Scott Weese, DVM, shares strong evidence of cat-to-veterinarian transmission in an upcoming paper. He wasn’t surprised this could happen, but the circumstances serve as a safety warning to veterinary teams. Weese shares the cat from a SARS-CoV-2 owner home was healthy and the veterinarian collected nasal and rectal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing. In the process, the cat … [Read more...]
Salmonella and E. coli common in raw pet food
A Portuguese study sought to find out if raw dog food could be a source of Salmonella and/or E. coli, specifically strains that show resistance to critical antibiotics such as colistin. E. coli was detected in all 14 samples produced by two international brands. Furthermore, 71 percent of these samples, primarily those from products containing poultry, contained … [Read more...]
Make traveling with dogs easy and fun
With careful planning and preparation, traveling with dogs can be fun and less stressful on the pet than being left at a pet sitter. It is not for everyone, however. Here are three resources = to help dog owners enjoy traveling with their dogs. Sources: 8 tips to get your car pet-friendly, Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Ideas to help dogs, especially puppies, feel at ease … [Read more...]
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™ marks 25 Years
Congratulations on 25 years’ efforts to protect more pets and helping to strengthen the bond between animal owners and their dogs, cats and horses. As a result of a multi-channel distribution approach consisting of direct-to-consumer, co-branded partnerships and white label brands, C&F Pet has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. The company also has a … [Read more...]
Dental pain in cats: A prospective 6-month study
This study from in a Portuguese veterinary hospital summarizes evaluations of 64 cats that randomly presented for different dental procedures. Researchers wanted to understand feline dental disease as a pain trigger during routine examination and whether disease severity correlates to the degree of pain. This study concluded that cats with dental disease feel pain during … [Read more...]
Most read companion animal posts of 2022
Miss some companion animal content? Catch up now. Here are the most read companion animal posts so far this year. Source: Animal Health Digest Cat obesity up more than 100 percent in 10 years. Link Cleaning up after feline messes. Link Considerations before switching a pet’s food. Link Land area twice the size of the UK needed to feed the world’s pets. Link … [Read more...]
Morris Animal Foundation highlights the top 10 toxins for cats and dogs
Pet owners need to be reminded of possible toxins, including foods that are commonplace in and outside our homes. Summer activities can upend pet schedules, change caretakers and remove oversight of pet activities. Consider this update for social media and newsletters. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, March 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 19, 2022
Last week’s THREE most read posts Celebrate graduations. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. 30 is not the new 20. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 12, 2022. Link. =================================== CAPC 2022 annual pet parasite forecast Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022, page 50. Link. AHD first … [Read more...]
Reminder: Protect pets from toxic blue-green algae
Toxic blue green algae risks to pets hit the news in 2019. The EPA indicates it is a risk in all 50 states. A recent story from St. Louis NPR exposes the challenges of testing bodies of water to keep the public and pets safe <Link>. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares what we need to know about harmful algal blooms and how to keep pets safe in this … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club: Handling nutrition objections (videos)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dr. Jodi Davis, senior manager of university relations for Royal Canin, addresses the emotional nature of nutrition for pets, especially centered around obesity and how to address issues with owners. The virtual event is presented in three YouTube videos. Nutrition questions top the list of veterinary students and are part of everyday … [Read more...]
Mella Underarm Pet Thermometer approved for Fear Free preferred product program
Complimentary Commercial Content Pets and pet parents agree taking pets' temperature is the worst part of vet visits due to vets taking temperatures rectally, which causes fear and anxiety for the pet. Having a non-invasive thermometer makes it easier to take temperature in a clinical setting and is more comfortable for both pets and pet parents. Mella Pet Care makes two … [Read more...]
Pet retailers asserting their position with pet owners
Opinion There is little doubt marketing efforts represented in the following articles will deflect attention from preventive medicine and potentially reduce some pet owners’ abilities to afford primary veterinary care. It is not my intention to condemn retail offerings. Rather, animal health pros need to consider how we approach and educate pet owners about the essential … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 16, 2022
Purina's selections for start-ups accelerator, beginners’ SEO for small business, connecting Black-owned pet businesses, kennel shortages ahead of summer holiday season, the latest in CBD for pets, Mars executive talks consumer-led innovation and much more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 12, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The Great Resignation is becoming a great midlife crisis. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 28, 2022. Link. =================================== The cost of pet care for cats is often underestimated Source: Catster, April 22, 2022. Link. Cost findings for annual and lifetime spending are … [Read more...]
Making yards pet friendly and safe
Making a fresh, plush carpet for pets and people, our yards are places for fun, games and pleasant play. Making them safe and friendly for our animal friends are the focus of these two articles. Sources: How to make your yard pet friendly, The Outdoor Wear, April 29, 2022. Link. How lawn chemicals affect your cats, even indoor cats, Conscious Cat, via AAHA NEWStat, … [Read more...]
Dog and cat kisses can turn deadly
Scientists have begun to describe all the bacterial species living in dogs’ and cats’ mouths and compare them to our own. Their work is revealing a host of potential pathogens lurking in each slobbery kiss or scratchy lick. About 10 to 15 percent of dog bites become infected, as do up to half of cat bites.” Wash those hands, pet lovers! As difficult as it will be, consider … [Read more...]
Why cats eat grass
Some cats are drawn to eating grass which is often followed by vomiting up the greens. Tom Fish digs into this behavior with cat experts. There doesn’t seem to be much consensus, but some theories include: . . . eating grass makes the cats throw up less digestible parts of a protein-rich meal Grass is a source of needed trace minerals, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B … [Read more...]
Who owns that pet? (podcast)
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the tricky topic of how veterinary clinics determine who is a pet’s owner, who can make decisions, and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying. The situation is more common than you think and can be an issue for daycare and boarding locations, as well. Source: Veterinary Viewfinder podcast, April 6, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Counseling pet owners on pediatric nutrition
Choosing a pet food IS overwhelming with the number of commercial options available, a plethora of advertising, label vernacular and popular trends. Kate Boatright, VMD, shares three key areas in which veterinary team members should be competent discussing with owners of puppies and kittens: The best food for the new pet How much to feed When to switch to an adult … [Read more...]
First aid tips for pet owners
Spring and outdoor activities are wonderful but come with risks of injuries for pets. Pet owners need to be prepared to offer first aid to their pets when an injury occurs. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it can help save a pet's life until it gets veterinary treatment. The AVMA offers several resources suitable for social media, newsletters and … [Read more...]
The veterinary team’s role in the human-animal bond
Veterinary care is anchored by relationships. Rebecca Rose, CVT, shares her belief supporting the human-animal bond as the center of the veterinary profession. She recommends reintroducing the importance of the human-animal bond with the entire team and ensure it appears in the values, vision, and mission of the practice. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 15, 2022. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Traditional recruiting is broken. 6 ways to reimagine it. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== How long is too long to leave a dog alone? Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 10, 2020. Link. 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be … [Read more...]
Why cats’ eyes glow in the dark
The same thing that makes their eyes glow helps cats see better in dim light, writes Braidee C. Foote, DVM. Domestic cats can see in conditions that are only 16 percent as bright as what people require. Eyeshine comes from a tapetum lucidum located in the back of the eye behind the retina. It is a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention: language influences care (video)
The language of care resources from the AVMA are featured in AAHA’s NEWStat. The first article includes a video with role plays of a heartworm client seeking a refill without a heartworm test. The second focuses on the language of care survey results and provides a downloadable ebook to help veterinary team members speak to pet owners in a way that helps them hear and … [Read more...]
Dirty pet food bowls common, full of pathogens
Researchers from North Carolina State University surveyed dog owners about their animal feeding habits and swabbed pets' food dishes for bacteria. The findings suggest a need to educate pet owners about pet food handling and hygiene to minimize bacterial contamination of dishes, especially for high-risk populations. Source: HealthDay, April 6, 2022. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 11, 2022
Pet retailer’s guide to animal healthcare, OSHA resources required, wearable pet tech, pet industry advocacy, work force issues and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Feline heartworm experience creates DVM advocate (video)
Experience is an influential teacher. Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD, shares the story of her cat's ordeal with heartworm disease and the resulting commitment to feline heartworm preventatives. For me, if there is a preventative I can do that's not going to hurt the pet...I don't see any reason not to do it." - Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD Source: DVM 360, March 31,2022. Link. The way our … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
Top-searched product attributes for pet food according to NielsenIQ
Pet owning consumers are seeking specific product attributes, and they are changing the way they shop for products. There is an increasing shift toward omnichannel options and e-commerce outlets, writes Jordan Tyler. The NielsenIQ researchers dug into frequently searched terms that will interest animal health pros. In the top-searched attributes for dog food and treats, the … [Read more...]
Burst the myths about raw food diets for dogs and cats
Raw feeding isn’t new, but it is widely misunderstood. This author looks at five common falsehoods about feeding dogs and cats a raw food diet. He touts the raw dietary option as one of the more nutritionally beneficial choices but also acknowledges challenges. Proper raw diets for dogs and cats are made up of meat, bone, organ meats, vegetables, and supplements. All these … [Read more...]