Archive | Misc. RSS feed for this section

Pet Naming Trends

By on April 24, 2012 in Misc.
VetStreet has taken a thorough look at their records from the the past year, analyzing over 950,000 puppies and 450,000 kittens to determine which pet names were trending last year.  They’ve determined the trendiest names of 2011 are as follows:
Male puppies:
  1. Max
  2. Buddy
  3. Charlie
  4. Rocky
  5. Cooper
  6. Bentley
  7. Bear
  8. Duke
  9. Jack
  10. Buster
Female puppies:
  1. Bella
  2. Daisy
  3. Lucy
  4. Molly
  5. Chloe
  6. Sophie
  7. Sadie
  8. Lola
  9. Maggie
  10. Bailey
Male kittens:
  1. Max
  2. Oliver
  3. Charlie
  4. Tiger
  5. Smokey
  6. Jack
  7. Milo
  8. Simba
  9. Tigger
  10. Kitty
Female kittens:
  1. Bella
  2. Lucy
  3. Kitty
  4. Chloe
  5. Sophie
  6. Lily
  7. Luna
  8. Lilly
  9. Callie
  10. Daisy
They’ve taken it a step further and determined the trendiest pet names over the past 12 years.  The most evident difference in 12 years is the preference of more human names for their pets.  Owners are preferring short and cute names that actually mimic current baby naming conventions.  As pets become more and more a major part of the family, owners are naming them more like they would their own child.
They have also compiled a list of pet names that have been drastically dropping off in popularity.  Some names, like Scooby, no longer hold the same level of prominence in pop culture.  Instead, they are losing out to more topical pop culture references such as Bella from the popular Twilight series.  Unisex non human names like Snowball and Whiskers are being used less in favor of more human sounding, gender-specific names such as Bella and Max.
If your pet’s name didn’t make the trendiest lists, or even made the least trendy list, there’s no shame in that. The name should fit the pet and there’s nothing wrong with being a bit different and unique.  However, it’s not a bad idea to go over all their lists so you’re aware of what other people are naming their pets to see what else is out there.
Comments are closed

Introducing the latest virtual pet: the Japanese i-Puppy

By on April 20, 2012 in Cute!, Dogs, Misc.

While we normally talk about live pets, but we found the Wall Street Journal‘s recent article on the future of virtual robotic pets pretty fascinating. The featured robot dog, which was invented by Bandai Co., is the latest in a series of virtual pet technologies to come out of Japan.  It looks like a hybrid between Bandai’s previous efforts with their Tamagotchi pet combined with robotic functionality of something like Sony’s Aibo robotic dog. However, the Aibo dog cost thousands of dollars upon its release.  This new Smart Pet on the other hand will start at Y7,800 yen, or roughly $95 USD, assuming you already own an iPhone to serve as the brains of the pet.

By downloading the Smart Pet app onto your iPhone or iPod touch and inserting it into the robot dog body it becomes a fully interactive pet.  It can then perform over 100 tricks and requires you to take care of it as if it were a real pet.  There is are a large number of built in mood-related facial expressions. Using the built in camera and mic of the iPhone, Smart Pets will come when you beckon, perform tricks on command, and even recognize its owner.  It is capable of walking, dancing, and singing.  On top of that it can do things a real dog couldn’t do, such as charging your iPhone, snapping photos, recording videos, serving as an alarm clock, or turning into a hands free phone set.

Although the bond between people and their pets can’t fully be replicated, it’s no secret that real pets can be an enormous amount of work and a long term commitment.  Perhaps the Smart Pets can be used as a tool to teach first time pet owners or young children whether they are up for the challenge of making the major life decision of becoming a real pet owner.  Or it might just be a fun distraction.

The Smart Pets have been set for a Japanese release date of April 28th but there’s no information yet pertaining to their release in the US.  However, it might be an indicator of what’s to come.

Comments are closed

Don’t Buy Live Animals For Easter Baskets

By on April 5, 2012 in holidays, Misc., Pet Videos
The Humane Society is urging people not to buy animals for Easter.  It is an unfortunate yet common occurrence where people are including pets associated with Easter, such as chicks and rabbits, in Easter baskets.  Every year there is a surge of unwanted Easter pets that are given to shelters following the holiday, many of which are euthanized due to lack of available homes. Sometimes it was an impulsive purchase where the novelty wears off, other times the family did not accurately asses the costs associated with adding another member to their family.
Like any pet, there is much responsibility that comes along with ownership.  Large specialized cages are necessary since both chicks and bunnies require ample exercise areas, not to mention lots of attention, vaccinations and veterinary care.  Many underestimate the amount of work and care associated with owning these pets.  For instance, rabbits can live for well over 10 years and can be just as much work as owning a dog or a cat.  Another factor to consider is that selling chicks and owning chickens as pets is actually illegal in many states.

Instead, if you must have an animal for that Easter basket, the Humane Society is urging people to purchase plush toy animals or animal shaped chocolate instead. And if you are looking for a pet, it’s best to do a little research first to learn about the associated costs and responsibilities and to think through lifestyle issues to ensure that you get the right pet match for you and your family. And we recommend checking out your local shelter where many a fine pet is just waiting to find a good home!
Comments are closed

The Elephant in the Living Room

By on April 18, 2011 in Misc., Wildlife

There’s an animal movie that is hitting theaters this April, and it is making  a huge buzz and getting rave reviews.  The Elephant in the Living Room is a feature-length documentary about exotic wild animal ownership in the U.S. and the surrounding controversies. Don’t let that word “documentary” deter you – the film has won awards from the Humane Society and the American Film Institute.

The film’s website offers this description: “…a documentary film about the controversial American subculture of raising the most dangerous animals in the world as common household pets.  Director Michael Webber follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue.  One, Tim Harrison, a man whose mission is to protect exotic animals and the public, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep his two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.”

Here’s the film trailer:

Here are some reactions from early filmgoers:

As a pet blog, we mostly deal with cats, dogs, and an occasional small animal. But we’ve gone on record to try discourage people from bringing exotic or wild animals into the home. It’s often illegal, it’s unfair to the animals, and it is dangerous for the pet owners and — all too often — members of the community at large. We look forward to seeing this film and hope it will spark more dialogue on the issue.

Comments are closed

Pets by the numbers: stats & figures

By on April 8, 2011 in Misc., People & Pets

Pet ownership is on the rise, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).  According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 millions homes. This is up from 56% of all households, as reported in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted.

In terms of households, dogs prove the most popular pets, at 46.3 million, followed by cats at 38.9 million. But many households have more than one pet, so in terms of sheer numbers, cats top the list at 86.4 million pets, vs. 78.2 million dogs. The survey also has statistics about fish, birds, reptiles, small animals, and equines.

According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for dog and cat owners in dollars include:

Annual expenses – Dogs / Cats
Surgical Vet Visits – $407 / $425
Routine Vet – $248 / $219
Food – $254 / $220
Kennel Boarding – $274 / $166
Vitamins – $95 / $43
Travel Expenses – $78 / $48
Groomer/Grooming Aids – $73 / $34
Food Treats – $70 / $41
Toys – $43 / $21

There’s a lot of other interesting information in the report, including more information about pet numbers, pet costs, and trends about pet products.

Health benefits of owning a pet

We particularly liked the wrap-up of studies and reports on the health benefits of owning a pet which the APPA included in their report, and are reposting them here:

  • Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure – A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
  • Pets Help to Reduce Stress – Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
  • Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease – Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
  • Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs – People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
  • Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets – help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

For more about the health benefits of pet ownership, see the APPA’s Pets Add Life (or PAL) campaign.

Comments are closed

Pet Census

By on November 2, 2010 in Misc., People & Pets

Menagerie

Wondering what the most popular pets are and how many people own them? The American Pet Products Association’s 2009/2010 survey reports that 71,4 million homes or 62% of all US households include a pet. This is up from 56% of all households in 1988, the first year of the survey. Here are some other stats from the survey:

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions)

Dog 45.6
Cat 38.2
Freshwater Fish 13.3
Bird 6.0
Small Animal 5.3
Reptile 4.7
Equine 3.9
Saltwater Fish 0.7

Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)

Freshwater Fish 171.7
Cat 93.6
Dog 77.5
Small Animal 15.9
Bird 15.0
Reptile 13.6
Equine 13.3
Saltwater Fish 11.2

Basic annual expenses for dog and cat owners in dollars

Basic Annual Expenditures – Dogs / Cats
Surgical Vet Visits – $532 / $278
Food – $229 / $203
Kennel Boarding – $273 / $255
Routine Vet – $225 / $203
Groomer/Grooming – $66 / $22
Vitamins – $61 / $28
Food Treats – $64 / $37
Toys – $40 / $19

Comments are closed

Green tips for pet owners

By on July 27, 2010 in Misc., Pet Health, Pet Safety

going-green

In our news feed today, we see that Veterinarian Roger Smith of the Animal Medical Center has written some great tips on  how to be an environmentally friendly pet owner, which appears in The Star Press. We especially like his first tip of starting with a “recycled” pet by adopting from a shelter or rescue group. His other tips on waste disposal, dog treats, toys, and other matters, are well worth a read too.

More great environmentally friendly tips for your pets:

ASPCA’s Go Green for Pets has more suggestions for how pet owners can protect the environment – many that may not be quite as obvious, such as donating older bedding, towels, leashes, pet toys and litter boxes to your local shelter next time you clean your closet, and taking off your shoes while at home to avoid tracking in pesticides, fungicides and dirt that might harm your pets.

The Sierra Club’s Tips to Turn Your Pet into a Greenie offers suggestions for dinnertime and playtime, as well as tips for creating an overall healthy environment for your pets.

PlanetGreen’s Top Green Pet Tips offer a wide range of suggestions on everything from using natural foods and products to baking your own food and composting waste.

Comments are closed

Pet food banks and money saving tips

By on April 14, 2010 in Misc., Pet Health

The economy has been tough on a lot of folks – some people are having trouble affording the upkeep of their pets. Shelters report a record number of abandoned pets. Here’s a good article with some pet resources: Money Saving Tips for Pet Owners – 5 Smart Things You Can Do

Also, Katie Couric reports that pet food banks are springing up around the country and can be a resource for pet owners who are suffering financial pressure due to job loss, foreclosure or other economy-related problems.


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Comments are closed

Naming your pet

By on September 9, 2009 in Misc.

Sometimes a pet name just comes to you right away because the pet has a prominent physical, behavior or personality characteristic that asserts itself. But it’s OK to stick with “puppy” or “kitty” for awhile until you see a bit of your pet’s personality and can choose a name accordingly.

Short names are good because they are easy to call out and easy for the pet to recognize, but you can always choose a longer name and shorten it to a nickname for day-to-day use. For example, we knew a poodle that was named Georges Pompidou after a former president of France, but the dog was called “Pompy” for short.

Here are a few naming ideas:

  • Choose a favorite fictional character in a book, a film, a cartoon, a TV show. Cisco Kid. Yogi. Gidget. Bambi. Hamlet. Sherlock. Popeye. Skywalker.
  • Choose a real-life celebrity such as a musician, a sports player, or a film star. Elvis. Shaq. Brando. Cher. Whoopi. Babe Ruth. Oprah.
  • Choose a historical figure. Darwin. Caesar. Cleopatra. Ulysses. Cicero. Shakespeare. Napoleon. Socrates. Geronimo. Dante.
  • Choose a favorite place name, real or fictional. Shangrila, Paris, Tallahassee, Phoenix. Montana.
  • Choose a name from mythology or from the bible. Moses, Hercules, Samson, Delilah, Jupiter, Cassandra.
  • Choose an artist’s name: Picasso. VanGogh. O’Keefe. Frida. Michaelangelo.

Here are a few naming sites that might help:

Bow Wow Meow offers thousands of pet names, meanings, and rating to help you choose a pet name with personality.

Behind the Name – a website for learning about all aspects of given names. Its scope is broad: all given names from all cultures and periods are eligible to be included in the main name database. Names from mythology and fiction are also eligible. There are currently 16399 names in the database.

The comprehensive bunny name list – Over 4200 suggested names. The site offers this warning: Use of this list to obtain names for kitties, puppies, gerbils, hamsters, or other fuzzy pets is an abuse of this service and will not be tolerated.

Cat Names – Searchable database and list of over 5000 unique cat names with meanings including categories like siamese cat names, female cat names, male cat names and many more.

Dog Names – Searchable database and list of over 6000 popular dog names with meanings including categories such as female dog names, male dog names, german dog names and many more.

Comments are closed

Parents – Resist the “G-Force” – just say no to guinea pig pets

By on July 22, 2009 in Misc., Pet Selection

Some call it the “101 Dalmatian Syndrome” – every time a popular movie features cute, funny, or cuddly animals, there is a public stampede to acquire those animals. But impulse pet buys inevitably lead to problems – many who make a spur-of-the-minute animal purchase later have a change of heart when they learn the realities of pet care and the pets end up abandoned or delivered to shelters.

With the Disney film G-Force featuring a squad of “specially trained” animated talking spy guinea pigs, animal rescue groups everywhere are braced for problems. Experts issue a plea to parents: be ready for and just say no to guinea pigs when the inevitable pleas from kids ensue. Not only are the animals too fragile for young children, they aren’t anything like they are portrayed in the film:

“In “G-Force,” … Agents Juarez, Darwin and Blaster drive cars, parachute, use blowtorches, swim, talk, walk on two legs, live in tanks with mice and rats and use hamster balls, Lyn Zantow, a volunteer for the Orange County group, warns on her Web site.

In real life, guinea pigs are noisy, eat and poop all the time, require big and clean cages, don’t swim and can be expensive to care for if they get sick, she said, adding that they should be kept out of the hands of young children.”

About 800,000 homes have guinea pigs as pets. Despite some of the drawbacks delineated above, they can be charming and personable pets for adults and older children – but they aren’t for everyone. They live for 5 to 7 years, so it is a long-term pet commitment. Making an impulsive purchase based on a cute factor triggered by a Hollywood movie isn’t a good basis for bringing a pet into your home. Experts suggest that a toy guinea pig is a better solution for young kids.

Comments are closed
← Older posts