There are almost as many medication options to treat conjunctivitis as there are reasons for inflammation of the conjunctiva. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, outlines different treatment options for the various causes of infections in the eyes of cats and dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2022. Link. Image credit: PetSure … [Read more...]
Barkpass acquired by Steve Zeidman to expand leadership in pet licensing, dog park management
Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the animal care technology industry and entrepreneur, acquired Barkpass, a software company specializing in pet licensing and dog park management, from founders Josh and Bri Larson. Barkpass has revolutionized how communities handle pet-related administrative tasks, making life easier for pet owners and municipal officials. Source: … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Cats may help spread bird flu, scientists warn
Jess Thomson shares research results that identify cats as a reservoir to infect humans with H5N1 from birds or cattle. The researchers identified several key mutations in the H5N1 sequence from infected cats that may suggest adaptation to cats is the potential to jump from cats to humans for the first time. The ability of the H5N1 virus to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 16, 2024
Managing Gen Zs at work, DVM warns against Christmas tree bows, human-dog bond science, PetsMart launches pet streaming service, pet behavior consults, the link between owner demographics and canine nutrition and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 16, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]
How dogs say thank you
Elizabeth Gray shares five ways dogs show they’re grateful. With the holiday season taking more time from daily activities, she reminds us to return the favor and show our gratitude to our dogs. Even when we’re busy and stressed, taking just 10 minutes to play with a dog will do wonders for them. Consider this article for social media, newsletters or an interview with local … [Read more...]
Choosing the best farm dogs for herding, guarding livestock, and more
Reviewing some common farm-related tasks and the dog breeds that excel at them, Tracy Kobberdahl divides working dogs into ones that drive and ones that fetch. She emphasizes the need for training and her guidance is universal for dogs on the farm or in the home. If a dog won’t heel, sit, stay, lay down, and come, you’ll never get him to do the work you want.” Source: … [Read more...]
Survey: 62 percent of puppy owners overwhelmed by pet food choices
Commercial Content Differentiating pet food choices is increasingly difficult. Royal Canin’s recent survey found that more than half of puppy owners feel overwhelmed by the number of choices in puppy food and, more importantly, struggle to figure out what ingredients are important. Commentary The survey results are familiar, as is the challenge of leading pet owners to … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2024
The winners of Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards are selected by the publication’s editorial team. They focus on the most exciting and functional products on the market and candidates in categories such as best packaging redesigns, merchandising displays and consumer-marketing campaigns. This edition of the 23rd-annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the … [Read more...]
Rethinking dog parks
Initially viewed as ideal social venues for dogs, public dog parks now face more scrutiny for their potential risks. The authors share risks and benefits while reinforcing the need for owners to consider training and risks based on their individual pets. Consider sharing this article and a list of top local dog parks, often provided by Yelp or Rover, with dog owners on … [Read more...]
Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups
Includes Commercial References With an eye on eliminating falls and slippery surfaces, Heather E. Lewis, AIA, NCARB, AAA, discusses various slip-resistant surfaces for veterinary hospitals. Pet care services facilities have similar risks for humans and animals. Flooring is often discussed as part of Fear Free certification as well. Source: DVM 360, November 15, 2024. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 9, 2024
Pug wins National Dog Show, impact of kennel materials on behavior, Gen Z stressing managers enough to quit, pet owners driving natural products, sticks and stone can spell injury and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Mexico notifies United States of New World Screwworm detection
Commentary The recent announcement that officials detected a New World Screwworm in Mexico brought memories of removing screwworms from baby rabbits, ducklings and newborn puppies in the late 1960s. These experiences make this situation a priority to share with animal health pros. Vigilant monitoring and managing fly populations is critical to avoiding the devastation … [Read more...]
Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture
Complimentary Commercial Content Steve Lerner, PhD, shares how two legacy companies, Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, became the company Novonesis <Link>. His role with the new entity is to educate and support the company and industry by sharing the benefits of effective probiotics. Lerner explains the significance of the microbiome-gut-brain axis in animal production and … [Read more...]
New definitions, recommendations for managing UTIs in dogs, cats
Kate Boatright, VMD, shares updated information related to antimicrobial stewardship, and the management of sporadic and recurrent urinary tract infections, including how the presence of bacteriuria should be interpreted and treated. Urine was once thought to be sterile, but new analyses have found numerous bacterial and fungal species exist in both human and animal urine, … [Read more...]
CBD 101: Common cannabis “cures” for your canine
Commentary This online article, full of commercial references, is another example of what-they’re- reading-content being proliferated at breakneck speed. We believe it is important for animal health pros to see content like this, which could potentially mislead pet owners. To the author’s credit, cannabis with THC and CBD are differentiated and disclaimer language is also … [Read more...]
10 signs a dog is depressed
Early detection and intervention are key to helping dogs navigate through their emotional struggles, which can stem from various causes, including changes in their environment, loss of a companion or underlying health issues. The author shares some signs of canine depression, including: Avoidance and withdrawal Changes in vocalization Loss of interest in favorite … [Read more...]
Unmasking feline leukemia. What every cat lover should know
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the Vet welcomes Dawn Martin DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, to the Chatroom to discuss feline leukemia virus. FeLV poses a serious health risk to cats. It is difficult to cure but can be prevented through minimizing exposure and vaccination. This video will confirm veterinary team knowledge and is good content to share with cat owners on social … [Read more...]
Feline Heartworm Guidelines updated by the AHS
Driven by the underdiagnosis and undermanagement of heartworm disease in cats, the American Heartworm Society outlined four main reasons for recommending routine heartworm screening in cats: aiding diagnosis in symptomatic cats monitoring heartworm-positive cases establishing baselines before preventive treatment assessing heartworm risk in specific … [Read more...]
Keep cold weather safety top of mind
An easy-to-use infographic from ASPCA® Pet Insurance covers many of the winter hazards including extra care for senior pets. Communication from veterinary practices is noticed and appreciated by pet owners and often reinforces messages clients receive from consumer media. Consider printing a few of the infographic pages for waiting and exam rooms in addition to sending it to … [Read more...]
Dogs smell when people are stressed or calm; adjust their behaviors in response
Sarah Biren shares new perspectives from research on how dogs perceive and react to stressful situations and environments depending on the smell of the people they are with. The unique research examines how human emotions can affect animals’ perceived reality, highlighting the need to consider dogs’ training and working environments from an olfactory standpoint. Source: The … [Read more...]
Weese: Rabies deaths reminders of the need to educate public
Rabies is still here and will likely always be, writes Scott Weese, DVM. While we have tools to effectively prevent infections, the human factor is the weak prevention link. Sharing two cases of human deaths from rabies, he stresses the importance of a better public understanding of rabies risks. Source: Worms and Germs, November 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 3, 2024
Colorado considering a new rule to require rabies vaccination for imported pets, NYC Council passes bill to prohibit sale of dogs, cats from unlicensed locations including backyard breeders, avoiding charity scams, selling pet play time and more . . . Note the members-only opportunities available in December. Source: IBPSA, December 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners acquires FoodScience, parent company of VetriScience
MSCP’s acquisition of FoodScience from Wind Point Partners represents its third investment in the pet and animal health sector. FoodScience, a vertically integrated provider of pet and human nutritional supplements, includes the VetriScience product range. Source: businesswire, November 19, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Common illnesses in senior cats
Includes Commercial Content Barri J. Morrison, DVM, shares 10 common illnesses in cats which reinforces the need for routine veterinary visits as often as every six months for senior cats. Among the illnesses are dental disease, diabetes, arthritis and chronic kidney disease. Source: petMD, September 27, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: The mention of specific products, including … [Read more...]
Resources for National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
The C-word strikes fear in pet owners despite better chances of successfully treating pets for neoplasia and cancer than they had in the past. Routine client education about cancer can improve early detection. The AVMA provides resources for pet owners on cancer in pets, including warning signs, how it is diagnosed, how it can be treated and potentially be prevented. Sharing … [Read more...]
Client perspective important when choosing antiseizure medications for dogs, cats
We like that Tom Jukier DVM, MS, DACVIM, included the importance of including the client in decisions when antiseizure medications are indicated. Successfully controlling epileptic seizures can take several directions, Jukier explains. He provides background, medication efficacy and pharmacokinetic information for common antiseizure medications used in dogs and cats in the … [Read more...]
New study, employees prefer pet-related benefits
Complimentary Commercial Content New research from OnePack Plan by PetPartners, a leading employer-based pet insurance brand, revealed just how important pet-related benefits are to employees, with nearly half of employees reporting that pet-related benefits influence their job decisions. Other results we noted include: Two-thirds of employees are interested in PTO for … [Read more...]