The potential for alternative proteins is gaining steam as cultivated meat and other novel proteins begin appearing as actualities in pet food formulas, rather than as hypotheticals, writes Lisa Cleaver. Source: PETFOOD Industry, July 2024. Link. With increasing pressure on the supply chain of animal-derived protein ingredients, <cultivated products> differentiate the … [Read more...]
Catnip. How and why it works on some cats
Cats get high off catnip by inhaling nepetalactone, the organic compound found in catnip which scientists believe their brain interprets as cat pheromones. Catnip sensitivity is hereditary, develops when cats mature to about three to six months and is inherited in only about 50 percent of cats. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media posts … [Read more...]
Peanut butter. Good for dogs or not?
Most experts agree that peanut butter is safe for most dogs in moderation. Jennifer Lesser shares facts on why moderation is warranted. Considering that myriad brands now exist, she shares the importance of reading labels and, whenever possible, avoiding ingredients like sugar or corn syrup, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or other potentially harmful preservatives. Also, … [Read more...]
Brush, don’t shave to keep animals comfortable during heat waves
Speaking with NPR, Sandra Faeh, DVM, comments about the practice of shaving pets during hot summer days. Shaving their fur does not help. Their fur makes them comfortable and protects them from sunburn. Brushing dogs removes the hair that they would have shed so that they have their normal coat which makes them so much more comfortable.” Source: NPR, July 10, 2024. … [Read more...]
2024 Animal Health Summit set for August 26th and 27th
Don’t forget to save your spot for two days of unparalleled networking, exclusive 1:1 business partnering sessions, thought-provoking industry leaders, dynamic panels and groundbreaking emerging company presentations. Source: KCAHC. Link. Register at this link. … [Read more...]
Facility tips to help manage the impact of flies on cattle
Sponsored Content Got flies? Choosing fly control products is important, but proper facilities management along with product rotation and application are even more crucial for effectively controlling fly populations. Note: The management tips shared here also apply to anywhere flies and animals exist such as kennels, animal shelters, stables and backyard poultry … [Read more...]
Choosing the right cat bowl
Food bowls are a consideration when addressing cat acne <Link>, so we’re sharing an article that explores the most recommended type of bowls for individual cats. Whiskers are one of the considerations when choosing a bowl. Source: Cat Food Advisor, May 15, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for kitten kits, social media posts or newsletters. … [Read more...]
Updated fluid therapy guidelines from AAHA
The new 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, provides a detailed refresher on the basic principles of fluid therapy while also guiding veterinary professionals through common fluid therapy scenarios and empowers an animal-specific, individualized approach. . . . if a practice doesn’t approach fluids as a drug prescription that necessitates accurate … [Read more...]
Pet-safe, DIY and dangerous baits for rats, mice
Beth Turner, DVM, shares comprehensive information about controlling rodents, the risks and different types of bait and control methods. Her article is a good resource to share with pet owners who may be experiencing rodent issues. Source: Preventive Vet, July 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
How hot is too hot?
This picture of a sidewalk sign is important. Although we posted about temperature risks on May 24th <Link>, the sign is a good reminder as were the number of dogs being walked in 90o F temps last week. Summertime warnings need to be repeated over and over.” Also see: Search results for: dog heat stroke, AHD archives. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 8, 2024
Mars courting next-gen high-spending pet owners, future of flying with pets, email marketing myths, shifts in big life priorities, views of website written content averages 5.59 seconds, and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 8, 2024. Link. . . . websites are not just selling products or services . . . they’re guiding users on a journey, and every step along the way … [Read more...]
IRS boosts health savings account contribution limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that for the calendar year 2025, the health savings account contribution limits for individuals with self-only coverage will jump to $4,300, up $150 from $4,150 for this year. For family coverage, the limit will increase to $8,550 next year from $8,300 in 2024. Source: Human Resource Executive, June 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Global Alliance for Rabies Control launches Dog Welfare Certificate course
GARC’s new Dog Welfare Certificate course is designed to provide essential knowledge for anyone involved or interested in canine care. Free and self-paced, the course offers foundational knowledge crucial for anyone looking to care for a dog whether it is their own, or a dog in the community. Source: Global Alliance for Rabies Control, June 23,2024. Link. The course is … [Read more...]
Tom Vilsack: Good biosecurity critical to mitigating the spread of H5N1
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack’s opinion piece calls on producers to use USDA’s resources to enhance their biosecurity measures and for states and producers to opt into our support and herd monitoring programs designed to limit the spread of this H5N1 in dairy cattle. The most important step we can take today to contain HPAI is biosecurity.” Source: Agri-Pulse, June 21, 2024. … [Read more...]
Keeping the bees buzzing (video)
There are so many things that can kill honey bees, says Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, DABVP. She lectured about common diseases that affect honey bees and their hives at the 2024 AVMA convention. Krebs speaks about viral diseases that veterinarians should be aware of in caring for honey bees and tips when answering questions from beekeepers in their communities in the video … [Read more...]
BARK hopes for industry-wide adoption of its Dog Toy Safety Standards (video)
There are more than 40 safety standards for various children’s products in the U.S. alone, yet there are zero safety standards for dog products. Bark’s safety lab has been testing since 2022 and developing standards to ensure toys are safe as demonstrated in the video. The company plans to publicly share its safety protocols, encouraging industry-wide adoption to ensure the … [Read more...]
Wild Thang is officially the world’s ugliest dog
It took him five tries, but Wild Thang was named winner of the World Ugliest Dog competition last week during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. He and his owner, Ann Lewis, will get $5,000 and an appearance on the Today show. Source: BBC, June 22. Link. (video, 1:00 minute) … [Read more...]
Iowa Great Dane, world’s tallest dog has passed away (video)
Measuring 3’, 2” from his feet to his withers and almost 7’ when he’s on his hind legs, Kevin was crowned the world’s tallest dog by Guinness World Records. The original story includes a fun video link from X. Sadly, Kevin passed away shortly after the receiving the tallest dog designation. Guinness World Records said Kevin, a Great Dane, became ill and underwent an unplanned … [Read more...]
Reminder: Salmonella outbreaks associated with pig ear dog chews
Tim Wall shares the outcomes of research on Salmonella cases related to pig ear dog chews from 2015 to 2019. While retrospective, the article and results serve as a reminder to animal health pros and pet owners who choose pig ears as treats. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 21, 2024. Link. Also see: Are pig ears safe? Canine Journal, November 2, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
RSPCA urges animal lovers to reject the rising trend of puppy yoga
Puppy yoga involves litters of puppies being brought into human yoga classes. Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare expert, asserts that puppy yoga may be cute, but especially young puppies can be overwhelmed and frightened causing a detrimental effect on their welfare. Source: Pets Mag, June 20, 2024. Link. Puppy yoga was recently banned in Italy and it will soon be outlawed in … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 24, 2024
CDC to implement new rules for any dogs entering U.S., leveraging pet trends, RedRover enables pets in homeless shelters, keeping local listings current, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to hold buy now - pay later programs to the same consumer protection standards as credit card companies and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Audubon’s 2024 Audubon Photography Awards
Animal health pros always enjoy great photos and video of the wildlife world around us. Audubon’s annual contest features stunning work from professionals, amateurs and young people that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing them through photographs and videos. Mathew Malwitz won the grand prize for his photo of Blackburnian Warblers, shared in this … [Read more...]
You really are a mosquito magnet. Here’s what you can do about it.
Tired of getting bit up on an evening walk or working in the yard? New research proves mosquitos can pick you out in a crowd. Connie Chang shares research on the odors they’re drawn to, what scientists recommend to keep them away and how a future personalized repellant might work. . . . even in complex situations with multiple sources of odor, mosquitoes do seem to prefer some … [Read more...]
Horses, dogs and cats can transfer poison ivy’s urushiol oil to humans
Poison ivy is somewhat ubiquitous across the U.S. While our companion animals are not sensitive to it they can transfer the urushiol oil that causes a red, itchy rash from the plant to humans. Emily Fought also reminds readers that burning killed plants is even more dangerous. Source: COWGIRL, June 23, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Enter the AAHA Trends Teams@Work annual photo contest
Our industry celebrates technicians with National Veterinary Technician Week in October. Now named the Teams@Work photo contest, AAHA seeks photos to reflect and feature veterinary assistants. Share your best photos of technicians and assistants working in the practice. Enter here <Link>. Source: AAHA NEWStat, June 17, 2024. Link. Also see: Winners from the 2023 … [Read more...]
NAVC and MFA seek to chart new course, define future animal health and pet care
The North American Veterinary Community and the Michelson Found Animals Foundation announced a partnership that will engage industry leaders and visionaries within and outside of the animal health and pet care sectors to define the future of animal health and wellbeing. The first event will form under the Compass brand and bring together industry leaders and mavericks from … [Read more...]
Adopt a Pet, Zoetis announce 1st round of 2024 Shelter Grant recipients
Adopt a Pet and Zoetis have named the inaugural group of animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the 2024 Zoetis petcare product grant. Each grant recipient will receive flea, tick, and heartworm disease prevention for cats and dogs, along with core vaccines and antibiotics needed to support healthy shelter pets in their care. Source: Zoetis, June 5, … [Read more...]
Cheese now drives dairy growth
Consumption of dairy products has reached an all-time high driven by the consumption of cheese products worldwide. The size of the world cheese market is anticipated to grow by $39.1 billion by 2027. Dairy is not declining; dairy is growing. We’re simply eating more of our dairy than we’re drinking.” - Michael Dykes Source: STgenetics, June 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Extremely rare, sacred white buffalo calf born in Yellowstone
A rare white buffalo calf was born in June in Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Jason Bittel shares the significance of this leucistic calf in the current time as well as some of the indigenous lore surrounding white buffalos. White buffalo are sacred animals in Native American culture and considered both a blessing and a warning." Source: National Geographic, June … [Read more...]
Sweaty cattle may boost food security in a warming world
Unless we’re doing something to affect the ability of our cattle to thrive in heat stress conditions, they are not going to reproduce, so there’s a food security concern to consider, asserts Raluca Mateescu, PhD. Her team’s research shows it is possible to identify the genes within breeds of cattle that would lead to the sweatiest, heat-tolerant offspring Source: BEEF, June … [Read more...]