Anyone who owns a pet knows this. Their well-being does not end with feeding processes, however correct. Care is essential to maintain their health through exercise, medical care, and socialization, necessary to live a happy and healthy life. Getting pets to exercise helps keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated, which can help prevent behavioural problems such as anxiety and aggression.
Regular visits to the vet are important to monitor and identify any problems early. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care are all essential components of veterinary care.
As far as mental stimulation is concerned, spending quality time with pets, playing or engaging in activities that allow them to use their natural instincts help prevent boredom and loneliness. Some games, such as mental activation ones, are oriented precisely in this direction. There are accessories that protect pets. A pet carrier guarantees safety of animals while travelling, protecting them from possible shocks. Kennels provide comfort and can prevent injuries from rough surfaces or extreme temperatures. Harnesses prevent subjects from escaping. Thanks to advances in pet care and the wide variety of products available for pet owners, accessories have become increasingly popular, allowing for better family coexistence.
Dynamic market
The sector of pet care is worth 167 million Euros in Italy, between hygiene and accessories, according to the data of the latest Assalco-Zoomark Report. Further 300 million Euros are spent in the form of functional snacks and treats. Snacks and treats can play an important role in the diet of dogs and cats as well as dental hygiene or food supplementation. Therefore they should be given in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
Most often they are used as positive reinforcement in training. They aid in learning and reinforce good habits. Giving snacks soon becomes a bonding experience and strengthens the relationship with pets.
Chewing on hard snacks makes it easier to remove plaque on their teeth. And breath freshening products have made their appearance on the shelves. In terms of nutritional benefits, they contain vitamin and mineral supplements.
In terms of hygiene, on the market there are numerous varieties of products which, guaranteeing the hygiene of the pet, support domestic coexistence.
These products include shampoos, which help keep the coat clean and soft. Specific for different animal species, there are some for pets with sensitive skin or skin problems. Conditioner, for its part, to be applied after the shampoo, helps to hydrate the coat, keeping it soft and shiny and protecting it from external agents.
Brushing the pet regularly with specific combs, as well as helping to strengthen the bond with the owner, allows removing knots, dead hair, and keep the pet clean. Obviously, scissors and clippers are available on the market, useful for cutting hair evenly.
For immediate cleaning of the coat and skin, between one bath and another, the assortment includes wet wipes, which are also useful – for example in the case of dogs – for cleaning the paws after a walk. There are specific products for cleaning eyes and ears, which are essential for the prevention of infections and the accumulation of earwax. Some species or breeds, in consideration of their physical characteristics, require more specific care – just think of dog breeds with long ears. But these precautions go beyond the two simple worlds of reference dog and cat.
Returning to dental hygiene, beyond functional snacks, the market offers specific products for cleaning the teeth of dogs and cats, such as toothpastes and toothbrushes that can help prevent dental problems, as well as mouthwashes that help prevent the formation of plaque and tartar on dog’s teeth.
Domestic coexistence
Litter boxes deserve an in-depth discussion. A certainly relevant criterion is their absorbent capacity, but on the market there are many proposals with additional characteristics, such as being biodegradable, more or less dusty, and/or perfumed. The silicon crystal litters are specific for cats, while those in recycled paper or vegetable fibres can also be used for birds and small rodents and bunnies. For the latter, there are also straw ones. Although not directly related to the hygiene of the pet, but rather to the needs of the community, dog waste bags have good market rotations.
For domestic coexistence, antiparasitics are becoming increasingly important: on the market there are specific products for the prevention and treatment of fleas and ticks, such as antiparasitic collars, spot-ons, tablets, and sprays. Recently we have observed the development – within the stores of the specialized channel – of the corner dedicated to parapharmacy. In addition to noticing the parallelism with what has happened in recent years in hypermarkets and supermarkets, a counter with specialized dedicated staff aims at creating a similarity with the layout of the pharmacy, suggesting extreme specialization to the owner.
Instinct toys
Toys not only entertain pets, but help them satisfy their natural instincts. They are therefore essential for both health and happiness of pets. Dogs, for example, love to chew on things and providing them with appropriate toys can prevent them from chewing on furniture and other unsuitable items in the home. Moreover, these toys also help pets to vent their energy and not get bored. More generally, dog toys offer numerous benefits such as mental stimulation, development and physical exercise, a source of recreation and entertainment. Among the various types, research games stimulate the hunting and research instinct with a consequent development of cognitive abilities. Sensory games instead stimulate the sense of smell and vision, helping the pet to develop environmental awareness. Skill games support the development of motor coordination. There are games specifically designed to develop jaw muscle strength; others to relieve stress.
Cats are natural hunters, so balls, stuffed animals, and rods help them simulate their hunting instincts. They offer the opportunity to spend their energy in a safe and enjoyable way. In addition, many cat toys contain catnip or other scented attractants that help pique their curiosity. A special mention should go to scratching posts, which are simultaneously an alternative to cat toys, a refuge, and an observation point. They respond to the ethological need to sharpen claws.
Parrots are intelligent creatures who need to be stimulated mentally and physically. Toys can provide them with fun and interactive ways to burn off their energy and get involved. Hanging swings, play gyms, puzzles, pendants, and ladders made especially for them are options for preventing boredom.
Rodents, such as hamsters, ferrets, and guinea pigs, love to play and need toys to exercise and explore their environment. Providing them with tunnels, balls, suspension bridges, and chew toys keeps them healthy. These toys help prevent stress, avoiding potential subsequent health problems.
Finally, offering the right environmental enrichment is essential for fish: the decorations of the aquarium must help make it a comfortable environment and offer hiding places, useful when the fish feel threatened or need to rest.
Functional frivolities…
Often accused of being a frivolity, clothing for pets (especially dogs) responds to specific needs. Some small, short-haired, or older dogs may need protection in cold weather. In case of rain, the use of a waterproof garment avoids washing when returning from each walk. Shoes and clothes can protect dogs from injuries and scratches caused by sharp objects or rocks during walks and excursions. This can also be especially helpful for dogs that play outdoor sports.
Collar or harness?
One of the biggest dilemmas owners face is whether it is more appropriate to choose a collar or a harness for their dog. It being understood that they perform the same function (keep the dog under control when it is out for a walk), the choice is extremely subjective, being based on the individual needs of the dog. The many breeds of dogs differ – even considerably – as for their physical characteristics and have different needs. Not only that: even under equal conditions, similar subjects can have different preferences. It will therefore be the owner who, observing the reactions of his/her dog, will be able to choose the best solution, perhaps suitably advised by professionals.
The bowls – mainly used for dogs, cats and small mammals – are important for pets, because they provide a safe and comfortable container to offer food and water. Choosing the right bowl is essential, because it affects how pets take food.
Automatic dispensers
In recent years vending machines, programmed to distribute food at regular intervals, have become increasingly popular. Available in different shapes and sizes, they can be suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Some are equipped with timers that allow programming the supply of food at certain times of the day, while others have sensors that detect when the pet approaches its mouth to the dispenser and activate supply.
Insurances are on the rise
A rapidly growing service, which could in the future be linked to what is offered by the chains, is the one concerning pet insurance. According to a recent report published by Fortune Business Insight, the global pet insurance market will experience substantial growth over the next 3 years. The total value of pet insurance is expected to reach 11.25 billion dollars by the end of 2026 (+8% annually). A respectable increase, if compared to 6.05 billion in 2018.
For animals living in limited spaces, such as birds and turtles for example – there are drinking-troughs on the market, usually in plastic and of different sizes, in order to adapt to the size of the animal for which they are intended.
The groomer
Owners can also choose to contact a professional for the hygiene of their pets, the groomer. These professionals have extensive experience and knowledge regarding the care and grooming of different pet species, thanks to which they can choose the most suitable products for the care of individual animals, as well as knowing professional cutting and styling techniques.
