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.
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.
Idaho recently unveiled a new license plate design for motorists who want to put their pet-friendliness on display — and on their vehicles.
The new plate design was made available following the passage of Idaho House Bill 105. The bill, a pet project of former Idaho state representative Hy Kloc, had been in development for several years before its recent passage. The bill stipulates that all proceed from the sale of the new plates will go into a fund for use by local shelters to provide spay and neutering services.
“I stayed involved with this project when I left the legislature because there’s a serious lack of funding for low-cost spay and neutering. After so many years of work, it’s so rewarding to see this legislation finally take effect. All of the money will go to help the animals who need it the most. That money will make a huge impact in how we deal with increasing animal populations in Idaho. I am so lucky that this bill was the product of a bipartisan effort. I feel very fortunate to have worked with these and other representatives on this project.”
— Hy Kloc, Former Idaho State Representative
For more information about the new pet-friendly plate, including how you can reserve one for yourself, head to the Idaho Transportation Department.
The results are in: The best airline for travelers with pets? Alaska Airlines.
The designation was issued by Upgraded Points, an airline perk review site, which compiled a report of airlines’ pet-friendliness. The report used data from the US Department of Transportation to assess the number of pet-related incidents reported for each airline. These incidents included animal injuries, losses, and deaths that occurred under each airline’s care.
Among the 400,000 animals that traveled on US air carriers in 2018, over a third traveled via Alaska Airlines. Despite the large number of animals that flew with Alaska Airlines, only a single incident occurred under the company’s care.
The results of a new survey suggest that 77% of pet-owning vacationers are planning pet-friendly road trips this summer.
The survey of 2,000 pet-owning travelers, conducted by Orbitz, found that top activities for vacationers include taking selfies at tourist attractions (21%) and visiting dog parks (20% of respondents). The survey also found that pet-owning travelers are willing to spend up to $500 extra to accommodate their pets. Orbitz reports that use of its pet-friendly search filter has increased 40% over last year.
“There’s a road trip for every kind of dog and dog owner. Routes with off-leash parks, hiking trails and open play areas are great for active dogs. More passive dogs might enjoy an urban adventure with dog-friendly hotels and minimal walking.”
— Dan Schachner, Animal Planet On-Air Personality
In response to the survey’s findings, Orbitz has released a series dog-friendly road trip maps featuring routes all across the United States.
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 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
Idahoans Can Now Get Pet-Friendly License Plates
Idaho recently unveiled a new license plate design for motorists who want to put their pet-friendliness on display — and on their vehicles.
The new plate design was made available following the passage of Idaho House Bill 105. The bill, a pet project of former Idaho state representative Hy Kloc, had been in development for several years before its recent passage. The bill stipulates that all proceed from the sale of the new plates will go into a fund for use by local shelters to provide spay and neutering services.
For more information about the new pet-friendly plate, including how you can reserve one for yourself, head to the Idaho Transportation Department.
Source: Pet friendly license plates now available in Idaho
Alaska Airlines Named Best Airline for Pet Travel
The results are in: The best airline for travelers with pets? Alaska Airlines.
The designation was issued by Upgraded Points, an airline perk review site, which compiled a report of airlines’ pet-friendliness. The report used data from the US Department of Transportation to assess the number of pet-related incidents reported for each airline. These incidents included animal injuries, losses, and deaths that occurred under each airline’s care.
Among the 400,000 animals that traveled on US air carriers in 2018, over a third traveled via Alaska Airlines. Despite the large number of animals that flew with Alaska Airlines, only a single incident occurred under the company’s care.
Source: Alaska Airlines named best airline for flying with your pet
New Survey: Most Vacationers Planning a Pet-Friendly Road Trip this Summer
The results of a new survey suggest that 77% of pet-owning vacationers are planning pet-friendly road trips this summer.
The survey of 2,000 pet-owning travelers, conducted by Orbitz, found that top activities for vacationers include taking selfies at tourist attractions (21%) and visiting dog parks (20% of respondents). The survey also found that pet-owning travelers are willing to spend up to $500 extra to accommodate their pets. Orbitz reports that use of its pet-friendly search filter has increased 40% over last year.
In response to the survey’s findings, Orbitz has released a series dog-friendly road trip maps featuring routes all across the United States.
For more insights from the survey, check out the full article on Yahoo! Finance.
Source: Orbitz Travel Survey Shows Three-in-Four Vacationers are Planning a Road Trip for Their Pets this Summer