Shawn Messonnier, DVM, shares his basic supplement approach for a healthy dog or cat which include: a vitamin-mineral product that also provides immune and antioxidant support a fatty acid an enzyme and probiotic combination For older animals, a choline supplement should be added, as it may delay the onset of cognitive disorder CBD use is mentioned in a side … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2022
Tostitos toes: Why dogs paws sometimes smell like corn chips
Frito feet; pup-corn paws; Tostito toes . . . vets have heard it all! Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria are a type of yeast present in most dogs’ feet. Activated by exercise, the bacteria cause the smell when dogs sweat. Washing feet with warm soapy water is the first line of defense to reduce the odor. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Indications of an infection needing … [Read more...]
Pet safety concerns with sunscreens
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets regular calls about sunscreen in the summer. Salicylates and zinc oxide are two primary ingredients in sunscreens that can cause issues with pets. Plus, the bottles and tubes complete with their exotic butters, oils and scents peak pet curiosities making them an ingestion risk on their own. Source: APSCA®pro via AAHA NEWStat. … [Read more...]
Study finds dog and human cognition similar
A study published in Animal Cognition identified six key markers of executive function in dogs, many of which overlap with the structures associated with human cognition. These include the ability to follow instructions, control physical impulses and use working memory. The study also found that dogs from breeders had higher levels of executive function than those from … [Read more...]
Making parasite prevention personal: Tips every veterinary nurse can use today.
Complimentary Commercial Content Dr. Cassi and Dr. Joel Sailor discuss strategies for consistent parasite prevention. The discussion of adherence versus compliance is an important perspective to consider. Source: vet2vet, July 18, 2022. Link. The doctors discuss the value of online pharmacies and keeping the Rx close to the clinic. … [Read more...]
World Emoji Day 2022: how emoticons changed the way people communicate
World Emoji Day falls on every July 17 and is observed to celebrate emojis or how their inclusion in digital interactions has made communication easier. Source: The Economic Times, July 17, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Over 3,500 emojis are currently available as part of commonly used hardware, software, and online services. See the most used emojis here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Amazing performance: 2019 FCE Dog Dancing World Championship Freestyle Final
This YouTube video from the Federation Cynologique Internationale caught our attention. Beyond anything ever seen on historic Ed Sullivan shows, the lady dancer and her dog perform reflecting each other’s moves. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is also on Facebook at the link below. Source: YouTube. Link. (5.5 minutes) Source: Facebook, Dogz Devotion Academy. … [Read more...]
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association; dedicated to education, advancement
Complimentary content It is challenging to monitor and choose from all the education, CE and webinars available. It seems there’s a new announcement three or more times per week. The VHMA put together a listing of what’s coming soon and resources available on demand. Webinar topics include micro-breaks, social media, career path management, dealing with the economic … [Read more...]
Top 5 ways to prevent dental disease in dogs and cats
Commercial Content included August will be six months since our industry promoted the annual National Pet Dental Month. Making in-home oral health a priority for every pet has consistently been part of Animal Health Digest posts. We’re outspoken about oral care at home first and Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) in the clinic. Link. Dental exams are … [Read more...]
7 habits to maximize learning time
Opinion Without learning, life is stale. My grandfather often asked me, “What did you learn this week?” during frequent family visits to their home. He understood the importance of stretching our minds, seeing new ways of doing things and avoiding becoming narrow minded. Author Scott H. Young believes learning is the key to living well. He offers seven practices that can … [Read more...]
Your future self?
When we think of our future selves, our brain lights up the same as it would when we think of Natalie Portman or Matt Damon who are strangers with whom we are somewhat familiar. According to our brains, us in the future is not us.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, June 28, 2022. Link. Start by thinking of 10 things right now that you don’t want to repeat, 10 things in your past that … [Read more...]
Coronavirus in the U.S.: Where cases are growing and declining.
Ugh! Right? It isn’t over until it’s over, so we are sharing this article on how Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are sweeping through the United States. A recent study found that, compared to the previously dominant Omicron version BA.2.12, these more contagious subvariants are four times more resistant to Covid-19 vaccines and are more likely to cause breakthrough … [Read more...]
No friends at work can affect performance
More than six in 10 people don't socialize with colleagues outside of work and 43 percent don't feel any alliance with coworkers. That can affect performance and retention, according to research by BetterUp Labs. Workplace relationships play an important part in our lives.” - Carole Robin Source: Fast Company, July 15, 2022. Link. Simple, effective ways to foster more … [Read more...]
Petflation: Inflation’s impact on pet industry
Inflation is strong in the pet market says John Gibbons. The Consumer Price Index has shown four straight months of double-digit, year-over-year monthly percentage increases. These are the first increases of more than 10 percent since 1981. We’re sharing quotes from two sources that present economic trends in the animal health industry. Inflation historically affects pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 18, 2022
Survey from Elanco reminds us of high percentage of pets unprotected from Leptospirosis sp. and Lyme disease, new 1099-K reporting rules, pet food mergers to date, using multi-factor authentication is smart for small business cyber-security, TikTok launches Follow Me for Small Business Users and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 18, 2022. Link. Current Flow Business … [Read more...]
Get a handle on controlled veterinary substances
Rules governing controlled substances handling have been in place for decades. Not having the proper protocols in place can leave veterinary clinics subject to fines and fees. Jennifer Ryan shares information from Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, Founder of Veterinary Care Logistics, on ways clinics can manage their controlled substances with simple inventory management … [Read more...]
3G sunset may affect sensors and alarms in animal production, systems, safety
Complimentary Commercial Content Many have already upgraded smartphones as the FCC opened more bandwidth to service 4G and 5G devices. However, there still may be 3G devices used daily that are greatly affected, such as various alarms on water systems, feed flows, ventilation systems and overflow alarms. An educational packet from BarnTools™ caught our attention. Animal … [Read more...]
988 mental health hotline is live. Here’s what to know.
The primary goal of the new 988 number is to make it easier for people to call for mental health help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will connect people to the existing network of more than 200 local crisis call centers around the country. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's 1-800-273-8255 number will remain active, but calls will be routed to 988. People who … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – four posts qualify as most read in the June 30thAHD Bulletin Guide to medical professionals who specialize in caring for pets. Link. The complaint department. Link. Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why. Link. Grass-fed versus grain-fed ground beef. Does it matter? Link. Previous AHD Bulletin - Animal … [Read more...]
A video trip inside a farrowing barn
Complimentary Content Biosecurity protocols appropriately restrict access to modern swine production facilities. But that also means there are fewer persons who experience what goes on in these production units. Educational programs like Dr. Dorman Asks seek to inform the public and provide a look at how pigs are produced for the animal protein market. In a recent edition … [Read more...]
Cattle producers are behind in biosecurity planning
State veterinarians, the NCBA, USDA and others are working together to educate and encourage beef producers to create a biosecurity plan. Free online templates are available to walk farmers through biosecurity questions to develop a farm plan. Currently, biosecurity plans are voluntary in the beef industry. What might move the needle toward more cattle producers having a plan … [Read more...]
Coyotes roaming the streets wins 2022 Urban Wildlife Photography Award
Some urban areas saw upticks in wildlife activity during the pandemic. <Link> And, it’s likely photographers have had more time to capture wild critters in their neighborhoods and submit the photos. Contests like this create a record of the intersection of wildlife and humans for us to enjoy. Source: PetaPixel, June 27, 2022. Link. The full finalists and winners’ … [Read more...]
7 important facts about mosquitos and horses
Mosquitoes are likely more dangerous to horses than they are to humans. Reminding horse enthusiasts about Eastern-, Western- and Venezualian equine encephalomyelitis along with West Nile virus, Aimee Elyse Robinson shares seven important facts that tie to risk management for horses. Vaccinate proactively, move the air, removing standing water is not a cure-all, and avoid dawn … [Read more...]
Straight talk about colic and post-colic care
Our June 28 AHD Bulletin presented resources available for equine practitioners and their clients from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. In the first of two articles linked here, Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, shares experiences from his 20 or more years of specializing in colic. His main motivation remains to find ways to “shorten horses’ hospital visits, reduce … [Read more...]
Canine aggression, treatments, when to refer
Sharing results from a study on canine aggression treatment protocols, Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc (Hon), DPNAP, DACVB, DACAW, shares the importance of asking pet owners about possible behavior problems during routine examinations. She highlights data from the study showing dogs seen by a clinician were diagnosed with a contributing medical condition. These data raise … [Read more...]
Gauging cat happiness
Cats thrive on comfort and safety, according to Sally E. Bahner. She shares information based on a research article <Link> indicating cats are more affectionate when they can call the shots on where they want to be petted. The researchers used the acronym C.A.T.: C = provide the cat with choice and control A = pay attention to the cat’s behavior and body … [Read more...]
WDJ criteria to identify good-quality dry dog foods
Foods for pets may contain wildly varying levels of vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, and yet all can be called complete and balanced, writes Nancy Kerns. She shares the Whole Dog Journal’s criteria used to identify good-quality dry dog foods. AAFCO establishes the nutrient levels that legally constitute “complete and balanced” diets for our pets. But, unlike the human … [Read more...]
Obese owner is the most important factor in dog obesity
Just as vigorous people tend to choose active lifestyles for their pets, overweight and obese individuals may pass their eating patterns onto their pets. Physicians and veterinarians collaborated to use a One Health approach to study pet obesity emphasizing the importance of nutrition as one aspect of health. Being an overweight dog owner was found to be the most important … [Read more...]
Up next from The Bridge Club
Complimentary Sponsored Content The Bridge Club™ continues to grow in the veterinary sector with virtual and live opportunities to network with other veterinarians and individuals serving this segment. Launched in 2022, Bridge Club Practice Conversations events were made available for individual veterinary hospitals wishing to interact with their own client base … [Read more...]
NAVC opens 2023 registration for 40th veterinary conference
Complimentary Content Registration is now open for VMX 2023 to take place January 14th through the 18th, 2023, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, and virtually. This year’s fees will reflect the registration costs of the 1983 inaugural conference year. Early registration is $125. We are pleased to mark our 40th anniversary of hosting the veterinary … [Read more...]