How we get our pets:
According to an Associated Press poll, 40% of all pets are a gift making it still the #1 way people get a dog. Secondly, new pets come into our lives via rescues/shelters. Next is from breeders, and 10% come from a pet store. Only 2% come from online or print ads. More than half of all pet owners have taken in a shelter animal. Everyone knows that after Christmas the number of unwanted dogs go UP because people do not want to keep their "gifts". Hopefully everyone can help at least one dog out there in need by fostering or adopting.
Pet Custody Battles on the Rise:
With evolving legal attitudes and closer relationships with our pets, it may be a good idea to have a pre-nuptial agreement to decide who will take the pet in a divorce/breakup, or how the pet will be cared for if you die. Be sure to leave money to cover their expenses if you can afford long-term care. Always do the right thing for the pet, place them where they will get the best home, love, attention, and pet care.
Dogs and Worms:
I hear this a lot- "my dog doesn't have worms because I do not see any in their poo". Not all worms can be visually detected, such as hookworms and whipworms. Your dog should be regularly tested for worms, and ask your vet to put them on a monthly treatment to prevent heartworms (deadly) and other infestations. Any new dog, young or old should be tested by the vet.
No Hypoallergenic Dogs:
It is saliva and dander that trigger allergies, but some dogs are much less allergenic than others, like the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dogs, Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Poodle, etc. You can Google to find a long list of dogs better suited for people with allergies. As a generalization, dogs that are smaller, and ones that have less hair -cause less issues for allergy sufferers.
Some of the best things you can do in a house with pets to help allergies is to limit carpet and drapes that trap allergens. Use air purifiers. Bath dogs twice a week with gentle soap. Vacuum daily. Restrict dogs to certain areas of the house (do not sleep with them).
Spending for Our Dogs Increases:
In US we spend $5 billion a year on our pets.
Over 50% of us buys gifts for our dogs/cats. www.ifdogstalked.com
On average, we spend $46 per pet at Christmas/Holiday.
Spending (even with slow economy) has increased on our pets 5% each year for the past several years. I believe it is because value our pets in our homes/lives more, and are realizing animals deserve very humane treatment. It is a reflection of our growing love and understanding of animals.
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