Pet Food and Nutrition

Drones have been getting the headlines lately but plenty of people are still upset about egg prices, which are surging again after a brief respite, hitting a nationwide average of $3.65 for a carton of large Grade A eggs last month, up from $2.14 in November 2023. 

Why? There are lots of theories, ranging from bird flu to increased demand due to holiday baking. But whatever the reason, there's an obvious solution that may be more practical than you'd initially think.

Yes, we're talking about chickens. You can set up housekeeping for a small flock of chickens and have your own egg factory, producing fresh eggs without worrying about Listeria or other common problems. 

Besides eggs, chickens double as disposal systems. They'll gladly eat your kitchen scraps and also gobble up any insects that might otherwise take up residence in your shrubbery.

Obviously, chickens aren't indoor pets, so apartment dwellers may have to stick with the supermarket. And despite the "backyard chicken" moniker, you can't just turn chickens loose in a suburban yard and expect them to survive. They'll need a coop or other fenced enclosure to keep big bad wolves and other predators away. 

So, where do you get chickens?

You can't order them from DoorDash but there are plenty of places to pick up your first flock, including:

• Local Feed or Farm Supply Stores: These are often your best bet. They usually have a good selection of breeds, and the staff can be very knowledgeable about chicken care.
• Breeders: Search online or ask at your local feed store for recommendations for breeders in your area. Breeders often specialize in specific breeds, so this is a good option if you have your heart set on a particular type.
• Hatcheries: You can order chicks online from hatcheries and have them shipped to you. This offers a wider variety of breeds, but be aware that there's some risk involved with shipping live animals.

What kind should you get?

You may think that chickens are all alike but there is a wide variety of breeds and new ones are being created all the time. Here are few of better-known varieties:

• Rhode Island Red: Known for being friendly and excellent egg-layers (brown eggs).
• Plymouth Rock: Docile and good layers (brown eggs).
• Easter Egger: Fun and quirky, they lay colorful eggs (blue, green, olive, etc.).
• Orpington: Fluffy and sweet, known for being "broody" (good if you want them to hatch eggs).
• Australorp: Calm and friendly, prolific layers (brown eggs).

Costs vary with breed and age. Generally speaking, day-old chicks go for $3 to $5 while young hens (pullets) cost anywhere from $15 to $30. Adult hens can cost as much as $50. 

Can you give them names?

Chickens are an interesting cross between a pet and a farm animal. Most farmers don't name their animals and don't let their children do so either, just in case they die, run off or fall prey to the neighbor's dog.  

A recent study in Australia found that chicken owners see their birds as a blend between pet and livestock as well as a trustworthy source of food.

"Our research indicated that backyard chickens are seen as both companion animals and as a source of food, falling within a hybrid space of human-animal relations," explained Dr. Emily Buddle from the University of Adelaide's School of Humanities. "They blur the line between what we traditionally call livestock and a companion animal or pet."

Study participants said their chickens had distinct personalities and pet-like characteristics, often providing companionship. Non-vegetarian participants indicated that while they eat meat, they definitely would not kill or eat their own chickens.

Based on qualitative interviews with 44 backyard chicken owners in Adelaide, the study revealed that a key motivator for keeping chickens was their utility.

"Chickens offer an ongoing supply of fresh eggs from a known and trusted source," Dr. Buddle says.

"It was clear to participants that their chickens were 'definitely free-range,' avoiding the confusion and controversy associated with Australian free-range egg standards."

American chicken flocks growing

Although hard numbers are difficult to come by, keeping chickens at home has been trending since the pandemic, for much the same reasons as those found in the Australian study:

• Fresh Eggs: People love having access to fresh, often organic, eggs right from their backyard.
• Sustainable Living: Raising chickens is seen as a way to be more self-sufficient and reduce reliance on industrial food systems.
• Pet Companionship: Many people find chickens to be entertaining and engaging pets with distinct personalities.
• Pest Control: Chickens can help control garden pests and reduce food waste by eating scraps.
• Educational Opportunity: Families often find that raising chickens provides a valuable learning experience, especially for children.

However, there are some things to consider before starting your own flock:

• Local Regulations: Check your local ordinances, as some areas have rules about keeping chickens, especially roosters (due to noise).
• Space and Housing: Chickens need adequate space to roam and a secure coop to protect them from predators.
• Care and Maintenance: Be prepared to provide daily care, including feeding, watering, and cleaning the coop.
• Health Concerns: Chickens can be susceptible to diseases, so it's important to understand their health needs and be prepared for potential vet visits.

If you're interested in learning more, here are some resources:

• The Humane Society of the United States: They offer resources on adopting and caring for backyard chickens.
• Your Local Agricultural Extension Office: They can provide information specific to your region, including regulations and common chicken diseases.
• Online Forums and Communities: Connect with other chicken keepers for advice and support.

Overall, raising backyard chickens can be a rewarding experience, providing fresh eggs, reducing environmental impact, and offering unique companionship.

Oh, and a final word from your reporter, who raised three backyard chickens as a Boy Scout program many years ago: Don't make the same mistake I did. Make sure you get -- at most -- one rooster.  

Dogs and cats have a nasty habit of getting sick on Friday nights. This can be bad for the dog and it can also be disastrous for the pet owner’s budget. That’s because emergency pet care has always been expensive and critics say the entry of private equity firms could drive costs even higher.

These new, equity-backed pet ERs provide fast service and use the latest technology to test and treat patients – and also to download hefty fees from pet owners, who must often pay up before their animal is treated.

An unsuspecting dog or cat fancier who is accustomed to paying $60 to $80 for an ordinary vet visit may be presented with an upfront payment of $2,000 or more to have Buster or Fluffy tested and treated. 

That’s what happened to a consumer in suburban Washington, D.C. not long ago. His elderly dog, Billie, had been going downhill for a few months but took a turn for the worse the night before Thanksgiving, just as everything was shutting down for a four-day weekend.

The 24-hour animal ER he normally went to was full and was turning away patients. It recommended a new emergency hospital called VEG, Veterinary Emergency Group, located in a nearby strip mall.

VEG is backed by several private equity firms, including D1 Capital Partners, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Durable Capital Partners LP and Sequoia Heritage, according to public records. VEG has several ERs in the D.C. area and is expanding rapidly across the country, with an estimated 60 facilities now open. 

“It was a very impressive layout,” said Billie’s owner, a retiree who asked to remain anonymous. “A vet saw Billie immediately and sketched out the tests she thought might be necessary, based on the symptoms. The tab was roughly $2,000, to be paid upfront.” I was told any test that wasn’t needed would be deducted from the credit card tab.”

A group of young women who appeared to be college students came in at about the same time. They didn’t have credit to cover the estimate but VEG presented them with a payment plan that would allow their pet to be examined while burdening the students with a hefty debt.

No one doubts the need for emergency care. There are more dogs than ever in the U.S. while the number of veterinarians remains relatively static.

It’s estimated that 66% of American households (roughly 87 million) own at least one pet. Meanwhile, researchers say there could be 15,0000 fewer vets than needed by 2030, as high costs and relatively low earnings discourage many would-be vets. 

Even with increased investment by private equity, it can be hard to find emergency care when it’s needed. A Northern Virginia consumer complained recently that he had to take his dog to three different emergency clinics before his dog, who was displaying signs of bloat, a potentially fatal disease, could be seen.  

Even after the dog was admitted, “we were told it would be 4-5 hours before a doctor would be able to see her because of how swamped they were with other patients,” the consumer said on Reddit.

“A good profit center”

Like VEG, these new pet ERs are modern and welcoming. They tend to be spacious, open-plan facilities, built like a human ER, with patient stations clustered around a central treatment core.

They welcome pet owners who want to stay with their animal. The vets and techs are youngish and enthusiastic and the equipment is the very latest. 

VEG describes its approach as one that “puts people and pets first,” by meeting them at the door, seeing their pets immediately and inviting them into the treatment area. The company’s website says its founder, Dr. David Bessler, “knew something was wrong with the ER experience. A major piece was missing: the customer's feelings. They were left out in a lobby, kept in the dark about treatment options, and then hit with surprise fees.”

But some veterinarians say that, for all its patient-first palaver, VEG’s method of extracting payment in advance of treatment just doesn’t sit right. They also question the business-is-business approach of private equity firms.

“A large number of these funds are seeing veterinary medicine as a good profit center,” said Dr. Grant Jacobson, an Iowa veterinarian who serves on the board of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association in a recent Stateline article. He said he’s seen corporate-owned chains drive up prices, suppress market competition and get around state laws that prohibit veterinary practices from being owned by non-veterinarians.

Quality pet care is expensive

Regardless of where a pet owner goes for treatment, veterinary care is getting more expensive, driven by technology and consumers who increasingly see their pets as members of their family, deserving of the best possible care, as a recent New York Times investigation found.

But while frugal consumers can decline highly expensive treatments, they are less likely to resist treating – or at least testing – their pet to determine if an apparent emergency calls for extraordinary measures or if treatment can be put off a day or two.

Those expensive tests that pet ERs recommend check for diseases and conditions the sick pet may or may not have and may duplicate tests that the pet’s regular vet has already conducted. True emergencies can be treated on-site but in many other cases, newly indebted pet owners are sent off into the night and advised to see their regular vet when offices reopen. These regular vets often roll their eyes when they look at the battery of tests the pet has undergone.

That’s what happened to Billie’s owner. After several hours in the ER and a long list of inconclusive tests, Billie was as sick as ever but didn’t have a diagnosis. A few days later, her regular vet examined her and shrugged. 

“Geez, they tested for everything they could think of. She doesn’t have any of this stuff,” said the regular vet, who knew Billie’s history. “She’s getting to be an old dog. We could run some more tests but I think she is basically nearing the end and we should probably just keep her comfortable, not subject her to more tests and expensive treatments.”

Billie went home with $40 worth of pain-relief and anti-anxiety pills. She lived another few months and was euthanized when her quality of life bottomed out due to multiple organ failure.

In fairness to the emergency clinics, maintaining 24-hour coverage and being ready for any type of emergency is expensive. It’s logical that rates need to be higher to cover those costs, but consumers need to know what they’re getting into when they head for the emergency room. 

What can pet owners do?

How can you avoid getting stuck with a huge emergency bill for your pet? There are several steps you can take:

• Sign up for pet insurance. If you don’t have enough cash to cover unexpected veterinary expenses, pet insurance can help ease the pain. You will, of course, still be footing at least part of the bill but insurance may help you avoid huge spikes. Be sure you understand what is covered and how reimbursement works. 

• Find a vet practice that offers emergency care. Small-animal veterinarians don’t normally offer house calls but some high-quality practices provide a phone number that will get you an on-call doctor on nights and weekends. Ask your vet about this and, if emergency calls are accepted, keep the number handy.

• Ask your vet in advance what you should do in an emergency. They may recommend a specific emergency clinic or have some other suggestions.

• Stay up to date with regular care. Vet care is expensive but costs can be moderated with regular check-ups, a healthful diet, plenty of exercise and keeping current with vaccines. 

• Be a careful consumer. If asked to foot the bill for a long list of tests, think twice. Ask if pain and anti-anxiety medication can keep your pet alive if not totally comfortable for another day, until you can see your regular vet.

• Be realistic. We all love our pets but too many consumers literally bankrupt themselves paying for high-tech treatments that cost a fortune and may do little more than prolong a pet’s suffering. A pet owner’s first responsibility is to know when it’s time to let go.      

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given conditional approval to the first oral treatment for dogs that suffer from lymphoma -- a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. 

The FDA says the treatment drug, called Laverdia-CA1 (verdinexor), helps stop the spread of cancerous cells by bolstering important proteins. Dog owners will be able to give their pet the treatment at home after getting a prescription from their veterinarian and reading the safety directions on the client information sheet. 

“Lymphoma is a devastating cancer in dogs, with few FDA-approved treatments available. This conditional approval provides a much-needed option to treat dogs with lymphoma,” said Steven M. Solomon, the director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.  “We are encouraged to see drug companies bring forward applications for products to treat serious diseases, even if they affect relatively small populations.”

Laverdia-CA1 is the second overall treatment for lymphoma in dogs, with the first being an injectable drug called Tanovea-CA1 that was approved back in 2016.

Follow safety guidelines

The package for Laverdia-CA1 includes detailed safety information and special instructions for consumers who obtain it from a veterinarian. Among them are provisions to wear gloves while handling the drugs and while cleaning up after a dog that is undergoing treatment.

Pregnant women, women that may become pregnant, nursing women, and children are also advised not to handle or administer the drug -- or to clean up after dogs that are taking the treatment. 

A full freedom of information summary can be found on the FDA’s site here. Consumers seeking more information can also contact the agency at 888-INFO-FDA.

Despite being the generation most likely to treat their pet as if it were a child, many millennials may not be financially prepared to save their four-legged family member in an emergency.

According to a recent poll, nearly half of millennials (48 percent) said they probably or definitely could not come up with $2,000 in case of an emergency. That’s a problem, considering millennials are now the largest pet-owning demographic in the U.S.

Unexpected emergencies and accidents can happen at any time to a pet, which is why pet experts say it’s critical to take steps to prepare financially for unforeseen expenses.

Providing preventative care

Scraping together $2,000 in case of a pet emergency may seem like a daunting task, especially to millennials who may be facing financial obstacles like overcoming student loan debt or saving up to buy a house.

But saving up for an unforeseen pet emergency may not be as difficult as millennials think. Staying ahead of expenses through preventative veterinary care can help ensure young pet owners are prepared to care for their furry companion if the worst happens.

In an interview with ConsumerAffairs, Rob Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Healthy Paws, recommended that millennials commit to preventative care for their pet. Doing so can help consumers avoid expensive vet bills and complications later, he said.

“Keeping pet care costs down over the long-term means committing to preventative care, seeing your vet annually to nip conditions in the bud, and enrolling in pet insurance as early as possible to avoid pre-existing conditions,” Jackson said.

“Just like humans, everything from dental check-ups to vaccines help your pet live a longer, healthier life,” he continued, noting that preventative care safeguards pets’ basic health.

For example, Jackson says that staying up to date on shots, heartworm medication, and other preventative health care measures can help protect pets from big diseases like heartworm or rabies.

“While you can’t prevent every accident or illness, taking these precautionary steps can save a lot of stress for both you and your pet further down the road,” he said.

Catching diseases early

Routine wellness exams go “hand-in-paw” with preventative care and can also help stave off expensive medical bills.

“A quick physical and a few tests can rule out any illnesses in the early stages, possibly saving your pet’s life,” Jackson said. “Again, just like humans, discovering illnesses in their earliest stages means a better chance for recovery and survival.”

According to a recent survey by Nationwide insurance, the following cat and dog conditions can be avoided by preventative veterinary care: dental diseases, internal and external parasites, infectious diseases, reproductive organ diseases, and respiratory infections.

Buying pet insurance

Another way consumers can avoid big vet bills is by buying pet insurance that covers their dog or cat. Having this coverage can be a lifesaver if a chronic illness or condition presents itself down the line.

“A limping injury may need diagnostic tools like x-rays and MRIs that can run up to $5,000,” Jackson pointed out. “We regularly see small claims – an allergy diagnosis and treatment may be $250 – as well as catastrophic claims – spinal diseases that can run over $40,000.”

“With veterinary science evolving to treat our pets better and faster, the price tag is higher as well,” he said. “Pet insurance protects your pets by giving you the financial freedom to seek out the best care possible.”

Most pet parents know that they shouldn’t feed their pets chocolate, but the number of pet food poisoning cases always tends to spike at the end of October due to excessive amounts of Halloween candy in the home.

While chocolate is a delicious treat for people, ingesting even small amounts can be fatal to pets. So if your four-legged friend is notorious for sniffing out where candy is stashed, it’s important to know how much chocolate warrants an emergency visit to the vet.

Symptoms vary

Chocolate is very dangerous to pets because it contains a substance called theobromine. While trace amounts of it may merely cause your pet to have tummy troubles, larger amounts can cause serious discomfort, or even be lethal.

Dr. Jennifer Maniet, on-staff veterinarian at pet insurance company Petplan, says the severity of symptoms will vary depending on the type of chocolate your dog ingested, how much they ate, and their weight. Signs of chocolate ingestion (and possible toxicity) include vomiting, panting, diarrhea, agitation, increased thirst, and in severe cases, seizures.

Unfortunately, you could be looking at an expensive vet bill if symptoms are bad enough to warrant an emergency visit. Petplan estimates that the average cost of treating pet food poisoning is roughly $830.

Calculating chocolate toxicity

Maniet says that baking chocolate is the worst for dogs, with roughly 450 milligrams of theobromine per ounce. The second worst is dark chocolate at 160mg/oz, followed by milk chocolate at 64mg/oz and white chocolate at 1mg/oz.

To calculate your pet’s risk for chocolate-related health issues, follow these steps:

1. Multiply the ounces ingested by the milligrams of theobromine per ounce.

2. Divide that number by the weight of your dog.

3. If the number is close to (or more than) 20, then the toxicity is at dangerous levels.

“Even if a pet is not in the danger zone, the sugar and dairy will likely have GI effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity or lethargy,” says Maniet. “These issues can be serious all on their own, so it’s best to visit the vet when a furry friend gets into mischief.”

Avoiding costume-related mishaps

Unfortunately, Halloween treats aren’t the only dangerous products that pets can consume this time of year. Consumers will also have to keep pets from swallowing parts of costumes if they are being dressed up for the holiday.

Foreign body ingestions are consistently in the top 10 claims submitted to Petplan each year and cost an average of $1,872 to treat. Costumes with frills and other features that could be easily chewed off can put pets at risk, says Maniet.

To keep costumed pets safe, she advises that pet parents ensure that pets can see and move freely and that any costume is free of frills that can be chewed off and swallowed. Additionally, be aware that elaborate costumes in warm climates can cause a pet to overheat or dehydrate.

“And remember: if a dog feels too constricted in his costume, ditch the threads and take him trick or treating in his one-of-a-kind, no-assembly-required dog suit,” she added.

From gourmet treats to doggy day spas, pet parents often go to great lengths to ensure their four-legged companions get nothing but the best. For Millennial pet owners, purchasing a home is just another opportunity to make sure Fido gets the very best.

A third of Millennials who purchased their first home (33%) said the desire to have a better space or yard for a dog influenced their decision to purchase their first home, according to a new survey commissioned by SunTrust Mortgage.

"For those with dogs, renting can be more expensive and a hassle; home ownership takes some of the stress off by providing a better living situation,” said Dorinda Smith, CEO of SunTrust Mortgage.

But while fenced in backyards tend to rank high on the list of desired home features among pet owners, ample outdoor space isn't all pet parents should seek out in a potential home.

Pet-friendly features

As the The Cat’s House authors Bob Walker and Frances Mooney put it, “It’s not just a matter of being pet-friendly, but rather a question of giving your pets environmental enrichment.”

To provide environmental enrichment for your furry best friend, consider looking for the following pet-friendly features in a home:

• Pet-resistant flooring. Your pet will likely be skittering across the floors in your home for years to come, so consider looking for floors that won’t be easily damaged by claws. Look for pet-resistant flooring material such as concrete or porcelain tile. The Animal Behavior College also recommends stone, vinyl, laminate or cork.
• Designated space for pet supplies. Cat owners should look for the presence of feline-friendly spaces -- an odor-isolating area for the litter box or a good place to put a cat tree or shelves, for example. Dog owners should check to see if there are ideal places to house toys, food, and beds.
• Entertaining outside views. If your cat enjoys birdwatching, look for a home with wide windowsills that also doubles as a place to sunbathe. Dogs may also enjoy a window with a view of the outside.
• Space for bathing. Dog-owning house hunters may want to look for a an outdoor shower, a laundry room with an industrial sink, or a second bathroom that can double as a built-in dog wash.
• A walkable neighborhood. Envision yourself walking your pup down the streets of your new neighborhood. Think about whether sidewalks, nearby parks, or dog waste stations are important to you. Additionally, try to get a feel for how friendly other animals in the neighborhood are.

A very contagious strain of dog flu is spreading in Florida, and experts are urging owners to get their pets vaccinated to contain the outbreak, according to a Miami Herald report.

There have been over a dozen confirmed cases thus far, and although the virus isn’t usually fatal, untreated dogs can go on to develop more serious symptoms and a potentially fatal pneumonia.

“There is an imminent threat for dogs to be exposed to this virus in this state. Now is the time for vets and dog owners to consider getting their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible,” said professor Cynda Crawford of the University of Florida. “I think at the university of Florida we’re probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg.”

Extremely contagious

Previously, cases of H3N2 dog flu had been limited to countries like Korea, Thailand, and China, but in 2015 they started popping up in Chicago and have spread to several different areas across the U.S. since then. Symptoms of the virus include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and lethargy, which can last for approximately four weeks.

This strain is particularly dangerous because of how contagious it is. Experts say that most dogs do not have an immunity and have not been vaccinated against it, so the chances of it spreading are high. Crawford suggests that owners be extremely cautious about bringing their pets out of the house, especially to parks where they may interact with other infected dogs or be exposed to contaminants that are left behind.

“I would encourage owners to refrain from having their dogs being around dogs that are coughing or have other signs of a potential respiratory infection. Please don’t allow your dog to socialize,” she said.

Importance of vaccination

Although some pet owners may think that their dog is safe if they’re kept at home, Crawford says that it’s extremely important to go get them vaccinated anyway. “The price is far less than hospital care for a dog that gets a serious illness,” she points out.

Although the vaccination is not a guarantee that your dog will not become infected, experts say that doing so will make your dog less susceptible to contagions and more likely to get over an infection quickly. More serious symptoms are also far less likely to happen in dogs that have been vaccinated.

Getting your dog vaccinated is also important from a community standpoint, since the virus will have a tougher time proliferating if more dogs are immunized against it.

To learn more about dog flu, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website here.

Snacks and Super Bowl parties go hand in hand, but not all football fare is safe for four-legged fans. Pet owners planning to host a Super Bowl party this year should be mindful of the snacks that can be harmful to pets.

With the television netting the majority of the attention, pets may find it easier than ever to help themselves to a game day snack. But the thrill of acquiring a treat meant for humans may be short-lived if pets sneak a snack that isn’t good for them.  

Before putting out your Super Bowl spread, be aware that some snacks might be best kept far from your favorite companions. 

Snacks to avoid 

To keep pets safe on game day, pet insurance provider Petplan recommends thinking carefully before serving the following: 

• Beer. Some pets have a taste for beer, but fatal respiratory depression may await if they imbibe even a small amount, says Petplan. Party hosts with brew-loving pets may want to ask guests to watch their drinks. Or better yet, consider hosting a “Sober Bowl” party.
• Chicken wings. The fine bones in chicken wings can splinter easily and puncture the GI tract. Additionally, the sauces that often accompany chicken wings are almost guaranteed to cause an upset stomach.
• Onion rings. While onions in any form are poisonous to pets, onion rings pose a double danger since fried foods can cause diarrhea.
• Toothpicks. Toothpicks may be handy skewers for cheese cubes and appetizers, but these pointed sticks can cause severe and potentially fatal damage to pets’ GI tracts if swallowed.
• Nuts. Many nut varieties have a negative effect on dogs’ nervous systems. Walnuts and macadamias are especially toxic and can cause vomiting, paralysis, and even death.

Hosting a pet-safe party 

While keeping your pet safe is likely a top priority, hosting a Super Bowl without food may not sound particularly appetizing. Luckily, there are other ways for pet owners to incorporate game day snacks while also making sure pets stay out of trouble.

If you know your pet isn’t one to resist temptation when faced with a selection of snacks at eye-level, consider making other arrangements before hosting. Pet parents could also kindly ask guests to sit at a table or use snack trays to minimize the risk of fallen food ending up in Fido’s tummy.

Additionally, revelers can avoid pet-related mishaps by keeping an eye on unattended plates and cups and making sure to clean up promptly. To keep furry fans happy, consider keeping a few pet-friendly snacks around.