth healthy:
• Look for signs of tooth decay and oral disease by inspecting your pet's teeth regularly. Bad breath, discoloration and tartar are all indications of problems that could lead to serious health risks with the potential for not only damaging teeth and gums but internal organs. - Kinder, Gentler Training
A new approach to dog training is based on a dog's behavior and uses nonviolent techniques to win dogs over.
The book, "Let the Dog Decide" (Marlowe and Co.) by pioneer dog trainer Dale Stavroff, is designed to help dog and owner develop an enduring bond of trust and cooperation. - Pet Health Is A Factor In Your Family's Health
For many parents, a puppy can be a great addition to a family. Puppies often present an opportunity for children to learn how to show love and respect and to take responsibility for another "family member."
Part of taking responsibility for a pet means maintaining its health. Take your newly adopted puppy to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will check the dog's health status and recommend when he should be vaccinated and wormed. - Protecting Cats From Heartworm
Heartworm disease is a serious risk to feline health that harms or even kills thousands of cats each year. While it is a very preventable disease, studies show that fewer than 5 percent of U.S. households with cats regularly administer heartworm prevention, while 59 percent of dog-owning households do so regularly.
Veterinarians say this lack of prevention leaves cats at risk of developing HARD (Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease). HARD attacks a cat's lungs and is particularly dangerous because it is often misdiagnosed as feline asthma, allergies or bronchitis. Fortunately, a new program called KNOW Heartworms may help keep cats safe. - Tips On Traveling With Your Pets
Planning and preparation are essential when traveling with family pets. That's because some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings.
A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane. Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toys and dishes available, will make your pet more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders. - Pet Boarding: Choose A Kennel With Care
Although your pet may seem like part of the family, it's not always best-or even possible-to bring him or her along on family vacations. Boarding your furry friend at a kennel that specializes in care and overnight accommodations may be the best option. All kennels, however, are not created equal-it's important to do your research first.
Melissa Brookshire, DVM, director of veterinary services for Diamond Pet Foods, says pets can benefit in many ways from staying at a licensed boarding facility, as it is often better for their physical and emotional health than extensive travel. - Five Flea Control Myths To Flee From
There are more than 1,900 flea species in the world and almost as many myths on the best way to get rid of them.
Here are five of the most common flea control myths and the truth about how to get rid of them: - Pets On The Go
Pets are going places and traveling in style. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, half a million pets fly each year-and many pet owners no longer check them away with the luggage.
Safe and comfortable pet travel products are helping pet owners keep pets with them on planes and at pet-friendly hotels.
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