Shelter crowding causes moratorium on dog breeding licenses in L.A., Gen Z impact on pet business being felt, minimum wages not a growth factor for small businesses, ways to combat feeling overwhelmed in business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 15, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
AAFP’s Spring into Feline Medicine eConference starts April 21st
The AAFP is bringing back its three-day virtual live CE event: Spring into Feline Medicine. Expert speakers will present a variety of feline topics in a live format with 13 RACE-approved CE credits over three days. The meeting days are on different days of the week to allow for flexibility in the schedule. Sessions will air live and will be available on-demand through … [Read more...]
whiskerDocs® announces second patent: Integrated animal health records
Processes outlined in a new patent can significantly improve providing health care for animals by leveraging advanced technologies in data analysis and machine learning. The systems and processes patent expands the assessment and management of pet health by utilizing new technology that supports personalized medicine, predictive modeling, early intervention and unique insights … [Read more...]
Banfield survey reveals heartworm prevention rates are declining
Despite mosquitoes that transmit disease being present in all 50 U.S. states and increases in heartworm incidence in cats and dogs, a Banfield survey reveals nearly 40 percent of pet owners don’t believe their pet is at risk for heartworm disease and almost 30 percent have not put their pet on a preventive medication. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, April 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Excess weight NOT a foregone conclusion with feline spays, neuters
Kitten season is routinely followed by decisions about spaying and neutering, including future concerns about weight gain. The loss of sex hormones when a cat’s ovaries or testicles are removed can make it less likely to engage in physical activity and therefore less likely to burn as many calories moving around. The author calls the spay or neuter a nutritional inflection … [Read more...]
Sneezing in cats
News of cats contracting avian flu may have clients more sensitized when their cat sneezes. Many prevalent viruses and bacteria generate symptoms that are consistent across multiple infectious agents. The warming of spring plants and trees also exposes cats to allergens. We’re sharing an article about sneezing in cats and an avian flu information sheet regarding cats from … [Read more...]
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVCP, and her team have identified cats with the MDR1 genetic mutation are at risk of severe adverse reactions to the active ingredient in some top-selling parasite preventatives for felines. The ingredient, eprinomectin, appears safe and effective for most cats except those with the MDR1 gene mutation. Genetic testing is the only … [Read more...]
Taking cats outside responsibly
Colleen Grablick shares her experiences with training her cat to go outside on a leash and discusses the reasoning behind managing the predatory instincts often associated with outdoor time. She shares the AVMA recommendation to use a catio or leash for outdoor time, asserts the need for a training harness and leash training, as well as supervision during outdoor … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 8, 2024
Pets getting too expensive, cats on leads, knowing the coming wave of Gen Z workers, influencer marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 8, 2024. Link. According to the Newsweek article shared about rising pet costs dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200) considering all possible expenses: vaccinations, bed, food, … [Read more...]
The veterinary nurse’s role in heartworm testing and treatment
Veterinary nurses are the front line when it comes to discussing the frequency and necessity of heartworm testing, writes Jordan Porter RVT, VTS (SAIM). She reviews the heartworm life cycle, treating heartworm-positive patients and supporting veterinarians and practice communications. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2023. Link. Educating pet owners is a role a … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
Questions remain about cats’ primordial pouches
Located on the lower belly, the primordial pouch sags and sways as cat trot about but this body part’s purpose remains largely obscure. Researchers have distilled theories to three potential purposes: A protective layer of skin Extra skin that gives them extra leeway to twist and turn midair to right themselves or let their torso extend fully allowing for more rapid … [Read more...]
Spring has sprung and with it pretty and poisonous plants
A colleague shared this image as a reminder that not all pretty plants are safe for pets. It is a reminder to share poison control center information and resources with pet owners on social media, in newsletters and in person. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Link. … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
1 in 5 pet owners indicate pet separation anxiety got worse last year
Working to quantify the level of separation anxiety, TrustedHousesitters surveyed pet owners on their pet-sitting platform. They found: 46 percent of those surveyed said their pet has separation anxiety 25 percent of respondents reveal they won't travel because of their pet’s anxiety 17 percent revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
Lines between retail stores and veterinary practices becoming more blurry
Gathering comments from several brands, Kathleen Sturgeon shares perspectives on the impact of new big-box retailers entering the veterinary services market. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 28, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 21, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 21st AHD Bulletin – AAFP updates position statements on the responsible breeding and indoor/outdoor lifestyle of cats. Link. Silent communication. Link. No excuses to skip prevention with cash cattle markets nearing historic highs. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA’s free webinar schedule for 2-Q-2024
AAHA Learning is providing free access to these courses for animal health pros. RACE continuing education credits are available with registration. Membership is not required. Feline diabetes and choosing SGLT2 inhibitors: May 27th recording may be available Fostering cultural competency in veterinary medicine Stay, please: The path to improved retention in veterinary … [Read more...]
Claws and effect: MARS research on global pet homelessness
Commercial Content Loïc Moutault, global president, MARS Petcare, shares discoveries from the State of Pet Homelessness Project which yielded common themes that may contribute to this problem. These include housing limitations, owners struggling with pet behavior, difficulties in accessing veterinary care and negative perceptions of strays. Keeping pets in homes is the … [Read more...]
A closer look into cryptococcal fungal infections in pets
Cryptococcal fungi are most naturally found in warm and humid environments, particularly where soil, decaying organic material, such as wood, leaf litter, compost and bird droppings are present. Dogs and cats can develop serious, even life-threatening, cryptococcal infections when they inhale the spores of the fungi, writes Sara Lawhon, DVM, PhD, DACVM. Infections are more … [Read more...]
Ernie Ward, DVM, talks pet obesity and prevention
The increasing number of overweight and obese pets is far more complex than people offering too much table food and the effects on life quality, longevity and health. Ernie Ward, president of The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, and Steve Dale, program host, discuss treating obesity as a disease, spay/neuter timing and the efforts addressing body conditioning. The … [Read more...]
New pet products earn top honors at Global Pet Expo
Global Pet Expo’s Best in Show awards were awarded across 13 product categories, including aquatic, bird, boutique, cat, dog, dog food/treats, natural, reptile, small animal, pet sustainability, pet tech innovation, point of purchase and the modern pet. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Emerging cicadas shouldn’t be a problem for most pets
Billions of cicadas from two broods will emerge from the ground weeks after the April total solar eclipse across large swaths of the U.S. Chances are good pets will run into the bugs. It will be the first time in 221 years that both broods are above ground simultaneously. The AVMA’s Rena Carlson, DVM, addressed potential pet concerns with the likely cicada … [Read more...]
Practicing with care for the emotional well-being of animals
Slick floors, padding for exam tables and seeing posters from an animal’s perspective were among topics when Temple Grandin, PhD, MS and Fear Free’s Marty Becker, DVM addressed Fetch dvm360 conference attendees recently. Not everyone gets to attend these events, so we’re sharing an overview from Kristen Coppock, MA. Source: DVM 360, March 17, 2024. Link. “Creating and … [Read more...]
5 key pet industry trends to watch from 2024 to 2028
Sharing takeaways from an in-depth Packaged Facts webinar titled, “US Pet Market Outlook 2024: Opportunities in a Mixed Growth Landscape, Sarah Schmidt offers a summary of key trends: Impact of inflation on pet owner spending Economic challenges facing younger pet owners Shift to lower-cost products and services Decline in the dog population Continued pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 25, 2024
Small business debt, retail employment segment, purpose-driven company culture, growing costs of owning pets, pet allergies and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Urban greening boosts rodent population and zoonotic disease risk
Commentary We have shared posts about the intersection of wildlife and our domestic animals <Link>. The risks are worth more attention and specifically, pet owner education. Margaret Davis shares the zoonotic drawbacks created by urban greening initiatives that beautify cities, support biodiversity and purify air by creating habitats for diverse flora and … [Read more...]