Park Hill Vet: In Praise Of Pet Owners
Cheers To Doing Great Things For Your Pets
By Margot Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ
For the GPHN
As we start a new year, I want to acknowledge all the good things that owners do with and for their pets.
As veterinarians, we sometimes get caught up in all the things that are not being done for patients by owners. No one is perfect — owner or veterinarian. But, daily, we see owners who not just love their pets. They adore them, see them as family and strive to take the best care they can.
We have a special relationship with our pets. We treasure them, and they give so much unconditional love in a conditional world.
Unconditional spending also is a huge part of our pet ownership in the U.S. The dollars spent by pet owners have markedly increased since 2019. That reflects a continued growth in pet ownership — there are now 89.7 million dogs and 73.8 million cats in U.S. households.
The American Pet Products Association reports that more than $150 billion was spent on pets in 2024, compared to the $95-plus billion spent five years earlier. The 2024 breakdown of pet spending includes $66.9 billion for pet food and treats and $39.1 billion for veterinary care (including prescription medications). Other supplies, supplements, toys and services (including pet insurance, training, grooming, dog walkers, etc.) added up to $44.6 billion.
Reflected in the growth of those giant numbers is the increased cost of pet care in all areas, including veterinary care. In the veterinary industry, we feel both the positives and negatives of post-pandemic economic changes. Prices have increased for everything that we need as pet and business owners.
But make sure that you don’t skimp on preventive care, as that is the key that avoids some high-cost emergency care. Remember that your pet needs their veterinary preventive care exams every year until they are seven years old and twice after that, when they become senior pets. And, when someone isn’t feeling good for more than 24 hours, please don’t wait three more days to get them in to see their veterinarian.
Here’s a few things you can do to be the best pet owner:
• Take to heart that calories can be controlled and that a pet will be healthier with a little weight loss to reduce health care issues and preserve longevity.
• Brushing teeth or starting any daily home dental care keeps pets’ teeth and mouth healthier. They’ll have fresher breath and be able to have longer time between professional veterinary dental cleanings.
• Training and behavior modification: Obedience training and good socialization keep our pups in homes and out of shelters. Training might even lead to discovering that your pup has amazing skills at nose work, agility or fly ball. Let’s decrease the number of dogs euthanized annually due to misbehavior.
• Purchasing pet health insurance for young cats and dogs to maximize pet health care dollars and allow for a cushion for unexpected emergencies.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www.parkhillvet.com.