Pets and Companion Animals

what is a pet

an animal kept for pleasure rather than utility

what is a companion animal

an animal to whom an owner has an intense emotional bond with

• usually not domesticated

• ex) feral cats/barn cats

what percentage of the US own at least 1 pet

56% of households

how much money have Americans spent in the pet and companion animal industry

$72.56 Billion

what are the top 3 sources of financial loss in the US

1. pet food

2. pet supplies

3. veterinary care

what are some reasons for pets and companion animals

• guarding

• police work

• search and rescue

• hunting

• herding

• service

• emotional support

• companionship

what is the scientific name of the domestic dog

canis familiaris

what is the scientific name of the gray wolf

canis lupus

what is the scientific name of the african wild cat

felis lybica

what is the scientific name of the domestic cat

felis catus

when and where were dogs first domesticated

15,000 years ago in Asia

when and where were cats first domesticated

10,000 BCE in Asia

what are two breeding brands

• American Kennel Club

• American Cat Fancier’s Association

what are the top 5 most popular dog breeds

1. french bulldog

2. labrador retriever

3. golden retriever

4. german shepherd

5. poodle

what are the top 5 most popular cat breeds

1. exotic

2. persian

3. maine coon

4. ragdoll

5. british shorthair

what do you call an intact female dog

bitch

what do you call an intact male dog

stud

what do you call parturition in the dog

whelping

what do you call an intact female cat

queen

what do you call an intact male cat

tom

what do you call parturition in cats

queening

what type of estrus do dogs undergo

monoestrous

what type of estrus do cats undergo

seasonally polyestrous

what does AAFCO stand for

Association of American Feed Control Officers

what are the 6 AAFCO standards

1. product name

2. guaranteed nutrient analysis

3. nutritional adequacy statement

4. feeding directions

5. calorie statements

what does the product name standard of AAFCO entail

• 95% rule: for names like “chicken dog food”

• 25% rule: for names like “chicken dinner”

• 3% rule for names like “dog food with chicken”

what does the guaranteed nutrient analysis standard of AAFCO entail

requires 4 minimum and maximum percentages on a pet food label:

• maximum/minimum crude protein + crude fat

• maximum/minimum crude fiber + moisture

what does the nutritional adequacy statement standard of AAFCO entail

pet food labels must state the appropriate life stages for which the product is suitable for

what does the feeding directions standard of AAFCO entail

gives the owner a guideline on how much to feed an animal

what does the calorie statements standard of AAFCO entail

explains how many kilocalories per kilogram/cup in each serving size

what are some other pet food label claims that have no regulations

• premium, super premium, ultra premium, gourmet

• natural vs. organic

  • human grade or human quality

what are the main concerns of companion animal health

1. cancer

2. allergic skin disease

3. pyometra

4. diabetes mellitus

what is cancer in companion animals

a disease caused by uncontrolled cell division which leads to abnormal growth of tissues which usually results in masses or tumors

what is allergic skin disease in companion animals

skin problems resulting from allergies

what is pyometra in companion animals

a bacterial infection of the uterus of intact females which can be life threatening

what is diabetes mellitus in companion animals

a condition in which glucose absorption by body cells is inhibited due to a lack of insulin production in the pancreas

what are some companion animal trends

1. number of purebred registrations are declining (more hybrids)

2. pet food industry is the fasted growing industry in agriculture

3. veterinary care will further parallel human medical care

4. upgrading necessities (ex: designer branded collars) and services (ex: pet hotels/spas)