{"id":3167,"date":"2018-06-04T14:11:03","date_gmt":"2018-06-04T21:11:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/?p=3167"},"modified":"2022-03-09T20:00:41","modified_gmt":"2022-03-09T20:00:41","slug":"dog-owners-appear-to-be-downsizing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarybusiness.com\/dog-owners-appear-to-be-downsizing\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog owners appear to be downsizing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Americans are big fans of small dogs.<\/p>\n

A survey conducted by the market research firm Packaged Facts found that nearly half of U.S. pet owners care for a small or very small dog, a trend that presents opportunities for veterinarians.<\/p>\n

The first-quarter survey found that 32 percent of pet owners who had recently acquired a dog chose a small one \u2014 8 to 24 pounds \u2014 and that 9 percent took in a very small, or toy, dog. Overall, 47 percent of U.S. households had a small or toy-size dog.<\/p>\n

The Packaged Facts<\/a> report stated that the trend away from medium, large and giant canines has the potential of refocusing the practice of veterinary medicine.<\/p>\n

\u201cLarge-breed dogs are more prone to arthritis, hip dysplasia and twisted stomachs, and small-breed dogs are more prone to diabetes mellitus, periodontal disease and dislocated kneecaps,\u201d Packaged Facts noted.<\/p>\n

Veterinarians looking to boost retail sales might want to entice owners of smaller dogs through crates and kennels, training pads, beds, and odor and cleaning products.<\/p>\n

The report, \u201cPet Industry Outlook: Veterinary Services and Pet Product Retailing,\u201d also found:<\/p>\n