Companion Animal Industry

Who ranks #1 in dogs and cats?

The U.S

companion animal

one whose owner has an emotional connection with the animal

domestication

selection by people for desired characteristics

• ex: temperament and appearance

• many traits changed

neoteny

retention of juvenile traits as an adult

biophilia hypothesis

genetic tendency to appreciate natural world

pets are “nature on demand”

attachment theory

emotional relationship between caregiver and young

mimicked in pets

social support theory

humans are social creatures, and many of these behaviors and emotions also experienced with pets

benefits of companion animals

• reduced stress

• focus on nurturing

• exercise

• decreased loneliness

• social interaction

• enhancement of self-esteem

• lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides

Where are most dogs sourced from?

breeders, friends, shelters

Where are most cats sourced from?

shelters, strays, friends

top reasons for rehoming

time, behavior, health, size, housing

shelter animals

several million dogs and cats enter shelters each year'

• about 20-25% euthanized

• about 50% adopted

• 30-40 million feral/stray cats

genus (cat)

felis

kitten

young baby cat

queen

female

tom

male

littering

act of giving birth for cats

bevy

group of cats

genus (dog)

canis

puppy

young baby dog

bitch

female

dog

male

whelping

act of giving birth for dogs

pack

group of dogs

sporting dogs

• active and alert

• hunting, or “gun” dogs

• pointers, retrievers, setters, spaniels

• activity level: moderate to high

Hound dogs

• used for hunting- scenting powers, often independent with high prey drive

• sound known as baying

• activity level: moderate to high

Toy dogs

• small size

• ideal for cities or small homes

• requires less exercise

• less shedding, cost of care

• activity level: low to moderate

terrier dogs

• feisty and energetic

• smaller in size

• bred to hunt and kill vermin

• often have wiry coats

• activity level: high

• jack russell terrier, bull terrier, American Pit Bull terrier

Working dogs

• bred to perform jobs- guarding property, pulling sleds, rescues

• quick to learn, intelligent

• large and strong

• training and socialization is important

• activity level: moderate to high

• husky, great Pyrenees

Herding dogs

• newest classification

• control the movement of other animals

• natural herding instincts

• intelligent, biddable

• activity level: high

• border collie, Australian shepherd

non-sporting dogs

• “catch-all” group

• variable in size, appearance, personality, and activity level

• poodle, dalmatian

shelters

• care for unwanted pets

• local rabies control

• investigate cruelty

Kill shelters

• kills animals once full

• kills after certain time

no-kill shelters

• doesn’t kill healthy animals

• only for terminally ill or dangerous

pet stores

• animals and supplies

• huge online market for supplies

• 6% of sales are actual animals

• state laws regulate sales of animals

breeders- commercial

• USDA “regulates”

• environment is different than homes they end up in

breeders- puppy/kitten mills

unregulated commercial breeder

breeders- backyard

• accident

• want dog to have a litter

breeders- reputable

• screen buyers

• breed for health and behavior

• should allow you to view the puppy’s environment, parents, shares records, etc

• breed club referrals

owners

• you and I

• 67% of households

• dogs and cats are pretty equal

• supplies, food, treats- big market shares

owners- animal jobs

Service animals

• dogs, miniature horses

• protected by ADA, public access

emotional support

• no public access, housing rights

therapy

police/military

search and rescue

farm

dog life cycle

Born: 1 lb, 6 puppies/litter

Weaned off mom’s milk: as early as 4 weeks

Puberty: 15 months, variable

Gestation: 63 days

Variable size and lifespan:

• < 20 lbs- 11 yrs

• >90 lbs- 8 years

Cat life cycle

Born: 0.2 lb, 4 kittens/litter (typically spring)

weaned off mom’s milk: 4 weeks

puberty: 11 months

Gestation: 63 days

Mature weight: 8 lbs

lifespan:

• outdoor- 7 years

• indoor- 14 years

pet nutrition

dogs and cats are carnivores

• saliva has large amounts of lysozyme (disinfectant)

• short large intestine and nonfunctional cecum

cats are obligate carnivores

• diet must include taurine and arachidonic acid

• they eat prey whole

Pet food labels

Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines

• canned food: 75-82% water content

• semi-moist food: ~ 25% water content

• dry food: ~10% water content

pet food labeling trends

• “premium”, “gourmet”, “choice”, and “human-grade” have no legal meaning or regulations

• “all-natural” and “100% natural” must come from animal, plant, or mined sources

  • no synthetic ingredients

  • ingredients can be processed

  • can add synthetic vitamins and minerals with disclaimer

• organic products are regulated

  • no genetically modified organisms, synthetic fertilizers, etc.

  • ingredients must be 95% organic

• “proven” products: scientific evidence supporting claims made

• “new” or “improved” labels: limited to 6 months from the time of development of modification

raw pet food

• risks for contamination (salmonella, E. coli)

• no guarantee of a balanced diet

• feeding only raw food could result in deficiencies

grain-free

• Must contain no wheat, corn, barley, oats, rye, rice, or soy

  • these are important energy sources

  • can use potato or pea flower

• possible increased risk of heart disease

• may be helpful for dogs with allergies

How to pick pet food

• consult a vet/ PhD nutritionist

• manufacturer should employ or consult a qualified nutritionist

  • Pet Nutrition Alliance

  • World Small Animal Veterinary Association

• nutrients over ingredients

• make sure it agrees with your pet

Health concerns- obesity

• over 50% of dogs + cats in US are overweight or obese

• “fat pet gap”

• arthritis, kidney disease, urinary tract disease, liver disease, diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, etc

• monitor weight frequently

• amount and type of food, exercise

Heartworm disease

• infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis

• Larvae transmitted through mosquitos

• grow into worms in the host

  • blood vessels around the heart and lungs, can enter heart

• inflammation of blood vessels and heart

• severe problems when the numbers are higher, or worms die too quickly

Feline leukemia virus

• number 1 infectious cause of death- prevalence has decreased

• primarily spread via saliva

• cat may show no signs, or may succumb to secondary disorders depending on infection severity

• virus attacks the immune system