Pet tech hardware as positive disruption, pet inflation update, dog anxiety, automating financial processes, companion animal nutrition research, new ingredient launches to to address metabolic health, natural product preservation and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 22, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
We are the advocates
Acknowledging the challenges veterinarians face, Marc Rosenberg, VMD, shares a fictitious story based on real occurrences where a veterinarian had to step in, set aside fears of client alienation and address an animal’s needs head-on. His story is about animal abuse and it underscores the role of veterinarians, veterinary teams and animal health pros as animal health … [Read more...]
Remember the sunscreen for pets, too
UV rays can be harmful to pets just as they are for us. Traci Howerton’s article is a reminder that can easily be shared with pet owners on social media and in newsletters. Lighter coated dogs and cats are more likely to get a burn although noses, ears and bellies of any pet can get burned. Source: The Advocate, via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, May 15, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t let hot asphalt burn Fido’s paws
It’s the time of year when things get hot, especially asphalt. Even when the air temperature is a relatively low 77° F, asphalt can hit 125° F and can burn dogs’ feet. This timeless advice from FOUR PAWS International includes a chart, burn symptons and burn treatment recommendations. Source: FOUR PAWS International, June 28, 2019. Link. There is a simple test which you can … [Read more...]
Pet Business Special Report: The latest science behind CBD and hemp
Contains Commercial Content Nora Caley reviews the cannabidiol pet market segment sharing information from manufacturers who are conducting research to understand and support empirical evidence relative to the benefits and safety of the various products and plant sources. She also discusses some of the marketing challenges and methods used to promote CBD. Source: Pet … [Read more...]
5 pet food brands being talked about
Includes Commercial Content Surveys of independent pet store owners revealed the top pet food brands they say are doing well in their stores: Fromm Family Foods Stella & Chewy’s Primal Pet Foods Zignature Northwest Naturals Goat milk received an honorable mention. Source: Pet Product News, May 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Pet food questions are … [Read more...]
Room-by-room household pet poison checklist
This handy PDF tool covers potential toxins throughout homes and yards. Pet owners need to be consistently reminded of possible poisons that threaten their pets’ wellness. Here are some easy ways to share the information with clients: Share in your client newsletter Hand out at events Offer as a freebie to new clients Print and post in your clinic Share … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 15, 2023
Financing a pet boarding franchise, there are more pets than kids, cyber security, small business spending best practices, cat microbiome, the role of DVMS in managing community cats and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 15, 2023. Link. Registration is open for the 2023 Flow Business Conference to be held October 1, 2023 - October 3, 2023 at Rosen Shingle Creek in … [Read more...]
2022 Survey reveals alarming rates of pet obesity in the U.S.
In 2022, 59 percent of dogs and 61 percent of cats were classified as having obesity, an increase from the previous surveys conducted in 2018 and 2017. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention is encouraging veterinary professionals to approach what can be a sensitive topic with compassion and provide resources and support to help pet owners achieve their pet's healthy … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 11, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 4th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 4th AHD Bulletin – Establishing rapport. Link. Shaping the onboarding experience. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 3 ways VMG is different from other veterinary membership organizations Source: … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
CAPC predicting increased Lyme disease risk, more ticks in more places
The Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2023 Pet Parasite Forecast and corresponding 30-day Pet Parasite Forecast maps are alerting veterinarians and pet owners of impending outbreaks across the U.S. and Canada accompanied by expanded geographic incidences. The increase in Lyme prevalence can be attributed to land use, human population growth, urbanization and changes in … [Read more...]
Tips on marketing to owners of senior pets
Veterinarians should be seeing many more patients in their advanced-age life stage than ever, writes Mary Gardner, DVM, citing metrics that show 44 percent of practice patients are seniors. She shares tips on communicating with owners of senior pets similar to how puppy and early stage education is done. Source: AAHA Trends, February 2023. Link. We can do so much to manage … [Read more...]
Perfectly snotty: Understanding feline upper respiratory infections
Includes Sponsored Content Dr. Danette Schweers, and hosts, Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM, dive into the world of feline upper respiratory infections. They discuss the common causes and symptoms of this disease, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose and eyes, and fever. They explore the best methods for prevention and treatment, including vaccinations, … [Read more...]
Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners.
While no surprise to animal health pros, warmer weather could put dogs at a greater risk of xylitol poisoning. Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in many of our foods, BUT it is very poisonous to dogs. Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT, shares a list of common products containing xylitol including ICE CREAM, a preferred treat for dogs at drive-through restaurants. It is … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 24, 2023
Herding cats with AI, Gen Z and millennials own half the pets, Petco pilots recycling program, growth in cat ownership a factor for future pet industry growth and more . . . IBPSA is partnering with the SMART Dog Park Professional Certification Program. This program will help us as we help cities build better dog parks and educate our pet owner clients.” - Carmen … [Read more...]
A closer look at the world of organized dentistry
Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, shares the history and development of organized dentistry. He outlines the bodies behind it that serve veterinarians, technicians and the public. Organized veterinary dentistry began in 1976 making it young compared to the 160-year-history of the American Dental Association. Source: DVM 360, April 2023. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Cushing, veterinary future so near, so far
“The only thing holding back the pet health care industry might be a fear of where the answers lead, and that’s understandable,” says Mark Cushing, JD. He discusses what he calls an “interesting” juncture in pet health care and shares areas of top priority: Younger generations Rules and regulations License portability Public policy Utilization of veterinary … [Read more...]
Beyond CBD: the ingredients driving sales of pet supplements
Contains Commercial Content Pet owners are turning to supplements for a variety of reasons, writes Lindsay Getz. She interviewed several supplement providers for their take on supplement demand. Source: Pet Product News, April 2023. Link. Pet owners need to be sure that they’re very educated in the supplements themselves, and then fact check them with many sources. Trust … [Read more...]
Positive Pet Care Guide seeks to define, strengthen the veterinary team-client partnership
Commentary Setting expectations for team members and animal owners is basic to positive experiences and better animal health. The tenets of this new guide are relevant and appropriate for this period in our animal health industry. The key will be for veterinary teams of alll species to adopt and sustain the discussion of expectations internally and externally with animal … [Read more...]
Dog seats not as safe as advertised
Protecting pets in a car is essential, and there are several ways you can do that. But, not all restraints are as safe as we’re led to believe. . . . safety testing data from independent sources show that a crash-tested car restraint is a much wiser investment in your dog’s safety than a dog car seat.” Source: Top Dog Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
11 everyday habits that put dogs in danger
Includes Sponsored Content Pet owners often do things that can be harmful to their pets, writes Diana Kelly Levey. She identifies smoking around them, errors in bathing and nail trim, overfeeding and poor oral care as potentially harmful. Source: Reader’s Digest, July 27, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: The Addison Biological Laboratory's MAXI/GUARD® family of oral care wipes, … [Read more...]
Pause to say, “Good Job” to veterinary teams
Commentary – Complimentary Content While already into 2-Q-2023, the most recent Vet Watch Monthly Insight report shows veterinary teams have stayed the course to meet the demands of pet owners and rebalance some of the previous negative trends. Vet Watch numbers remain consistent down to a regional level. Individual practices are advised to look at their own practice results … [Read more...]