If you’ve ever gotten the impression that your dog’s calculated age in human-equivalent years seemed a bit off, you’re not alone. A new, more accurate formula for calculating your dog’s age has been published — let’s hope you still have your notes from high school trigonometry class.
The long held formula for calculating dog years is to take a dog’s real age and multiply by seven. This approach is simple enough and roughly accounts for the difference in scale between the lifespans of humans and dogs. As it turns out, though, synchronizing the ages of dogs and humans — including all of the various stages of development — is a bit more complicated than that.
As animals age, our DNA accumulates molecules, known as methyl groups, in a process called DNA methylation. The rate at which methylation occurs is closely linked to our developmental stage and, consequently, our age. Because this process occurs somewhat consistently across species, it offers a benchmark that can be used to determine age equivalence across groups.
The research team compared the methylation profiles of Laborador retrievers ranging in age from 4 weeks to 16 years to those of humans ranging in age from 1 to 103 years old. From the comparison, the research team was able to develop an equation to convert one species’ age to the other. Got your calculators ready? Here it is:
ageh = 16ln(aged) + 31
Got that? Take the natural logarithm of your dog’s age (aged) in actual years, multiply it by 16, then add thirty-one.
This method, while a bit more involved than the classic “multiply by seven” approach, should give you a more accurate sense for how your dog stacks up, developmentally-speaking, to a human.
The research team cautions that this particular equation may be less accurate when comparing humans to dogs breeds other than Laborador retrievers.
The full list of cities that were awarded the certification includes:
Arlington, Texas
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bloomington, Indiana
Calumet City, Illinois
Cleveland, Ohio
Dallas, Texas
Downey, California
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Franklin, Tennessee
Gresham, Oregon
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Henderson, Nevada
Houston, Texas
Key West, Florida
Laguna Niguel, California
Meaford, Ontario
Memphis, Tennessee
Miami, Florida
Miami Lakes, Florida
Nashville, Tennessee
Oakland, California
Plano, Texas
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Reno, Nevada
Rochester, Michigan
Royalton, Minnesota
St. Petersburg, Florida
Santa Clarita, California
Southport, North Carolina
Topeka, Kansas
Tucson, Arizona
All of the cities in this most recent set demonstrated the 12 key traits of pet-friendly cities as described by the Better Cities for Pets program, including an availability of pet-friendly housing, transportation, and green spaces.
For more information about each city’s unique pet-friendly characteristics, visit the list from Better Cities for Pets. For more information about the Better Cities for Pets program, including additional information about getting your city certified, head here.
A new study suggests that people who are friendly to their pets are less likely to experience symptoms of depression.
The study, conducted by a team at the Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, involved over 650 pet owning participants living in South Korea. Participants were given a survey designed to assess how friendly they were to their pets as well as the degree to which participants exhibited symptoms of depression.
Among all participants surveyed, roughly half exhibited signs of mild depression. However, those whose responses indicated that they were less friendly to their pets were more than three times as likely to have symptoms of depression when compared to those were friendly to their pets.
The Pet Leadership Council (PLC) announced the launch of Be Dog Smart, a new consumer education initiative designed to help people make smart and informed decisions about dog acquisition, whether by way of a professional breeder, shelter or rescue, pet store, friend or family member. The initiative is one core outcome of PLC’s national research project that gauged the public’s current attitude towards the pet care community. Proper education surrounding pet acquisition was identified as an area of importance for consumers.
“Responsible dog acquisition starts with the knowledge to make an informed decision, which is what Be Dog Smart is all about.”
— Bob Vetere, Executive Director, the Pet Leadership Council
“The success of the pet care community rests on consumer trust and confidence, which is why the PLC found it imperative to gain a better understanding of the public’s wants and needs when it comes to companion animals,” said Bob Vetere, executive director of the PLC. “Be Dog Smart supports our mission to do the right thing, and it is a deliberate, strategic initiative to address the top issues of responsible dog acquisition and demonstrate the caring and commitment of those in the pet industry.”
“Whether consumers want to ‘adopt or shop’, they should feel comfortable in their choice, have the right information to make a smart decision and know the dog or puppy they bring into their home has been raised under high standards of care,” said Vetere.
Those looking to add a dog to their household should be properly informed on how to choose their pet, which includes knowing the right questions to ask, regardless of how they acquire their dog. People should be well-positioned to obtain the companion animal they wish to have, with confidence in their knowledge of responsible acquisition and the pet’s health and overall well-being.
At the core of the Be Dog Smart initiative is a user-guided website that offers consumers valuable information before bringing home a new puppy or dog, such as costs to consider, important questions to ask and information on identifying responsible breeders, shelters, rescues and pet stores. The website is an unbiased, resource-rich guide that assists consumers throughout the entire dog acquisition process and into dog ownership.
The Be Dog Smart website was developed in partnership with industry experts from a variety of backgrounds, including those involved in responsible breeding, shelter and rescues, animal welfare, academia and others who work to assure the best care and well-being of companion animals. The website’s sole mission is to create more informed consumers at no financial gain for the PLC. The site is differentiated from other consumer sites because it is not linked to any actual acquisition source–such as a breeder, shelter or store–and as such can remain unbiased.
“Responsible dog acquisition starts with the knowledge to make an informed decision, which is what Be Dog Smart is all about,” said Vetere. “By asking the right questions, researching credible sources and demanding transparency from those who provide companion animals, consumers will not only be taking the right steps when welcoming a new dog into the family, but also willbuild demand for responsible breeders, retailers and shelters.”
A new study suggests that pet owners are more sensitive to picking up on distress in the vocalizations of dogs and cats.
The study examined the ratings of perceived distress in animal vocalizations as provided by over 500 pet-owning and non-owning participants. Among the vocalizations presented were those of cats, dogs, adult humans, and infant humans. Participants were asked to rate each sound on a scale of -4 (very sad) to +4 (very happy).
The researchers found that pet owners were more likely to perceive animal distress vocalizations as being sad than were non-owners. Both cat and dog owners rated dog whines most negatively out of all participant groups. Cat owners rated cat distress vocalizations the most negatively out of all of the participant groups. Among pet owners, dog whines were perceived as being sadder than even the cries of a human infant.
Royal Canin has partnered with the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau to undertake efforts to help the city’s homeless pets and to make the city one of China’s pet-friendliest.
As part of the effort, Royal Canin will provide the city with assistance to provide shelter and medical services for its homeless animals as well as help in finding them new homes. The company will also assist in the deployment of a public education campaign on homeless pets and options for rescue and adoption.
While dog ownership in China has surged in recent years, residual stigmas still exist — especially among older generations. Pet dog ownership was banned between 1966 and 1976; even after the restrictions were relaxed, a rabies outbreak in the 1980s led to another ban from 1983 to 1993. Some who lived through the era are still skeptical of the idea of dogs as pets. Kai Ling, Brand Marketing Director for adoption organization Ta Shanghai, sees a public education campaign as essential for overcoming some of these attitudes.
“We always educate the parents, explaining that animals are not as scary as they might think. I draw from my own experience to tell other mothers how much my son has benefited from growing up with three disabled cats in the family.”
— Kai Ling, Director, Brand Marketing, Ta Shanghai
Despite lingering biases, it’s clear that younger generations have openly embraced pet dogs as part of their lifestyle. With the Chinese pet industry growing 20% year after year, the demand for pet dogs continues to surge.
A new study has found additional evidence to link dog ownership to better cardiovascular health.
The study, conducted by an international research team lead by Dr. Andrea Maugeri, examined the effects of dog ownership on cardiovascular disease and risk factors among participants in Central Europe. The researchers found that, with the exception of smoking, dog owners were more likely to have habits and behaviors — such as exercise patterns and diet — conducive to better heart health than non-owners.
The results affirm those of numerous other studies conducted elsewhere that indicate a link between dog ownership and better cardiovascular health.
“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar at ideal level. The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level.”
— Andrea Maugeri, Researcher, the International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital
A new study suggests that animal interaction can reduce feelings of loneliness and depressions among older adults.
The study, conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, found that pets offer many benefits to older adults, including a sense of unconditional love, stress relief, sense of purpose, exercise, and company and comfort.
“Pets play a meaningful role in our lives at any age, but can be especially beneficial for older adults by providing constant friendship, easing anxiety and encouraging daily exercise and engagement.”
— Lakelyn Hogan, Gerontologist, Home Instead Senior Care
The results also suggest that pets don’t have to be owned for older adults to receive benefits. Those who interacted with pets owned by friends, family, and neighbors also reported similar benefits.
The brand refresh, announced at SuperZoo last week, is intended to better align with the needs of retailers.
As part of the refresh, the WPA logo has been redesigned to reflect WPA’s role a a progressive and caring steward of pets and the pet industry. The organization’s vision and mission statements were also revised to better reflect its values.
“Nurturing a healthier, more productive and collaborative pet industry that enriches both pet and human life.”
— WPA vision statement
The WPA also indicated that they would be refocusing their efforts around four key pillars:
Producing world class trade and consumer shows and events
Providing industry action and leadership
Supporting retail with business services and value-added resources
“It’s about the association’s leadership evaluating what the industry and our members need in order to grow and thrive in a competitive, ever-changing marketplace. As a result of this effort, WPA will bring its members new service offerings and a library of retailer tools that will allow the association to serve as a year-round resource. These offerings will include data-driven reports, customized information, online education, one-on-one consulting and more that will allow retailers to be agile and strategic as they plan their marketing and sales efforts.”
— Jacinthe Moreau, President, World Pet Association
The video, a send-up of the television program “Cheaters,” depicts a dog who suspects his owner has been spending time with another dog behind his back. Viewers follow the exploits of an investigative team dispatched to surveil the owner in an attempt to catch them in the act.
“We’ve received such a tremendous reaction to the “Caught” video in just a few weeks and it’s continuing to garner views, comments, and shares. Whether you’re familiar with the ‘Cheaters’ TV series or not, this is a fun and entertaining video with a good message capturing the attention of the entire pet-loving community.”
— Steve King, CEO, the American Pet Products Association
Founded by APPA, PAL is a nonprofit campaign dedicated to sharing information about how pet ownership benefits animals and people alike. PAL’s mission is to increase awareness of the bonds and other rewards associated with pets of all types. Primarily through social media with videos, contests and engaging content, PAL spreads the joys of pets and aims to deliver key messages about the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, pet acquisition, and health benefits of pets.
New, More Accurate Way to Calculate Dog Age Revealed
If you’ve ever gotten the impression that your dog’s calculated age in human-equivalent years seemed a bit off, you’re not alone. A new, more accurate formula for calculating your dog’s age has been published — let’s hope you still have your notes from high school trigonometry class.
The long held formula for calculating dog years is to take a dog’s real age and multiply by seven. This approach is simple enough and roughly accounts for the difference in scale between the lifespans of humans and dogs. As it turns out, though, synchronizing the ages of dogs and humans — including all of the various stages of development — is a bit more complicated than that.
A team of geneticists from the University of California, San Diego, decided to take an alternative approach to comparing the ages of dogs and humans using the process of DNA methylation.
As animals age, our DNA accumulates molecules, known as methyl groups, in a process called DNA methylation. The rate at which methylation occurs is closely linked to our developmental stage and, consequently, our age. Because this process occurs somewhat consistently across species, it offers a benchmark that can be used to determine age equivalence across groups.
The research team compared the methylation profiles of Laborador retrievers ranging in age from 4 weeks to 16 years to those of humans ranging in age from 1 to 103 years old. From the comparison, the research team was able to develop an equation to convert one species’ age to the other. Got your calculators ready? Here it is:
ageh = 16ln(aged) + 31
Got that? Take the natural logarithm of your dog’s age (aged) in actual years, multiply it by 16, then add thirty-one.
This method, while a bit more involved than the classic “multiply by seven” approach, should give you a more accurate sense for how your dog stacks up, developmentally-speaking, to a human.
The research team cautions that this particular equation may be less accurate when comparing humans to dogs breeds other than Laborador retrievers.
Source: Here’s a new way to calculate your dog’s age in human years
31 Pet-Friendly Cities Receive “Better Cities For Pets” Certification
Over 30 cities recently received the Better Cities for Pets certification for pet-friendliness from Mars Petcare.
The full list of cities that were awarded the certification includes:
All of the cities in this most recent set demonstrated the 12 key traits of pet-friendly cities as described by the Better Cities for Pets program, including an availability of pet-friendly housing, transportation, and green spaces.
For more information about each city’s unique pet-friendly characteristics, visit the list from Better Cities for Pets. For more information about the Better Cities for Pets program, including additional information about getting your city certified, head here.
Source: 31 Pet-Friendly Cities Awarded “Better Cities For Pets” Certification
Study Suggests Friendly Pet Owners More Resistant to Depression
A new study suggests that people who are friendly to their pets are less likely to experience symptoms of depression.
The study, conducted by a team at the Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, involved over 650 pet owning participants living in South Korea. Participants were given a survey designed to assess how friendly they were to their pets as well as the degree to which participants exhibited symptoms of depression.
Among all participants surveyed, roughly half exhibited signs of mild depression. However, those whose responses indicated that they were less friendly to their pets were more than three times as likely to have symptoms of depression when compared to those were friendly to their pets.
Source: Friendly Pet Owners More Likely to Avoid Depression
Pet Leadership Council Announces Launch of Be Dog Smart
The Pet Leadership Council (PLC) announced the launch of Be Dog Smart, a new consumer education initiative designed to help people make smart and informed decisions about dog acquisition, whether by way of a professional breeder, shelter or rescue, pet store, friend or family member. The initiative is one core outcome of PLC’s national research project that gauged the public’s current attitude towards the pet care community. Proper education surrounding pet acquisition was identified as an area of importance for consumers.
“The success of the pet care community rests on consumer trust and confidence, which is why the PLC found it imperative to gain a better understanding of the public’s wants and needs when it comes to companion animals,” said Bob Vetere, executive director of the PLC. “Be Dog Smart supports our mission to do the right thing, and it is a deliberate, strategic initiative to address the top issues of responsible dog acquisition and demonstrate the caring and commitment of those in the pet industry.”
“Whether consumers want to ‘adopt or shop’, they should feel comfortable in their choice, have the right information to make a smart decision and know the dog or puppy they bring into their home has been raised under high standards of care,” said Vetere.
Those looking to add a dog to their household should be properly informed on how to choose their pet, which includes knowing the right questions to ask, regardless of how they acquire their dog. People should be well-positioned to obtain the companion animal they wish to have, with confidence in their knowledge of responsible acquisition and the pet’s health and overall well-being.
At the core of the Be Dog Smart initiative is a user-guided website that offers consumers valuable information before bringing home a new puppy or dog, such as costs to consider, important questions to ask and information on identifying responsible breeders, shelters, rescues and pet stores. The website is an unbiased, resource-rich guide that assists consumers throughout the entire dog acquisition process and into dog ownership.
The Be Dog Smart website was developed in partnership with industry experts from a variety of backgrounds, including those involved in responsible breeding, shelter and rescues, animal welfare, academia and others who work to assure the best care and well-being of companion animals. The website’s sole mission is to create more informed consumers at no financial gain for the PLC. The site is differentiated from other consumer sites because it is not linked to any actual acquisition source–such as a breeder, shelter or store–and as such can remain unbiased.
“Responsible dog acquisition starts with the knowledge to make an informed decision, which is what Be Dog Smart is all about,” said Vetere. “By asking the right questions, researching credible sources and demanding transparency from those who provide companion animals, consumers will not only be taking the right steps when welcoming a new dog into the family, but also will build demand for responsible breeders, retailers and shelters.”
Source: Pet Leadership Council Announces Launch of Be Dog Smart
Pet Owners More Sensitive to Perceptions of Distress in Animal Vocalizations
A new study suggests that pet owners are more sensitive to picking up on distress in the vocalizations of dogs and cats.
The study examined the ratings of perceived distress in animal vocalizations as provided by over 500 pet-owning and non-owning participants. Among the vocalizations presented were those of cats, dogs, adult humans, and infant humans. Participants were asked to rate each sound on a scale of -4 (very sad) to +4 (very happy).
The researchers found that pet owners were more likely to perceive animal distress vocalizations as being sad than were non-owners. Both cat and dog owners rated dog whines most negatively out of all participant groups. Cat owners rated cat distress vocalizations the most negatively out of all of the participant groups. Among pet owners, dog whines were perceived as being sadder than even the cries of a human infant.
For more information on the study, check out the full article in Royal Society Open Science.
Source: To Pet Owners, a Dog’s Whimpering Sounds Just as Sad as an Infant’s Cry
Royal Canin Working to Make Shanghai China’s Pet-Friendliest City
Royal Canin has partnered with the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau to undertake efforts to help the city’s homeless pets and to make the city one of China’s pet-friendliest.
As part of the effort, Royal Canin will provide the city with assistance to provide shelter and medical services for its homeless animals as well as help in finding them new homes. The company will also assist in the deployment of a public education campaign on homeless pets and options for rescue and adoption.
While dog ownership in China has surged in recent years, residual stigmas still exist — especially among older generations. Pet dog ownership was banned between 1966 and 1976; even after the restrictions were relaxed, a rabies outbreak in the 1980s led to another ban from 1983 to 1993. Some who lived through the era are still skeptical of the idea of dogs as pets. Kai Ling, Brand Marketing Director for adoption organization Ta Shanghai, sees a public education campaign as essential for overcoming some of these attitudes.
Despite lingering biases, it’s clear that younger generations have openly embraced pet dogs as part of their lifestyle. With the Chinese pet industry growing 20% year after year, the demand for pet dogs continues to surge.
Source: Royal Canin Wants Shanghai To Be China’s Most Pet-Friendly City
New Study Finds More Evidence Linking Dog Ownership to Better Heart Health
A new study has found additional evidence to link dog ownership to better cardiovascular health.
The study, conducted by an international research team lead by Dr. Andrea Maugeri, examined the effects of dog ownership on cardiovascular disease and risk factors among participants in Central Europe. The researchers found that, with the exception of smoking, dog owners were more likely to have habits and behaviors — such as exercise patterns and diet — conducive to better heart health than non-owners.
The results affirm those of numerous other studies conducted elsewhere that indicate a link between dog ownership and better cardiovascular health.
“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar at ideal level. The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level.”
— Andrea Maugeri, Researcher, the International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital
For more information on the study, check out the full article from Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Source: Dog ownership linked to better heart health
Animals May be Key to Fighting Loneliness Among Older Adults
A new study suggests that animal interaction can reduce feelings of loneliness and depressions among older adults.
The study, conducted by Home Instead Senior Care, found that pets offer many benefits to older adults, including a sense of unconditional love, stress relief, sense of purpose, exercise, and company and comfort.
The results also suggest that pets don’t have to be owned for older adults to receive benefits. Those who interacted with pets owned by friends, family, and neighbors also reported similar benefits.
Source: Spending Time With Pets Provides Benefits for Older Adults
WPA Announces Brand Refresh
The World Pet Association (WPA) recently announced that their brand has been given an overhaul.
The brand refresh, announced at SuperZoo last week, is intended to better align with the needs of retailers.
As part of the refresh, the WPA logo has been redesigned to reflect WPA’s role a a progressive and caring steward of pets and the pet industry. The organization’s vision and mission statements were also revised to better reflect its values.
The WPA also indicated that they would be refocusing their efforts around four key pillars:
Representatives of the WPA stated they they would strengthen partnerships with organizations like the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) to advance legislative efforts as well as the the promotion of responsible pet ownership and pet-friendly housing and workplaces.
Source: WPA Refreshes Brand
APPA’s New Pets Add Life Video Goes Viral
A new video from the American Pet Products Association’s (APPA) Pets Add Life (PAL) campaign has gone viral, netting over one million views since its debut last month.
The video, a send-up of the television program “Cheaters,” depicts a dog who suspects his owner has been spending time with another dog behind his back. Viewers follow the exploits of an investigative team dispatched to surveil the owner in an attempt to catch them in the act.
Founded by APPA, PAL is a nonprofit campaign dedicated to sharing information about how pet ownership benefits animals and people alike. PAL’s mission is to increase awareness of the bonds and other rewards associated with pets of all types. Primarily through social media with videos, contests and engaging content, PAL spreads the joys of pets and aims to deliver key messages about the human-animal bond, responsible pet ownership, pet acquisition, and health benefits of pets.
Source: APPA’s Pets Add Life Video Goes Viral