Pet Industry Trends to Watch Out for in 2019

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This article by Jordan was originally published on FOMO Bones.

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Every year, we see a new collection of pet trends flooding social media, local pet stores, and the Global Pet Expo—and 2019 is certainly no different. We’re seeing a ton of new age ideas that are going to completely change the way you and your pet live your daily lives. From new mobile apps to new dog food formulas, you’re sure to be amazing (and excited) at what 2019 pet trends have to offer. Even pet services, such as grooming, pet sitting, and veterinary care are in on the act and offering more and more new and exciting products.

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More Technology

Technology is a huge part of everyone’s lives today and companies are utilizing this to sell more of their must-have, new age products to dog owners and pet parents in general. Some of the products you might see in 2019 include:

• Pet Health Apps: It is easy to stay up-to-date with your pet’s health when you have an app on your phone helping you every step of the way. These apps will ensure your pet is in top-notch condition and provide insight on things you can do to help your pet grow bigger and stronger. Some apps will also hook up to webcams, allowing you to easily check on your dog throughout the day.
• Automatic pet feeders: Not your typical automatic pet feeder, though. These are connected to an app so you can feed your dog when you’re not at home without worrying he might be overeating.
• Mobile vet clinics: Don’t want to visit your veterinarian if you don’t absolutely have to? I’m sure your dog will love hearing that there will be digital applications for vets in 2019. This means no horrible visits to the vet that end in an anxious, uneasy dog that is afraid to go for a ride in the car again.

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Tear-Free Vet Visits*

Many pets aren’t fond of visiting the vet (and oftentimes, it can be stressful for pet parents as well). In some cases—especially with pets rescued from abusive situations and/or neglectful owners—visiting animal clinics can cause severe anxiety. But, veterinarians and their assistants take measures to ensure every visit is an enjoyable one.

First and foremost, they want to alleviate the anxiety by offering plenty of positive reinforcement during the visit while also providing treats and goodies. Another thing they want to do is create new rooms throughout the office, including a separate waiting room for dogs and cats so there’s no fighting while waiting. They also want to provide dogs only and cats only exam rooms so smells don’t rile them up anymore. Lastly, calming pheromones may also be used to help release any stress or anxiety that the pet is having. This is a huge positive for both pets and their owners!

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Food Delivery Services

Uber Eats, Postmates, Grubhub…do I really need to go on?

In this day and age, we expect to have our food delivered to us. So, why wouldn’t we want the same for our dogs? In 2019 will see the introduction of a food delivery service for dogs as well. With healthy, nutritious food being delivered directly to your door, there is really no excuse to not provide your dog with the best. It makes everything so much easier on everyone’s part, and your dog will be delighted to have a treat delivered to him every so often.

And speaking of pet food, another trend you might see in 2019 is better food. It seems like pet owners are less interested in brand names and prices these days. They would much rather purchase nutritious food to keep their pup healthy and strong for many years to come. This means that more companies are making pet foods that are loaded up with real ingredients that make your dog (and their belly) happy.

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Stress-Reducing Food

Dogs can suffer from anxiety for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes, the stress trigger is obvious and other times we haven’t a clue why our dog is all the sudden behaving oddly and riddled with anxiety. To combat this stress and anxiety, we are seeing an increase in pet food and treats that contain calming ingredients, such as probiotics and CBD oils.

These products are starting to pop up on the shelves everywhere, including FOMO Bones which have become a huge hit recently. FOMO Bones, much like other products you may start to see on the shelves in pet stores, are geared toward making dogs feel at ease. That means no more jittery pup, no more doggy struggling with anxiety—just the happy dog that you know and love.

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Eating Like Adults

People will always say not to give food off your plate to your dog, but why? Yes, it’s true some of these foods are harmful; however, there is a long list of foods that are perfectly fine for your pup.** This is why more and more people are starting to give their dog exactly what they are eating, especially if they are following an organic diet filled with plenty of lean meat, fruits, and vegetables.

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Conclusion

Excited for 2019 pet trends? We don’t blame you! There are truly some amazing things we get to look forward to—and your dog will be happy too. Just imagine how your puppy will act with a belly full of nutritious food with stress-relieving properties? How about a visit to the vet that isn’t a disaster? These things—and more—are just moments away.

*This section is not intended to be a blanket statement inclusive of all pets and all animal clinics/veterinary services.

**Giving pets food “off your plate” can encourage bad behavior, such as begging and, in severe cases, food aggression.