Commentary As a dog owner, articles like this remind me of the importance of routinely keeping my dog’s nails trimmed to avoid issues with muscles, joints or injuries. He’s only a 16 pound Morkie but Li’l Buddy does not like anyone trimming his nails.” Despite using all the tips and tricks, nail trimming is not a fun exercise at our house. Thankfully, we have a local nail … [Read more...]
11 possible reasons dog rub their faces
Author Sarah Anderson shares reasons dogs rub their faces on carpets, grass, their owners and more including allergies, eye infections, removing eye boogers and more . . . Source: PUPvine, May 13, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to help dog owners know what is normal and when to consider a veterinary visit. … [Read more...]
Cats, laser pointers and more satisfying ways to play
Cats’ prey drive makes chasing a laser’s red light a thrill for them and their owners. But, because there’s no way to reward the hunt, some cats get frustrated and can change the attack to the closest thing available, says Samantha Bell. Ending laser time by pointing the dot to a wand toy helps complete the predation cycle. Experts recommend following playtime with mealtime … [Read more...]
7 shades of dog vomit and a color chart too
A dog’s vomit can be a huge pinwheel of colors, writes Tina Foster. She shares a dog vomit color chart showing the colors of dog vomit determined by the type and source of food and different health problems that can cause dog vomiting. Source: PUPvine, March 25, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet clothing craze comes with health risks
Veterinarians caution that pet owners need to be aware of the line between the benefits of clothes, and the various pitfalls associated with them, including the potential for physical and psychological effects. Source: VIN News Service, April 27, 2023. Link. The pet fashion craze raises questions about its underlying drivers and durability, while stoking discussion in the … [Read more...]
Your manners may need a makeover
Charlotte Hilton Andersen shares 17 etiquette rules we should never have abandoned, including these examples: Being on time Prompt RSVPs Returning messages Holding the elevator or the door Making introductions Source: Reader’s Digest, April 21, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
3 values tell more about U.S. pet owners than demographics
Commentary Asserting that traditional demographics can be misleading, David Allison urged marketers to consider common values among pet owners. Three values provide more common ground than pet owners’ demographics and can reveal more meaningful ways to appeal to dog, cat and other pet owners: Personal responsibility Trustworthiness Experiences Source: PETFOOD … [Read more...]
Brainstorming and idea generation (video)
Judge me for how good my good ideas are, not how bad my bad ideas are.” - Matt Damon Source: ideageneration, Instagram. Link. … [Read more...]
Cope wth work stress appropriately
Effectively coping with job stress can benefit your professional and personal life. Source: Mayo Clinic, June 16, 2021. Link. Even a few minutes of personal time during a busy workday can be refreshing. Similarly, take time off when you can, whether it's a two-week vacation or an occasional long weekend. INSIGHT: Stress is often self-induced … [Read more...]
After the first visit, 4 opportunities to talk about pet insurance
Sponsored Content from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Increasing the number of clients with pet insurance in a veterinary practice frequently results in increased clinic revenue through more frequent visits, and more services accessed per visit while reducing the struggle of financing veterinary procedures. Jennifer Sperry, BSc, DVM, shares life stage opportunities and some … [Read more...]
Six burnout triggers to eliminate from veterinary hospitals
Galyna Danylenko shares results from Galaxy Vet research that lead to a burnout prevention strategy. In a new paper, experts describe six burnout triggers, how it can emerge in veterinary professionals and provide some actionable tips to reassess management practices and eliminate those risk factors. . . . work overload is not the principal factor causing stress at … [Read more...]
Virtual VCPR approved in Arizona!
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed SB 1503, opening Arizona to a virtual VCPR with safeguards. Arizona pet owners and pets can now access veterinary care wherever they live. Mark L. Cushing, JD, shared the law is expected to take effect in August 2023. Source: Veterinary Virtual Care Association, LinkedIn, May 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Apologize properly when something goes wrong
Mistakes happen. We are human after all. Tim Riesterer shares how to deal with mistakes and the importance of an apology message and intentionally delivering it to the customer. When delivered well, an apology message can improve the customer relationship to the point where it is stronger than if the mistake had never happened, a phenomenon known as the service recovery … [Read more...]
Pain management in cattle: Drug dilemma
With few pain-relief drugs on the market for cattle, producers and veterinarians must know their options, writes Heather Smith Thomas. The situation underscores the importance of the VCPR to provide the regulatory foundation for a practitioner to work with the producer to provide medications for extra-label use when considered necessary. One of the challenges in the U.S. is … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 8, 2023
Forbes’ takeaways from Global Pet Expo, affordability now a key reason for pet surrender in Australia, new law regulating the sale of pet insurance in Mississippi, global pet industry developments in Arabia and India plus more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Tips to prepare cattle for summer
Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, PhD, says vaccinations and ear tags are key to maintaining herd health. He urges producers to review their vaccination and parasite control programs and plan for fly control including insecticide ear tag rotation. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin Extra, April 26, 2023. Link. Vaccinations should be given 45-60 days before the bulls will be released with the … [Read more...]
Implanting nursing calves
Implanting nursing calves has consistently shown to be an effective way to post greater calf weights at weaning time. In fact, Grady Ruble says implanting has the greatest return on investment of any other technology. . . . deciding to implant nursing calves is more important than which implant to use.” Source: FEEDLOT, March 22, 2023. Link. Generally, branding makes for a … [Read more...]
Pelvic bone stress and fatigue fractures in endurance horses
There are pros and cons of training horses in deep sand. Researchers investigated how footing affects equine athletes. While muscles adapt to the sand environments their findings show endurance horses training and competing in deep sand are at risk of pelvic fractures or bone stress injuries. Source: EquiManagement, May 1, 2023. Link. An endurance horse that works in deep … [Read more...]
Horse bites are serious business
Portuguese researchers reported that horses are considered reservoirs of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Horses can spread bacteria in their mouths throughout the environment, to other animals and to humans through their saliva. . . . equine bite wounds should be taken seriously because of the plethora of highly resistant bacteria and its zoonotic capabilities found inside … [Read more...]
Study finds lifetime cost of horse can be 4 times higher than expected
On an annual basis, the all-in costs for owning a horse range from around $8,600 to $26,000, not including events or operating expenses, according to a Synchrony study. It estimates the lifetime costs range from $300,000 to $924,000. Source: DVM 360, April 26, 2023. Link. Helping horse owners clearly understand the full financial commitment and the financing options they … [Read more...]
Ways to make an older dog’s life better
Mary Gardner, DVM, refers to some older dogs as “geriatric,” which she says is a more fragile phrase for them. She says many vet schools don’t address the special needs of these gray-muzzled and wobbly dogs that often need modifications at home. She visits homes where dogs have been struggling to get around and be comfortable that often have easy problems to fix. Source: The … [Read more...]
Top 6 conditions found during canine rectal exams
Christopher Lea, DVM, DABVP, shares the importance of rectal exams to detect possible clinical diseases and subclinical disorders. He says this is increasingly important as dogs age. In a related video, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, demonstrates how to perform a rectal examination in a dog. Sources: Clinician’s Brief, January 2023. Link. VETgirl Veterinary … [Read more...]
Updating – Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners. (video)
Last week’s xylitol post <Link> shared how common foods can put dogs at risk. In a related video, Elanine Blythe, PharmD, provides more context related to suspensions and solutions that contain xylitol. She warns pharmacists dispensing gabapentin on the order of a veterinarian to be sure the suspension is xylitol free. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, April 28, … [Read more...]
A few drops of blue-green algae can kill a dog
Blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They often begin to affect a dog almost immediately. Symptoms usually develop within 30 to 60 minutes. Many dogs get sick on the way home usually with vomiting and diarrhea. Note: The National Centers for Environmental Information provides an online Harmful Algae BoomS Observing System that … [Read more...]
Study finds H3N2 canine influenza virus moving closer to infecting humans
Scientists at the China Agricultural University indicate the dog flu virus is mutating, stabilizing and adapting to better recognize human-like receptors. Virologists say the study calls for continuous surveillance and risk assessments related to the canine flu, citing no pre-existing human immunity. Source: Popular Mechanics, May 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal health … [Read more...]
Desensitization and counterconditioning canine behaviors
Fans of Cesar Millan’s new show, Better Human Better Dog, may recognize these training methods that may help dogs overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain people, animals or other triggers. Behavior modification takes patience, consistency, practice and time.” Source: The Spruce Pets, April 18, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Millan’s new show focuses on redirecting … [Read more...]
DVM uses XXT to save dog
Margaret Hunt, DVM, saved a German shepherd that was choking on a rubber dog toy. The video explains the difference between the Heimlich maneuver and the external extraction technique used to get the toy dislodged from the dog. Source: Inside Edition, April 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
APHIS, USDA issue new regulations affecting pet birds
Commentary MyRightBird compiled an overview to help shed light on the new USDA/APHIS regulations that has ruffled feathers in the pet bird industry. They cite vague descriptions as one of the problems. The new rules seek to apply the standards of the Animal Welfare Act to ensure birds will be raised and cared for in conditions that protect their health and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 1, 2023
Debunking pet insurance myths, smartphone apps for dog owners, when it is time to secure funding, recession proofing strategies, $500 billion global pet industry could be possible by 2030 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
ChatGPT threatens these four human traits
The emergence of advanced AI technologies, as with prior technologies, presents risks and opportunities. The authors assert it is a wake-up call for humanity to harness four unique and precious human virtues: Humility Curiosity Self-awareness Empathy Source: Fast Company, April 19, 2023. Link. . . . ChatGPT, which merely personifies the latest advancement of … [Read more...]