An online search for comments and opinions states that owning a dog in the 1960s was very different than it is today. A quarter of the dogs at the time were random strays, whether they had an owner or not. Ownership rules were much less defined. Even though there were commercial dog foods available and a Milk Bone treat company, the dog food industry only appealed to a few dog owners. Conventional dogs survived on table scraps and pouring gravy on your dog’s food was a huge trend!

Dog Trends of the 1960s

The ladies of the 1960s popularized smaller breed dogs that were easy to transport. A new trend in dog ownership began when owners began dressing small dogs in sweaters. The 1960s ushered in major societal changes in dog care, health, and even animal ethics.

Veterinarians were few. In the 1960s, the science of veterinary medicine was an established degree that required a few “short” years of college education, at a time when most people got by with a high school graduation or less. It was not a very popular profession and it took too long compared to many other job options available. There were few applicants and few graduates from the program. Pet care was provided on demand only. Very sick and injured dogs used to be euthanized, as the system did not have the technology or resources to prolong life as we enjoy it today.

The successful graduates were mostly men and went to work in remote areas of the country on farms. Specialized in the treatment of diseases and illnesses in large animals – bovine and equine. Veterinarians in the 1960s were also trained in treating avian diseases, so their focus was really on promoting the viability of farm animals for sales and consumption by the human food industry.

Dog Ownership in 1990: Veterinary Medicine Expands to Accommodate Urban Families and Their Pets

The 1990s saw radical changes in veterinary science. First, a college degree is increasingly recognized as the standard education for the workforce. Well, it is not required to get a job in many fields, applicants with degrees are generally considered to have more job opportunities and better salaries with more social benefits. The 1990s also sees more female students entering medicine and science programs, including veterinary science. However, the majority of students and teachers are still men.

Veterinary clinics have been popping up across the country to care for household pets who become sick or have an accident or need hospice care. The medical approach is still largely based on treating the problem, illness or disease. New ideas for disease prevention and health education are just beginning to cause another change in the veterinary approach. From on-demand vaccines to spaying and neutering for population control, the major themes show a broader change in practice as veterinary medicine expands to meet the early needs of globalization.

Having a dog today, or any pet, really shows how much our animals have become part of our family. Today most vets suggest vet insurance, run expensive top of the line technology to diagnose every condition you take your dog to the vet for. Many veterinarians are now women, with female enrollment higher than male enrollment at universities. Many teachers in the program are now also women. Veterinary programs take several years to complete, as they cover a wide range of animal diseases and health promotion practices for the care of domestic animals and livestock. Universities that now offer highly specialized degree programs. The shift towards health promotion and prevention continues and is in full swing! Veterinary medicine today is proactive! Vaccines are recommended from puppyhood throughout your dog’s life to prevent disease. Spaying and neutering is done routinely, dogs are living longer, and veterinary medicine is poised to care for them with therapeutic medications, advice, and healers that offer a variety of symptom control and promote longevity.

Having a dog in 2020: how modern dogs live

We have a huge advantage living in this age of technology and indulgence. There are so many dog ​​food and treat options that are just as healthy and homegrown as our human grade food. In addition to a bunch of challenging but fun decisions, is which brand to choose for your dog.

Massive globalization has even provided more adaptation options than ever before! Do you want a pet store puppy? A breeder’s high-end show dog? Adopt a dog from a shelter? Adopt an elderly dog ​​to improve the last stage of its life and provide palliation and love? Today, there are so many resources available to help you make the right decision.

Today, the pet supply industry is brimming with trendy toys and supplies and tricks for your new puppy or adult dog. Senior dogs are being treated like never before, with advances in dog health and wellness and insurance coverage. Owning a dog has never presented more complex medical and ethical challenges than it does today.

Massive globalization has even provided more adaptation options than ever before! Do you want a pet store puppy? A breeder’s high-end show dog? Adopt a dog from a shelter? Adopt an elderly dog ​​to improve the last stage of its life and provide palliation and love? Today, there are so many resources available to help you make the right decision.

Today, the pet supply industry is brimming with trendy toys and supplies and tricks for your new puppy or adult dog. And senior dogs are being treated like never before, with advances in dog health and wellness and insurance coverage. Owning a dog has never presented more complex medical and ethical challenges than it does today.

Dogs have really become a part of our families. In some cases, they even experience separation and divorce from their human owners. Dogs have been known to share time between each new human home on a regular basis after separation.

In some families it is the children. As more people choose to remain single, or have relationships and not have children, or are unable to have children, owning a dog or dogs is becoming a more popular option. Dogs in these situations get all the love and the owners also get emotional satisfaction. Owning a dog is also cheaper than having human children. Since the average child costs $14,000 a year up to age 18. By comparison, owning a dog costs $1000 a year per dog. Dog ownership has a shorter timeline. Instead of lifetime ownership, with dogs you get a shorter journey of lasting memories and you may or may not continue at another time. Making dogs a more flexible and affordable investment at any time!

Looking to the future

In the last 80 years, the world has seen great advances in dog ownership, training, supplies, and medical care. There are 89.7 million dog owners in the US in 2017, driving market demand and defining trends in dog care. Even the way vets are educated and run their practice has gone through radical transitions. Technology, innovation, and best practice research are the driving force behind the animal health system we have today. But even in all this time, a dog’s unconditional love hasn’t changed.