Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 18 Companion Animals

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Chapter 18

Companion Animals


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


Some Types of Pets• Dogs• Cats• Rabbits• Guinea pigs

• Horses• Ferrets• Reptiles• Fish


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


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


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


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


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)


Service Animals (continued)

• Hippotherapy– Therapy with horses for people with physical and mental disabilities

– Promotes balance, posture, coordination, strength, muscle flexibility, and confidence


Disease• There are 30 varieties of pet-borne illnesses (zoonoses)

• Zoonoses can be transmitted from animal to human; for example,– Rabies– Roundworm– Toxoplasmosis– Ringworm


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


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

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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Chapter 18 Companion Animals