FDA seeking to better regulate CBD products for pets, franchising pros and cons, competing for top talent against big companies, AMEX financial management tools for small businesses, cost of living impacting pets, and five charts* on inflation, convenience, health and wellness. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 6, 2023. Link. * Consumers are increasingly shopping online … [Read more...]
Heat islands, warm fronts and preventive care
Commentary It was 65O F in the Kansas City area earlier this week. My pup was lying on the deck basking in the sunshine and then it happened . . . a couple flies and some gnats began buzzing around the winter killed garden. Would a mosquito be next? In the INSIGHT article referenced here, Suzanne Whitaker, DVM, reminds us of the importance of year-round preventatives, … [Read more...]
AskVet™ Launches VERA, the world’s first “Answer Engine for Animal Health”
Complimentary Commercial Content Move over Dr. Google! Search is old hat . . . VERA has answers VERA which stands for Virtual Engagement and Relationship Agent is powered by AI, ChatGPT and AskVet's database of over 1.5 million digitized conversations between veterinarians and pet parents. Developed to use natural language, the vetbot objectives are: to help pet parents … [Read more...]
Dental month considerations
Commentary Animal Health Digest actively promotes oral care, including dentistry as an important client education and animal health topic. We believe dental month is an opportunity for animal health pros to refresh their messages and educational efforts on the importance of oral care. The animal health message is not the only message on oral care each February. Use all the … [Read more...]
Keeping cats hydrated
An average 11-pound cat should drink about a cup of water daily. Tracey L. Kelley shares information to help cat owners understand their cats’ hydration needs and conditions that might cause a cat to not drink. This article would make good content for a newsletter or social media post. Source: Daily Paws, November 30, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Is catnip safe for cats?
Cat owners often wonder if catnip is safe for cats given they often appear to be high or drugged. Catnip is non-toxic to cats, even when ingested, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares: The euphoric effects of catnip typically last up to about 15 minutes and are harmless. Catnip is not addictive and there is no evidence of long-term effects. Nepetalactone in … [Read more...]
AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month
The AVMA shares dental health is a critical part of pet’s overall health, noting dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems. Check out the AVMA dental care resources on the AVMA website which promote home care, share what to expect at the veterinary clinic, support anesthesia and urge pet owners to have their pets’ mouth checked annually. Source: AVMA. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 26, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 19, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from January 19th AHD Bulletin – Important small talk. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. MWI Animal Health’s Steve Shell clarifies announcement of AB name change Source: AmericsourceBergen MWI Animal Health, … [Read more...]
Cats, wildlife at risk when cats go outdoors, study finds
Researchers set out to quantify the spatial and temporal overlap of domestic cats and native urban wildlife <Link>. Their camera surveillance study recorded which species cats preyed on, as well as where they overlapped with wildlife that could transmit disease to them. The average cat in the study area had a: 61 percent probability of being in the same space as … [Read more...]
Assessment of acute pain in cats using the Feline Grimace Scale
Cat owners and animal health pros can use the new Feline Grimace Scale© to evaluate acute pain in cats. This tool will help create pain awareness and potentially improve feline health and welfare. A study verifying its effectiveness was completed in collaboration with International Cat Care and sponsored by Zoetis. Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, January 17, … [Read more...]
Chatfield’s review their top articles from 2022
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM discuss five articles from 2022 in this episode of Chat’s with the Chatfields. American Foulbrood bee vaccine. Link. Fascinating way to immunize the hive through feeding the queen bee. Smart bandage heals wounds 25% faster. Link. Star Trek-like technology is on its way to communicate healing … [Read more...]
“Pets Age Faster Than People” facility poster available
Complimentary Commercial Content The importance of preventive health care exams is the core message of this new poster from the AVMA. The poster shows age in cats and dogs and correlates those ages to human years. Source: AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, January 20, 2023. Link. Download the poster free as a PDF in a 8.5"x11" format or purchase the 18” x 24” poster … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 23, 2023
Street vet caring for skid-row pets, PAWS NY short film highlights mental health benefits of pets, avoiding destructive criticism, adapting and growing during recession periods and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Vet clinics, rehab centers and spas, morphing quickly to meet client needs
While the great pet adoption boom during the pandemic has subsided, its effects on the industry are only growing. Grooming, long-term care and boarding are just a few of the services clients are demanding and clinic owners are stepping up to meet the demands, despite debt that may be incurred. This has led to modified and new facilities that prioritize pets’ needs. Source: … [Read more...]
Direct-to-consumer options increasing in pet food fulfillment
Pet foods consumption provides insights into the purchasing behaviors of animal owners. Much of the receptivity to novel fresh pet food formulations is likely a result of the inroads made by direct-to-consumer brands connecting with animal owners. Pet food manufacturers are taking notice of the growth in supplying pet food to consumers without involving the supply chain, … [Read more...]
20 winning photos from the 2022 Dog of the Year Awards
Take a few minutes to smile and look at the antics of our canine friends in these 20 great photos. Each one is bound to make you feel good. Source: The Modern Met, January 12, 2023. Link. From high-action shots to dogs at work to pensive portraits, the winning photographs are a tribute to these special animals. … [Read more...]
UC Davis researchers study telemedicine for cats
A team of UC Davis researchers measured how cats reacted to in-clinic appointments versus those conducted by webcam. The objective was to evaluate if telemedicine could increase access to care for an estimated 45.3 million feline-friendly households in the United States. A summary of the research results show: Researchers find that cats showed signs of increased stress … [Read more...]
Essential oils. Safe for pets or not?
If they pay attention, pet owners may realize when they use an air freshener, their pet disappears into another room. Most households use something routinely to make the house smell nice. BUT, many of the super concentrated plant extracts used in these products are not safe for pets. Diffusers, sprays, candles, auto air fresheners and more are routinely used in our lives to … [Read more...]
Let’s get INTEGRATED! What is integrated medicine?
Complimentary Sponsored Content Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield discuss integrated medicine with Michele Broadhurst, DC*, in the Chatroom. We noted the conversation at 30:40 about combining common prescription pain inhibition with animal-specific physical movement and adjunct treatments. . . . so would it be fair to say the prescription approach hides the pain where … [Read more...]
Pet wearable market to grow to $6.88 B by 2030
Pet owners’ concern for their pets’ welfare is boosting pet wearables market growth opportunities, according to Grand View Research. Despite being in its infancy, the pet wearable industry growth is evolving with the spread of artificial intelligence, rising internet usage and the creation of low-cost sensors, smartphone applications, GPS and other technologies. Source: Pet … [Read more...]
Association of Shelter Veterinarians launches updated guidelines
The second edition of the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters has been updated to include expanded research and information in the field of shelter veterinary medicine. The Guidelines provide a trustworthy resource for the housing, husbandry, medical and behavioral care of animals living in animal shelters. This edition shifts its framework from the Five … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 16, 2023
Pet health trends, website and social media tips for small businesses, Pet Food Institute keeping pet food safe, dealing with Gen Z, 2023 pet tech trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites – January 16, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Considering access to veterinary care
Veterinarian shortages in the workforce and animal owner access to veterinary care will remain significant issues in coming years. Mark Cushing, JD, shares new and encouraging initiatives and experiments underway to solve access to care at a fundamental level beyond the plethora of call-to-action slogans. Cushing shares survey results from APG/O’Hara that indicate upgrading … [Read more...]
Music therapy reduce stress in hospitalized cats
Researchers sought to evaluate the use of music compared with no music, to reduce stress in cats during hospitalization. Cat-specific music and classical music were tested. Both styles had some benefit to hospitalized cats. Source: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, October 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Oral care; a New Year’s resolution for veterinary teams, pet owners
Opinion and Sponsored Content Asserting the importance of oral care is as important as discussing vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Pet oral care is a critical component of healthy pet stewardship. Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) remains an opportunity for veterinary clinics to educate pet owners on the importance of oral care at … [Read more...]
CE – Tailoring services to clients’ needs
Sponsored Content – earn RACE-approved CE Credit Wendy Hauser, DVM, presents an online course that examines how to identify what clients value, and ways to create a tailored approach to create alignment and meet the needs of veterinary teams and pet owners. Client expectations have been evolving over the past decade. The ‘fit’ between veterinary hospitals and clients isn’t … [Read more...]
5 conditions affecting the pinnae
Pet care services personnel are often first to notice changes in skin conditions on pets in daycare and boarding facilities or when presented for grooming. The pineal margins and pinnae of dogs and cats can be affected by many dermatologic diseases and disorders. Andrew Rosenberg, DVM, DACVD, shares five common conditions that affect only the pinnae, are most severe on the … [Read more...]
BuddyID™ announces a Partnership with FirstVet & the launch of BuddyID™ collar tag
Complimentary Commercial Content Microchip ID Systems, a leader in the animal microchip and companion pet registry industry, is announcing its partnership with FirstVet. FirstVet will provide telehealth services to Microchip ID Systems customers that register their companion animals to the BuddyID™ registry and sign up with FirstVet. The company is launching a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 9, 2023
Gaining animal owner trust, 2023 in pet nutrition, transforming the pet care industry marketing, incorporating sustainable methods, Invoxia’s smart collar launch and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 9, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
VetWatch shows more dollars YOY, fewer pets, fewer invoices
VetWatch year end report for the ~3,000 reporting practices shows: For the month ending December 31, 2022, aggregate YTD practice revenues are at + 4.5 percent net growth versus YTD 2021 Period performance growth in unique patients (pets) is at (-1.9 percent) Unique client and invoice growth posted (-2.0 percent) and (-3.1 percent) growth respectively vs PYTD … [Read more...]