Types of Dogs: All Breeds From A-Z

Cats Vs Dogs: Which Pet Is Better For Your Health?

Ten years ago, Elisa Roche had recently recovered from cervical cancer, suffered a miscarriage and had broken up with her boyfriend. "I felt really low," she recalls. Her tonic? She went online and found a litter of puppies in Dorset then travelled by train, in the pouring rain, to take possession of the last one left, a miniature dachshund-chihuahua cross she named Dolly. "I think it is no coincidence that following a miscarriage I opted for a tiny animal who needed looking after," says Roche now.

Today, Roche lives in a contented trio with Dolly and a rescue cat named Wolfie, "a mean b—-rd" who scratched her for the first year Roche owned him but now tolerates her presence – and that of Dolly. "We're a weird wolf pack," she says. "But having the two of them makes for an amusing household." Not only that, she says, but they keep her both sane and healthy: the dog wakes her up in the morning, welcomes her home in the evening, gets her outside for a bit of exercise and in Roche's "cold London flat, she's a handy little hot water bottle". Wolfie, meanwhile, "is a good exercise in patience. There's no forcing him to do anything".

Roche's set-up is the perfect illustration of the benefits of pet ownership – and manages to disprove the argument that one is either a cat or a dog person. But if you really had to choose, which is better for your wellbeing?

Some households successfully combine both types of animal… - Laura Layera/Moment RF

Scientists in Tokyo recently discovered that owning a dog of any breed reduces the risk of older people getting dementia by 40 per cent, as it increases the likelihood of getting out of the house, which leads to more interactions with other people and in turn exercises the brain.

While owners may complain about cold, wet dog walks, they are doing good. A 2017 study published in the journal BMC Public Health examined the influence of dog ownership in older adults. It found that canine owners spent an additional 22 minutes a day walking, taking 2,760 more steps a day, and sat down significantly less. Furthermore, a 2019 paper in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that the odds of a dog owner meeting physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes a week are four times greater than their non-owning counterparts, plus they're more likely to walk even without the dog. Extra exercise has a knock-on positive effect of burning more calories and improved sleep.  "I need to get another dog," one friend told me ruefully this week. "My health is suffering without one – I'm just not taking enough exercise anymore."

Mental health in older adults can also be given a boost by a four-legged friend, as highlighted by a 2019 study from the Aging and Mental Health Journal, which found dogs provided companionship, gave a sense of purpose and meaning, reduced loneliness and increased socialisation.

That was the case for Outi and Brian Hubbard, who got their rescue dog Lily when their daughter moved out – taking her dog with her. "We were faced with a house with no dog bowls and it felt like the soul of our home had been ripped out," says Outi (64). Brian, 66, had recently retired, while Outi was continuing to commute from Hereford to London a couple of days a week. Lily gives Brian company while his wife is away and is a sunny presence. "She sleeps under our bed, and every morning she emerges, tail wagging, so happy to see you – there are no conditions attached." Lily keeps them fit and healthy, getting two long walks a day. The dog's location tracker on her collar has provided an unexpected bonus for Outi: "I can see where Brian is all the time."

Prof Daniel Mills, one of the authors of the 2017 study, agrees. Dog ownership offers "safety, security and consistency", he says. "You can confide in your pet, and know they're not going to let you down."

Dogs have also been found to positively impact children, both when it comes to anxiety levels and blood pressure and heart rates. "It's well recognised that people see pets as members of the family, particularly in Western cultures," says Prof Mills. "Our dog smiles and 'talks' to us when we walk in the door," says my friend Meiken Greenamyre of her pet Orly. "The girls come home and go right to her, especially our youngest. It's her downtime after school. We've always had dogs, and the kids have always gone to them instinctively when they are stressed."

Looking at my own newly acquired puppy – currently chewing up the house while we wait for her to have her last vaccination and be allowed outside – I'm looking forward to being able to take her out for a long walk. But she can also be a cause of anxiety: on day one, she chewed through the ethernet cable, on another, she pooed all over the curtains. She is, however, considerably less stressful than our late cat, who gave my son fleas, got stuck up a tree for two days and eventually disappeared, leaving us all terribly worried, and then devastated when we discovered she'd been run over.

Juno the puppy can be a cause of anxiety

Nevertheless, "cat people" will point to studies that say owning a feline friend beats doggy daycare any day. Researching this article, one friend sent me a picture of her husband looking adoringly at their large cat, Jeremy. Her husband, she says, "has become a fully converted 'cat man'. Some would say clinically obsessed". There's science in their corner too: cats have been found among other things to reduce academic stress in students, have a positive impact on your psychological health, reduce general health issues and improve your kids' lives.

When it comes to cats, however, Prof Mills says it's difficult to generalise, largely because for cat owners, any sort of impact, positive or negative, is more likely to be driven by owner expectation. He cites a 2021 paper he co-authored, My Cat and Me, which identified five distinct forms of cat-owner relationship that sound like monogamy levels on a dating app. They include things like "open relationship", "casual relationship", "remote association" and "friendship". "One group of owners have a very loose relationship [with their cat] and see the cat as an aloof loner, so they have very little expectation," says Prof Mills. "At the other extreme, are those who are very emotionally invested in their animals." The latter will be much more affected mentally, he says, which can in turn affect the physical, so how the relationship with their cat is "going". Cats don't need walking, so don't affect step count or cardiovascular health in the same way as dogs. The most important piece of the puzzle is the individual animal. "You've got to get the right cat for the right person for the relationship to work. If you get the wrong cat, you're going to have problems," says Prof Mills.

Scientific evidence shows that owning either a dog or a cat is beneficial to our wellbeing - Tim Macpherson/Image Source

In short, it's hard to make a clear-cut call on whether a cat or a dog is better for your health. "The one thing that really comes out in our work is when owners' expectations of their pet's behaviour is not met. That is incredibly stressful for them." ("Unsurprising," I think, as I look at the trail of chewed slippers, torn-up cardboard and small poos.) "I can tell you that owning a dog is not necessarily a good thing for your mental health," adds Prof Mills. The more reliant on your pet you are for your wellbeing, the harder it is when things go wrong. As Elena Ratschen, an associate professor in health services research at the University of York, puts it: "It's wonderful to have pets – but important to be aware of the downsides." Having a pet can be expensive – and yes, a dog does require walking, and socialising, and cats and dogs both require vets' visits. The pressures of pet ownership – both physical and mental – can sometimes take over, negating the positive effects, particularly if you're mentally fragile in the first place.

We are regularly reminded at this time of year, "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas". Luckily, however, I'm a stoical sort, and according to Mills: "There's very little to support the idea that pet ownership itself improves your mental wellbeing if you're already quite happy." For anyone else wondering whether to take the plunge, the human-animal bond is not confined merely to cats and dogs. Ratschen points to one large study that found that "people cared as deeply for their dog as their hamsters".

So, no need to decide; just pick the small nocturnal animal that lives in a cage, doesn't need taking for a walk and only has a life expectancy of two years. You'll love it as much as a dog, and that can only be a good thing for your health.

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Pet Care Profits: 3 Stocks Benefitting From The Pet Boom

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Pet care stocks are incredibly effective in diversifying investment portfolios, leveraging the robust growth of the pet care industry. The sector's expansion is evident. In fact, for 65.1 million dog-owning households in the U.S., global pet food sales reached a whopping $133.9 billion. This trend highlights a growing focus on pet nourishment and healthcare. Further, it positions pet care stocks as lucrative bets in the investment landscape.

Also strengthening this investment scenario is the impressive growth of the pet care market. Currently valued at approximately $246.6 billion, the market is on track to grow significantly. Projections suggest it could balloon to $368.8 billion by 2030. This growth trajectory suggests that companies within this sector are poised for sustained prosperity.

So, given these dynamics, the timing seems opportune for investors to consider some of the leading pet care stocks. With the continued expansion of pet care, these stocks offer investors a unique blend of stability and growth potential.

Zoetis (ZTS)

Source: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.Com

Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS), a global leader in animal health, is dedicated to enhancing pet health with innovative products.

A key achievement for the company is Simparica Trio. It's a canine oral treatment effective against sarcoptic and demodectic mange. And, it's now approved in Australia and Canada. This success strengthens ZTS's portfolio and claims of its major products in key global markets.

Financially, Zoetis's performance in its latest quarter underscores its robust position in the market. The company reported a 7% increase in revenue year over year (YOY), totaling $2.2 billion. And, that amount is coupled with a 13% rise in net income to $596 million. Reflecting this strong performance, Zoetis has updated its full-year 2023 revenue guidance to the range of $8.47 billion to $8.55 billion.

Finally, the market is responding positively to Zoetis's progress and financial performance. Analysts from TipRanks assign ZTS stock a strong buy, with an upside potential of 12.8%. This rating reflects investor confidence in Zoetis's ongoing growth and value delivery, making it an appealing investment choice.

Chewy (CHWY)

Source: Chie Inoue / Shutterstock.Com

Chewy (NYSE:CHWY), a leading online retailer of pet products, is broadening its range with innovative items like pet monitoring tools and automatic feeders.

These new offerings are designed to simplify pet care for owners. Further expanding its services, Chewy is launching "Chewy Vet Care" in South Florida next year, with plans for more locations in 2024. Specifically, this initiative will provide comprehensive veterinary services, including routine check-ups, urgent care, and surgeries.

Additionally, Chewy's recent performance indicates a promising future. Despite some challenges, the company reported significant growth in both its top and bottom lines. With net sales reaching $2.74 billion, marking an 8.2% YOY increase, and adjusted EBITDA rising to $82.1 million, Chewy demonstrates a robust financial trajectory. Also, its revenue growth of 12.56% outpaces the sector median of 5.3% by 135.3%, a testament to the company's long-term growth potential.

Freshpet (FRPT)

Source: The Image Party / Shutterstock.Com

Freshpet (NASDAQ:FRPT), renowned for its fresh pet meals in the United States, Canada, and Europe, has experienced a significant turnaround this year.

Overcoming previous challenges, its stock has impressively surged 62% year to date (YTD). This growth demonstrates strong confidence in Freshpet's future, a sentiment echoed by insiders. On August 24, Director Walter N. George notably purchased 1,000 shares of FRPT, signaling bullish optimism over the firm's trajectory.

Recently, the company's financial performance underscores its growing market presence. Freshpet reported a significant 32.6% net sales growth YOY for the third quarter, reaching $200.6 million. The company has efficiently managed input costs and logistics while maintaining high-quality standards, leading to impressive margin improvements.

Furthermore, FRPT boasts a substantial cash reserve of $338 million this quarter. This financial robustness, along with significant growth in volume and market penetration, sets Freshpet on a strong path for future expansion and makes it a standout choice among pet care stocks.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.Com Publishing Guidelines.

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Dear Annie: Vet Reminds Pet Owners To Carefully Consider How Much It Costs To Keep Pets Healthy

Dear Annie: I wanted to make a comment on your recent response to the article, "My husband wants to limit how much we spend on sick pets." Although I wholeheartedly agree with your response to consult with the writer's partner prior to getting an animal, what goes into this consideration is so. Much. More.        

I am a veterinarian, and I frequently am involved in these decision-making conversations. It can be extremely frustrating, to downright heartbreaking, to see when pet parents have not put any forethought into the costs of owning a pet.        

It starts with pet species and breed selection. A bigger dog equals larger doses of medication needed equals higher costs. When purchasing a breed such as a French bulldog, although cute, one must consider the many known genetic health issues. French bulldog owners should plan accordingly for the higher costs of frequent veterinary visits. A high-energy breed pet needs a home where they can have the appropriate amount of exercise. An inactive family in a small apartment should choose a smaller pet that requires less exercise.        

Then comes another consideration -- how much work is an owner willing to do once they adopt a pet? In the time I have been in practice, I've observed a trend of more owners putting less energy into training and socializing their pets, resulting in very anxious and often aggressive situations. One example I can readily think of is the routine pet maintenance of nail trimming.        

And then there is the owner's financial preparation: With the increasing cost of living, veterinary care is also increasing. Yet, I rarely see people being proactive with saving for the cost of veterinary care. With pet insurance becoming widely available, owners should pause to consider how they will cover costs of their pet.

In veterinary medicine, we try to place so much emphasis on preventive care to catch things early while they can be treated, rather than waiting until pets are very sick and then need a lot of expensive testing, extensive treatment and sometimes euthanasia. However, many owners don't plan for any preventive care besides the occasional vaccine.        

One example of this is with dental care. It is so rare that I see owners putting in the effort to brush their pets' teeth. So I see a lot of pets with periodontal disease requiring tooth cleaning and treatment under anesthesia. Some owners will follow my recommendations to manage their pets' dental care annually. Some owners allow their pets to suffer until their pet's dental disease is so severe that they require numerous teeth extractions. Not only is it much more expensive when I am having to pull numerous teeth, but it is also less than ideal for their pets' health!        

This should be a thoughtful and thorough conversation about how families will choose a pet that is appropriate for their lifestyle, budget and how much energy they can realistically commit to caring for their pet. If the reality is that a family can't fulfill the commitment of caring for a pet (and there is no shame in that acknowledgement), then there are numerous ways to still experience the joy of the human/animal bond. One solution would be to volunteer with the local animal shelter, as they are quite often looking for volunteers to foster pets so that the animals can have experience in a "home environment" while they are receiving care in preparation to be adopted. -- DVM        

Dear DVM: Thank you for using your professional experience to help others decide how to make decisions about which pets to adopt and how to care for them. You have a wealth of knowledge -- and commonsense -- that all animal lovers will appreciate. Your patients are very lucky!

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.Com.

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