Feeding dogs table scraps or people food treats has been an ongoing conversation for as long as I remember. The slide show featured here may or may not support your own convictions. However, thousands of pet owners may use this resource. Source: Web MD, January 6, 2016. (slideshow) Make human food a treat -- no more than 5% to 10% of your buddy's diet. See what eats are … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2016
Rabies in cattle
Learn or review how cattle get infected with rabies, the two primary forms of it and what to help producers watch for. Gregg Hanzlicek, with the veterinary diagnostic laboratory at Kansas State University, says skunks are the most likely carriers. This is good information to offer 4-H or FFA groups, include with clinic communications or during VFD planning sessions. Source: … [Read more...]
Marketing annual wellness plans
Most veterinary hospitals offer wellness plans or pet insurance brochures. A takeaway from this article is to support one or two of them and present them to clients from all points of contact in the practice. The article outlines strategic and tactical elements to consider. Remember that wellness plans positively impact compliance to veterinary recommendations and remove some … [Read more...]
Handling euthanasia in practice
Veterinarians are the only medical professionals licensed to euthanize. While a professional privilege, euthanasia also comes with significant responsibility to handle it properly, according to the authors. This article reads like a training manual for establishing and managing euthanasia in a veterinary hospital. Mary Gardner, DVM and Dani McVety, DVM, offer a five-stage … [Read more...]
Editorial – Popular poultry stories of 2015
Chickens in backyards are becoming more popular than ever. These backyard birds are often within city limits. Small animal hospitals and any team treating birds need to stay aware of poultry health issues, including any effects of the Veterinary Food Directive. Source: WATT Poultry Update, January 4, 2015. Avian influenza, antibiotic-free poultry production are topics of … [Read more...]
Poop-tastrophe … a dog owner’s nightmare
Poop happens! Then you or the dog steps in it. Any dog owner has had this happen. You’ll get a smile from this, as we did: What to do If Your Dog Steps in Poop: A Semi-Practical and Full Humor Guide to Your Very Own Poop-ageddon. It could be fun to include it in a veterinary hospital newsletter too. Source: Dog Channel, December 30, 2015. You feel the wild tug of a mad dog … [Read more...]
December pet food recalls
It is hard to stay abreast of pet food recalls. This list of the latest ones will help veterinary teams and dealers answer client questions. Consider posting it on an employee bulletin board or discussing it during team meetings. Source: Petfood Industry, December 30, 2015. See Blue Buffalo, Stella and Chewy’s, Bravo and Nutro products recalled in the last month. … [Read more...]
Canine disaster search teams to have world-class facility
The Search Dog Foundation provides dogs and training at no cost to fire departments and other emergency agencies around the U.S. The non-profit foundation relies solely on contributors for funding. It is building a new training facility to prepare dogs and their handlers for active rescue duties. Source: Equine and Canine News, Fall 2015, page 40. Finding a rescue dog with … [Read more...]
Editorial – Tough “Goliath” start to 2016 in cattle industry
Holiday storm Goliath will hurt the beef and dairy industries for months to come. An estimated 40,000 dairy cattle were lost to the storm. Beef losses will be from lost weight gains. For veterinarians and suppliers, helping customers find ways to replace lost animals will help ensure ongoing revenue from animal health products and services. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Editorial – Most dog seatbelts aren’t safe
Recent articles and videos question the safety of pet harnesses for automobiles. The not-for-profit Center for Pet Safety found a majority of pet harnesses marketed today do not work during sudden maneuvers. Supported in part by Subaru, CPS conducted tests on 25 harness products. Of these, only four protected a pet according to its protocols. Source: The Huffington Post, … [Read more...]