(Family Features) For pet parents in the U.S., Valentine’s Day is another chance to shower their pets with love. This Valentine’s Day, animal lovers can show their affection in special ways.

Extra attention and extra playtime may be in store, but Americans are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion this Valentine’s Day, 32% of whom plan to purchase gifts for their pets, according to an annual survey conducted by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

“Dogs are very in tune with their pet parents’ emotions,” said Dr Aziza Glass, expert vet for Freshpet. “Pups are sure to feel the love from the actions and little things pet parents do.”

Consider these vet-recommended ways to show your pets just how much you love them:

• Cook a batch of pet-friendly treats: Since the classic Valentine’s Day gifts of chocolate and candies are out of the question for dogs, homemade treats are a great alternative. Dehydrated veggies and fruit treats are easy options. All you need to do is choose pet-safe fruits and vegetables and bake them for a few hours. Some pet-friendly foods include strawberries (loaded with vitamins C, B1, B6, K and more), cranberries (include antioxidants to help prevent inflammation) and beets (packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals).
• Switch to a fresh, healthy diet: The way to your pet’s heart is often through his or her stomach. One of the best ways you can show your love is by making the switch to fresh food like Freshpet, the leading fresh pet food brand. Freshpet is not only nutritious, but also made with fresh meat and veggies, so it’s great for picky eaters.
• Create sustainable DIY toys: Sure, you can buy your pup a new toy this Valentine’s Day, or you can make your own with items lying around your house. It’s quick and easy to make a crinkle chew toy. If your dog likes that crinkle sound, try covering an empty plastic water bottle with a sock or two. Your dog will go nuts for the sounds it makes when chewing and it’s a green way to reuse before recycling.
• Plan a doggie play date: Socialization is important for everyone – dogs and humans alike. Head to a nearby dog park or plan a play date with some neighborhood friends to get your dog out and playing with others. In addition to providing an excuse to run around with friends, your pup will thank you for it later.

By sharing these thoughtful gestures, dogs will be showering their pet parents with kisses, which triggers endorphins in both dogs and humans, reinforcing the bond between the two even more.

Discover more ways to show your pets some love by visiting Freshpet.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Freshpet

Simon F. Haeder, Texas A&M University

When most people think about vaccines, they typically think about humans: Experts warn that when large numbers of people are unvaccinated, it can lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and higher rates of illness and death, particularly among the most vulnerable. The economic costs to society can also be substantial.

However, vaccines also provide important protections for our nonhuman companions, including the most common pets: dogs and cats.

Yet, as my research published in 2024 in the American Journal of Veterinary Research and the journal Vaccine indicates, vaccine hesitancy is beginning to spill over into some people’s decisions about whether to vaccinate their pets.

Vaccines and pets

A large body of research has confirmed that U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccines are safe for most people. Yet vaccines have never been universally accepted, dating back to the first inoculations against smallpox. Vaccine hesitancy, or concerns over getting vaccinated, has only intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing concerns about vaccines have important implications that go well beyond the individual making decisions about whether or not to get vaccinated.

Vaccines generally work through two important pathways. First, for the vaccinated individual, they provide direct protection by reducing the risk of contracting a disease; they also reduce the severity of a disease.

Vaccines also provide an indirect form of protection for society at large through a process commonly known as “herd immunity.” This occurs when a high percentage of people in a community have developed immunity, ensuring that future outbreaks affect fewer individuals and are quickly contained.

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Humans, of course, are not the only species that benefits from the direct and indirect protections of vaccines. However, so far, very little research has examined vaccination in nonhumans.

My recent work specifically sought to extend scientific knowledge about dog and cat owners by using large, national surveys. Many of the findings were positive: The vast majority of cats and dogs have received core vaccines, which provide protection against rabies and other dangerous diseases. Core vaccines are those vaccines that are recommended for all dogs and cats.

Moreover, three-quarters of pet owners trust their veterinarian when it comes to vaccines. And even higher percentages felt confident discussing vaccine-related concerns with their veterinarian. They also understand that many vaccine-preventable pet diseases can be severe.

Pet owners also wanted their neighbors to vaccinate their pets: Most dog and cat owners, more than 80%, supported vaccination requirements for various core and noncore vaccines.

Yet, other findings raise concerns. Most prominently, my study, published in late 2024, identified 22% of dog owners and 26% of cat owners as vaccine hesitant regarding their pets. And although most pets were vaccinated against common diseases, a minority were not. This includes about 4% of dogs and 12% of cats that remained unvaccinated against rabies. For other diseases like parvovirus and distemper, vaccination rates were even lower. The study confirmed similar findings from my earlier 2023 study.

In the same 2024 study, many of the concerns raised by pet owners mirror those of humans: More than half of pet owners question the effectiveness of vaccines.

A similar percentage was concerned about vaccine safety and side effects. Many believed it was better for pets to contract a disease to get immunity than to get vaccinated. About 60% of pet owners thought that pets receive too many vaccines. Strikingly, nearly all pet owners preferred fewer vaccines to be administered to their pets at a time.

Going forward

When people choose to not vaccinate their pets, it can have important implications for society.

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The most immediate impact will be on pet owners. Unvaccinated pets face a higher risk of illness and death from preventable diseases; although vaccines are not completely effective, and in some cases even vaccinated pets may be affected. This may impose substantial financial and emotional costs on their owners.

Veterinarians will also be affected. They may encounter pets with diseases they may not expect to see or have had limited exposure to in the past. The same holds for other professions dealing with pets, including groomers, boarders and walkers.

There are also broader implications for public health: Encounters with rabies, in particular, may become more common. Humans may be directly affected if they are bitten by an infected pet. Pets also come into contact with wildlife, increasing the potential for the further spread of rabies.

From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are just as concerning as those for humans. I believe that a comprehensive public health strategy is crucial for addressing the growing concerns among pet owners regarding vaccines. Such a strategy should not simply dismiss pet owners’ concerns as conspiracy theories, but should instead adopt a thoughtful approach that takes individuals’ specific concerns seriously.

Simon F. Haeder, Associate Professor of Public Health, Texas A&M University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Caring for Your Pets

(Family Features) A new year brings fresh opportunities for a lifestyle reboot, and as you set health goals for 2025, remember that your pet can embark on the journey to healthier living right along beside you. Whether you’re aiming to eat better, exercise more or find peace of mind, one of the best strategies for success is the buddy system – and your pet might be the perfect partner.

Consider these three ways you and your pet can work toward healthy habits together this year.

Exercise
Many people find it challenging to stick to a gym routine and get the most out of that membership. However, there are countless ways to get exercise without relying on fancy gym equipment and working out at home means you can include your pet in the fun too. Even a simple walk or jog with your dog can be essential for vitality and well-being.

When you’re feeling ready for more adventure, head to a local park or hit the trails for an extra challenge. To keep things fun, try a game of fetch in the backyard or visit a dog park to add variety to your routines.

Diet
Eating real, recognizable and nutritious foods is essential for both humans and pets. An option like Nature’s Recipe delivers premium, natural nutrition with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients for pets at every life stage. With more than 40 years of expertise, its dog food recipes are inspired by nature and designed for dedicated pet parents who demand the best in nutrition.

“We’re committed to our promise that every ingredient counts,” said Dr. Preston Buff, principal scientist, nutrition and animal safety, Post Consumer Brands and Nature’s Recipe’s Pet nutritionist. “Pet parents can trust we use only the best to fuel their dog’s health and happiness. By focusing on premium ingredients that promote vitality, Nature’s Recipe empowers dog owners to invest in their pet’s health. We aim to recognize and delight pet parents who dive into ‘research mode’ and want healthy, nutrient-rich recipes.”

Emotional Serenity
Quality time with pets has been shown to lower cortisol levels in humans, helping to promote calm and wellness, according to the National Institutes of Health. Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood, playing in the backyard, a gentle grooming session or simply offering the occasional belly rub, spending time with your pet can bring a sense of peace and well-being.

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As you and your pet journey together toward a healthier lifestyle in 2025, remember the path to healthy living is even more rewarding when traveled with a buddy. Discover more ways to support your pet’s vitality, health and happiness in 2025 with purposeful, nutrient-rich nutrition by visiting naturesrecipe.com.

SOURCE:
Nature’s Recipe

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