A new study suggests that overweight dogs are more likely to live shorter lives than those with body weights closer to ideal.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare’s Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, compared the lifespans of overweight dogs with those of dogs with ideal weights. The researchers found that overweight dogs lived an average of 2.5 years shorter than their lighter counterparts. The effects were seen across a sample of over 50,000 dogs and 12 breeds.
The results of the study come amid a pet obesity epidemic. Within the United States, more than half of domestic cats and dogs are overweight. What’s more, 20% of dogs and 30% of cats are obese.
“Owners are often unaware that their dog is overweight, and many may not realize the impact that it can have on health. What they may not know is that, if their beloved pet is too heavy, they are more likely to suffer from other problems such as joint disease, breathing issues, and certain types of cancer, as well as having a poorer quality of life. These health and wellbeing issues can significantly impact how long they live.”
— Alex German, Professor of Small Animal Medicine, University of Liverpool
The meeting, which took placed last month in Busan, South Korea, was convened to revise the Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance, a document which provides best practices for the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The AVMA was invited to provide a voice for veterinary practitioners — including its 91,000 members.
Survivors of domestic abuse and their pets have new protections in place thanks to a piece of legislation tucked away in the $867 billion Farm Bill signed into law late last month.
The Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act was drafted to protect “victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by acts of violence or threats of violence against their pets” by setting aside $3 million in federal funds to cover costs associated with keeping pets at alternative housing for domestic abuse survivors.
Along with the provisioning of funds, the PAWS Act also expands the federal definition of stalking to explicitly include pets. Under the new definition, stalking now includes “conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet.”
“Sadly, one in four women will experience domestic violence at some point in their lives. Pets often become a member of the family, and the idea of leaving a beloved pet behind in a dangerous situation is unthinkable. By ensuring that people experiencing domestic abuse don’t have to make the decision between finding safety for themselves or staying behind to protect their pet, we can empower survivors to seek help.”
— Katherine Clark, United States Representative (D-MA)
For many domestic abuse survivors, the decision to leave dangerous living situations has been a decision between seeking safety for themselves and condemning their pets to harm or death. Many shelters for survivors of domestic abuse do not accept pets, leaving those staying there to find alternative arrangements for their pets, if any at all. Consequently, one third of domestic abuse survivors report delaying leaving their abusive situations over concerns for the welfare of their pets.
With the PAWS Act now signed into law, survivors of domestic abuse and their pets will have more protections in place and more options available when it comes to finding safe places to stay.
The Pets and Vets program trains rescue dogs to become service animals that are then provided to qualifying veterans. Rescued dogs who enter the program are provided with training for obedience, public access, and to perform specific tasks. Veterans who are paired with dogs through the program receive the dog at no expense.
Purina’s contribution to the Pets and Vets program was made possible through Purina’s #DogThanking campaign, which ran concurrently with the National Dog Show and Thanksgiving. During the campaign, Purina donated one dollar for every pet owners who posted to social media using the #DogThanking hashtag and who tagged @Purina.
“The #DogThanking campaign was an engaging way for pet lovers to thank the pets that make our lives so special while making a difference in the lives of many veterans and shelter dogs. We are grateful to Purina for selecting us as their partner to raise awareness and funds for this unique program. This donation helps us rescue more dogs and serve more veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and other challenges – truly saving lives at both ends of the leash.”
— Tony La Russa, Co-founder, Animal Rescue Foundation
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2018-12-20 11:49:522019-02-18 13:50:00Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation's Pets and Vets Program Receives Purina Support
Petco and Express Scripts recently announced a new partnership that allows pet owners to order their pets’ medications over the Internet and have them delivered directly to their homes.
Under the new alliance, Petco has launched Petco Pharmacy, a new online service for ordering over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pet medications. Petco Pharmacy has been developed to take advantage of Express Scripts’ fulfillment systems to ensure that pets’ medication orders arrive quickly and accurately.
“Working with Petco is another step forward for Express Scripts in providing better care, cost and convenience to millions of Americans, many of whom are also pet parents. By combining Petco’s history, expertise and extensive reach in pet retail with our innovative home delivery capabilities, we’re transforming the pet medicine industry and making access to critical pet medicines convenient and affordable for more pet parents than ever before.”
— Wendy Barnes, Vice President & General Manager, Consumer Solutions, Express Scripts
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2018-11-28 23:39:162018-12-04 21:42:50Petco Partners with Express Scripts to Launch Pet Medicine Delivery Service
According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, the obesity epidemic widely reported among cats and dogs may extend to other companions animals as well, including birds and reptiles.
In correspondence with Petfood Industry, Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention founder Ernie Ward stated that veterinarians suggest that instances of obesity among exotic animals may be underreported and underdiagnosed. Part of the problem, according to Ward, is that obesity assessment tools are inadequate for most exotic animals. While veterinarians have standardized tools for assessing obesity among cats and dogs, similar standards have not yet been agreed upon for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
“We need better assessment tools and treatment regimens for avian, small mammal and reptile obesity. The first step is to standardize terminology and assessment tools, similar to what we’re doing with the Global Pet Obesity Initiative.”
— Ernie Ward, Founder, the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention
Ward’s statements follow increased pressure for veterinarians to develop comprehensive approaches to combat obesity among pets. At a presentation given during the Future of Animal Companionship Conference last month, University of Liverpool Professor of Small Animal Medicine, Alex German, along with ConscienHealth‘s Ted Kyle made a number of recommendations for veterinarians to adopt to better address pet obesity. Among those recommendations were calls to develop better evidence-based strategies for preventing obesity, to reframe conversations between veterinarians and clients about obesity, and to formally define obesity as a disease.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2018-11-22 06:46:212018-12-05 06:46:53Obesity May be Underreported Among Birds, Reptiles
In an opinion piece published in The Hill, ASPCA CEO Matt Bershadker lauded the USDA’s Office of Inspector General’s recent decision to include an audit of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in its 2019 Annual Plan. According to Bershadker, the decision to conduct an audit is a much needed step following nearly a decade of “major deficiencies” having been observed within APHIS and its enforcement of standards for commercial dog breeders.
Within the United States, animal breeders have been held to standards established by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) since 1966. The USDA’s APHIS is responsible for enforcing the welfare standards set by the AWA. However, a string of recent critical reports and high-profile incidents — including the purging of its breeder inspection database — have cast doubt about the ability of APHIS to carry out its duties. Recently reported drops in the number of disciplinary actions levied against breeders that have violated AWA standards of care have only underscored these doubts.
The ongoing lack of transparency combined with weak enforcement of the minimal standards of care required under the AWA is a tragedy for the long-suffering animals in commercial breeding facilities. A new OIG audit will not only give us more insight into the agency’s shortcomings but will hopefully spur a much-needed elevation of AWA standards of care. Since the law’s enactment over 50 years ago, those standards have too often fallen short of their promise to adequately protect vulnerable animals.
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00sx-adminhttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngsx-admin2018-11-20 18:44:362018-11-20 18:47:35ASPCA Chief Calls for Audit of USDA Dog Breeding Inspection Protocols
APPA pledged $1 million over the next four years to support expansion of the program pairing shelter animals with veterans coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and other service-related challenges. ARF then guides the veteran-dog teams through a 10-month psychiatric support dog training program.
Unlike service-dog programs that cost thousands of dollars and involve long waitlists, ARF’s program operates on shorter timelines and with no out-of-pocket expenses to the veteran. Teams complete service-training curriculum together in small, veteran-only classes, which deepens the bond between the veterans and their dogs.
“ARF’s Pets and Vets program aligns perfectly with APPA’s mission to promote responsible pet ownership, as well as the joys and health benefits associated with owning a pet. We couldn’t think of a better way to give back than to help connect rescued service dogs with men and women who have served our country and can truly benefit from the unconditional love, security, service, and companionship of a dog. The APPA Board and staff are tremendously proud of this new endeavor that will positively impact the lives of countless heroes and their pets for years to come.”
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2018-11-02 11:09:042018-12-05 07:10:05APPA Announces Partnership with ARF’s Pets and Vets Program
A recent study suggests that sleeping alongside a cat or dog may help you wake up feeling more rested.
The study, conducted by a research team at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, involved a survey of 150 patients of the facility’s Center for Sleep Medicine. Among the questions on the survey included those pertaining to sleeping locations, quality of sleep, and whether or not participants allowed their pets to sleep beside them. Of the respondents, 56% reported that they shared their bed or bedroom with their cat or dog. Of those, 41% reported that they believed their pet helped them to sleep better while only 20 percent reported that their pets disrupted their sleep.
The results of the study are particularly interesting when compared to those of a 2014 Mayo Clinic study that found that over half of its sleep clinic patients reported disturbed sleep because of their pets.
So which is it? Do pets in bed improve (human) sleep quality? If so, why would the 2014 findings differ so much? One of the recent study’s researchers has a theory.
“Respondents described feeling secure, content and relaxed when their pet slept nearby. The value of these experiences, although poorly understood, cannot be dismissed because sleep is dependent on a state of physical and mental relaxation.”
https://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.png00Jamie Branthttps://petleadershipcouncil.org/resources/uploads/pet-leadership-council-logo-sm.pngJamie Brant2018-11-01 10:01:092018-12-12 05:01:32Sleeping Alongside a Pet May Improve Sleep Quality
New Study Suggests Overweight Dogs Live Shorter Lives
A new study suggests that overweight dogs are more likely to live shorter lives than those with body weights closer to ideal.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare’s Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, compared the lifespans of overweight dogs with those of dogs with ideal weights. The researchers found that overweight dogs lived an average of 2.5 years shorter than their lighter counterparts. The effects were seen across a sample of over 50,000 dogs and 12 breeds.
The results of the study come amid a pet obesity epidemic. Within the United States, more than half of domestic cats and dogs are overweight. What’s more, 20% of dogs and 30% of cats are obese.
The full results of the study can be found in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine.
Source: Overweight dogs may live shorter lives
AVMA Voices Concerns About Antimicrobial Resistance at Intergovernmental Meeting
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was recently invited by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to send a representative to the Codex Alimentarius Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance, convened by the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health.
The meeting, which took placed last month in Busan, South Korea, was convened to revise the Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance, a document which provides best practices for the use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. The AVMA was invited to provide a voice for veterinary practitioners — including its 91,000 members.
The AVMA has been a strong advocate of policies that promote antimicrobial stewardship and that combat antimicrobial resistance. Last month, it released a joint statement with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) to outline strategies for preserving the effectiveness and availability of antimicrobial drugs. The AVMA also joined the United States Centers for Disease Control‘s (CDC) Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge to fight antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.
Source: AVMA gives practitioners a voice in global meeting on antimicrobial resistance
Passage of PAWS Act Offers Security for Pets of Domestic Abuse Survivors
Survivors of domestic abuse and their pets have new protections in place thanks to a piece of legislation tucked away in the $867 billion Farm Bill signed into law late last month.
The Pets and Women Safety (PAWS) Act was drafted to protect “victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence from emotional and psychological trauma caused by acts of violence or threats of violence against their pets” by setting aside $3 million in federal funds to cover costs associated with keeping pets at alternative housing for domestic abuse survivors.
Along with the provisioning of funds, the PAWS Act also expands the federal definition of stalking to explicitly include pets. Under the new definition, stalking now includes “conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet.”
For many domestic abuse survivors, the decision to leave dangerous living situations has been a decision between seeking safety for themselves and condemning their pets to harm or death. Many shelters for survivors of domestic abuse do not accept pets, leaving those staying there to find alternative arrangements for their pets, if any at all. Consequently, one third of domestic abuse survivors report delaying leaving their abusive situations over concerns for the welfare of their pets.
With the PAWS Act now signed into law, survivors of domestic abuse and their pets will have more protections in place and more options available when it comes to finding safe places to stay.
Source: PAWS Act pulls pets of domestic violence victims into the safety net
Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s Pets and Vets Program Receives Purina Support
Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) announced that it recently received a $25,000 donation from Purina to support its Pets and Vets program.
The Pets and Vets program trains rescue dogs to become service animals that are then provided to qualifying veterans. Rescued dogs who enter the program are provided with training for obedience, public access, and to perform specific tasks. Veterans who are paired with dogs through the program receive the dog at no expense.
Purina’s contribution to the Pets and Vets program was made possible through Purina’s #DogThanking campaign, which ran concurrently with the National Dog Show and Thanksgiving. During the campaign, Purina donated one dollar for every pet owners who posted to social media using the #DogThanking hashtag and who tagged @Purina.
Source: Tony La Russa’s ARF Receives Purina Donation to Support Pets and Vets Program
Petco Partners with Express Scripts to Launch Pet Medicine Delivery Service
Petco and Express Scripts recently announced a new partnership that allows pet owners to order their pets’ medications over the Internet and have them delivered directly to their homes.
Under the new alliance, Petco has launched Petco Pharmacy, a new online service for ordering over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription pet medications. Petco Pharmacy has been developed to take advantage of Express Scripts’ fulfillment systems to ensure that pets’ medication orders arrive quickly and accurately.
Source: Petco and Express Scripts Team Up for Home Delivery of Pet Medicines
Obesity May be Underreported Among Birds, Reptiles
According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, the obesity epidemic widely reported among cats and dogs may extend to other companions animals as well, including birds and reptiles.
In correspondence with Petfood Industry, Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention founder Ernie Ward stated that veterinarians suggest that instances of obesity among exotic animals may be underreported and underdiagnosed. Part of the problem, according to Ward, is that obesity assessment tools are inadequate for most exotic animals. While veterinarians have standardized tools for assessing obesity among cats and dogs, similar standards have not yet been agreed upon for birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Ward’s statements follow increased pressure for veterinarians to develop comprehensive approaches to combat obesity among pets. At a presentation given during the Future of Animal Companionship Conference last month, University of Liverpool Professor of Small Animal Medicine, Alex German, along with ConscienHealth‘s Ted Kyle made a number of recommendations for veterinarians to adopt to better address pet obesity. Among those recommendations were calls to develop better evidence-based strategies for preventing obesity, to reframe conversations between veterinarians and clients about obesity, and to formally define obesity as a disease.
Source: Small pet obesity may be underreported health threat
ASPCA Chief Calls for Audit of USDA Dog Breeding Inspection Protocols
The president and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has called for a thorough audit of the USDA’s dog breeder inspection programs, citing weak enforcement and a lack of transparency.
In an opinion piece published in The Hill, ASPCA CEO Matt Bershadker lauded the USDA’s Office of Inspector General’s recent decision to include an audit of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in its 2019 Annual Plan. According to Bershadker, the decision to conduct an audit is a much needed step following nearly a decade of “major deficiencies” having been observed within APHIS and its enforcement of standards for commercial dog breeders.
Within the United States, animal breeders have been held to standards established by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) since 1966. The USDA’s APHIS is responsible for enforcing the welfare standards set by the AWA. However, a string of recent critical reports and high-profile incidents — including the purging of its breeder inspection database — have cast doubt about the ability of APHIS to carry out its duties. Recently reported drops in the number of disciplinary actions levied against breeders that have violated AWA standards of care have only underscored these doubts.
Source: For suffering animals, a new audit of the USDA can’t happen soon enough
AAHA Updates Standards of Accreditation for 2019
The American Animal Hospital Association has revised its Standards of Accreditation for 2019 to reflect recent changes in recommended best practices in veterinary medicine.
Among the changes made in this most recent revision include:
A detailed list of changes made to the Standards of Accreditation can be found at https://aaha.org/accreditation/whatsnew.
The changes to the AAHA’s Standards of Accreditation will take effect January 1, 2019.
Source: Updates to the AAHA Standards of Accreditation
APPA Announces Partnership with ARF’s Pets and Vets Program
The American Pet Products Association (APPA) Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) announced a new partnership in support of their Pets and Vets Program.
APPA pledged $1 million over the next four years to support expansion of the program pairing shelter animals with veterans coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and other service-related challenges. ARF then guides the veteran-dog teams through a 10-month psychiatric support dog training program.
Unlike service-dog programs that cost thousands of dollars and involve long waitlists, ARF’s program operates on shorter timelines and with no out-of-pocket expenses to the veteran. Teams complete service-training curriculum together in small, veteran-only classes, which deepens the bond between the veterans and their dogs.
For more details about the Pets and Vets program, please visit https://arflife.org/pets-and-vets.
Source: APPA Announces Partnership with ARF’s Pets and Vets Program
Sleeping Alongside a Pet May Improve Sleep Quality
A recent study suggests that sleeping alongside a cat or dog may help you wake up feeling more rested.
The study, conducted by a research team at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, involved a survey of 150 patients of the facility’s Center for Sleep Medicine. Among the questions on the survey included those pertaining to sleeping locations, quality of sleep, and whether or not participants allowed their pets to sleep beside them. Of the respondents, 56% reported that they shared their bed or bedroom with their cat or dog. Of those, 41% reported that they believed their pet helped them to sleep better while only 20 percent reported that their pets disrupted their sleep.
The results of the study are particularly interesting when compared to those of a 2014 Mayo Clinic study that found that over half of its sleep clinic patients reported disturbed sleep because of their pets.
So which is it? Do pets in bed improve (human) sleep quality? If so, why would the 2014 findings differ so much? One of the recent study’s researchers has a theory.
The study’s results have been corroborated by other recent studies, including one published this year by researchers at the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.
Source: Pets in the bedroom may help you sleep better