Mieshelle Nagelschneider addresses the challenging issue of cats that spray mark with urine. She says the number one reason is the cat has become aware of an outside cat’s presence and feels his territory may be threatened. She also reminds us that spray marking is a natural behavior, not something spiteful. Spraying is a major reason that cats get sent to the shelters or … [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...]
List defines when to take dogs to vets ASAP
Jackie Brown shares a few situations that require a vet’s immediate attention. She also gives general guidelines outlining how fast to respond and to ease transport of the injured pet. BleedingBloatBreathing issuesDifficulty walking or standing PoisoningSevere vomiting and/or diarrheaTrauma: broken bones, bite wounds, falls, hit by car Source: Dogster, December 27, 2018. … [Read more...]
Free Partners for Healthy Pets program re-engages inactive clients
There’s good news about a free program offered by Partners for Healthy Pets (PHP). PHP’s inactive client reminder program has proven effective in getting inactive clients back to the veterinarian’s office, where pets can get the health care they deserve. Source: AVMA, January 4, 2019. Link. Within six months of sending a reminder message, the 1,612 practices that used the … [Read more...]
A bad boss can be an asset
While we all would prefer to work for a great boss, a bad boss can be a great learning opportunity and an asset in furthering our career. A recent University of Central Florida School of Business study provided encouragement for future leaders currently saddled with abusive bosses. Source: phys.org, December 3, 2018. Link. "The lesson here isn't to hire more abusive … [Read more...]
Common productivity beliefs that are lies
The early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Ciara Byrne shares productivity practices we believe, but just aren’t so. Some conventional wisdom isn’t so wise. Productivity experts weigh in on some commonly held beliefs that are just wrong. Source: Fast Company, January 4, 2019. Link. Productivity experts share their thoughts on the productivity myths that need … [Read more...]
Why you need to change your passwords in 2019
Experts from the NSA and Darktrace discuss AI, invisible security and changing passwords. Despite the best efforts of the security community, users often resist doing the work required to implement even basic security Source: Fast Company, January 7, 2019. Link. If 2018 is any indication, threats are becoming more sophisticated, harder to detect, and potentially more … [Read more...]
VHMA receives good feedback on mental wellbeing
In December 2018, VHMA member managers were asked to share their perspective on the following statements for themselves, as well as their DVM and support team staff. I am happy at work the majority of the time My level of stress at work is easy to manageI have ample opportunity to do work I enjoy I feel supported professional at work I feel supported personally at … [Read more...]
Pet obesity on the rise for the 8th consecutive year
Excessive body fat in pets increases the risk of preventable health issues and may shorten the life expectancy of dogs and cats as it does in humans. Retrospective research shows the obesity trend is continuing. Nationwide Insurance searched its database to determine the top 10 conditions where obesity is a factor. (see the table in the article). Source: Feedstuffs, January … [Read more...]
Start yesterday to promote dental month
There’s no question that dental services extend life quality for pets and increase revenue potential for animal health businesses. With the inclusion of home care in the WASAVA Global Dental Guidelines, the dental message has more potential for 2019 National Pet Dental Health Month communications in February. Social media is especially helpful in educating clients because it … [Read more...]
Winter driving safety tips
You don’t have to carry a detail bag to be concerned about winter driving safety. An estimated 52 percent of car accidents occur within five miles of a person's home, and 77 percent occur within 15 miles or fewer, according to Progressive Insurance. <link> Winter conditions cause more traffic jams, route changes and increase the risks associated with drivers who don’t add … [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...]
Researchers summarize 50 years of pathogen research
Two University of Minnesota researchers have combed through 57,000 publications to share a 10-year retrospective of disease, pathogen research and how it is prioritized. Salmonella, E. coli, influenza, pseudorabies and FMD were the top 5 most researched pathogens. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2018, page 6. Link. We generally find a shift in the last 40 years, … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens may be the most pampered pets of the moment
Chicken pampering is taking over in the backyard poultry segment writes Glenn Selk. Nothing seems too much for these feathered friends. Americans have begun treating their fowl more like pets than livestock. And just as with our beloved cats and dogs, nothing is too much for our little Foghorn Leghorns. Source: USA Today, December 24, 2018. Link. The Centers for Disease … [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...]
Dealing with snot-nosed cats
Douglas Palma, DVM, provides a handy decision-tree guide to help in the assessment of nasal discharge in cats. Apparently, not everything is “snuffles.” This guide will make a good screening tool to use during a telemedicine appointment to drive questions. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2016. Link. … [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...]
Still no pet insurance?
The editorial team at Catnip challenges rationales for avoiding pet insurance. Pet health insurance should be a no-brainer Source: Tufts Catnip, January 2019. Link. 100 percent of cats get sick at one point or another, just like people. That’s why we firmly believe that cat owners should seriously consider buying a health insurance policy for their pets. Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet industry spending trends in 2019
Chris Rowland writes about key trends influencing our industry’s annual growth, including increases in pet ownership, the humanization of pets and pet parents demanding premium products and better, quality food. Source: International Business Times, December 28, 2018. Link. The trends indicate growth in the following areas: Innovation to spark new products and … [Read more...]
Resources promote importance of preventive pet health care
Animal health pros know the cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of treating a disease or problem once it becomes advanced. Proactive protection products, early diagnosis and treatment of known risks, developing problems and diseases increases the life quality of pets. As you implement strategies for improving the customer experience, consider the resources … [Read more...]
Dog food under the spotlight
The canine obesity situation and new dog food trends have animal health pros scrambling to keep up with new products, recalls, special packaging and meeting the needs of pet owners concerned about the right food. We compiled several articles that relate to overweight dogs. Sources: as below What and how to feed your overweight dog, Dogster, December 26, 2018. Link. Ernie … [Read more...]
Welcoming 2019 and adjusting to changes
For some animal health pros, early 2019 will bring a period of adjustment to some of the fast-paced onslaught of changes that started last year. Whether in practice ownership, cannabis laws or almost everything else, the past year brought upheaval to the profession, making it a microcosm of the world at large. Edie Lau Source: VIN News Service, December 31, 2018. Link. … [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...]
Marburg virus could become global threat. CDC tracking bats.
The Marburg virus is as fearsome as its cousin, the Ebola virus. It kills up to nine in 10 of its victims. Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) that inhabit caves throughout Uganda are natural reservoirs for the virus and it can be excreted in urine, feces or saliva. A team of CDC researchers is using GPS trackers attached to male bats to track what they do nightly. … [Read more...]
When euthanizing livestock is necessary
JoAnn Alumbaugh shares some perspective on the potential challenges of euthanizing livestock following weather events, wildfires and in the face of an epidemic disease following the 2018 USAHA meeting. Unlike a foreign animal disease outbreak. . . the reason to euthanize after a fire or blizzard is to end animal suffering. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 31, … [Read more...]
Use NSAIDs appropriately with horses
NSAIDs are some of the most common medications given to horses. They are prescribed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis (OA). While an important part of joint health management,” says Boehringer-Ingelheim’s Britt Conklin, DVM, “they have to be used appropriately.” Source: AQHA, December 13, 2018. Link. Dr. Conklin urges horse … [Read more...]
Controlling ammonia volatility in poultry litter
Moisture is the number-one variable poultry producers must manage to help control ammonia production, thereby boosting bird health and performance. The inherent challenges that accompany ammonia have not changed. However, it often seems that producers have become accustomed to its impact, just as desensitization to ammonia’s smell occurs. Regardless of the size of the … [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...]