News
Probiotics Promote Weight Loss in Obese Dogs
Two Probiotic Strains Linked to Weight Loss in Dogs
Researchers have identified 2 strains of probiotics that can be used to reduce weight in obese dogs. The research is published in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
In the new study, the research team investigated metabolic diseases in companion animals and set out to identify probiotics suitable for long-term and safe treatment. “The initial challenge involved selecting specific metabolic diseases for examination, leading us to focus on the prevalent issue of ‘obesity in pets,’” said study principal investigator Younghoon Kim, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science (CALS), Seoul National University, in Korea.
Read the full article from the American Society for Microbiology
Five Emerging Trends In Pet Health Care For 2024 And Beyond
What’s Driving Growth in Pet Health Care
Pet ownership is at an all-time high, with 66% of U.S. households owning at least one pet. The global pet care market is estimated to grow from $246 billion in 2023 to $368 billion by 2030. Spending on veterinary services in the U.S. alone exceeded $38 billion in 2023, with growth in emergency care and specialty services contributing significantly.
Today’s modern, multi-species family is more bonded to their pets than ever, increasing the demand for gold-standard veterinary care. As a result, we are witnessing how modern high expectations are putting pressure on veterinary clinics to provide tech-enabled conveniences.
Laws for Emotional Support Animals vary by state.
What Emotional Support Animal Protections Cover
Having an emotional support animal means your animal is covered by many laws that can prevent a person with a disability from being excluded or limited from certain benefits, accommodations, and circumstances. There are several laws covering emotional support animals that every handler should know.
Getting a pet may slow dementia.
Pet Ownership and Cognitive Health in Older Adults
As the population ages and life expectancy increases, a major public health issue around the world is the deterioration of cognitive function in older adults. Estimates indicate that the number of people with dementia worldwide will increase from 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050.
U.S. Animal Shelters are Overcrowded.
What the Shelter Survey Found
U.S. animal shelters will start 2024 the most overcrowded they have been in years, according to a broad survey of animal rescue facilities, a symptom of persistent economic concern as the country’s pandemic pet-adoption boom finally cools.
Cats in the Big Apple Double as Non-toxic Pest Control
New York’s Working Cats
By Tamara Hinson, The Independent
These cats are hybrids of traditional working animals and pets, which is a more recent concept. Meet the New York brewery cats living their best lives.
Dogs Respond to Sing-Song Baby Talk, Too, New Study Finds
How Dogs Process Exaggerated Speech
HealthDay News
In imaging scans, dogs and infants showed brain similarities during the processing of speech with “exaggerated prosody,” sometimes referred to as motherese — that simple, playful and rhythmic speech style mothers often use.
Today’s Vet Shortage Impacts Pet Care
How the Veterinarian Shortage Affects Pet Owners
By Brett Yates, Veterinary Practice News
The vet shortage has led to long wait times at clinics, lagging surgeries at shelters, slowing adoption rates, and pet owners being more inclined to put their next visit off. Creating healthier work environments and more support systems for vets and their staff can not only reduce turnover rates, but can also inspire more folks into the field who may be otherwise turned off by the current state of veterinary medicine.
The Economics of Pet Ownership
The Real Cost of Owning a Pet
Owning a pet is a serious commitment: Many pets can live for more than 10 years, leaving some pet lovers unprepared for the price tag attached to owning and caring for an animal in a responsible manner. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, you should be ready to back up your good intentions with a hefty contribution from your wallet. In this article we’ll look at some of the basic costs of pet ownership.
Dog Owners Felt Less Stress and Loneliness During COVID-19
What the Research Says About Pets and Pandemic Stress
Studies have shown that pets can provide emotional support, reduce stress levels, and increase feelings of social support and well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans turned to pets for companionship and comfort as they navigated the challenges of isolation and uncertainty.