Consumers are seeking treats that are palatable to their pets and provide wholesome, natural nutrition at a good price, writes Keith Loria. He reviews trends, challenges and options in the retail treat marketplace. Source: Pet Product News, February 2019, page 40. Link. Loria reviews trends including superfoods, increased protein options and price sensitivity using … [Read more...]
Help clients offer diets for pets’ life stages
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, Tufts University, recommends veterinarians study established guidelines and give clients clear direction in selecting the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2017. Link. A careful discussion of BCS, life stage, medical conditions, and AAFCO nutrient adequacy statements can better guide owners in … [Read more...]
Get your New Year’s resolutions back on track
Changing a pattern of behavior doesn’t happen overnight. We experience relapses. Instead of giving into self-defeating attitudes that typically accompany relapses, we can reflect on our past patterns — yes, even our relapses and ask ourselves: Why did I get off track? What’s my pattern of behavior in situations like this? Source: PurposeUnlimited.com, February 19, 2019 Link. … [Read more...]
Bad attitude or equine ulcers?
Show horses are prime candidates for ulcers because exercise, stress and travel are proven risk factors. “The interesting thing about this disease is that it seems to be affected by the environmental stressors,” Sherry Johnson, DVM, says. “Management, stress levels and even housing conditions have been shown in literature to be associated with a horse’s chances of developing … [Read more...]
DVM shares 15 tips for caring for dogs in cold weather
Veterinary hospitals are likely seeing a rise in cold weather cases as snow, ice and bitter cold conditions continue. Winter can be hard on our pets. Dr. Laura Playforth shares common challenges that cold weather causes and her top tips for caring for your dogs in cold weather. frostbite on pawsbreathing difficulties from dogs who have short-nosespets injuring themselves … [Read more...]
It’s too cold to go potty!
What do you do when the mercury drops, or the snow is deeper than a dog’s belly? Dog owners need to strongly encourage their dog(s) to potty – actually, insist on it! Nancy Kern shares some ideas for dog owners. Consider sharing these on social media and in e-newsletters. . . . the number of cases of urinary tract infections spikes in winter, when dogs tend to “hold it” for … [Read more...]
Q & As on cannabidiol use in vet practices
As CBD goes mainstream, Stephen Cital, RVT, RLAT, SRA, VCCS and VTS-LAM, shares the lowdown on CBD—what he wishes pet owners understood about CBD treats, what conditions these treats address, and how the veterinary team can play a supporting role in educating pet parents about cannabis products. Source: VETTED, January 24, 2019. Link. . . . we must teach harm reduction … [Read more...]
Cannabis gaining acceptance in U.S. agriculture
Cannabis has become an everyday subject in animal health as an alternative to traditional treatments. Someone has to plant, cultivate and grow these plant sources. A Farm Journal exclusive survey of crop farmers and livestock producers reveals farmers’ attitudes about cannabis and gauges their interest in growing cannabis as a commercial crop for medical use, recreational … [Read more...]
Petco to close Drs. Foster and Smith
Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply operations will close officially February 12 according to a press release from owner company Petco. “Taking into account the needs of modern pet parents, shifting consumer preferences and the ongoing evolution of the Petco brand, we believe this will enable us to streamline operations and better focus on our core business and … [Read more...]
These tips will help you protect against data breaches
Fighting the temptation to abandon our attempts at securing our data is not realistic. We need to adopt a defensive attitude for the inevitable breach of our data. Whether it is your personal or business account, the main change needed in our thinking is to assume that we are targets. The first step is to use a different username and password on each crucial site or … [Read more...]
Learn from Herb Kelleher’s leadership legacy
The world lost a great leader when Southwest Airlines co-founder and longtime CEO Herb Kelleher passed away January 3. His legacy is one every leader should aspire to emulate. I experienced how his leadership impacted people even after he was no longer involved in the daily operations of the company. Source: Purpose Unlimited, January 17, 2019. Link. As evidence of the … [Read more...]
February is National Dental Pet Health Month
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...]