Top Pet Supply Industry Trends for 2016

The pet supply industry is booming, and projected growth for 2016 supports this. According to the American Pet Products Association, spending is projected to be up by $2.42 billion on total pet expenditures in the United States.

The breakdown shows that the majority of pet owner expenditures were on food and veterinary care, with these categories expected to increase by $96 million and $5 million this year respectively. The remainder of these expenses are spent on pet supplies/over the counter medicine, live animal purchases, and other supplies. All three of these categories are expected to grow, with pet supplies and over the counter medicine up by $7 million, live animal purchases up by $1 million and other supplies up by $32 million.

Numbers like these can be attributed to one simple fact: Americans love their pets, and won’t skimp on taking care of them. Approximately 65% of U.S. households include a pet, which equates to roughly 79.7 million homes. Among these, 54.4% of households own dogs, while 42.9% own cats. Because most people consider their pets to be a part of the family, they’re often very likely to shell out big bucks for their comfort and care.

Concerns about our pets’ care and quality of living have a lot to do with their health. Healthcare costs can be quite high even for routine visits, and procedures requiring anesthesia or x-rays are comparable in cost to those performed on humans, especially if the client does not have pet insurance. Among the primary concerns of pet owners are obesity and aging pets who require special care. For aging pets, more veterinary visits are normally required to ensure better health, in addition to special dietary products and other services. An increase in the number of obese pets means greater numbers of veterinary visits and medications as well. With more time spent at the vet and more pet owners engaging in special services to manage pets’ health, Americans are spending more money on their four-legged friends.

In addition to revenue growth, the pet supply trends indicate that several new businesses will open, expanding the market. The desire for various services like grooming, boarding, day care and pet sitting have resulted in a wave of entrepreneurs joining the ranks of business owners in the pet industry.

For those in the pet supply business, this is yet another indication of an almost recession-proof industry. Pet supply trends have shown that average spending has been growing by about 2-3 billion per year since 1994. With no signs of stopping anytime soon, the pet industry will be on the rise in 2016.

How will your pet shop take advantage of these trends? Offering new and innovative product lines is a great way to attract new customers and retain those who have been loyal to you for years—quality products build trust and encourage repeat visits. At 4 Paws Tech, we’ve recently launched a retail program offering brick and mortar store owners a dealer-focused program with co-op hometown advertising, low minimums and quick ship order fulfillment. Visit our dealer sign-up page today to become an official 4 Paws Tech retailer!

Light Up Your Walk with the Adventurer LED Walking Jacket

Have you ever found yourself walking along a busy road, wishing you had something to help make yourself more visible to oncoming traffic? If so, the Adventurer LED Walking Jacket is perfect for you. One of the only nighttime jackets on the market to have LED lights inserted into the fabric, this revolutionary product is sure to make you feel safe when walking by yourself or with your dog.

Lighting System

Both day and night, the LED Walking Jacket will keep you visible by illuminating the way and alerting motorists and passersby of your presence. During the day, you can rely on the bright, vibrant yellow color of the fabric to gain attention, and at night, you can turn on the LED lighting system that’s embedded into the jacket. With lights located on both the front and back of the jacket, you’ll have a guide for your path forward and a way to be visible from behind as well.

Usage & Charging

When you put the LED rain jacket on, you’ll find that there are three different modes of use from a slow to fast flash to constant on all of which can be easily be changed using the large rubber on/off button located on the jacket.

Whenever you need to charge your lights, the process is incredibly simple and quick. The system is powered by a USB rechargeable battery that can easily be connected and disconnected when you need to charge or wash your clothing. The charge lasts for over 30 days and has 10 hours of use time. And because it only takes three hours to charge completely, you can start charging it at lunchtime and have your walking jacket ready for an evening stroll with your furry friend!

Other Features

This windbreaker-style jacket with lights was designed to be breathable, waterproof and comfortable and comes with a removable zippered hood which can tuck easily into the collar when not in use. It also has three waterproof zippered pockets so you can store your phone, wallet and any other valuable items without worrying about them getting ruined in a soaking rain. There’s even a doggy bag dispenser for when you’re taking your four-legged loved ones on walks!

Here is a complete list of benefits:

• Breathable waterproof fabric in vibrant yellow
• LED lighting system: white lights on the front of the jacket guide your way and red lights on the back of the jacket let motorist know you're there
• USB rechargeable lithium ion battery (USB charging cable included)
• Charge time: 3 hours for complete charge & 1-hour quick charge. Charging indicator light turns from red to green when fully charged
• Use time: 10+ hours of continuous use depending on mode of use. Standby charge is 30 days (usage time may vary)
• 3 modes: Fast Flash | Slow Flash | Constant On
• 3 reflective zippered pockets, 1 doggy bag pass through
• Zippered, removable hood
• Large rubberized on/off button
• Garment is machine washable (must remove battery)

At 4 Paws Tech, our customers’ safety is our number one concern. And with the Adventurer LED Walking Jacket, we know that everyone who wears it will be safe when walking outside. Whether you’re walking on a sidewalk or are crossing the street, you and your dog will never have to worry about a car not seeing you again. Shop our store or one of our many authorized retailers for this great item and more.

7 Dog Talents That Prove Your Pup is Just as Amazing as You Think

Dogs aren’t called man’s best friend for nothing. With their penchant for cuddling and cheerful dispositions, dogs make amazing companions. As canines are studied more and more, people have begun to unearth other hidden dog talents from the cool to the bizarre. Check out our list of amazing things dogs can do:

Dogs Understand You Better Than You Think

While intelligence varies by breed, don’t be fooled: Your pooch is capable of understanding around 165 words and gestures. According to a study at the University of British Columbia in 2009, some dogs in the upper 20^th percentile were able to understand as many 250 words and gestures. 

Dogs Can Smell Your Illness

A dog’s sense of smell is much more powerful than a human’s, and this ability enables them to detect when certain compounds in your body are off kilter. Dogs have been known to detect several different ailments due to this ability, including cancer!

Dogs Can Sense Your Intentions & Emotions

When you have a rough day and your dog snuggles up to you, it’s not by coincidence. Dogs have an innate ability to sense human emotions including sadness, fear, happiness and anger. They are also able to tell your intentions. Many dogs have been known to endure situations that may be scary for them (like bathtime or getting their nails clipped) when they sense that their owners are doing what’s best for them.

Rescue dogs help a team searching for earthquake victims in Van, Turkey

Dogs Can Rescue People & Other Animals

Between their natural disposition and heightened senses, dogs make excellent rescuers. Some dogs are specifically trained to aid in rescue missions after natural disasters because of their ability to sniff out humans in need. Dogs have also been known to save their owners from tragedy. When disabled or elderly dog owners are in trouble, dogs intuitively know to run and get help. There have even been documented cases of dogs dragging their owners to safety during fires or other instances where their owners are incapacitated.

Dogs Can Hear Amazingly Well

When they are born, puppies are actually deaf and can’t hear until they are 21 days old. However, a full grown dog’s sense of hearing is extremely powerful. They can hear frequencies that are undetectable to the human ear, due to their hearing range being twice that of a human. When dogs cock their head to the side, they’re actually triangulating the location of a sound.

Dogs Can Speak on Command

“Speak” is a common command that many dog owners use to make their dogs bark, but some dogs have shown an ability to mimic human sounds. Siberian huskies in particular have been documented saying shorter phrases like “I love you” and “how are you.” Still, they say them with their unmistakable dog accent. That might actually make it even cuter than it already is!

Dogs Navigate the World Through Smell

A dog’s sense of smell is the most developed of all of their senses, which is one of the most commonly known dog facts out there. But did you ever wonder why your pooch’s nose is damp? It’s actually helping them pick up scent particles. The part of their brain that controls smell is 40 times larger than in humans, and they generally have anywhere from 125 million to 300 million scent glands depending on the breed. Because of this extremely powerful sense of smell, they can often tell where you’ve been, what you ate recently and even detect your active pheromones.

Does your dog have any special talents that we missed here? Share them with us on Facebook!

Dog Diet Dos and Don'ts

Anyone who lives with a dog is familiar with a common canine paradox: Dogs will eat anything, even if it makes them sick. Keeping your dog safe and healthy doesn't have to be a brain teaser. Here are some of the major foods dogs should not eat, along with a list of foods dogs can have to improve their health.

Diet Don'ts

A dog may be a human's best friend, but that doesn't mean a pooch makes a good dinner partner. Below is a list of foods dogs can’t eat. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are especially bad for your pet.

• Chocolate.* Methylxanthines and caffeine make chocolate potentially deadly to canines. The risk depends on the type and amount of chocolate and the size of the dog. White chocolate is least dangerous, while baking chocolate can be lethal. 
• Caffeine.* A small amount of caffeine can make a dog restless and hyperactive. High doses may causes muscle twitches, seizures, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Coffee and tea aren't the only sources of caffeine—watch out for energy drinks and diet pills as well. 
• Alcohol.* Even a small amount of alcohol can quickly result in low blood pressure, reduced blood sugar and a drop in body temperature. 
• Grapes and raisins.* Grapes contain a substance that causes kidney failure in dogs. Baked goods, granola and yogurt-covered raisins should be kept away from pets. 
• Avocados. A toxin called persin may cause breathing difficulties and an upset stomach. 
• Raw meats and fish. Raw meats can carry Salmonella and E. coli, which cause food poisoning. Raw pork and some varieties of fish, including salmon, often harbor parasites. Cooking destroys these pathogens.
• Macadamia nuts.* In addition to having a very high fat content, macadamia nuts are known to cause neurological symptoms in dogs. 
• Tree nuts. Most tree nuts contain enough fat to give a dog an upset stomach. They can also cause intestinal blockage that must be treated by a vet. 
• Dairy products. Dogs are naturally lactose-intolerant, making most dairy items a bad idea. The exception is plain yogurt, which contains no lactose. 
• Cat food. Dogs and cats have very different dietary needs. Cat food is very high in protein, which can be hard on a dog's liver and kidneys. 
• Xylitol.* A common natural sweetener also known as sugar alcohol, xylitol is found in sugar-free gums and candies, as well as in soft drinks, toothpaste and energy drinks. Even a small amount can cause a dog's body to release too much insulin, which is followed by hypoglycemia. It can even lead to liver failure. 
• Yeast dough. Active yeast dough can expand after a dog eats it. The result is nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, the dog may develop a twisted stomach that can only be treated with surgery.
• Onions, garlic and chives.* These members of the Allium family contain thiosulphate, which destroys red blood cells in dogs. The resulting anemia may be severe enough to require a blood transfusion. An amount of onions equal to one-half of one percent of a dog's body weight may be fatal. Onion powder is especially dangerous, because it is much more concentrated than fresh onions.

If your dog eats something on this list, try to find out how much was ingested. Consult your veterinarian if a pet eats items marked with an asterisk. Signs of serious trouble include pale gums (onions), uncoordinated movement (xylitol), and abdominal pain (multiple causes).

Diet Dos

Dogs are not pure carnivores. They require a variety of foods, although animal protein is a large part of any canine's diet. Here are some foods that add extra nutrition to your pet's daily routine. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are commonly found in dog food.

• Chicken.* Cooked, boneless chicken is a good way to increase a dog's protein intake. 
• Salmon or salmon oil.* Omega-3 fatty acids boost the immune system and improve your pet's skin and coat. 
• Oatmeal. Oats are an excellent source of fiber. Serve oatmeal cooked, with no sweeteners, nuts or raisins. 
• Eggs.* Cooked eggs provide riboflavin and protein. They're also a good treat when training. 
• Carrots. A crunchy treat loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, carrots provide an extra boost of antioxidants. 
• Green beans. Vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates make this fun treat nutritious as well.

Did you find this post helpful? Help your friends and their lovable companions avoid a dangerous mishap by sharing this list on social media!

Press Release: 4 Paws Tech Supports the Shelter Connection!

4 Paws Tech is proud to announce our partnership with the Shelter Connection at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter! Read our press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4 Paws Tech supports the Shelter Connection with cool gear for every dog adopted! 

4 Paws Tech, manufacturers of an innovative line of LED and reflective technologies, will donate one of its products for every dog adopted at the Shelter Connection. 

Port Washington, NY, March 4, 2016 – 4 Paws Tech, a division of Man’s Best Friend Technologies, will donate one of the products in its line of reflective collars, leashes and harnesses for each dog adopted from the Shelter Connection at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Len Horowitz, the company’s founder, said he is excited about the upcoming animal shelter charity partnership.

The adoption of a dog is the greatest gift one can give themselves and the needy dog. The pairing of a dog to a human creates a bond that lasts forever and brings joy, companionship and unconditional love. 

“By adopting a dog, we save them and ourselves,” Horowitz said. 4 Paws Tech’s number one goal is keeping our four-legged family members safe. That is why every dog adopted at the Shelter Connection at TNHAS will go home with a reflective leash, collar or harness to help keep them safe and visible on their many adventures in the great outdoors. “We will pair one of our products with an adopted dog throughout 2016,” Horowitz added. 

Give your dog the light of way.^TM

About 4 Paws Tech: Len Horowitz, founder of 4 Paws Tech, started this company to reduce the millions of dogs senselessly killed in car accidents each year. The company’s aim is to protect our four-legged friends and family simply by making them more visible, especially at night. 4 Paws Tech is forming partnerships with several worthy organizations that help better the lives of abandoned and abused animals, because the company believes that those who cannot speak for themselves should have a champion to do so for them. 

About the Shelter Connection: Founded in 2000, the Shelter Connection is an all-volunteer organization at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington, NY. Volunteers are professionally trained as adoption advisors and dog handlers, and fundraising efforts support many shelter improvement programs. The shelter hopes to improve the quality of the life for homeless dogs by increasing adoptions through training and socialization and through educational outreach, teaching the public that shelter dogs are not "damaged goods." 

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4 Paws Tech | Port Washington, NY 11050 | www.4pawstech.com

Tips for Safe Walking With Your Dog

Whether you walk your dog in the morning, afternoon or at night, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. From city sidewalks to off-the-beaten-trail walks, you never know when new and dangerous situations will arise. Properly training your dog to sit, heel and stay is essential to keeping them safe. But there are also plenty of steps you can take during your walk to ensure that it is an enjoyable adventure every time. We’ve complied some of our favorite dog walking safety tips to get you started below:

Leash Training

Dogs should be kept on a leash at all times during a walk. If they spot a squirrel or feel like making friends with another dog across a busy street, you want to be sure they can’t dart across before you have time to verbally react. Make sure your dog’s leash and collar are reliable and the appropriate size for the strength of your dog. Remember to use a short leash for the most control. While first leash training your dog (teaching him/her not to pull on the leash and to walk beside you), reward them with treats whenever they walk calmly.

While walking if your dog gets loose and is running away from you, never run after him/her. They will think it is a game and keep running. Instead, call your dog’s name loudly while running in the opposite direction, and your dog will happily come running towards you. This is the biggest mistake people make while walking their dogs.

Watch What You’re Wearing

When walking at dawn, in the evening or at night, it’s important to consider what you’re wearing. Light-up dog collars are ideal for your canine pals! LED collars and/or LED leashes are a great way to ensure drivers and others can easily spot your dog from a distance. Prefer to walk with a harness? Try a reflective harness for great visibility as well! And don’t forget to dress in bright and reflective gear yourself, so you can be seen too.

Pink Nightlight LED Leash, $34.90
Lemon Lime Nightlight LED Collar, $29.90

Keep in mind that if you and/or your dog are not used to walking, you’re not going to be running a 5K with Fido tomorrow. Start with short and slower walks if necessary, and work up to longer and faster walks together. Finally, consider the weather. If it’s cold, small dogs may need a jacket for longer walks. Remember, your dog feels the cold and if you are getting cold on the walk, so is your furry friend. In severe cold, limit the walks primarily for nature calls.

Have your own tips for walking dogs? We’d love to hear them! Share your dog walking safety tips with us in the comment section below, or visit us on Facebook!

Welcome to 4 Paws Tech!

We’re proud to have launched our online store and our line of safety products for dogs, including collars, leashes, outerwear and more designed with the utmost attention to comfort and quality. Our mission at 4 Paws Tech is to help keep our four-legged family members safe, especially at night. So many dogs are killed by cars each year, and we hope to reduce that number by outfitting pets with reflective and LED gear for greater visibility.

We’ve also partnered with the North Shore Animal League, the world’s largest no-kill shelter, to support their activities and their mission. As a Corporate Partner, our pledge will help to pair homeless dogs and cats with their forever homes.

We hope you’ll enjoy shopping with us and that you’ll check back often to read our updates, news and plenty of fun stuff on our blog!

Thanks for visiting.