Mars, Inc launched the Pets and Wellbeing Study (PAWS) program to study the effects cats and dogs have on human mental health and wellbeing. PAWS is designed to be a large, 5-year research program aimed at deepening understanding about the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond, and examining how these connections affect stress, anxiety, loneliness and overall wellbeing.

According to Mars, the multi-disciplinary research program will engage more than 35,000 individuals in more than 20 countries during its’ initial phase and is expected to continue building over time. The program aims to deliver results that include new insight and scientific data into how pets may enrich lives and how the bond contributes to the quality of life for companion animals.

“Led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in collaboration with leading academic institutions and experts, [the PAWS program brings] together a range of disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches to answer important questions in the human-animal interaction field. The studies in the PAWS program will be led by principal investigators from world-leading academic institutions and organisations,” Tammie King, PhD, senior research manager, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, said in an email to 

The study program’s collaborative research will include work with academic institutions and partners that include Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts;, University of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom (UK); University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in Oro Valley; YouGov, a global market research firm based in London, UK; and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute in Washington, DC.

“Both the breadth and depth of this study program promise to deliver novel data and greater insight into something many people instinctively feel—that the bond between pet and pet owner is a powerful and unique part of the human experience,” Maggie O’Haire, PhD, associate dean for research at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, said in the release.

Mars is also partnering with Calm to utilize this mental health company’s expertise and combine it with human-animal bond research. This collaboration is expected to yield content through 2025.

“Pets are daily sources of calm, joy, and connection. Through our partnership with Mars, we aim to understand these relationships better and illuminate the unique role pets play in mental health and wellbeing, supported by new in-app resources,” Chris Mosunic, PhD, MBA, RD, chief clinical officer for Calm said in the release.

King noted that each study in the PAWS program has its own unique robust design and methodology aimed at addressing a specific research question. “The ambition of the PAWS program is to embrace mixed-methods research (ie. quantitative and qualitative). Within the current scope of the program there are a range of experimental approaches using techniques such as electrodermal activity monitoring and ecological momentary assessment, as well as qualitative interviews with pet owners. Through multiple approaches the goal is to add depth and richness to insights generated. Together, these studies aim to advance scientific understanding of the relationships between pets and people, and the implications for health and wellbeing across species,” King said.

Previous data has shown that 45% of individuals across 31 countries viewed mental health as their top health concern in 2024, up from 27% in 2018.

 Meanwhile, data from the World Health Organization show that anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting more than 301 million people around the world in 2029.

A 2024 Mars Global Pet Parent Study found that understanding the universal and transformative bond between humans and animals has never been more important. This study noted that 56% of people worldwide own pets, and there is a global pet population of about 1 billion.

Thus, Mars advocates for the essential role of companion animals in human lives and expressed commitment to addressing issues such as pet homelessness to keep pets and their owners together, according to the company. Advocates include Loïc Moutault, president of Mars Petcare, who is a pet owner that has experienced joy and comfort from pets.

“There is increasing evidence that owning a pet or simply interacting with one can bring benefits to people of all ages and from all walks of life. [Through the PAWS program], we're aiming to deliver on our purpose—abetter world for pets—because we believe pets make our lives better.Through this study program we aim to provide deeper, science-backed understanding of the mutual bond between people and pets,” Moutault said.

Mars launches landmark global study program on pets’ contribution to human wellbeing. News release. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/press-releases-statements/mars-study-pets-contribution-human-wellbeing

Mental health is seen as the biggest health issue. Ipsos. September 17, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/ipsos-health-service-report

Anxiety disorders. World Health Organization, September 27, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders

Articles

The Pets and Wellbeing Study program led by the Waltham Petcare Science Institute will examine the connection between pets and human wellbeing and mental health

Global study of the human-animal bond is launched

In partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), Dechra—a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business—is offering 20 scholarships for veterinary and veterinary technician students. In the past decade, the company has offered financial support to students specializing in internal medicine, dermatology, and equine sports medicine. This year, Dechra will provide scholarships for veterinary technician students as well, the company announced.

"Through our ongoing collaboration with AVMF, Dechra is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinarians and veterinary technicians," Jill Stohs, DVM, senior director of veterinary professional services and medical affairs at Dechra, said in a company release.

 "These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also recognize and support students who exemplify excellence and leadership in their respective fields.”

The Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Technician Scholarship will award 5 $2000 scholarships to veterinary technician students who are eligible. To be eligible, students must

Be in their final year of study in a program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities

Be currently enrolled and in good standing with the accredited program

Be in good academic standing, upholding a passing grade point average

In addition to their scholarships for veterinary technician students, Dechra also offers the Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Scholarship. The scholarship will grant $2500 scholarships to 5 students with an interest in equine sports medicine, 5 students with an interest in internal medicine, and 5 students with an interest in dermatology, for a total of 15 students.

To be eligible for this scholarship, veterinary students must

Be in their clinical year of study at an AVMA Council on Education (CVM) accredited college in the United States

Be currently enrolled and in good standing with the CVM

Be in good academic standing, maintaining a passing grade point average

Other criteria may be established by the committee from time to time

"Going through a doctoral program later in life has required immense dedication. Even on difficult days, staying committed to my goals has been key to my success,” Sarah Wise, a former Dechra student ambassador and the 2024 recipient of the Equine Sports Medicine scholarship said in a company release.

 “The support from Dechra affirms that hard work and perseverance are truly valued in this profession."

Recipients of the 2024 Dechra scholarships include students from St. George’s University, North Carolina State University, Ohio State University, University of Arizona, Arkansas State University, Oregon State University, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, , Columbia State Community College, SUNY Delhi, and more.

"Scholarships such as these from Dechra have an enormous impact," Audrey K. Cook, BVMS, MRCVS, Dip ACVIM, ECVIM, ABVP (Feline), professor of Veterinary Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University, said in the release.

 "We are absolutely delighted that 3 of the 5 scholarships for students with an interest in Internal Medicine were awarded to Aggies!"

In addition to awarding scholarships, Dechra has invested almost $1 million in veterinary student initiatives over the past 5 years, covering areas like educational events, mentorship programs, and hands-on learning.

Dechra expands commitment to veterinary profession with new American Veterinary Medical Foundation scholarships. News release. Dechra. February 19, 2025. 

Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Technician Scholarship. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/dechra-technician-scholarship/

Dechra Veterinary Products Veterinary Scholarship. American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Accessed February 20, 2025. 

https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/dechra-scholarship/

Dechra in partnership with American Veterinary Medical Foundation is awarding a $2000 scholarship to 5 veterinary technician and veterinary students

Dechra announces scholarships for veterinary and technician students

Watch this short video to discover how one veterinary professional enhances patient care for various conditions using precise, non-invasive laser treatment technology.

Results of Non-Invasive Laser Technology Can Enhance Veterinary Care

Videos

Lovey, an 8-year-old female spayed chocolate Labrador Retriever, first came to see us as a new patient in January of 2023. Lovey’s owners had noticed that morning that she was lethargic, with inappetence, but consumed a lot of water. Lovey’s owner also commented to staff that they noticed a bulge to her abdomen when she was lying down. Initial blood work showed and increased ALP at 312 U/L, an increased glucose at 137mg/dL, normal cPL test, and unremarkable CBC. During this visit, Lovey was given a Cerenia injection, Rimadyl for pain to go home, and some Royal Canin Recovery to encourage eating. With this Lovey improved at home.

Lovey, an 8-year-old female spayed chocolate Labrador Retriever (Image courtesy of CityVet) 

She returned in March 2023 with similar concerns of lethargy and inappetence. Blood work showed similar elevations in ALP and glucose levels, but the CBC showed elevated White Blood Cells (18.73 10̂ ̂ 9/l) and decrease in Red Blood Cells (5.33 10̂12/l) and Platelets (101 10̂9/l).

With these results, Lovey was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound which revealed a partly cystic splenic mass in conjunction with subcapsular fluid and a diffuse splenic appearance concerning for infiltrative disease. Given Lovey’s breed and age primary consideration was given to malignancy such as Hemangiosarcoma with the subcapsular splenic fluid suggestive of recent hemorrhage.

Several diagnostic and treatment options were discussed with Lovey’s owners including splenectomy surgery and oncology referral. However, given the disappointing survival time for dogs with Hemangiosarcoma, Lovey’s owners chose to do as needed supportive care including Yunnan Baiyao for help managing bleeding from the splenic tumor, which remained mild. An Onco K9 test was also performed as a less invasive way to confirm the presumptive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. The Onco K9 cancer detection test results were no cancer signal detected.

With the hope that Lovey’s tumor was truly benign, and a splenectomy could prevent further hemorrhage, Lovey underwent a splenectomy and prophylactic gastropexy and her entire spleen was submitted for histopathology. The mass measuring 12.9cm by 15.2 cm and was found to be a splenic hematoma with hemorrhage, necrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis and lymphonodular hyperplasia. While, ALP remained elevated visual inspection of the liver during surgery showed no areas of concern. Lovey did well under anesthesia and her recovery was uneventful. Her CBC returned to normal levels, and she continues to do well 17 months after surgery.

Lovey presented to the clinic lethargic, with inappetence but consuming plenty of water, and a bulge on her abdomen when lying down

Case study: Splenic mass in 8-year-old labrador retriever 

A line of veterinarian-formulated supplements for dogs and cats has been launched by Elanco Animal Health. The Pet Protect line offers supplements to support hip and joint function, gastrointestinal (GI) health, skin health, and situational stress, according to Elanco. A multivitamin supplement also promotes overall health and wellness.

“At Elanco, we recognize that pets are cherished family members and deserve the highest quality of care,” David Gosche, DVM, veterinarian and executive director, Consulting Vet Team at Elanco, said in the release. “Pet Protect is designed to support the health of pets with scientifically formulated veterinarian-approved ingredients.”

Each supplement in the Pet Protect line offers a function to improve the quality of life for pets. The product line includes but is not limited to:

Pet Protect Hip & Joint: A Synovi G3 formula for dogs that proactively supports healthy hip and joint function in active canines.

Pet Protect Multivitamin: Using a DVM Daily Soft Chews formula for dogs, this product supports everyday health and wellness, immune and bone strength, energy and healthy digestion.

Pet Protect Digestive Health for Dogs: Elanco’s Lactoquil formula supports everyday GI health and microbial balance, and in times of normal digestive upset.

Pet Protect Calming Fast Acting: Elanco’s proprietary Tranquilify blend is designed to work in as little as 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours. This supplement helps support situational stress, positive behavior in times of stress and curbs destructive behavior in dogs.

Pet Protect Skin Health: An over-the-counter supplement for dogs that uses phytoceramide to help regulate hydration, support a healthy skin barrier and support a normal inflammatory response in dogs.

The Pet Protect line has earned a quality seal from the National Animal Supplement Council. It is available now from Elanco to veterinary clinics, through the Vetcove veterinary supply marketplace and other online retailers like Amazon, Chewy and PetMeds. These supplements can also be found in PetSmart stores now, and will be coming in March 2025 to Petco, Walmart and Tractor Supply locations, according to an email from Elanco to 

Pet owners’ expectations for comprehensive pet care have risen significantly, resulting in a heightened awareness to take proactive measures to ensure not only their health but their pet’s health too. The US pet supplement market reached a size of $2.7 billion in 2023, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20% over the past five years. The growth in the pet supplements market has remained constant as customers see value in these types of produces, according to Elanco.

“As the leader in pet health over the counter products, expanding into supplements is a natural fit for Elanco,” Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation, said in a news release. “This underscores our dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of pets while driving growth and expanding our footprint in this dynamic market.”

Elanco launches Pet Protect from the makers of Advantage: veterinarian-formulated supplements for complete pet wellness. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025.

https://www.elanco.com/en-us/news/elanco-launches-pet-protect

Elanco Animal Health announced the launch and availability of products to promote skin health, gastrointestinal health, hip and joint function, and behavior.

New line of supplements support pet health in a variety of ways

A recent study found that including heat-treated 

CECT-7347 (Priome Gut Health) combined with Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol) in adult cats’ diets improved their intestinal health. The study, led by ADM—a human, pet, and animal nutrition company—in collaboration with China Agricultural University, aimed to investigate the effect these supplements have on the digestive health of felines before and after undergoing an abrupt dietary change.

Suddenly changing a cat’s diet can disrupt their gastrointestinal balance, which can lead to inflammation. When transitioning to a high-protein diet, cats can be even more impacted. Although gradually transitioning to the new food over the course of 7 days has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal upset, diet change-related diarrhea is still common in cats, according to the authors of the study.

CECT 7347 helps improve the gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, leading to improved gastrointestinal health during dietary changes, according to ADM.

Additionally, Fibersol-2 raises the levels of beneficial bacteria while containing a low glycemic index, reduced body fat, and improved adaptation to high-protein diets.

For the 28-day study, which was published in 

, researchers looked at 24 British shorthair adult cats. The felines were divided into 2 groups, with the control group receiving a lower protein concentration (33%) diet for days 1 to 14. The treatment group, meanwhile, received the same diet as the control group, but were supplemented with 0.16% functional additives of 

 CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2—a soluble dietary fiber. From days 15 to 28, both groups switched to a higher-protein diet (40%). The treatment group continued receiving the same supplement.

The cats that received the supplement showed significant improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide, an indicator of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change.

CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 also lowered the felines’ fecal pH and increased their fecal levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).

“…the functional additive regulates the fecal microbiota and its function, promoting intestinal homeostasis and colonization with beneficial bacteria such as 

 “Furthermore, on day 28, there was a significant difference in fecal microbiota beta diversity between the two groups.”

“We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets’ overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes,” Mark Lotsch, president of global health & wellness at ADM, said in a report.

 “Insights from this study will open new doors for creating innovative pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance.”

Wang F, Gao S, Peng Q, Tan L, Chen S, Xia Z. Effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium Longum CECT-7347 combined with fibersol-2 on the intestinal health of cats submitted to an abrupt dietary change: A randomized controlled study. 

. 2024;14(15):2179. doi:10.3390/ani14152179

ADM-led study focuses on cat digestive health. 

Feed Additive International Magazine for Animal Feed & Additives Industry.

 January 31, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.feedandadditive.com/adm-led-study-focuses-on-cat-digestive-health/

For the study, participating cats underwent an abrupt dietary change