The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. United States (Times of Santiago) MarketInk: Petco’s New TV Commercials Probe Odd, Quirky Behaviors of Cats and Dogs

   In Brief: Petco Health and Wellness Co. has introduced a new TV advertising campaign called "Petco Pet Mysteries," which humorously highlights the odd behaviors of cats and dogs. This series of three 30-second commercials taps into the quirky and sometimes inexplicable actions of pets, such as a cat judging snack choices or a dog affectionately licking its reflection in a mirror. With a playful tone, the campaign underscores Petco's role as a knowledgeable partner in pet care, embracing the tagline, “Some things we don’t know, everything else we do.” The campaign, praised for its brand-boosting quirkiness and humor, was created by Slap Global and is aired across various media platforms.

2. Peru (Science.org) Google Street View helps scientists track stray dogs in Peru

   In Brief: Researchers in Peru have harnessed Google Street View alongside citizen scientists to accurately count stray dogs in Arequipa, a city heavily affected by canine rabies. This innovative method, highlighted in a study on bioRxiv, provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys, saving significant time and resources. The approach, born out of necessity during the COVID-19 lockdowns, could revolutionize how public health programs assess and address rabies risks, and potentially other zoonotic diseases, by better understanding stray dog populations and their behaviors.

3. United States (Time . Yahoo UK) The Case Against Pets

   In Brief: Pets, integral to over half of global households and driving a market surpassing $100 billion in the U.S., symbolize deep affection and companionship. However, ethicist Jessica Pierce raises serious concerns, pointing out the ethical dilemma and harm in treating animals as commodities for our pleasure or profit. Confinement and captivity can cause pets severe psychological and physical stress, leading to behavior changes and health deterioration. Moreover, the environmental impact of pet diets parallels the emissions of millions of cars, highlighting the unsustainable nature of current pet-keeping practices. Pierce advocates for a shift toward more ethical, mutual relationships with animals, emphasizing friendships over ownership.

4. United States (USA Today) 3,500 dog treat packages recalled over possible metal contamination, safety concerns

   In Brief: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of over 3,500 bags of dog treats due to potential metal contamination. TDBBS, based in Richmond, Virginia, issued the recall for its Green Tripe dog treats sold under the Barkworthies and Best Bully brands. These treats were distributed nationwide and sold online in February and May. While no injuries or illnesses have been reported, pet owners are advised to dispose of the treats immediately and can contact TDBBS for a return. If pets show any signs of illness after consuming the treats, owners should contact their veterinarian right away. The company is actively working to remove the affected treats from stores.

5. Japan (Bloomberg) Japan’s Revered Pet Cats Are Living Longer, and Costing More

   In Brief: In Japan, a country known for its aging human population, pet cats are also living longer, increasing the costs for their owners. The average lifespan of Japanese pet cats has risen to 15.7 years, and the average cost of caring for a cat throughout its life has surged to ¥1.5 million (about $9,550), a 34% increase from 2018. Monthly medical costs alone have jumped 41% since then. To address these rising costs and improve pet care, Japanese startups are introducing high-tech solutions. For example, RABO's Catlog collar tracks various activities of cats and alerts owners to any abnormalities, potentially reducing unnecessary vet visits. These innovations are part of a booming cat care market in Japan, estimated to reach ¥2.49 trillion (~$17B USD) this year.