Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
Pet surrenders climb as pandemic conditions ease
Predictions that dogs and cats adopted during the pandemic would be returned to shelters in great numbers once the pandemic ended have not proven true. Other types of pets are not having the same luck. Advocates for smaller animals are seeing the beginning of a tide of reptiles, birds, rodents and fish being given up. Source: The New York Times, October 1, 2022. Link. Small … [Read more...]
Cats give the laws of physics a BIIIG stretch
Scientists still can’t fully explain why cats can fall from potentially infinite heights, pivot and survive, writes Katherine J. Wu. Apparently, physicists have been trying to explain the paradox of falling cats since the 1800s. The farther cats fall, the worse off they usually are—at least, up to a point. A smattering of research, including some from AMC, has hinted that … [Read more...]
Nationwide seeking votes for 2022 Hambone Award
Nationwide created the Hambone Award to honor the strangest, most hair-raising pet insurance claim of the year. Each story highlighted is meant to exemplify the strength of our pets and their pet parents, and to spotlight the amazing skills of their trusted veterinarians. <the award> is also a way to highlight all the things that can happen—and have happened—and the … [Read more...]
Quality of life exams
“Quality of life exams should be approached as an open, objective conversation,” says Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM. “Client owners need to be prepared to answer questions and not anticipate being judged. . . there is no right or wrong outcome, no good or bad news . . . there’s just what comes out of the conversation.” When a pet owner finds themselves being … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 3, 2022
Pandemic-era pet ownership boom continues, why the next 10 years of e-commerce will smash the last 10, securing small business grants, securing and optimizing small business technology, quiet quitting, small business loan options and more . . . Congratulations to the IBPSA Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 3, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 29, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Veterinarians shouldn’t do it all. Link. Dealing with plastics. 2,4,5. . .Let’s review. Link. Need to vent? Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 22, 2022. Link. ================================================== If a dog or cat smells like this, it’s time to see a veterinarian … [Read more...]
Cats get zoomies too
Zoomies are normal behavior for cats and a great way to burn off excess energy, writes Sassafras Lowrey. FRAPS or, frenetic random activity periods, are also known as zoomies and frequently associated more with dogs. They are likely not a reaction to Zoom meetings despite the number of cats seen sitting at laptops. Sudden, increased and unexpected bursts of energy, especially … [Read more...]
A new model and terminology for understanding feline emotions
New Cat Friendly Guidelines aim to provide a better understanding of feline emotions and how, in the veterinary clinic, interactions with cats and the physical environment can be adapted to achieve a truly cat-friendly experience. The guidelines take a cat-centric approach, respecting their emotions and the resulting behaviors. . . . ‘cat friendly interaction’ replaces ‘cat … [Read more...]
Lepto on the rise
Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), says there is a global jump in the number of dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis, including some hot spots where lepto exposure and infections are likely to occur. Her article offers perspective on One Health concerns, hot spot areas and the ongoing need to embrace client education and use vaccine to prevent infections. . . . … [Read more...]
Vetoquinol announces 5 new Flexadin® products
Vetoquinol USA’s five new Flexadin® products will provide research-proven joint support ingredients to dogs and cats of all ages and life stages. The expanded line of products will be available October 1, 2022. The full line of Flexadin products makes it easy to find a supplement that matches the needs of pets. We now know that glucosamine and chondroitin are ingredients that … [Read more...]
Zoetis announced the U.S. commercial launch of Solensia™ (Frunevetmab injection) as the first and only monoclonal antibody treatment to control osteoarthritis pain in cats approved in the U.S.
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis has researched pain progression in cats and now knows that a protein known as Nerve Growth Factor is a key driver of OA pain. By targeting NGF, Solensia controls cats’ OA pain, helping them to regain their quality of life by increasing their mobility and improving their overall comfort. Source: Zoetis, September 26, 2022. Link. To … [Read more...]
More than 100,000 veterinary and pet professionals now Fear Free certified
Congratulations to Marty Becker, DVM, and the Fear Free organization for achieving this significant milestone in training animal health professionals at all levels about providing emotional wellbeing, enrichment and the reduction of fear, anxiety and stress in pets. Source: Cision, September 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
11 cat emergencies that need immediate vet attention
Eric Barchas, DVM, a frequent contributor to Catster, shares how to recognize an emergency and when to bring your cat to the vet ASAP for cat owners. . . . cats don’t come with warning labels, and a person who doesn’t know the symptoms can’t be expected to recognize them. . . “ – Eric Barchas, DVM Source: Catster, March 24, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this … [Read more...]
9-year review of cat scratch disease in children
Vet Candy shared researchers have evaluated records of children with confirmed Bartonella henselae infection over a 9-year period to better understand the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of cat scratch disease. In 92.4 percent of the cases, there was an exposure to a cat and in 22 percent there was an exposure with a dog.” Source: Vet Candy, September 12, … [Read more...]
Resources for communicating with clients and each other
National Pet Insurance month often exposes reluctance from clients when veterinary teams assert the benefits of pet insurance coverage. Knowing how to get on the same page more efficiently can truly provide a win-win-win result. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance offers continuing education courses to help veterinary teams improve their communication skills. Two such courses are … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Insurance Month! Pet insurance makes sense for pets, pet owners, practices and veterinary teams
Sponsored Content In a recent survey of veterinarians*, the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program measured attitudes about pet insurance in their practices. Here are a few of the survey findings: 94.2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost of veterinary care 9 out of 10 veterinarians wish more … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - Five metrics veterinary practices should track. Link. Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Link. Top recommended veterinary products Source: DVM 360®. Link. 748 companion animal … [Read more...]
Edibles in the catio and other ways to reduce feline stress
Sandy Robins advocates indoor and outdoor use of approved plants to help cats hunt, play and nibble. These activities are the perfect interactive de-stressing trifecta for cats, she says. Its important the plants are non-toxic whether planted indoors or outdoors in the catio. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, September 5, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: This is helpful information to … [Read more...]
A critical time for osteoarthritis
One of the largest trends in animal health has been the rise in cases of osteoarthritis, writes Graham Garrison. Citing increasing obesity trends in cats and dogs, he shares facts gleaned from Banfield studies and key points from Jo Ann Morrison, DVM, MS, DACVIM. <increasing obesity> trends have created a critical moment for veterinary teams to adjust our tactics as we … [Read more...]
Drs. Chatfield welcome back Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to talk about ear infections
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, joins Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason in the Chat Room to share pearls of wisdom for pet owners about some of the reasons for ear infections in dogs and cats too. Otis externa affects up to 20 percent of dogs.” Source: Chats with the Chatfields, September 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 12, 2022
Wearable tech trends for animals, inside aging dogs’ brains, premiumization of pet food continues to drive sales, dealing with cash shortages and funding, U.S. pet specialty businesses continue to see robust growth and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Walmart goes after the pet parent market with The Dodo partnership
Pet parent targeting continues to increase in the strategies of pet specialty retailers like Petco, Pet Smart, and Chewy who have learned that many pet owners seek to pamper their dogs and cats like beloved family members. Walmart is looking to expand its reach in the pet category with a collaboration with pet-centric media brand The Dodo, a division of Vox Media. In … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Health Insurance Month
National Pet Health Insurance Month is intended to promote the importance of health insurance for cats, dogs and other pets, debunk myths surrounding coverage and introduce pet insurance to those unfamiliar with it. Now is a good time to actively support pet insurance to help pet owners deal with inflationary trends. Recommending insurance in the interest of the pet is no … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Dynamics of gut microbiota development in the growing dog
As much as 70 percent of an individual dog’s immune system is in the gut and influenced by the microbiome. This review paper aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge of factors shaping the gut microbiota of young dogs. Evidence-based information is necessary to advise dog breeders and owners to promote a healthy microbiome and lifestyle in puppies*. Microorganisms … [Read more...]
2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines released
Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus. In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats including characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing … [Read more...]
Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video)
Watch Temple Grandin, PhD, take an observational tour of a veterinary hospital with Fear Free founder Marty Becker, DVM. She describes what she sees, hears and experiences. Learn through Grandin’s firsthand observations to better see things from animals’ perspectives. . . . even small improvements can make a world of difference for cats and dogs.” Source: Fear Free, YouTube. … [Read more...]
Article raises concerns from AHD team
We believe veterinary teams will be asked to confirm the information in this article on using human CBD oil in pets. The article includes dosages and other assertions that are red flags for our team. Consider reviewing it, then decide if your team needs to discuss what is asserted in this article or how to address CBD use in pets. Source: Is human CBD oil safe for pets? Top … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 1, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Stop the high turnover in the front office (video). Link. Wendy Hauser, DVM: Client trust, human-animal bond and meeting client concerns. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 25, 2022. Link. =================================== 28 pet food industry mergers and acquisitions 2022 Source: … [Read more...]