Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 18 Companion Animals
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Part of Agriculture Industry? YES! Pets offer emotional value to many people as a friend or a companion Almost 60 percent of United States households have at least one pet
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Some Types of Pets Dogs Cats Rabbits Guinea pigs Horses Ferrets Reptiles Fish
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Most Popular in United States Households Dogs and cats are able to express themselves to their owners 60 million cats—many cat owners have multiple cats 52 million dogs—dogs are found in more households
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Most Popular in United States Households (continued) Reptiles are the fastest growing category of pet (7 million pet reptiles in the United States)—clean, odorless, can be house- trained
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Health Benefits Pets contribute to the physical and mental well-being of their owners Uncomplicated relationships with pets are beneficial to humans Pets help calm hyperactive children, and they help shy children to open up
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Health Benefits (continued) Pets help sick people feel better faster Pet owners have fewer minor health problems Pets provide companionship to the elderly by helping them feel needed and valued
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Service Animals Assistance Dogs –Allow people with disabilities to have more mobility and independence –Trained for the needs of different owners (blind, deaf, spinal injuries)
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Service Animals (continued) Hippotherapy –Therapy with horses for people with physical and mental disabilities –Promotes balance, posture, coordination, strength, muscle flexibility, and confidence
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Disease There are 30 varieties of pet-borne illnesses (zoonoses) Zoonoses can be transmitted from animal to human; for example, –Rabies –Roundworm –Toxoplasmosis –Ringworm
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Industry Americans spend over $20 billion per year on pets. Dog and cat food account for $8 billion. Pet food utilizes human food industry surpluses and by-products Pet accessories are a big part of the industry
Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Health Care for Pets Medical care is highly technical and many new procedures are perfected on animals Preventive measures are important (vaccinations, dental exams) Obesity is the most common problem in dogs and cats Spaying and neutering can help with overpopulation problems