Despite substantial evidence that pet food ingredients containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, many consumers continue to view them with skepticism.
During this year’s Petfood Forum, Global Nutrition Advisor for Waltham, Richard Butterwick, discussed some of the perceptions — and misconceptions — surrounding GMOs. According to Butterwick, much of consumers’ mistrust of GMOs stems from a history of unsafe products and ingredients (such as trans fats and bisphenol A) having previously been deemed safe combined with a lack of trust in scientists and science in general. Consequently, 65% of consumers claim they would prefer pet foods without GMO-based ingredients.
To respond to consumer demand, many pet food companies have developed GMO-free formulations, despite evidence of any specific benefit to pets from them.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2017-08-03 20:42:192017-08-08 13:25:39GMO Pet Foods Perceived as Unsafe by Pet Owners, Despite Evidence to the Contrary
Pets in the Classroom will be receiving a boost later this year courtesy of the Green Bay Aquarium Society.
The Green Bay Aquarium Society recently announced that its annual Fall Auction will support Pets in the Classroom. The auction is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, 2017, at the Starlite Club in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Doors open for sellers at 9 A.M. while bidding is scheduled to begin at 10:30 A.M. All proceeds from designated auction lots will go toward Pets in the Classroom’s grant programs.
“This is such a great opportunity. We, as a club, feel that it is important to give back to the aquatic community both locally and on the national level. Pets in the Classroom is doing really great work getting kids involved with pets that they might not get to care for at home.”
— John Moyles, President, Green Bay Aquarium Society
Additional information for attendees and sellers can be found here.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2017-08-01 06:28:152017-08-01 05:28:44Wisconsin Aquarium Club to Raise Funds for Pets in the Classroom
According to a new report from Banfield, a third of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight.
The study, conducted by Banfield, sampled animals at Banfield animal hospitals across the United States. The results suggest that pet obesity continues to be a growing problem for both cats and dogs. Compared to just ten years ago, the number of overweight cats and dogs increased by over 150%.
Like their human counterparts, overweight and obese pets are more likely to develop additional health problems, like diabetes and arthritis. Consequently, overweight pets are more likely to require additional veterinary care. Owners of overweight dogs spend 17% more on veterinary expenses while owners of overweight cats spend 36% more.
For additional information on the pet obesity epidemic — and what you can do to keep your pets happy and healthy — visit Banfield’s State of Pet Health microsite.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2017-07-28 22:18:282017-08-01 05:04:29New Report Indicates Pet Obesity on the Rise
(July 26, 2017) — The below statement can be attributed in its entirety to Bob Vetere, president, Pet Leadership Council, regarding the New Jersey Attorney General’s settlement in the Just Pups case.
“As leaders representing the nation’s pet community, the Pet Leadership Council (PLC) applauds this week’s decision by the New Jersey Attorney General to settle the Just Pups case and to prohibit that particular company from further business operations.
“Those of us who work within the pet community recognize our moral and ethical obligation to provide proper care of the animals we raise – and we take it very seriously.
“We agree with the public and with legal and regulatory authorities that strict, swift enforcement was needed, and we are pleased to see this case come to an appropriate conclusion.
“The negligent practices of Just Pups blatantly disregard the rigorous expectations and high standards maintained by the responsible, committed companion animal businesses that work each day to assure the health and well-being of animals and to provide healthy pets for families across the country.
“Compliance with state and federal animal welfare laws and regulations is the responsibility of every pet breeder, distributor and retailer. Many more participate in various customer-based and third-party animal care programs to further assure the well-being of companion animals. Actions like those of the Just Pups owners not only ignore these rules, but also disrespect the dedication of thousands of people in the United States who work tirelessly every day to ensure pets have humane care throughout their lives.
“PLC, along with our stakeholders, will continue to support strong, workable solutions that ensure the health and welfare of pets and maintain a vibrant pet community. That is our responsibility.”
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00sx-adminhttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngsx-admin2017-07-26 19:03:082017-07-26 19:09:11Pet Leadership Council Statement on Just Pups Settlement
A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals differences in pet food purchasing trends across the United States.
The report, “Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the US: Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets,” examines trends in pet ownership and consumer behavior across the United States over the past several years. Among the results, major differences were found between urban and rural pet owners. Pet owners in urban areas were observed to be more likely to believe that their pets had special dietary needs or allergies and sensitivities than their rural counterparts. Urban pet owners were also more likely to believe that their pets suffered from anxiety or stress related issues.
Purchasing behavior differed between urban and rural pet owners as well. Pet owners in urban areas were more likely to purchase pet products over the Internet than rural pet owners. Urban pet owners were also more likely to weigh a company’s philanthropic track record when making purchasing decisions.
One area of common ground? A belief that pets make a positive contribution to our lives. Across lines of geography, age, and ethnicity, over 90% of pet owners believed that pets are beneficial for their physical or mental health.
Interested in other regional differences and similarities? Check out the full report.
PetSafe has teamed up with retailers across the United States to promote the value of proper hydration to pet owners throughout the month of July.
As part of Pet Hydration Month, PetSafe has provided retail partners educational materials for use in stores as well as online. The educational materials include information on how to identify when a dog or cat is dehydrated as well as ways to keep them cool and well-hydrated.
“According to a study PetSafe brand conducted in 2015, 73 percent of pet owners interested in the category researched online and 61 percent visited a pet store to learn more about the product before making a purchase. We want to make it easier for our retail partners to start a conversation with pet owners who visit their stores about proper hydration and our wide array of pet fountains.”
— Sarah Beene, Category Manager, PetSafe Water & Feed Solutions
Researchers at the University of Zurich have uncovered one of the mysteries behind the protections cats provide against allergy and asthma.
The protective effect cats and other animals have on children against asthma and allergies has been established for some time, but the mechanisms behind that effect were not well understood until recently. Microbes present in cats and other animals had previously been identified as agents responsible for the protective effects, but Dr. Remo Frei and a team of researchers from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research at the University of Zurich went deeper. Frei and his team identified a single molecule, N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), that appears to be responsible for the protective effects observed in cats.
Neu5Gc, a form of the sialic acid molecule, appears to play an important role in regulating the immune system’s inflammatory responses — the same ones responsible for the swelling associated with insect bites, injuries, and allergies. While Neu5Gc is produced naturally by most mammals, some species are unable to produce the substance on their own, including humans and many breeds of dog. Because of this, humans are susceptible to more intense immune responses unless they receive Neu5Gc supplements from other sources, such as through exposure to cats.
Among their findings, Frei and his team discovered that Neu5Gc doesn’t reduce the presence of immunoglobin E — the antibodies understood to play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses — but rather that it helps regulatory T-cells — the cells responsible for keeping immune responses in check — inhibit the severity of the reaction.
“Our research results open up opportunities for transferring the protective effect of farms to all children. In this way, we can possibly lay an important foundation stone for effective allergy prevention.”
— Remo Frei, Biologist, Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, University of Zurich
A recent survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing suggests that attitudes toward therapy animals in hospitals is improving.
Among the 750 nurses sampled in the survey, 82% believed animals could help patients be more physically active. 60% believed animals improved physical recovery. Despite the favorable view of therapy animals, many of the respondents reported that their hospitals still held policies that barred animals.
The issue of anti-animal policies held by hospitals continues to be a contentious issue for hospital administrators and staff. Despite evidence that suggests pets and therapy animals can improve outcomes for patients, many hospitals are reluctant to open their doors to animals due to long-standing myths and misconceptions.
Several doctors and nurses have taken it upon themselves to advocate for animal-friendly policies. Among those working to open more hospitals to animals is Amanda Cheesley, a nurse working to establish guidelines to promote best practices and to dispel misconceptions regarding animals in hospitals.
“Hospitals have been very reluctant to allow dogs in, whether it’s about fear of infection or about other patients being frightened. Clearly those things have to be taken into account but it doesn’t seem unreasonable for an elderly lady recovering from a hip operation to be wheeled out to meet her dog, or for him to be brought to her, to say hello.”
— Amanda Cheesley, Professional Lead, Long-Term Conditions, Royal College of Nursing
The popularity of pet-friendly workplace policies has been on the rise for some time now, but just how are those policies perceived today? A survey conducted by Purina in May provides some fresh data on the subject.
The survey, published as part of Purina’s Pets at Work Report, examined the attitudes of over 1,000 American employees regarding pets in the workplace. Among the results,
Employees with pet-friendly workplaces were twice as likely to report being “very satisfied” with their work environment
Employees with pet-friendly workplaces reported pet-friendly policies as being the second biggest work-related perk
One third of employees with non-pet-friendly workplaces wished they could bring their pet to work
63% of employees with pet-friendly workplaces indicated that they would be more enthusiastic about a prospective employer if they had pet-friendly policies
Both the survey and the Pets at Work report are part of Purina’s two-decade-long effort to promote the value of pets in the workplace.
“Pets bring a wealth of benefits — both physical and emotional — to pet owners and their families, so it’s no surprise those same benefits also apply to the workplace and employees. Whether a pet helps provide a calming sense during a challenging situation or encourages employees to take a walk during their lunch break, here at Purina, we experience the benefits of pets at work every day and want others to as well.”
— Kurt Venator, Chief Veterinary Officer, Purina
The report, along with a digital toolkit for employers looking to adopt pet-friendly policies, is available at the Pets at Work website.
Pet Partners, the nation’s leading therapy animal registration and training organization recently received a $50,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its therapy animal program. In addition to the therapy animal program, a portion of the grant will also be used to promote Pet Partners’ new “From Shelter Pet to Therapy Pet” campaign.
“The public awareness campaign set to launch later this year will promote the idea of future therapy animals sitting right under our noses in local shelters and encourage people to consider adopting an animal and sharing that special animal with the community. We are excited about the opportunity to increase support of the important work of therapy animals and truly thank the Petco Foundation for helping to make that possible.”
— Annie Peters, CEO, Pet Partners
The funds from the Petco Foundation were raised in conjunction with Natural Balance as part of their “Helping Heroes” campaign held last year. The campaign recognizes and celebrates the impact that service, therapy and working animals have on the lives of millions of people.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2017-07-04 05:58:462017-07-03 18:13:45Pet Partners Receives Petco Foundation Grant for Therapy Animal Program
GMO Pet Foods Perceived as Unsafe by Pet Owners, Despite Evidence to the Contrary
Despite substantial evidence that pet food ingredients containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are safe, many consumers continue to view them with skepticism.
During this year’s Petfood Forum, Global Nutrition Advisor for Waltham, Richard Butterwick, discussed some of the perceptions — and misconceptions — surrounding GMOs. According to Butterwick, much of consumers’ mistrust of GMOs stems from a history of unsafe products and ingredients (such as trans fats and bisphenol A) having previously been deemed safe combined with a lack of trust in scientists and science in general. Consequently, 65% of consumers claim they would prefer pet foods without GMO-based ingredients.
To respond to consumer demand, many pet food companies have developed GMO-free formulations, despite evidence of any specific benefit to pets from them.
Source: GMO pet foods may be safe, but are rejected by pet owners
Wisconsin Aquarium Club to Raise Funds for Pets in the Classroom
Pets in the Classroom will be receiving a boost later this year courtesy of the Green Bay Aquarium Society.
The Green Bay Aquarium Society recently announced that its annual Fall Auction will support Pets in the Classroom. The auction is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, 2017, at the Starlite Club in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Doors open for sellers at 9 A.M. while bidding is scheduled to begin at 10:30 A.M. All proceeds from designated auction lots will go toward Pets in the Classroom’s grant programs.
Additional information for attendees and sellers can be found here.
Source: Wisconsin Aquarium Club to Hold Fundraising Event for Pets in the Classroom
New Report Indicates Pet Obesity on the Rise
According to a new report from Banfield, a third of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight.
The study, conducted by Banfield, sampled animals at Banfield animal hospitals across the United States. The results suggest that pet obesity continues to be a growing problem for both cats and dogs. Compared to just ten years ago, the number of overweight cats and dogs increased by over 150%.
Like their human counterparts, overweight and obese pets are more likely to develop additional health problems, like diabetes and arthritis. Consequently, overweight pets are more likely to require additional veterinary care. Owners of overweight dogs spend 17% more on veterinary expenses while owners of overweight cats spend 36% more.
For additional information on the pet obesity epidemic — and what you can do to keep your pets happy and healthy — visit Banfield’s State of Pet Health microsite.
Source: This is why your pet might need to go on a diet
Pet Leadership Council Statement on Just Pups Settlement
Media Statement
(July 26, 2017) — The below statement can be attributed in its entirety to Bob Vetere, president, Pet Leadership Council, regarding the New Jersey Attorney General’s settlement in the Just Pups case.
Read more →
Geography of Pet Food Trends Reveals Regional Differences
A recent report from Packaged Facts reveals differences in pet food purchasing trends across the United States.
The report, “Pet Population and Ownership Trends in the US: Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets,” examines trends in pet ownership and consumer behavior across the United States over the past several years. Among the results, major differences were found between urban and rural pet owners. Pet owners in urban areas were observed to be more likely to believe that their pets had special dietary needs or allergies and sensitivities than their rural counterparts. Urban pet owners were also more likely to believe that their pets suffered from anxiety or stress related issues.
Purchasing behavior differed between urban and rural pet owners as well. Pet owners in urban areas were more likely to purchase pet products over the Internet than rural pet owners. Urban pet owners were also more likely to weigh a company’s philanthropic track record when making purchasing decisions.
One area of common ground? A belief that pets make a positive contribution to our lives. Across lines of geography, age, and ethnicity, over 90% of pet owners believed that pets are beneficial for their physical or mental health.
Interested in other regional differences and similarities? Check out the full report.
Source: Packaged Facts studied geography of pet food trends
PetSafe Launches Pet Hydration Campaign
PetSafe has teamed up with retailers across the United States to promote the value of proper hydration to pet owners throughout the month of July.
As part of Pet Hydration Month, PetSafe has provided retail partners educational materials for use in stores as well as online. The educational materials include information on how to identify when a dog or cat is dehydrated as well as ways to keep them cool and well-hydrated.
Source: PetSafe Partners with Retailers to Educate Pet Owners about Proper Hydration
Researchers Uncover Mechanism Behind Allergy-Shielding Effects of Cats
Researchers at the University of Zurich have uncovered one of the mysteries behind the protections cats provide against allergy and asthma.
The protective effect cats and other animals have on children against asthma and allergies has been established for some time, but the mechanisms behind that effect were not well understood until recently. Microbes present in cats and other animals had previously been identified as agents responsible for the protective effects, but Dr. Remo Frei and a team of researchers from the Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research at the University of Zurich went deeper. Frei and his team identified a single molecule, N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), that appears to be responsible for the protective effects observed in cats.
Neu5Gc, a form of the sialic acid molecule, appears to play an important role in regulating the immune system’s inflammatory responses — the same ones responsible for the swelling associated with insect bites, injuries, and allergies. While Neu5Gc is produced naturally by most mammals, some species are unable to produce the substance on their own, including humans and many breeds of dog. Because of this, humans are susceptible to more intense immune responses unless they receive Neu5Gc supplements from other sources, such as through exposure to cats.
Among their findings, Frei and his team discovered that Neu5Gc doesn’t reduce the presence of immunoglobin E — the antibodies understood to play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses — but rather that it helps regulatory T-cells — the cells responsible for keeping immune responses in check — inhibit the severity of the reaction.
The results of the team’s study is available from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Source: How cats and cows protect farm children from asthma
Attitudes Toward Therapy Animals Improving Among Hospital Staff
A recent survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing suggests that attitudes toward therapy animals in hospitals is improving.
Among the 750 nurses sampled in the survey, 82% believed animals could help patients be more physically active. 60% believed animals improved physical recovery. Despite the favorable view of therapy animals, many of the respondents reported that their hospitals still held policies that barred animals.
The issue of anti-animal policies held by hospitals continues to be a contentious issue for hospital administrators and staff. Despite evidence that suggests pets and therapy animals can improve outcomes for patients, many hospitals are reluctant to open their doors to animals due to long-standing myths and misconceptions.
Several doctors and nurses have taken it upon themselves to advocate for animal-friendly policies. Among those working to open more hospitals to animals is Amanda Cheesley, a nurse working to establish guidelines to promote best practices and to dispel misconceptions regarding animals in hospitals.
Source: Should more hospitals allow dogs to visit?
Purina Survey Examines Attitudes Toward Pets in the Workplace
The popularity of pet-friendly workplace policies has been on the rise for some time now, but just how are those policies perceived today? A survey conducted by Purina in May provides some fresh data on the subject.
The survey, published as part of Purina’s Pets at Work Report, examined the attitudes of over 1,000 American employees regarding pets in the workplace. Among the results,
Both the survey and the Pets at Work report are part of Purina’s two-decade-long effort to promote the value of pets in the workplace.
The report, along with a digital toolkit for employers looking to adopt pet-friendly policies, is available at the Pets at Work website.
Source: Purina survey examined value of pets at work
Pet Partners Receives Petco Foundation Grant for Therapy Animal Program
Pet Partners, the nation’s leading therapy animal registration and training organization recently received a $50,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its therapy animal program. In addition to the therapy animal program, a portion of the grant will also be used to promote Pet Partners’ new “From Shelter Pet to Therapy Pet” campaign.
The funds from the Petco Foundation were raised in conjunction with Natural Balance as part of their “Helping Heroes” campaign held last year. The campaign recognizes and celebrates the impact that service, therapy and working animals have on the lives of millions of people.
Source: Pet Partners Receives $50K Grant Investment from Petco Foundation for Therapy Animal Program