TOP DOG!
16 Shocking Canadian Pet Industry Statistics & Facts (2023 Update) By Chantelle Fowler, www. hepper.com/ca/pet-industry-statistics-canada/
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anada has a booming pet industry that has been seeing a lot of growth over the past five years. This growth may be because Canadians welcomed a plethora of new pets (three million!) into their homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The annual cost of owning a pet in Canada in 2021 was $2,430. Canadians’ pet-related spending has increased by 17.1% in three years. Canadians spent $5.7 billion on their pets in 2020 alone. Only 1.2% of Canadians have insurance for their pets. At $743, dental cleanings account for the biggest portion of Canadian cat owners’ pet-related expenditures. With 776 stores in the province, Ontario is home to the most pet and pet supply stores in Canada. There are 419 animal food manufacturing establishments in Canada.
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The market size of Canada’s pet stores in 2023 is $3.4 billion. Dog food accounted for most of the pet food sales at $2.8 billion in 2020. Pedigree is the largest pet food brand in the country, with retail sales of $260.8 million in 2020. Canada imported over $1.3 billion of pet food in 2021. Canada exported over 315 million kilograms of pet food in 2021. There are 6,080 businesses in Canada in the veterinary services industry. There are 4,691 businesses in Canada in the pet care industry. There were 1,265 job vacancies for veterinarians across Canada in the second quarter of 2022. There are approximately 15,322 veterinarians in Canada.
Tip of the Month - What's Easter without Chocolate? (Courtesy of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb)
It's that bunny time of year with baskets of chocolate Easter eggs hidden everywhere! Delicious for adults and a wonderful joy for children but... BEWARE – chocolate, in any form, is TOXIC to dogs!
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ating chocolate is one of human's great pleasures however, please know that almost any amount of chocolate consumption can lead to a very sick pooch and actually has been known to be fatal in some cases. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine – both chemicals are very similar with theobromine taking first prize for dangerous effects. As with many things, the amount can make all the difference – but tell that to your dog that has just found the chocolate Easter egg stash in the grass! Part of what makes chocolate so dangerous to dogs is how slow the ingredients are digested once eaten. Once chocolate is swallowed, caffeine levels peak in 30-60 minutes and half that amount will be eliminated in 4.5 hours, while theobromine doesn't reach peak levels until after 10 hours and it can take 17.5 hours to eliminate even half of what was gobbled! The primary danger is excessive stimulation. How does that translate in symptoms to watch for? Probably vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate (excessive panting, worrying, pacing anxiety). The most dangerous effect however is hyper-excitability and/ or activity - not in terms of fast 'zoomies,' but hyper response of the internal organs to the point of causing tremors, seizures and in some 24 • APRIL 2023
SADDLEUP.CA
cases (depending on the size of dog, it's sensitivity to the chemical and the amount consumed), death. Keep in mind that what may seem like just a little taste of chocolate may not have a dramatic effect on a large Doberman or German Shepherd type, however, that same small amount of chocolate could be fatal for a small dog like a Poodle, Terrier or Shitzu. If you suspect that your dog ate an unknown amount of chocolate and is showing symptoms; has other health sensitivities or complications; is pregnant or lactating (theobromine can cross the placenta affecting puppies and be transferred in milk); please contact your vet right away. Remember that symptoms may not be seen for up to two hours after consuming but don't wait - a veterinarian's treatments will be most effective if performed as soon as possible after ingestion. So... short version, enjoy all that Easter has to offer, being extra careful to go to that fun Easter egg hunt, leaving your dog at home with a dog treat and... keep those special Easter chocolate goodie baskets up high or far away from Fido! Patricia Skinner-Porter is the owner/operator of Harmony Farm Kennel & Lamb at Monte Lake BC. Offering custom care boarding (non-dog park style) Patricia provides personal care, attention and daily exercise for ALL dog types, breeds and doganalities! She also offers one-on-one dog-owner training, helping individuals to create healthy happy relationships with their dogs. Here she shares her vast array of experience with a beneficial monthly tip for you and your pooch to enjoy! (See her listing under Pet Central)