Saturday Night Live turned 50 this year. To celebrate they had a 50th anniversary celebration on television which featured many of the show’s current and past performers.
While you might not be a fan of the show – you have to admire its staying power – even through times when casts were just not that funny. Perhaps that was part of its draw – the hope that this episode would be funnier than the last.
During the anniversary episode they celebrated what is probably one of the more consistently funny parts of the show – the spoof commercials. It was interesting to see how the quality and production values of the commercials improved over the years.
It was also interesting to see how many of the commercials dealt with health issues and made fun of advertisements for medicines.
One of the commercials that they didn’t mention – but which has been stuck in my conscience for many years is the Doggie Downer and Puppy Uppers commercial. Basically, they were dog treats to regulate your pets moods and weight. According to the SNL Fandom Wiki – this commercial which features original cast members Gilda Radner and Larraine Newman originally aired on November 13, 1976 – and I remember watching it – which just seriously aged me.
Being a dog owner, I began to wonder just how much Americans spend on pet healthcare. According to the information I found, in 2023 the U.S. Pet Medication Market was valued at $13.21 billion and is projected to reach $17.90 billion by 2029. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medications, with prescription medications occupying a signifi cant market share of over 53%.
Years ago, I wrote a column stating how easy it was to get prescriptions for pets. Most vets dispense prescriptions right in the offi ce. No need to go to a drugstore and wait in line with a bunch of coughing and sneezing people. Pet care is civilized!
In fact, I was reminded of this just the other day when I had to get some pet meds for my pooch and the vet was closing soon. They said they would leave her meds in their mailbox and I could just pick them up.
How convenient!
I bet my local pharmacy wouldn’t leave my prescriptions outside in their mailbox for me.
But that is a discussion for another time and place.
Right now, I’m wondering how much Puppy Uppers and Doggie Downers cost in 1976 and what they would cost today.
Certainly would add to the over $13 billion spent on pets.
Mike AuerbachGroup Editor-In-Chief[email protected]