Citi's thesis rests on the 'humanization' of pets. The firm says the humanization pet trend is real and should drive more spending, a view supported by data showing nearly 40% of dogs of any age or size may be affected by OA pain and up to 40% of all cats have clinical signs of OA.
The Competition and Markets Authority found that consumers have overpaid roughly £1 billion in veterinary fees over five years, highlighting a significant issue in the market.
Remember that moment at the dog park when you see two golden retrievers, with one bouncing around with bright eyes and a glossy coat, and the other just going through the motions with a dull expression despite being perfectly groomed? Both dogs are clearly loved and cared for, but something deeper separates them: It's the difference between a dog that's genuinely flourishing and one that's simply being maintained.
Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog! At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life.
The PFAS concentrations detected in pet food in this study are a significant source of daily exposure for companion animals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals often used in plastics, cleaning products and non-stick coatings. They can take over 1,000 years to break down and have been detected in nearly all environments including remote Arctic areas, deep oceans, drinking water and human blood.
Picture this: Your new puppy is pressed against the corner of the room, trembling slightly as you call their name. Their tail, which should be wagging with excitement, is tucked firmly between their legs. You've done everything the books told you, bought all the right toys, followed the feeding schedule perfectly, yet somehow your furry friend seems more nervous with each passing day.
Your cat's been grooming themselves for hours again. They've taken to hiding under the bed more often. Maybe they've even stopped using the litter box properly. If you're like most cat owners, you probably chalk these behaviors up to typical feline quirkiness. "That's just cats being cats," we tell ourselves. But what if these seemingly normal behaviors are actually your cat crying out for help?
It comes in over a dozen colors with adorable kitty designs, but this feeding mat is as practical as it is stylish. Made from soft diatomaceous earth, it quickly absorbs water spills, which evaporate in record time to keep your floor dry, clean, and safe. It also wipes free of food and has a thick rubber backing to prevent slipping and scratches.
A single 30g cube of cheese, frequently featured in 'cheese tax' clips, is the equivalent of a person eating two and a half bags of crisps. A puppuccino - a popular treat from coffee shops that is made with whipped cream - carries a similar calorie hit to a McDonald's milkshake. More indulgent treats can be even more damaging, with just one slice of pizza making up around a third of a dog's daily calories.