What Are Americans Spending on Their Pets?

People are increasingly considering their pets as part of the family. Pets are often given treats, gifts, toys, and home-prepared meals. Are pets really becoming part of the family though? A Nielsen survey conducted by Harris Poll showed that 95% of American pet owners consider their pets to be family members. 
 

In 2014, $19.7 billion USD was spent on pet care by Americans. Millennials and Gen X are most likely to have a pet and spend the most money on it. Dogs are the most common pet (71% of pet owners have at least one) followed by cats (49 of pet owners have at least one). 11% of pet owners have fish, 8% have a bird, and 9% have a different animal.

Pet owners are wiling to pay a fair amount on pet food fueling a multi-billion dollar industry.

Pet owners spend money on much more than food. 45% of pet owners buy birthday presents for their pets and 64% buy holiday gifts. The most common gifts are general toys, chew toys, and tug toys. Owners are also willing to buy clothes for their pets. 

While spending on non-food items is high, it is not yet high enough to fuel a multi-billion dollar industry.

Medical costs also add up. Americans spent $389 million USD on medicines, $19.2 million USD on treatments, and $379.1 million USD on flea and tick products.

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Nylabone Recalls Puppy Starter Kit due to Salmonella

Nylabone Products has recalled one lot of their 1.69oz Puppy Starter Kit dog chews. The chews have potential Salmonella contamination. The potentially affected product is from Lot #21935, UPC 0-18214-81291-3, expiry 3/22/18. The Puppy Starter Kits were sold in Canada through an online mail order facility. Any consumers that have the potentially contaminated product should discontinue use and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone with questions may call 1-877-273-7527.

Salmonella poses a risk to animals and humans. People infected by Salmonella may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. The FDA recommends that purchasers of the 1.69oz Puppy Starter Kit dog chews with symptoms should contact their healthcare providers.

Animals with Salmonella infection may have diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. Some pets will only experience decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Pets that are healthy in appearance may be carriers of Salmonella and can pass it on to other people and animals. According to the FDA, any animal that has consumed the potentially affected product should contact their veterinarian.

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Vets Plus Introduces Veterinarian-Formulated Dog and Cat Treats and Supplements

Vets Plus Inc. has introduced a new line of veterinarian-formulated dog and cat treats. These treats can be found under the names Smart Fido USA and Smart Kitty USA. The treats are free of gluten, grains, soy, and artificial flavours.

“Pet specialty shoppers want science and quality in the products they choose for their pets,” said Dale Metz, Director of Companion Animal Business unit at Vets Plus Inc. “Smart Fido USA and Smart Kitty USA products are formulated to meet these expectations with a solid basis in science and a list of high-quality ingredients that doesn’t include soy, gluten or artificial colors and flavours.”

Smart Fido USA is now offering jerky treats in several flavours, all of which include real Wisconsin cheese. Several supplements are offered including formulas for joints, calming, skin and coat, daily supplementation, and a probiotic.

Smart Kitty USA has a supplement line designed to support cats with several common health concerns including hairball management, l-lysine, and urinary tract health.

All Smart Fido USA and Smart Kitty USA products are produced in the USA by a manufacturer with Safe Quality Food, Level 3 certification. The products also wear the National Animal Supplement Council Quality Seal.

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