A couple of blogs back I talked about how the current state of the economy was affecting many different things like interest rates, the housing market, gas prices, etc. But how exactly is it affecting the animal industry?
Since people are tight with money right now, one major idea that they are succeeding in is preparing and sticking to a budget. People are watching what they spend and this means cutting back on some of the luxuries like new toys, collars, grooming, and even vet visits for their pet. True, vet visits shouldn't be a luxury but when it comes to either paying the electric bill or getting fluffy his shots, people are choosing electric. One suggestion on about.com to cope with the high cost economy right now says to cut out what you don't need in the budget. It talks about getting too many hair cuts and losing the gym membership. But for people that don't have any extra payments beside their pet, they are cutting their pet out of the budget.
The APPA (American Pet Products Association) is even commenting on the impact on the pet industry due to the recent economy. It says because of gas prices, people are not running out every time they need an item or two. They are taking trips in one load at one store. So for people to stop by a pet store, they will have to have a whole list of items that they need. However, the website goes on to say, that because shopping at pet stores has gone down, different stores like convenience and grocery stores are now carrying more pet products which forces the pet stores to compete with their prices. According to Bob Vetere at the APPA blog website, he is confident that even though the pet industry will change, it will continue to strive in today's economy because Americans do feel that pets are a part of the family.
Only time will be able to tell which way the economy is going to take the pet industry. Some people might choose to space out groomings and skip a year of vaccinations because it is needed to pay the bills or some people might be able to fit their pet into their budget and cut out something else. Either way, the current state of the economy is changing the animal industry in a way that could be permanent.
Websites:
http://moneyfor20s.about.com/od/budgeting/a/inflationbudget.htm
http://appma.typepad.com/pet_industry_insight/2008/05/pet-industry-in.html
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New Innovations in Technology
The animal industry is not just growing because of advertisements, television shows, and adoption fairs, as mentioned before, but it is also growing because of the new technologies that are being made for veterinarians. Many owners of pets, big and small, were sometimes reluctant in taking their pet to the vet because of fear of pain and stress on their animal. True, a trip to the doctor can be stressful for animals of any kind but if procedures are needed besides simple exams and vaccinations, the stress has greatly been reduced as well as recovery time after surgery. Owners are now set more at ease on the safety of their pet during medical procedures.
At Park Hills Animal Hospital in Kentucky, new technology is used everyday. For example they use the Med-Rx Scope. This is used to ear problems and perform biopsies of internal organs. Also, they use a radio wave unit for specialized surgeries. This technology results in less pain and discomfort before and after the surgery. Along with the radio wave unit, a digital radiography unit is used for clear, crisper radiographs. All of these new innovations allow the doctors to diagnose and treat pets fast and accurately.
Besides the new technologies that Park Hills Animal Hospital, and many other hospitals use, other technology is used that aids in reducing pain and stress on animals when going to the vet. For example, Middendorf Animal Hospital in Kentucky uses laser technology which is relatively new and requires special training from the doctor. Laser surgery has improved the treatment of many disease states previously treated with a scalpel or electrosurgical unit. The laser provides the surgeon with improved homeostasis while reducing pain and swelling.
On top of Laser surgery, a new type of Laser therapy has been created called MLS therapy which is therapy used for treating pain and inflammation. It has overcome the restrictions of laser therapy used for over 25 years because it has shorter treatment times and long lasting effects. Also, HILT therapy was created on top of MLS therapy to treat more deep seated conditions. It's non toxic and be performed without damaging surrounding tissue. After some sessions, pain from inflammatory conditions can completely be cured.
These new innovations in technology used by many vets has made the experience for animals less painful and less stressful. Now more owners are willing to take their pet to the vet for these reasons which helps the vet and animal industry to grow.
Websites:
http://www.parkhillsanimalhospital.net/home.asp
http://www.celasers.com/
http://www.middendorfanimalhospital.com/
At Park Hills Animal Hospital in Kentucky, new technology is used everyday. For example they use the Med-Rx Scope. This is used to ear problems and perform biopsies of internal organs. Also, they use a radio wave unit for specialized surgeries. This technology results in less pain and discomfort before and after the surgery. Along with the radio wave unit, a digital radiography unit is used for clear, crisper radiographs. All of these new innovations allow the doctors to diagnose and treat pets fast and accurately.
Besides the new technologies that Park Hills Animal Hospital, and many other hospitals use, other technology is used that aids in reducing pain and stress on animals when going to the vet. For example, Middendorf Animal Hospital in Kentucky uses laser technology which is relatively new and requires special training from the doctor. Laser surgery has improved the treatment of many disease states previously treated with a scalpel or electrosurgical unit. The laser provides the surgeon with improved homeostasis while reducing pain and swelling.
On top of Laser surgery, a new type of Laser therapy has been created called MLS therapy which is therapy used for treating pain and inflammation. It has overcome the restrictions of laser therapy used for over 25 years because it has shorter treatment times and long lasting effects. Also, HILT therapy was created on top of MLS therapy to treat more deep seated conditions. It's non toxic and be performed without damaging surrounding tissue. After some sessions, pain from inflammatory conditions can completely be cured.
These new innovations in technology used by many vets has made the experience for animals less painful and less stressful. Now more owners are willing to take their pet to the vet for these reasons which helps the vet and animal industry to grow.
Websites:
http://www.parkhillsanimalhospital.net/home.asp
http://www.celasers.com/
http://www.middendorfanimalhospital.com/
Monday, October 20, 2008
Health and Wellness for Our Pets
In an article entitled, "Economy Booming nationally for animal-related businesses," it focuses on a few of the reasons that the industry for animals is growing so much right now. In 2007 it was estimated that Americans spent over $40.8 billion on pets, which is more than double what they spent less than a decade ago. So why is so much of America's money going into pets?
One reason is that national brands such as Old Navy, Origins, and Harley Davidson have become pet friendly businesses. They have come out with clothes, accessories, and wellness products for pets. These businesses know that the pet industry is a growing one so they are coming out with new products everyday, not just for the two legged mammals, but the four legged as well. When Americans go shopping in stores like these they might pick a little something up for their furry friends.
Another reason the animal industry is growing is the number of animal spas, boutiques, bakeries, and even pooper scoopers that are opening all over America. These kind of stores are predominant in California and Florida, but as this article states, these stores are even opening in Oklahoma and Oregon, and pretty much in every other state in America. The public seems to cling to these types of fancy pet stores because they sell the best of everything from crates, to leashes, and most importantly, food.
Pet owners still love the frilly and fancy clothes made for their pets, but more owners are becoming focused on their pet's health. Many people are eating organic foods today to protect their own health, so they want nothing less for their pet. The boutiques and bakeries mentioned usually carry these types of healthy foods which leads to more purchases that Americans are making for their pets.
Health and wellness for pets is just one more reason that the animal industry is growing. What is great about this reason, is that it doesn't just boost the animal economy, it boosts the health of pets in America.
Check out the article by Sara Ganus:
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32573123_ITM
One reason is that national brands such as Old Navy, Origins, and Harley Davidson have become pet friendly businesses. They have come out with clothes, accessories, and wellness products for pets. These businesses know that the pet industry is a growing one so they are coming out with new products everyday, not just for the two legged mammals, but the four legged as well. When Americans go shopping in stores like these they might pick a little something up for their furry friends.
Another reason the animal industry is growing is the number of animal spas, boutiques, bakeries, and even pooper scoopers that are opening all over America. These kind of stores are predominant in California and Florida, but as this article states, these stores are even opening in Oklahoma and Oregon, and pretty much in every other state in America. The public seems to cling to these types of fancy pet stores because they sell the best of everything from crates, to leashes, and most importantly, food.
Pet owners still love the frilly and fancy clothes made for their pets, but more owners are becoming focused on their pet's health. Many people are eating organic foods today to protect their own health, so they want nothing less for their pet. The boutiques and bakeries mentioned usually carry these types of healthy foods which leads to more purchases that Americans are making for their pets.
Health and wellness for pets is just one more reason that the animal industry is growing. What is great about this reason, is that it doesn't just boost the animal economy, it boosts the health of pets in America.
Check out the article by Sara Ganus:
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-32573123_ITM
Monday, October 13, 2008
Current State of the Economy
I have discussed the booming animal industry, but I would also like to discuss the economy that the animal industry is fighting against.
As it has been noted by many people, the state of the US economy right now is not as great as it could be. There are a number of different factors that are affecting the economy.
As it has been noted by many people, the state of the US economy right now is not as great as it could be. There are a number of different factors that are affecting the economy.
- Unemployment
- Decreasing Value of houses
- The decrease of the dollar
- Health care unaffordable
- College unaffordable
- Wages aren't increasing
- High Gas Prices
The factors that are affecting the economy right now are having a huge impact on our economy. The factors are multiple and all are contributing to the downfall of the economy.
In an article called "How's the economy in your hometown?" it lists a few of these factors that tell the public why their economy might be low currently. It lists that home sales are down in almost every state. This affects those employees of the industry, such as Realtors and construction workers. However, it affects more than those individuals. Homeowners are seeing their interest rates rise, and those that want a house are having a difficult time trying to get a loan. The loans have dried up since the home value itself has decreased.
The unemployment rate has also increased in many towns. This is due to the fact that every one's interest rates and selling rates went up so businesses are having a hard time hiring people. For this same reason, not many people are getting raises either; wages are staying stagnant.
People are literally afraid right now of going under because of their high interest rates, no ability to take out a loan, high health care prices, they can't afford to send their kids to college to better their education, and now on top of everything, people have to worry about how high their gas and heating bill will be in the winter.
With an economy such as we have right now, it should be no surprise that more and more people are struggling to keep themselves above high waters. I just hope that soon a change will be made.
Check out these sites:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2008-03-04-local-differences_N.htm
Friday, October 10, 2008
Hurricanes left more than people homeless
As most people know, there has been quite a bit of destruction along the eastern and southern coasts from raging hurricanes. Everywhere from Hurricane Katrina, to Hurricane Rita, to Hurricane Ike has damaged many homes and businesses and left many people homeless. However, people are not the only ones that were left homeless.
After the hurricanes ripped everything apart, thousands of animals were left to roam the streets, lost, and most likely never to be found by their owner again. These animals ranged from dogs to rabbits to birds.
Hundreds of volunteers from the Humane Society and other rescue organizations were sent to towns hit hardest by the hurricanes to find and gather whatever lost animals they could. For example, one member of the Humane Society, according to the Woodbury Bulletin, was sent from Minnesota all the way to Houston, Texas to help animals in need. He says he does it because it is a rewarding experience to help animals. This is very true, but if it wasn't for volunteers like him, animals everywhere would be wandering around streets, most likely to die from hunger or getting hit by a car.
The newspaper article goes on to report that a total of 119 dogs were found and taken care of in the AHS shelter in Texas. After they are provided and cared for, these dogs will be transferred to five more AHS shelters in the area.
News about the vast numbers of homeless animals from the hurricanes has reached many states all over America. Those affected by this sad story were not just in places that were hit by the hurricanes, but everywhere. The communities that are taking in these homeless hurricane dogs and cats are calling on the help of everyone, everywhere, to adopt so that these animals would be given a second chance.
The critical number of homeless animals because of the recent hurricanes has led animals to once again be in the spotlight. People want to do a good deed, so they run to their local animal shelter to adopt one of these hurricane dogs or cats. This tragedy has once again, helped the animal industry to boom in the last couple of years. True, these dogs and cats had a home before, but they weren't in a spot light that has caused people to go out and adopt animals based on the idea that everyone deserves a second chance. Whether its an animal from the hurricanes or if its just a shelter dog that was purposely surrendered by its family, society has seen that every animal deserves another shot.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Dogs as Fads
There are more than just sad stories and hopeful tales that convince people to adopt or buy a pet. In the media and on different shows, attention is being attracted to dogs and their owners. When one thinks of Paris Hilton, or sees pictures of her in magazines, she is never without her trusty little Chihuahua pal, Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell isn't just a dog to Paris Hilton, she is an accessory. They dress in matching outfits, wear diamonds, and they both seem to like the color pink.
Hilton isn't the only one dressing up her dog and carrying it around in a purse. This year, Animal Planet came out with a show called "Groomer Has It." True, there were some good aspects to this show such as showing the public just how much work it takes to groom a dog or cat if it's not properly taken care of, but many episodes of this show were all about fashion. Which haircut is the best? Which outfit looks best on which dog? Should he have added more color to that dog's hair or perhaps another pink tattoo? I'll admit I watched this show, being a groomer myself, but when I saw the groomers sew cheerleader outfits and walk the dogs down a runway, I had to turn the channel.
However, what Paris Hilton and "Groomer Has It" has done for the animal industry is huge. Because the public want their dog as an accessory, or a doll to dress up, more and more animals are getting adopted which means more trips to a groomer, more dog treats are being bought, more exams given at the veterinarian, and of course, more dog obedience trainers are being called to action.
Two shows that feature obedience trainers are "The Dog Whisperer" on National Geographic and "It's Me or the Dog" on Animal Planet; two popular shows which take these dogs used as accessories and turn them into loving, playful, obedient animals. These shows are not only entertaining but they also give watchers a sense of, "Hey, I could do that!" Some people are no longer fearing getting a dog because of growling and messes on the floor because they are getting tips on how to handle the problems. Therefore, more people are apt to adopt or buy an animal, which once again helps the animal industry to grow.
Although a bit ridiculous, shows such as "Groomer Has It" and "It's Me or the Dog" really help draw attention to animals in need by introducing care for pets and adoption need for pets. Each hair dyed on each poodles head, and each dog tamed by the dog whisperer, is just one more dog that recieves a home, and one more dollar in the animal industry.
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