It is time again for National Pet Dental Health Month, an annual event AVMA sponsors. The association offers a toolkit to help clinic’s work as effective as possible during the promotion. Source: AVMA. A website to help clients help their pets is here. Link. A website exclusively for AVMA member veterinarians to help clients is here. Link. Make the most of the free tools … [Read more...]
2019 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show wrap up
Nearly 9,000 people attended this year’s Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show that wrapped up last week in New Orleans. Jennifer Houston of Sweetwater, Tennessee, was named president. Animal health pros made up a good percentage of the 350 exhibitors in the seven-acre trade show. As is tradition, Cattlemen’s College kicked off the event. Source: AgriMarketing, … [Read more...]
Pardon me, that horse is . . . uh, fat!
Obesity in horses carries a bunch of problems. David Ramey, DVM, shares some of the them, offers solutions and a story, as well: Fat horses are insulated horsesExercise intoleranceLaminitis You should be able to feel your horse’s ribs easily, but not see them (much). Source: Horse Network, January 27, 2019. Link. Keep your horse at a good weight. He’ll feel better, … [Read more...]
5 Kansas BQA trainings scheduled
Five advanced beef cattle care and health training sessions in February and March will offer Kansas beef producers the latest ways to improve animal welfare and food safety. Kansas State University veterinarians Dan Thomson and A.J. Tarpoff will lead the trainings. Source: High Plains Journal, January 23, 2019. Link. Dates and locations are Feb. 4 at Anderson County Sales … [Read more...]
As Farm Aid turns 30, its focus raises questions (includes video)
Farm Aid was created during the farm crisis of the 1980's and is today is a nonprofit with the stated mission of helping farmers and farm families. Clinton Griffiths questions the current focus while sharing information about the organization. Source: Drovers, January 25, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Calm anxious cats with music
Cat owners, groomers and veterinary teams all appreciate the challenges of skittish felines. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, shares information about the benefits of playing music in order to create a more serene environment. Two resources she recommends are: MusicMyPet.com <link> “Relax My Cat” on You Tube < link > Source: Tufts Catnip, February 2019. Link. For … [Read more...]
Measuring owner-cat bonds
Here’s a fun quiz worthy of social media posts and e-newletter links. Cat owners will enjoy taking the quiz and then learning how to increase the bond with their cats. Source: Modern Cat, October 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Be sure pets are safe during cold weather
Winter weather challenges pets, livestock and animal owners. The AVMA offers information on its website, including client handouts for members. It is especially important to remind new pet owners of the limitations cold weather places on our pets. Frozen water bowls are commonly overlooked. Remember to warn people how much outdoor and feral cats like warm automobile engines. … [Read more...]
AQHA opens Horsemen of the World exhibit
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum <link> opened a new exhibit last November. The Horsemen of the World exhibit showcases the unique bond between horses and horsemen around the globe. Visitors can view the exhibit at the Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas through November 2019. Source: AQHA. Link. Despite differences in breed, discipline … [Read more...]
Best productivity hacks for 2019
Whether at work, in relationships or at home Mike Schultz’s productivity tips make sense. See which ones will improve progress to your key objectives and goals. Source: Marketing Profs, January 21, 2019. Link. There are thousands of time-management and productivity tips and systems out there, but with so much information available, it's hard to know what works and what … [Read more...]
What to expect from Gen Z (includes infographic)
The oldest Gen Zers are now entering the workforce. Here are five tips on engaging them through learning and development programs: Go mobile or go homeFeed their bite-sized learning appetiteFocus on soft-skills developmentEncourage collaborationUse mixed-media formats Source: HR Technologist, December 28, 2018. Link. By designing learning experiences tailored to the … [Read more...]
Innovetive Petcare receives VETTY awards at VMX
Congratulations to the Innovetive Petcare marketing team for being chosen for 2019 VETTY awards. They won a gold medal for a new logo and the 60th anniversary logo for the Animal Hospital of Wilkes in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Plus, this logo earned a prestigious judges’ award. Innovetive Petcare’s website design for Animal Emergency & Specialty Center of Knoxville, … [Read more...]
Safety concerns when cats fight
Industry information shows homes with cats are likely to be multi-cat homes. Bringing a new cat into the mix can easily erupt in caterwauling and flying fur. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine offers cat fight knowledge to keep cat owners safe. Source: Catwatch, February 2018 via Catster, January 23, 2019. Link. Most cat fights center around coveted … [Read more...]
Chickens and cats don’t mix
Chicken owners need to become familiar with three types of cats, writes Ana Hotaling. Whether housecat, barn cat or feral/stray cat, chickens are not enrichment activities. They are prey in the cat mind. Larger breed birds may be less likely to fall to feline predation given their size and protective tendencies. Source: Hobby Farms, January 16, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Reduce dogs’ cancer risks
Veterinary oncologists say that cancers in humans and in dogs are incredibly similar, in terms of growth and prognosis writes Cynthia Foley. She suggests four ways to lessen the odds of cancer in dogs: Reduce exposure to carcinogensTime spay/neuter surgery appropriately when possibleProvide dogs a healthy lifestyleExamine dogs’ bodies to enable early detection Source: … [Read more...]
The 10 most important things to teach a puppy
Far too many people don’t have a clue about how to properly raise a puppy, says Pat Miller. She offers a refresher course on important things for puppies to learn. Behavior problems are the number-one reason pets are relinquished. Use this information to help a new puppy owner develop their role with the pup. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 5, 2017. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Cats groom each other for good reasons
Grooming each other, called allogrooming, is one of three ways cats express cohesion in colonies. The other two ways are allorubbing and transmitting scent signals. . . . scientists have studied allogrooming behaviors in domestic cats, lions, primates and many other species. Source: Catster, January 1, 2019. Link. Allogrooming appears to be a sign of social … [Read more...]
Cold season and cats
Its cold and flu season. The sneezing, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes that make us miserable are also symptoms of cat colds or upper respiratory infections. Dr. Arnold Plotnick reminds us that feline herpesvirus (FHV) and the feline calicivirus (FCV), both viruses, cause 80 percent of feline upper respiratory infections. He discusses cat colds using relatable language … [Read more...]
15 practices achieve AAHA accreditation
AAHA announced another group of practices that went above and beyond to meet the highest standards in veterinary medicine. This list includes practices evaluated from October 15–November 14, 2018. Escanaba Veterinary Clinic, Escanaba, MISheridan Animal Hospital - Referral (two specialties), Buffalo, NYAMC of Garner Veterinary Hospital, Garner, NCDanville Family Vet, … [Read more...]
4 easy ways to ice-proof a horse’s hooves
Snow and ice can cause ice balls to build up on horses’ hooves. Horse owners will appreciate this reminder when you share it on social media and in e-newsletters. When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. . . Walking on an uneven mass even for a short time can cause a … [Read more...]
Best animal photos of 2018
Even after more than 100 years of photographing the natural world for National Geographic, wildlife photographers are still capturing animals in ways they’ve never been seen before. Some of the best wildlife photos this year were of birds. Source: National Geographic. Link. Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Cat scooting causes and actions to take
Usually seen in dogs, cats also scoot or drag their butts on the ground. Jackie Brown addresses what causes the itchy posteriors and what to do about it. Source: Catster, December 21, 2018. Link. Brown discusses these reasons for cat scooting: WormsAllergiesAnal gland issues INSIGHTS: We would add poor backside grooming to the list. Consider this article for … [Read more...]
You need a plan, not just a resolution (includes video)
Julie Compton addresses the dynamics of resolutions and shares tips from author John Norcross: Plan ahead (but be realistic)Trigger rewards in your brainEliminate triggersRearrange your environmentGet social support Mess-ups are normal. They should strengthen, rather than hinder, your resolve. Source: Better, December 29, 2018. Link. Your brain forms habits around … [Read more...]
Ways 3D printing helped animals in 2018
From animal prosthetics to implants to even robotic assistance for bees, 3D printing has helped animals as much as it has helped people. Read standout stories from 2018 about how 3D printing has helped our animal friends to live their best lives. Source: 3D Print.com, December 24, 2018. Link. As 2019 progresses, there will undoubtedly be many more instances of 3D printing … [Read more...]
Crate reasoning
Nancy Kerns shares her experiences with dogs and crates during last year’s California Camp Fire. She further underscores the importance of crate training for all dogs. If for no other reason, teach your dog to be comfortable in a crate for emergencies. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2019. Link. . . . the dogs who obviously had experience in crates were far less … [Read more...]
The veterinarian’s holiday survival checklist
Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV, shares tips to avoid making the holidays more stressful than needed. This list works for all animal health pros. The holidays are always stressful, even for those of us who love them. Source: DRANDYROARK, December 7, 2018. Link. Here are a few tips to surviving all the cheer and chaos: Postpone Cut back Make it Take a break Keep it simple … [Read more...]
Raptor anesthesia
Jenna Larios, LVT, and Monica Madera, DVM, provide information required to understand some of the major considerations of raptor anesthetic protocols, analgesia, anatomy and physiology, and physical restraint. Overall, the approach to avian/raptor anesthesia differs from that of mammals though the principles remain the same. The major differences are in regard to the avian … [Read more...]
Drovers’ Top 10 Cow-Calf Stories of 2018
From anaplasmosis to low-stress animal handling and deworming to BQA requirements Sara, Brown gives us a look at the top cow-calf stories of this year. Source: Drover’s, December 13, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
DO NOT FEED NUTS to dogs
Pet owners frequently search "are peanuts safe for dogs?" Bottom line, certain types of nuts can cause poisonings, an upset stomach or an obstruction in a dog's gastrointestinal tract which can lead to life-saving surgery and unexpected veterinary expenses. According to Nationwide pet insurance, walnut poisoning is one of the most common claims for toxic … [Read more...]
Catios, one solution to the indoor/outdoor dilemma (includes video)
Catios are becoming a popular trend in feline enrichment and safety. Cat owners who wrestle with the indoor/outdoor dilemma can have the advantages of both worlds with a safe outdoor enclosure called a catio, or cat patio. Source: Modern Cat, December 5, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS:A variety of catio resources are available including DIY plans for those who want to … [Read more...]