Complimentary Commercial Content Snoop Dogg has introduced Snoop Doggie Doggs, a new pet accessory line inviting dogs and cats to live like royalty with his news line of apparel, toys and accessories. The product range was created in partnership with SMAC Entertainment and Little Earth Productions, Inc. Source: Cision, November 21, 2022. Link. Positioned as a fun and … [Read more...]
Prepare for possible recession
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” – Anonymous As 2023 approaches, preparing for potential recessionary effects* is important. Speaking at the AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum, economist Dana Peterson shared why a recession seems eminent in 2023. R. Scott Nolen shares an overview of her comments and assertions including: Housing market changes … [Read more...]
Factors that affect the decision whether to groom a cat . . . or not
Embracing various arguments about cat grooming, Ellen Carozza, LVT, VTS (CP-Feline), confirms that a cat’s physiology is built for self- grooming. There are cats that will need some help grooming regardless of coat length to keep them clean and comfortable, she says. Each cat’s grooming needs is case dependent . . . many cats need help due to comorbidities, age, and coat … [Read more...]
Senior pets deserve individual care plans
Mary Gardner, DVM, advocates for individual care for senior pets versus the cookbook approach too often adopted by medical professionals. These factors provide context for each pet’s story: its ailments, its personality, and the pet owner’s four budgets: financial, physical, time and emotional. Source: AAHA Trends, November 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: Mary … [Read more...]
The catnip craze: How and why it works
Catnip sensitivity is hereditary in only about 50 percent of cats and doesn’t develop until a cat is about three to six months old. Senior cats seem to lose their sensitivity. Average-aged cats with the catnip sensitivity gene, get a strong instant high by inhaling nepetalactone, the organic compound found in catnip. Nepetalactone binds to receptors inside a cat’s nose, … [Read more...]
Optimizing nutrition for cats and dogs
Opinion Pet food content consistently asserts the changing landscape of pet nutrition and how pet owners are seeking diets that parallel their own nutrition choices. Beyond brands, ingredients, kibble versus frozen, and fresh versus processed are among the considerations. Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ proper nutrition Too many dogs and cats are obese … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 14, 2022
Chasing customer loyalty, pet food trends driving growth, cost cutting for pet owners, pet services over $9 billion now, upcoming webinars and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 10, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 3, 2022. Link. 50 therapist-approved tips to stave off holiday stress Source: PARADE, December 6, 2021. Link. For many, the holiday season is particularly difficult. The pressure to show up a certain … [Read more...]
Home alone, but for how long?
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, takes issue with the time-accepted rule that cats will be okay alone for 24 hours. There is an increasing understanding today about the social needs of even seemingly aloof cats, she says. Cats cope with whatever their environment is, but it’s not optimal to have no dedicated play and social time within even just one 24-hour period.” Source: Tufts … [Read more...]
Dog, cat owners and veterinarians differ on pet obesity
A survey of dog and cat owners by the Association for Pet Obesity shows the challenges of pet obesity and owner education although most owners see obesity as a disease. Veterinary clinics remained the most frequent choice for pet dietary recommendations among pet owners at 41.4 percent Dog and cat owners second-most frequent choice for the best source of pet food advice … [Read more...]
They don’t know what they don’t know
Writing for a groomer audience, Cliff Faver, DVM, reinforces the primary reasons for pet owner education: to get the best results. . . . if you recommend the client brush their dog, then educate them, show them the correct way and provide the right tools and products for success . . . it is good to revisit everything at the next appointment in case they have questions or … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
Pet friendly locations offer help so dogs aren’t home alone
Taking dogs out and about helps improve their mental stimulation. A growing number of retail locations offer pet friendly access to myriad new sights and smells for dogs. The author reminds pet owners to call stores for their policies and to do a reality check. If dogs aren’t good in crowds, or aren’t the most well-behaved on a leash, a few training classes are in order before … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 07, 2022
Pet spending at the veterinary clinic, growth in death care business for pets, David Frei shares concerns for pandemic puppies, pet care industry’s role in senior care, keeping employees happy, tips for small business finance in 2023 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 07, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post – Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Link. Nationwide, Petco form partnership to focus on end-to-end pet care Source: Pet Business, October 27, 2022. Link. New joint offerings are expected to be … [Read more...]
Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM
In part 3 of his series on vaccination, Scott Weese, DVM, addresses the challenges and decisions to vaccinate unhealthy animals or not. Vaccine labels don’t say to NOT use them in unhealthy pets, but they also don’t give any guidance for vaccine use in such animals.” Source: Worms and Germs, October 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Shedding season tips
Contains Commercial Content Most pets experience intensive shedding during fall and spring. Whether a retailer, groomer, pet sitter or veterinarian, shedding season is a good time to reinforce skin care and offer tools and tips to manage the hairy situations to pet owners. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
National Cat Day is October 29th
Since 2005, National Cat Day has focused on informing the public about the need to rescue cats. Over time it has also become a celebration of the most popular four-legged pets in America. Consider using some of these resources in communications to support this day of feline recognition. Source: National Today. Link. Also see: Morris Animal Foundation, October 21, 2022. … [Read more...]
Campaign seeks to make November senior pet month
Senior Pet Advocates is recognizing November as Senior Pet Health Month. The group believes it is important to emphasize senior pets require additional care, such as more frequent examinations and diagnostics. Plus, their owners may need nutritional and behavioral counseling. Source: AVMA, October 18, 2022. Link. Senior Pet Advocates plans on growing support for the … [Read more...]
NSAID overdose in dogs: Positive outcomes require the right therapy.
Addressing what to do and the urgencies of treating a NSAID overdose, Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, says research shows most patients have a positive outcome with appropriate therapy. The upcoming holiday season is a good reason to remind pet owners of the need to keep pet and human drugs out of the reach of pets, including monitoring guest behaviors in our … [Read more...]
Pet vaccination questions addressed by Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, shares his thoughts on a series of vaccine issues, questions and dogmas surrounding rabies and core pet vaccines. . . . we need to vaccinate <pets> until we’re sure they’re old enough to respond properly to a vaccine.: - Scott Weese, DVM Source: Worms and Germs Blog. Link. Part 1: rabies vaccine timing, October 20, 2022. Link. Part 2: the puppy … [Read more...]
1, 2, 3 or more pets at home? This discussion could help.
Complimentary Content Nearly 100 pet owners are already registered for this virtual event from The Bridge Club Pets. Consider sharing this opportunity on social media or in newsletters with pet owners in your network. Behavior experts from Preventive Vet will share tips for managing the dynamics of multiple pets in a household. 70 percent of all households own at least one … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 24, 2022
New hire background screening webinar, satellite vet clinics at Walmart, National Cat Day history, tech gadgets enable pet care, Hill’s and Mars initiatives and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 24, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Poison Helpline data drives interactive toxic trends map
Toxin Trends was created to educate pet owners and veterinary professionals on the variety of toxins that are near their communities. Chrysanthemums, 27th on the tableau toxin list, are popular fall flowers across the country. The highest number of calls to the helpline come in October as shown in the interactive map. Source: Pet Poison Helpline, Toxic Trends. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 20, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Socializing new puppies? Manage the right amount of playtime. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 13, 2022. Link. 10 commandments of dog ownership Source: AHD, June 28, 2022. Link. Reposting because it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership, … [Read more...]
Newest Chats with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dog trainer Kathy Santo joins the Chatfields to share tips for dining out with dogs. They also share a recording of their keynote from the recent 2022 IBPSA FLOW annual conference. Note the discussion of pathogen risks, behavioral concerns, managing what dogs find under tables and possible liabilities in the dining out episode. Source: … [Read more...]
Red collars on dogs have meaning beyond fashion
This article falls into the learn-something-new-everyday category. Red is the universal sign for STOP, writes Wendy Rose Gould. It gives us reason to pause and be cautious. Gould interviewed pet experts who explained some dogs wear red collars, red bandanas or use red leashes as a safety warning. They also admitted not all dog owners are aware of or use this color-coded … [Read more...]
New Pet Food Institute video features tips to keep pets’ weight in check
New and experienced pet owners need to be reminded of the importance of keeping dogs and cats at healthy weights, providing a complete and balanced diet and managing treat calories. The new 2-minute video, Feeding and Treating Tips for a Long and Healthy Life, is a good tool to share on social media, in newsletters and during consultations. Source: Petfood Industry, October … [Read more...]
New advancements in dermatology, renal diets
Adrienne Bautista, DVM, PhD, DABVT, is on tap to share advancements in dermatology and renal diets using current diagnostics to guide nutritional recommendations tailored to individual pets. Live, virtual discussion hosted by The Bridge Club on Zoom, October 20th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Register to participate at no cost. <Link> Source: The Bridge Club. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 10, 2022
OSHA reminder re: employer responsibilities to protect workers during hurricanes, more pets abandoned and fewer adopted, pet safety during emergencies, exit strategies for small business, concerns about Monkeypox reverse zoonoses to pets, making time for professional development and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
















