Monday, October 27, 2008
Economy and 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
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New Innovations in Technology
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
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
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