Monday, January 1, 2024

πŸ• Ten of the top 2024 pet trends to watch for

"The dog has got more fun out of man than man has got out of the dog, for man is the more laughable of the two animals."
- James Thurber

 
Happy Monday! Here's the scoop: 
Did You Know...?
What percentage of dog owners get their dogs a holiday gift?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)
A Productive Version of Home Alone
Many of us have seen the movie Home Alone, where Kevin McAllister wakes up to find he is home alone and proceeds to jump on the bed, watch movies, and eat a cheese pizza all to himself. Doc the sheepdog had a very different experience when he found himself home alone. 

This little sheep herder woke up to find that he was home alone, but no worries, he knew exactly what to do. He wasted no time getting to work. The home camera system captured this 14-month-old pup heading out to the field. He rounded up the sheep and led them around the home and up onto the porch. He didn't want to miss a moment of productivity.

It was only a few minutes before someone could come home and secure him again. The sheep did minor damage to a candle and a wooden chair on the porch, but all animals were safe and returned to the proper spot. This family is lucky that they trained such a little workhorse
Image courtesy of I Heart Dogs
Pet Trends to Watch for in 2024
With the new year comes new trends in all areas of life. With 97% of pet owners considering their animals to be true family members, it makes sense that there are some great trends for better care for our animals. Experts weighed in on what they think the top trends in pet care will be for 2024.
  1. Eco-friendly and clean pet products. Owners are looking for better brands for our pets and the environment. There are great new products that are biodegradable and recyclable. Even food and supplements are becoming more sustainable. 
  2. Plant-based pet products. Some owners have been interested in introducing their pets to more plant-based foods. It's essential to chat with your vet before switching to this type of diet exclusively, but there are some great oils and supplements available as well.
  3. High-end pet travel products. More people are bringing their pets along for travel and vacations. Now, you can find high-end strollers and carriers for animals. 
  4. Early disease screenings. Dogs over the age of ten have a much higher probability of developing a disease like cancer. More companies are offering at-home tests to help with early detection and intervention. 
  5. AI tech gadgets. There have been cool developments, like the wearable smart collars, that can help track your pet's health and activity. There are also new play toys that entertain your pets at home. 
  6. Homes designed around pets. Many companies are producing more pet-friendly interior design options. Shaw Floors has created waterproof vinyl that looks like real hardwood but can handle pets. 
  7. Upscale vet clinics. New clinics are opening nationwide that provide a spa-like experience for animals when they visit the vet. Some even serve wine to the humans. 
  8. Holistic pet care. Pet massage therapy and acupuncture are becoming more common. These can help with anxiety, immune system function, and post-surgery healing. 
  9. Taylor Swift and 1990s-inspired dog names. Taylor Swift was the Time Person of the Year, so it's clear that her influence is enormous. You'll see more names, like August, Betty, and Marjorie, named for Swift songs. Other 90s names include Alanis, Ginger, Snoop, Tupac, and Missy.
  10. Beyonce and Barbie-inspired cat names. Cat owners were likelier to be at Beyonce's show this summer (or Barbie). Names like Beyonce, Barbie, Allen, and Greta are trending for felines.
Image courtesy of Purewow
Why Your Pup Is Good For Your Mental Health
The companionship of a dog extends beyond wagging tails and wet noses—it's a profound boost to our mental well-being. Research shows that having a canine companion can have numerous positive effects on mental health. Here are some compelling reasons why dogs are beneficial for our mental well-being:
  • Stress Reduction: Interacting with dogs has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
  • Companionship: Dogs provide unwavering companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Physical Activity: Daily walks and playtime encourage physical activity, releasing endorphins and improving mood.
  • Routine and Structure: Caring for a dog establishes a routine, offering a sense of purpose and structure.
  • Social Connection: Dog ownership often facilitates social interactions, fostering a sense of community.
Incorporating a furry friend into our lives isn't just about the joy of their presence; it's a holistic approach to mental health that brings comfort, joy, and a sense of purpose.
Our Tip For Your Mental Health
The beginning of a new year invigorates people to make positive changes in their lives, but many of us end up feeling frustrated because we can't stick to those changes for more than a few weeks. That's because most resolutions don't stick. A minor setback can make us feel like we've "failed" at achieving our resolution and cause us to abandon it.

We also try to take on too many resolutions at once. And there's often little social support that comes along with our efforts – we feel like we have to achieve our goals by ourselves. This year, skip the resolutions and do something that can bring about real change in your life – therapy.

Whether you want to make specific improvements to your mental health, understand yourself on a deeper level, or adjust some of your habits, therapy can be a way to bring about change. Learn more here.
Thanks to BetterHelp for sponsoring The Daily Dig.
2023 DOTD Holiday Highlights
One of our favorite things at The Daily Dig is enjoying the submissions for Dog of the Day. Our readers have some of the cutest dogs, and choosing one to feature is incredibly hard each week. So, to kick off the new year, we will share a few more from some of our themes over the last 12 months. Today, we are sharing more holiday pictures. We hope you are still enjoying some festivities of your own today because the holiday season wraps up.

This photo collage features Mika, Olive, Chara, Reina, Emmy, Kaylee, Quasi, and Blue. Thanks to all the readers who have sent in photos. We cannot wait to see more this year! 
Did You Know:
Answer: 89% of pets received holiday gifts from their owners this year.
Interesting Dog Facts
As part of the Daily Dig community, we're all dog lovers here. There's nothing we love more than finding out new and fascinating facts about our four-legged friends! Here are some four favorites:
  • The Basenji is often called the "barkless dog" because it doesn't bark like other dogs. Instead, it produces a unique yodel-like sound!
  • Bloodhounds have noses with about 3 million scent receptors!
  • Simmilar to human fingerprints, each dog has a unique nose print
  • The Greyhound is one of the fastest dog breeds and can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour
If you love reading fascinating and entertaining facts and stories, you should check out Early Chirp. It's a free daily newsletter that curates entertaining and informative stories every morning directly to your inbox.

We've been loving stories such as "Dog Lovers Might Soon Have More Time To Spend With Their Four-Legged Friends", "Just Because Dogs Are Invited Doesn't Mean They Want To Go" and "The Evidence Is In: Adopting A Dog Is Good For Your Health".

Check out Early Chirp or  sign up here- your inbox will thank you. Make sure you let us know what you think!
Thanks to Early Chirp for sponsoring The Daily Dig. Sign up here.
A Little Treat:
  • ✅ Did You Know: 81%!
  • 🎁 Happy Holidays: Holiday shopping has never been easier or more rewarding! Our Holiday Gift Guide is the purrfect way to find gifts for your loved ones. Check out the list to see all the different options available for choosing from. With our Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday shopping just became that much better! Thank you to our partners for helping us create our gift guide!
  • 🐢 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is dogs celebrating the holidays. Reply to this email with the best pics of your pooch, a short description, and their name to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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