pets

The United Kingdom has always been a country of pets, but fear has triggered a dangerous demand: dogs ready to attack

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The proverb says that the dog is man’s best friend. In United Kingdom more and more people He believes he can be something more: his best protector. At least that is the feeling conveyed by dog ​​training companies, which have found a curious increase in demand thanks to the visibility that networks and networks are giving them. celebrities. They are not cheap, they carry many more responsibilities than a ‘conventional’ pet and they operate within a complex legal framework, but that does not prevent the fact that on the other side of the English Channel it is increasingly easier to come across dogs ready to jump at the command of their owners. There are those who prediction even that personal defense dogs are a billion-dollar market that is rapidly expanding in the United Kingdom. What has happened? That the training of defense dogs is becoming an increasingly profitable business in the United Kingdom. We know it thanks to Guardianwhich a few days ago published an extensive report in which he explains that this type of pets, ready to obey the orders of their owners and defend them with hooves and teeth (in the most literal sense of the expression) if necessary, is experiencing considerable growth. There are not many statistics or official data that corroborate the trend (Guardian does not provide them at least), but of course the message from the sector is clear. “Demand has increased, without a doubt,” confirms Alaster Bly, founder of K9 Guarda company specializing in “highly trained security guard dogs.” There are even trainers who offer special courses to train pets that people already have in their homes. Has demand increased that much? A quick search Google shows a good number of British companies and blogs dedicated to the same thing: selling or informing about defense dogs. And that’s not the only clue. There are even market reports that assure that it is a business in full expansion. A recent study published by AdAstra Solution estimated the size of the British protection dog market at 1.2 billion dollars in 2024. Its forecast is that in just a decade it will rise to 2.5 billion, with a growth rate CAGR of 9.2%. The key is not only that these pets arouse more interest, but that they are expanding their demand base. What does that mean? That dogs trained to serve as bodyguards seem to be ‘becoming popular’ in the United Kingdom. They are far from being a mass phenomenon, but something has changed: they are no longer a ‘whim’ of the wealthiest families or professionals in the security field. According to confirm Guardian After interviewing professionals in the sector, the panorama is changing little by little, as demand increases. Bly acknowledges that the majority of his clients are still wealthy people, but he has also seen growing interest from families who are not wealthy and simply want to “invest in security.” The reasons for this change? There are two that seem key. The first is concern about crime. Although official statistics can be contradictoryStatista tables reflect that the number of violent crimes against people recorded by the police in England and Wales have increased in recent decades. And clearly. In fact, although they have decreased in recent years, they continue to remain well above the snow levels of the beginning of the 21st century. Are there more reasons? Yes. The networks. British reporter Elle Hunt remember that the increase in demand has gone hand in hand with greater media exposure of this type of dogs through various means. One is celebrities. In recent years, personalities such as Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Molly-Mae Hague, Katie Price, J.Terry…actors, singers, footballers and television personalities with well-identifiable faces in the United Kingdom. In the sector, there are those who remember that the increase in demand coincides with greater visibility through Instagram or TikTok of defense dog exhibitions and competitions. Schuzthunda canine agility sport. And how much do they cost? Much more than a ‘conventional’ dog. A trained dog requires considerable work that, sometimes, begins even before the dog is born. Bly works, for example, with hybrids of German and Belgian shepherds, a “very specific genetic mix” that allows it to adapt to its function. Hence they are not cheap. They cost (at least) £32,000. However, price is only one of the factors that the owner must take into account. ¿Is there anything else? Yes. Another factor, even more important, is the care and responsibility that comes with having a dog specially trained for defense. Guardian remember that these personal protection dogs have a complex legal framework, since they are not under the Guard Dogs Law, which does regulate animals in charge of protecting premises or professionals. “They receive the same treatment as any other dog,” explains a criminal lawyer. The problem is that standard home insurance policies can leave them out of your coverage. An important factor in a country that has seen how in recent years attacks increased of dogs recorded by the police. Images | Bignsmall Paws317 (Unsplash) and Wikipedia Via | Guardian In Xataka | Asturias has been fighting for years to have a decent train connection. And now he is also fighting to include his dogs

We believed that pets were replacing children. One study suggests just the opposite

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The first time I saw a dog in a stroller was in a shopping mall. It passed me like any child’s stroller: wheels, hood, a small package inside. I looked twice because it seemed too small for a baby, and it wasn’t. Inside there was a dog. I remember well that he was a french bulldog and her name was Chanel. Over time, the scene stopped seeming exceptional to me. I started seeing dog strollers in downtown neighborhoods, parks or even on public transportation. An image that has become a symbol of something deeper: the feeling that, in aging societies, pets are occupying a place that children once had. But what if that reading was incomplete, or outright wrong? What if, far from replacing children, pets were playing another role in family life? A new academic study challenges a widely held belief. To begin with, the numbers help to understand why suspicion has established itself in the public debate. In Spain, according to the Spanish Network for the Identification of Pet Animals (REIAC)in 2023 there were more than ten million dogs registered compared to less than two million children between 0 and 4 years old. A difference so wide that it invites, almost automatically, to think about a change within homes. The scenes that come from outside reinforce that impression. South Korea has crossed a symbolic threshold: More strollers are now sold for dogs than for babies. It is not an exaggeration, it is the statistical reflection of a country in demographic emergency. The trend has caught on so much that even faith has adapted. In Japanese temples such as Ichigaya Kamegaoka, the ancient ritual of Shichi-Go-San —previously exclusive for children— has filled with snouts and straps. In the absence of infants, sanctuaries bless pets to prevent their liturgies from being left without protagonists. Against this backdrop, political and moral interpretations have proliferated. In 2022, Pope Francis described as “selfish” to those who prefer to have animals rather than children. In South Korea, then Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo He even stated that young people They “love their dogs” instead of starting families. A resounding diagnosis that, until now, had relied more on cultural symbols and perceptions than on contrasted data. Disassembling the narratio The idea that pets replace children has just received a serious corrective from academic research. The study Cats, Dogs, and Babiesled by researchers Kuan-Ming Chen and Ming-Jen Lin from National Taiwan University, has analyzed for more than a decade the behavior of millions of homes. Research has concluded that people who adopt a dog are up to 33% more likely to have a child later than those who do not. Far from displacing paternity, the animal seems to act as a preliminary step. This is what the authors call the “child of practice effect.” As Chen and Lin explainmany couples use the experience of caring for a dog to evaluate their willingness to take on responsibilities: routines, expenses, and emotional bonds. If the experience is positive, it increases confidence to take the next step towards human parenthood. However, there is no change in sight. Neither the Taiwanese study nor the experts who analyze the demographic winter maintain that the increase in pets will translate, by itself, into a rebound in birth rates. The academic work itself warns that this is a country-specific analysis and that patterns may vary depending on the cultural, economic and social context. The cart as a metaphor The study does not propose pets as response to demographic declinebut as a clue about how care decisions are postponed today in a context of economic and vital uncertainty. This reading fits with what sociologists and demographers point out in Spain. As reflected in the analysis of my colleague in Xatakathe drop in the birth rate responds to widely documented structural factors: job insecurity, rising housing costs, difficulties in conciliation, delay in emancipation and increasingly later motherhood. In this scenario, pets do not displace children; They occupy the space left by a postponed vital project. For this reason, the image of the dog in a stroller summarizes this ambiguity well. As Dr. Jerry Klein explainschief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club, these strollers can have a practical function in certain cases: “They offer elderly dogs, dogs with arthritis or mobility problems a way to enjoy the outdoors without straining themselves.” Veterinary platforms such as Dialvet either ToeGrips They agree that they can help protect paws from hot asphalt or help small dogs who cannot keep up with long walks. However, other experts urge caution. Carlos Carrasco, from DOS Training, warns in La Voz de Galicia that “a dog is not a child with hair” and that carrying a healthy animal in a stroller can be a “humiliation” that denaturalizes it. Along the same lines, ethologist Isabel Jiménez, director of La Manada de Iris, points out in IM Veterinaria that excessive humanization “nullifies the dog as a species and makes it emotionally ill.” a study published in Animals (MDPI) reinforces this idea, warning that anthropomorphism can generate anxiety and stress in the animal by not respecting its basic biological needs, such as smelling and walking. Finally, the rise of pets does not alone explain the demographic winter, but it does reveal how forms of affection and responsibility are reconfigured in societies where having children has become more complex. The Taiwanese study does not offer miracle solutionsbut there is a clear warning: facing pets and children as if they were exclusive options oversimplifies a much more nuanced reality. Perhaps, when we see a dog in a stroller, we are not looking at the symbol of renunciation, but rather at the reflection of a generation that postpones irreversible decisions while looking for possible forms of care. Before blaming the puppies, it might be worth looking at the system surrounding those who are hesitant to become parents. Image | Unsplash Xataka | As Japan runs out of children, it’s starting to adopt some ceremonies for one group on the … Read more

In Spain, couples no longer have children, they have pets. So they are spending millions of euros on gifts for them

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Recently the Royal Canine Society of Spain made an experiment curious. He asked pet owners about their Christmas plans and found that the vast majority, 85% of the dog owners surveyed, planned to buy some “detail” for their furry companions, gifts on which they planned to spend an average of 35 euros. Not only that. Good part of the people with whom the institution spoke (56%) recognizes that on occasion he has spent more money on details for his dogs and cats than for family and friends. It may seem anecdotal, but these figures tell us a lot about an expanding business that is already moving billions of euros: that of pets. Pets and Christmas gifts. Studies are just that, studies, with their strengths and weaknesses, but they help us better understand some trends. Hence the survey posted last week by the Canine Society is so interesting: 85% of those interviewed plan to buy “some detail” for their pets this Christmas, spending on average about 35 euros per head. “More and more people understand Christmas as a time to share with family… also with them,” slide the organization, which estimates that above all, toys, special snacks, beds and blankets will be purchased. Is this something so strange? No. And for two reasonsmostly. The first is that in Spanish homes it is increasingly easier to find pets than children. The second is that we think less and less about spending hundreds or even thousands of euros on our four-legged companions. It comes with taking a look at the data from the sector or even from the INE to verify it. Right now the statistical institute has 1.8 million children under four years of age registered in Spain. If we talk about pets, however, the REIAC, the Spanish Network for the Identification of Companion Animals, had around 10.2 million dogs and 967,000 cats registered in 2023. There are many, but the data falls short when compared to those managed by other institutions, such as the Statista portalor ANFAC, the Spanish association of feed manufacturers. The latest report from the employers’ association concludes that in Spain there are around 20 million petsamong which dogs (6.96 million), fish (five million), cats (4.93 million) and birds (3.23 million) stand out. A growing business. These data are interesting because they do not only tell us about the love of Spaniards to surround themselves with pets. Together they form the basis of a business that is rapidly expanding: the care of pets. He latest report of Anfaac in fact shows a growing industry, which in 2024 had a turnover 2,053 million5% more than in 2023. Spending on cat food alone skyrocketed in one year about 12%which raised the total turnover of that business niche to more than 900 million. One figure: 175,000 million. “A household with a dog or cat spends, on average, between 160 and 220 euros per year on their food, to which we must add everything related to their care and health,” they clarify to elDiario from the NIQ consulting firm. Their estimates suggest that in Spain pet food already represents a business worth more than 2.2 billion euros, a figure that rises to around 175 billion euros if we value the market internationally. Is there more data? Yes. Another clue is given to us the last barometer of petparent published by Aedpac, the Spanish Association of industry and commerce in the pet sector. Their report shows that if all the money we invest in pets is taken into account, including food, veterinarians, insurance, hairdressers, hygiene items or toys, on average a dog owner spends 1,908 euros per year. In the case of cats it is around 1,728. “It is a growing market. We have not yet reached a bubble or saturation point because it is a solid reality, not a two-day whim,” explained recently to the newspaper Five Days Ignasi Solana, general secretary of Aedpac. The sector saw “an uptick” during the pandemic, but the growth of the pet care business appears to go beyond COVID. Redirecting the business. So much so that there are already toy stores and hair salons that have redirected their businesses to focus on pet care. Even some traditional manufacturer of traditional nougat has been launched this year for the first time to the lucrative (and above all growing) pet food sector. and the experience not seem to be doing badly altogether. “In our vision of petfood “We are talking about a business that represents more than 1,600 million and has been growing by close to 30% in recent years,” comments to elDiario Pauline Worbe, from the firm Worldpanel by Numerator, who remembers that in Spanish homes there are now more pets than children. “We are talking about a sector with promising prospects.” Beyond Spain. The phenomenon is not (far from it) exclusive to Spain. In fact, it is already being felt in such powerful markets. like chinesesupporting a billion-dollar market that expects to grow strongly over the coming years. In 2023 Bloomberg Intelligence estimated that the pet industry was already around 320 billion dollars globally and would reach around 500 billion by 2030. An understandable figure if you take into account that its analysts estimate that in a few years the pet food business will grow by 52%. Images | Xan Griffin (Unsplash) and Matt Nelson (Unsplash) In Xataka | Spain is filling up with buildings with pets. The Horizontal Property Law clarifies what to do when they cause nuisance

How to create a Christmas sugar cookie image with your pet’s photo in a couple of clicks with ChatGPT

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We are going to explain to you step by step how to create a Christmas sugar cookie image with your pet’s photo wearing ChatGPT Imagesthe section to create images from photographs of ChatGPT. This tool will allow you to do the editing with artificial intelligence without having to write a prompt certain. Therefore, the best thing about all this is that these images are very easy to makeand you only need a couple of clicks to get them. Furthermore, since when the photo is generated you will also be shown the prompt generated by ChatGPT itself, you can copy and paste it into another AI or make any modifications you want. Make sugar cookies from your pets The first thing you have to do is enter the ChatGPT website or application on your device. Here in the side menu Click on the section Images that will appear just below the search options. Once you enter the section Imagesnow you have to look in the row where it says Test a style on an image. Here, search and click on the option sugar cookie that appears with the drawing of a dog biscuit. This will open a window where you have to choose the photo of your pet that you want to use as a reference. For this, you can use one of the recent ones that you have used in this section, or manually choose another one that you want to use. And that’s it. Just by doing this, ChatGPT will create the sugar cookie image with the photo of the pet that you have uploaded. If you are not satisfied, you can try again or copy and paste the prompt with another photo. You can also edit and modify the prompt so that the result is different. In Xataka Basics | How to create a character in ChatGPT and Gemini to use it in all the images you make with artificial intelligence

Spain is filling up with buildings with pets. The Horizontal Property Law clarifies what to do when they cause nuisance

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It comes with going outside to check it out. Spain is increasingly a country of dogs and cats than of babies. Literally. about a year ago The World did the math and it turned out that there are 1.8 million children under four years old for 10.5 million pets, which leaves a ratio of almost six animals per infant. This is perceived in the economy, society, cities… and of course the neighborhood communities, where it is not strange that a question arises: ¿What the law says about pets living in apartment blocks? In case of discomfort, noise, dirt… What does the regulations provide? Are there so many pets? Yes. Although it is not easy to compile accurate statistics on pets, there are two sources that help us get a precise idea of ​​the extent to which we have opened our homes to dogs, cats, reptiles, rodents, fish, birds and other fauna. The first is the REIACwhose census is based on microchipped pets. At least in 2023 it added 9.2 million dogs and 1.2 million cats. If we base ourselves on Anfaac, the association of feed manufacturers, your latest data They speak of 6.9 million dogs, 4.9 million cats, five million fish, 3.2 birds, 740,000 reptiles and 548,000 small mammals, which raises the general count of pets above the 20 million of animals. The big question, especially when we talk about pets of a certain size, that run around and must go outside several times a day, as is the case with dogs, is… What happens when they cause disturbances inside a building? When it comes to communities of owners, the reference standard is the Horizontal Property Law (LPH), a law that does not address the issue directly, but does establish a valuable framework, especially in its articles 7.2 and 9.1, which recall the coexistence guidelines that neighbors must respect. Article 7.2 of the LPH: “The owner and occupant of the apartment or premises are not allowed to carry out activities in it or in the rest of the property that are prohibited in the statuses, that are harmful to the property or that contravene the general provisions on annoying, unhealthy, harmful, dangerous or illicit activities”. Article 9 of the LPH: “The obligations of each owner are: to respect the general facilities of the community and other common elements, whether they are for general or private use of any of the owners, whether or not they are included in their apartment or premises, making appropriate use of them and preventing damage or damage from being caused”. The regulations themselves also remind us that, in the event that a neighbor is carrying out annoying activities (which in this case can be transferred to your pet), the community president should ask you to correct them. If that does not happen and the problem persists, the case may end up being taken to court. Although the LPH is a key tool, other standards come into play in this case. The reason is simple. When we talk about pets and neighborhood communities, two different planes overlap. On the one hand, there is the right that everyone has to enjoy their home freely. On the other hand, there is the necessary coexistence between apartments and the shared enjoyment of community areas. The first thing, the enjoyment of the home, is regulated the Constitutionwhich among other issues protects its “inviolability” and private property. Regarding the second, coexistence within the building, it is normal that it is regulated by the statuses of the community. And although this document cannot prohibit owners to have pets at home (a different thing is the tenants and what appears in their rental contracts), the internal rules of a block can establish certain limits when using collective spaces, such as elevators, gardens or swimming pools. Therefore, it is advisable to consult what the statutes say about pets. For example, they may prohibit dogs from being walked off-leash in the building. What there is no doubt about is that if the animal causes any damage, the owner is responsible. It is clearly established by the Civil Code in his article 1905in which he remembers who should assume the responsibility (and costs) if a dog, cat or other animal causes damage outside your home. Article 1905 of the Civil Code: “The owner of an animal, or the one who uses it, is responsible for the damage it causes, even if it escapes or is lost. This responsibility will only cease in the event that the damage came from force majeure or the fault of the person who suffered it.”. The Animal Welfare Law also sets guidelines related to the care of pets at home, which in turn influences the conditions in which they must live, both in houses and in apartments within buildings. For a start (article 27.i) No pet can be left unsupervised for more than three days in a row, a period that is reduced to 24 consecutive hours if we are talking about dogs. The rule also prohibits dogs and cats from living permanently on terraces or balconies, which is considered a “serious infringement”. Image | Eri Gonzales (Unsplash) In Xataka | The Horizontal Property Law is quite clear about one of the most conflictive phenomena of winter: Christmas

The Spaniards eat less and less fish. So the fishmongers are recycling their product … for pets

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In Spain we eat less fish. Much less. And we have more pets. Many more. Life fishmongers are not alien to one or another trend, so they have decided to do A movement quite logical: to make a place in the lucrative, promising and above all growing business of food for pets. After all, if they have already done the large supermarket chains, why can’t your neighborhood fish do? The logic is simple: that the place where you buy fish for you, for your children, couple and other family is also the place where you buy it for your hairy. What happened? That Fedepescathe Spanish Federation that represents businesses dedicated to the sale of fishing products, has just released an original campaign. Original and expected. Monday, during an act held in MadridThe organization presented a campaign to encourage its clients not to take home food for them or their family. He wants them to do it also for their pets. In fact, slogan cannot be clearer: “In the fish market there is also food for your hairy compi!” Fedepesca campaign poster. “For the whole family”. The strategy is well cooked. If the fishmongers are reliable businesses in which to acquire fresh, seafood and frozen fish, why were they also going to be to buy pet packaged foods that fish has as “protagonist ingredient”? Fedepesca itself remember which is something that supermarkets have been doing and would allow traditional fishmongers to become points of sale for “the whole family.” “The initiative aims emphasize. According to EFEAGROthe Federation has begun to introduce packaging food for pets in Madrid by the hand of a wholesaler and there are associations of Seville and Catalonia interested in following their steps. In total Fedepesca brings together near 6.2000 businesses. Reinvent or die. The movement is curious, but not surprising. Although Spain is a country with thousands of kilometers Of coast and a gastronomy linked to the sea, the fishmongers are finding that we eat less and less fish. The Last data The government shows that between April 2024 and last March the consumption of marine products fell 2.7%, a percentage that rises to 4.3% if we speak only of fish. And it is not a timely drop. In 2003 the annual per capita consumption of products related to fishing touched the 27.8 kilosfact that in 2009 even reached touch the 30 kg. In 2023 that indicator had descended until 18.9 And last year he got off 18a negative trend that has no signs of changing in view of the balance of recent months. Given this scenario, fishmongers have opted for new business roads, such as home shipments and Sale of algae… or pet food. More pets. The panorama is very different if we talk about company animals. In fact there are calculations that show your census overcomes to children. Although The data They must be handled cautiously are demolving: a few months ago The country He made a survey Between veterinary schools and concluded that in Spain there are 9.3 million dogs and 1.6 million censored cats. In total 10.8 registered pets. Leaving aside that there are many other species that are used as company animals, the data far exceeds the number of minors registered by the INE. ANFAC, the association that brings together pet food manufacturers, assures That in Spain there are more than 30 million pets, of which about 9.3 are dogs and 5.8 felines. Differences can be explained because not all animals have chip. And an appetizing business. These figures translate into something else: business. More more pets is the market focused on its food and care. ANFAC calculates that the sales volume went from 561,305 tons in 2023 to 573,210 in 2024. And that reflects only the weight. The rise is greater if we talk about billing. Fortune Business INSGIGHT esteem That the world market for pet care reached 259,370 million dollars in 2024 and its forecasts are of clear growth. Their estimates pass through that this year the 273,420 million are already in the beginning of the next decade, the 428,000 million are rubbed. Images | Anusha Barwa (UNSPLASH), Grupo Eroski S.Coop (Flickr) and Fedepesca In Xataka | In Spain there are less and fewer children, so the ice cream industry has launched for a more buoyant market: dogs

In Spain there are millions of pets and families wishing to travel with them. There are those who have already seen a millionaire business

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At this point of the year, last May Ecuador and with summer almost (almost) to stone shooting, it is likely that you have already thought about your next vacation. The usual thing: you decide where you will leave, how you will move, who will accompany you, how much you will spend and begin to take a look at the destination in case you need reservations inputs or excursions in advance. To those concerns more and more people Add another: what to do with your pets. And in a country where there is already Many more company animals That children is not a minor issue. In fact that question is the key to a booming business. On vacation with your pet? If you have a pet and you are looking for options not to leave it behind during your vacation, you are not alone. More and more people do it. A while ago the agencies investigated the issue and discovered that between 2019 and 2022 Google searches on accommodations that admit animals had shot 93%with 65,000 searches In the summer months. In fact more than half From those consultations they started from people who seemed more interested in finding hotels Pet Friendly At any point in Spain that in locating them in a concrete city or province, which suggests that pets are key when planning the getaways. That interest also corroborates the travel agencies o Booking, one of the great platforms in the sector: in approximately 2023 eight million of people used pet filters while searching accommodation on their website. Hotels with them or for them. To that growing interest in hotels Pet Friendly The one of the specific residences for animals is added, which according to the marketing agency generated 80,210 consultations on average in June 2022. And the trend does not seem to have declined. A quick search arrives on Google to find a Good handful of news that They speak of The high demand of the Canine Hotels, the diversification OF THE OFFER (WITH ACCOMMODATIONS “deluxe” for dogs) or how your activity He has shot with the Animal Welfare Law. New demand, new business. That interest has not only promoted New businesses focused on taking care of pets while their owners go on vacation. The hotels themselves have decided to adapt. There is estimates They talk about almost One third (30%) of Booking accommodations support pets. If you are looking for a room for two people between August 18 and 24 in Spain, without specifying destination, its search engine showed 70,700 options on Thursday. When using the pet filter stays in about 17,400more or less 25%. “They usually invest more”. A few weeks ago the Palladium Hotel Group gave a The country A key to understanding that interest: admitting pets can lead to certain changes in the operation of accommodation, but also has its reflection on the income sheet. “Travelers who choose accommodations Pet Friendly They usually invest more in their stay, whether in broader suites or additional services, which positively impacts average spending by host, ” Recognize. Other companies have launched to organize trips and activities Designed so that the client can enjoy them in the company of their pet or have even gone further with bets more risky. Cruise Tails and Expedia Cruises of West Orland have organized A cruise that allows you to cross the sea In your dog’s companywith petroat service, hairdressing and veterinary on board. Maybe it sounds strange, but a considerable percentage His pets already accompanied by people. And that despite the fact that airlines and companies in charge of operating railway and bus services do not always make it easy to travel with animals. Even the Imserso It has adapted To the trend. More pets than children. That there are more and more demand and businesses focused on pets is better understood if a key fact is handled: in Spain there are more (Many more) Company animals that children. In September The world He pulled calculator And it came out that there are almost six furry companions for each child under four years. While the latter have fallen during the last decade to represent 3.7% of the population, pets touch the 10.5 million. After contacting all the veterinary schools of Spain, The country contributed Another estimate A few months ago: at the beginning of 2025 in the country there were around 1.6 million cats and 9.3 million dogs. In total: 10.9 million censored pets, without counting reptiles, birds, fish and other species. From the Reiac they point out that the figure “is not real at all” (there are animals without chip and owners who do not discharge them when they die), but it is the one that approaches reality. In any case, it clearly exceeds the number of children in Spain. In 2022 the INE counted 1.8 million about 6.5 million With less than 15 years. A Milmillonario business. Their data is not the only ones that reflect the growing weight of pets in Spanish society. It is calculated that in 80% of the municipalities From Malaga there are already double pets than children and the first They already double to the latter. At an economic level that translates into a lucrative business of thousands of millions of euros. Estimates do not always coincide, but give an idea of ​​their reach and how it has evolved. In 2017 it was estimated that in the EU the pet business invoiced 36.5 billion euroswith the Spanish market occupying the fifth position. Since then, despite the fact that the sector has given some moderation samples, the figure would have increased considerably. ANFAAC talks about almost 2,000 million In 2023 and there are estimates that raise clear that sum. Images | Yux Xiang (UNSPLASH) and Andrey Kremkov (UNSPLASH) In Xataka | The domestication of cats remains a mystery. But we are closer to knowing where and why it happened

Plants have become the new pets. So much that we even bury them in the garden when they die

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If you watch a video about how decorate your work spacesurely a plant appears. Also in offices, restaurants or stores: they are everywhere. But for many, they are no longer just a decorative element. The plants have become more close: they have become A new pet. Moreover, there are people who see them like their “girls.” And the reason is that we are developing a very deep relationship with them. The new pets. I have grown surrounded by plants and yet they never caught my attention. I did not understand the interest that people had to take care of something that did nothing. They do not move the tail when you return home, do not accompany you to the bathroom at your most intimate time and do not scratch you when you tried to make a caress. Little by little I have changed to look like and, now, I love them. I also feel very identified with this meme: It is not new. Now, interior plants have been with us since ancient Egypt, remains in Pompeii reveal than the Pompeyans They took care of Interior plants But something change with the Covid-19 pandemic. Perhaps because he cannot leave the home so much for a few weeks or for other reasons, it seems that we begin to develop a special relationship with indoor plants. All advantages. There are studies that talk about this, precisely, how interior plants help us connect with nature. He also has investigated On the improvement of air quality and a series of emotional benefits, such as stress reduction or its properties when creating a quiet environment at home. But beyond all this, there is the fact that they are living beings that need Our careit is satisfactory to see them grow and develop and, above all, do not require attention as demanding as those that Yes, pets may need. If we go on a trip, do not leave them to anyone, they do not need to go out to do their things on a rainy day, they do not dirty the home, they do not make noise and, ultimately, they are easy to take care of. It is also possible that we simply have allergy to animals hair or do not let us have a pet on a rental floor, and they are all perfect scenarios for an interior plant. Deeper connection of what it seems. Let’s go back to that we are forming a link with plants. The conversation He has published a study which was performed in Australia during the aforementioned pandemia. In total, the researchers surveyed 115 adults (69% women, 30% men and 1% non -binary) between 18 and 69 years and found a curious scenario. The majority had an average of 15 interior plants (one had 500, and I have not sneaked into a zero) and the most interesting thing is that the relationship between them and the plants varied considerably. The study identifies four “commitment.” Are the following: Committed – The majority of adults, 42%. They take care of their plants, like and enjoy them. They are satisfied to see them grow, but the relationship is practical and that growth is the reward. Limited commitment – 23% of respondents value having plants, but have no emotional attachment. They are simply part of the decoration. Highly connected – We go with the opposite poles. In this category, 14% of respondents said they maintain a deep emotional bond with plants, coming to consider them as part of the family. Not only do they take care of them, but they care intensely about their health, they seek how to take care of them in the best possible way and join a spiral of sadness and guilt if a dies. Even if only one sheet is broken. In the study they point out that sometimes they carry out symbolic burials in the garden. No relationship – (Here I could have been a few years ago). 12% of respondents said they don’t pay attention to them and that if they have them, they have been given them. There is 9% left to reach 100%, but their answers were not valid and were not included in the study. And the market shows it. In Reddit there is a lot Of threads in which people show their indoor plants, comment on their care and boast of “collections”, but something interesting is that in many comments they point out that they began that collection following the Covid-19 pandemic. Thinking about it, I think it was also at that time when my mentality began to change, and this is something that the market is noticing. Money. In the last five years, it is estimated that the global interior plants market has experienced remarkable growth, with an annual rate of 5% from the pandemic. The total market value was about $ 19.4 billion in 2023 and wait that reaches 30,000 million for 2032 with a growth sustained in all regions. In fact, these last years have been launched many intelligent elements so that whoever wants plants, but not a responsibility, can have them at home. We talk about Home automation systems With mobile connection and even Intelligent potssome with very striking designs Thanks to screens that give “life” to the plant. And there are also memes, many, many memes on this matter. Plants ‘Pet Friendly’. Now, if we already have four -legged friends at home and we are thinking of starting in the world of plants, there is some vital importance, literally: the plants we choose should be suitable for dogs and cats. There are many plants that are not toxic, but many others areand in different degrees: from some irritation to much more severe problems. The good thing is that there is a lot of information and, although It is not the most reliable in the worldwe can always ask for advice from Chatgpt When we are in the nursery, even sending a photo of the plant To analyze it … Read more

The human error that causes anxiety in dogs, according to experts

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Renowned veterinarian Amir Anwary issued an important warning to dog owners: certain seemingly harmless behaviors could be contributing to the development of separation anxiety in your pets. In a recent video posted on his TikTok account, the specialist explained the most common errors and shared key strategies to prevent this problem. The impact of exaggerated goodbyes and greetings One of the most common mistakes owners make, according to Anwary, is making excessively emotional farewells and greetings. These interactions can confuse dogs and cause stress. Separation anxiety in dogs can be avoided by following specialist advice.Credit: Hanna Taniukevich | Shutterstock “Keep calm when you leave home and when you return. When you leave home, You make it a big scene and when you come home, you make it an even bigger scene”explained the veterinarian in his video. Likewise, Anwary recommended avoid approaching the dog during the ten minutes before leaving the house and upon returning. Although this measure could seem “cruel” to some owners, the expert assured that It is one of the most effective ways to prevent separation anxiety. Strategies to reduce anxiety To help dogs stay relaxed during their owners’ absences, Anwary suggested ensure they get enough physical exercise before being left alone. A long walk can help the animal feel calmer and more tired, which reduces its anxiety level. Besides, keeping pets mentally occupied is essential. Leaving them puzzles with treats can be an effective way to stimulate their minds and provide them with a positive task to focus on while they wait for their owners to return. A gradual adaptation system For cases where dogs must be left alone for long periods, Anwary advised implementing a gradual approach. “When you leave the house, start by leaving for five minutes and watch your response.”he explained. This method allows pets to progressively get used to the idea of ​​being alone, minimizing the emotional impact of prolonged absences. In situations where these strategies are not enough, the veterinarian urged you to go to an animal behavior specialist. These professionals can offer a personalized approach to treating separation anxiety and guide owners in managing their pet’s behavior. The key, according to Anwary, is foster an environment of calm and emotional balance for petshelping them face their owners’ absences without anxiety and ensuring them a healthier and happier life. Keep reading: ° Reasons why you should reconsider getting a dog° Michigan dog owners convicted after fatal attack on father of six° Dog steals the show in the Minor Leagues by working as Bat-Dog (Video)

Reasons why you should reconsider getting a dog

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in a world where 65.1 million American households They share their life with at least one dog, According to a study by Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary, a fundamental question arises: Are these furry companions really the key to a happier life, or are there nuances we often ignore? Let’s start from a common image: the ideal dog, that companion who welcomes us with a wagging tail and offers us unconditional love. It’s no surprise that so many people want to adopt one, convinced that a dog will inevitably improve their lives. And there is some truth in this: the ELTE University study, published in Scientific Reports, found that “dogs make life happy” was the statement most valued by owners, with a score of 2.78 out of 3. In fact, more than 60% of the 246 owners surveyed spontaneously highlighted the deep relationship they develop with their pets, describing them as honest and devoted companions. Challenges of having pets: the other side of the coin However, Life with a dog is not just games and cuddles. Reality, as revealed by the research team led by Laura Gillet, a doctoral student in the ELTE Department of Ethology, is more complex and nuanced. Their findings confirm what many owners already sense: the human-dog relationship is a delicate dance between deep joys and considerable challenges. For example, the economic aspect turned out to be an overwhelming concern: 95% of owners noted expenses as their biggest challenge. Vet bills, food, and other ongoing costs can significantly impact the family budget. Furthermore, although less mentioned, The emotional exhaustion and practical challenges also weigh. Caring for a dog with health or behavioral problems can cause worry and guilt, as well as significantly disrupt your daily routine. Having a dog involves great responsibilities and expenses. (Photo: Shutterstock) The triple dimension of the human-dog relationship The study revealed 3 main dimensions in the human-dog relationship: the benefits (emotional, physical and social), the challenges (practical problems and negative emotions) and the commitment factor. The latter is particularly interesting because it divides opinions: while some owners see morning walks and daily training as a blessing that structures their lives, others consider them a burden that interrupts their routines and affects their rest. In that sense, the reality is that having a dog can be as rewarding as it is challenging. On the one hand, 31% of owners mentioned improvements in their lifestyle thanks to more exercise and outdoor activities and 15% especially valued the connection with another species, pointing out that sharing life with a being with such different qualities For humans it is enriching. On the other hand, we must also consider the less glamorous aspects: They can dirty the house, limit the freedom to travel and, perhaps most painfully, They have relatively short lives (This last aspect received the highest negative rating in the study, with -1.67). A revealing fact is that the positive aspects received, on average, a much higher rating (2.06) than the negative ones (-0.66). However, researchers warn that some owners may be downplaying problems for fear of being labeled “bad owners,” underscoring the need to have a more honest and balanced conversation about what it really means to own a dog. Responsible adoption: the importance of a conscious decision “Bridging the gap between expectations and reality can improve the lives of both humans and dogs,” emphasizes Eniko Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at ELTE. Hence, experts emphasizehe importance of adopting consciously: reflecting on available time, budget and lifestyle before adding a dog to the family can avoid friction and disappointment. Ultimately, for most, the joys of sharing everyday life with a dog continue to outweigh the setbacks. Even so, it should not be overlooked that this decision entails an economic cost, emotional implications and adjustments to routine. The key to a satisfying and long-lasting relationship with a four-legged companion is to be well informed, honestly weigh the pros and cons, and above all, understand that this is a long-term commitment that requires constant dedication. As the researchers suggest, the better prepared future owners are for this reality, the more satisfying the experience will be for both them and their canine companions. Edited by Felipe Espinosa Wang with information from Eötvös Loránd University, Scientific Reports and Study Finds. Keep reading: * The time you should feed your dog to avoid health problems* The first canine airline: flights with menu, playground and dog baths* Five hotels that will treat your pet like royalty

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