There will soon be cultured meat for pet food. Say what? Current pet foods use some of the worst meat and a market for it helps keep conventional agriculture afloat. Enter biotech startup Because, Animals. It touts a reduction in carbon pollution by focusing on cultured, lab grown meat starting with cat treats. The first snack, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, has … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Heartworm testing. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
We can’t remind owners enough that it is important to get a heartworm test for their cats and dogs every year. That’s why we’re highlighting this consumer-focused article about heartworm testing. Sharing it on social media and in newsletters can help pet owners understand why heartworm tests and inspections are so necessary. Source: Puppies and Pooches, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Some dog foods may be linked to canine heart disease
This report will generate lots of questions for veterinary teams and retailers alike. Use the article to inform team members and then establish how to respond in unison. Using an approach called foodomics to compare the biochemical compounds that differ between traditional dog foods and those that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Raw diets, more learning required
Although the raw/fresh pet food category is getting more attention from pet owners, it’s not as if these products are going to sell themselves. Pamela Mills-Senn shares some obstacles and objections to raw diet adoption. While written for pet retail, the information shared is worthy of veterinary team consideration and preparation for the inevitable questions from pet … [Read more...]
Pet food draws big-name investment, private equity focus
The pet food and pet care markets have been attracting outside investment interest for well over a decade, writes Debbie Donaldson-Phillips. She says you know an industry has seized the spotlight when it earns the attention of a large and well-known investment firm like Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley recently released a report on the pet industry, predicting the U.S. market to … [Read more...]
Summer skin issues affect pets
Complimentary Content Just when it is time to buy school clothes and start fall sports practices, the cumulative effects of spring and summer activities routinely show up in pets’ skin. Although dermatological issues can be yearlong, pet parents may discover specific problems in the summer. Whether caused by allergies, swimming, fleas and mosquitoes, or sunburn, … [Read more...]
Are cats social eaters?
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, has doubts that eating is socially facilitated or triggered by the sight of cats in their social group eating with others to signal a social bond. That is not to say that cats do not learn from other cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, November 20, 2020. Link. Cats are solitary hunters. Social eating among them is highly unlikely.” … [Read more...]
AAFP Cat Friendly Certificate Program wins the VMAE 2021 Best in Business Award
The Best in Business Award from Veterinary Medical Association Executives adds further credibility to the value of the Cat Friendly Certificate Program, which was awarded the 2021 Gold Circle Award from the American Society of Association Executives. The Cat Friendly Certificate Program consists of three uniquely designed certificates for each person in the practice: … [Read more...]
That darned cat
Sharing some of the reasons a cat might display a little Jekyll and Hyde behavior, Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, says to rule out pain or illness before assuming this is merely a behavior issue. She says to figure out the cause of the cat’s change in mood and don’t just label the cat as grumpy, moody or irritable. Don’t overlook pain or illness as a reason for a behavior change. … [Read more...]
NSAIDs, cats, and anesthesia. Are the kidneys at risk?
Although NSAIDs can alleviate postoperative pain in healthy cats, potential adverse effects on kidney perfusion often discourage use of them in analgesic protocols. Berit Fischer, DVM, DACVAA, CCRP, shares results of a study that examined the effects of preoperative NSAIDs on renal function. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April/May 2021. Link. The study authors concluded that … [Read more...]
Use caution when feeding cats and giving them treats
Once upon a time cats weren’t fat. This statement is true for nearly 100 percent of kittens the day they were born. After that, what we feed them or provide as treats influences how fat they get. Educating cat owners on how much to feed and treat management is needed to keep cats lithe and healthy. Probably 50 percent of cats seen at veterinary clinics these days are … [Read more...]
CBD pet products popularity continues to grow
Cannabidiol and hemp are fast-growing trends in the pet space: Consumers spent US$426 million on pet CBD in 2020 The segment is expected to reach US$629 million in sales by the end of 2021 The most common uses for these ingredients are functional, with calming, stress/anxiety and hip/joint relief at the top of the list according to a Brightfield Group … [Read more...]
Speaking of Pets – a worthwhile resource
It’s a challenge filling e-newsletter, blog and website content. Enter Speaking of Pets, a 2-minute podcast from NPR and Alabama Public Radio. Host Mindy Morton covers everything under the sun in short, easily usable pieces. Source: NPR, Speaking of Pets, Link. Speaking of Pets with Mindy Norton is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in … [Read more...]
Spotify’s pet playlists for music that owners and pets will love
Complimentary One of the more popular Spotify playlists is the Pet Playlist. Based on musicology research and a pet-focused survey Spotify conducted, the Pet Playlist generates a list of songs you'll enjoy. Plus, your pet might, too. Source: Insider, via IBPSA Fast Bites, July 19, 2021. Link. The playlist's songs are picked according to what kind of pet you have and their … [Read more...]
Vets DO IT on the phone – Chatfields chat with Aaron Smiley, DVM
Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Aaron Smiley to find out what is and isn't legitimate telemedicine. Smiley is one of the founders of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association and a champion of monetizing virtual care interactions. Telemedicine is not new. . . 140 years and going strong. What’s new is the expansion in technologies.” – Aaron Smiley, … [Read more...]
6 questions that are effective for identifying cats with feline arthritis pain
The lack of recognition of arthritis pain in cats is severe enough that by one estimate, less than one percent of cats with arthritis pain are seen by veterinarians. Researchers came up with a six-question, one-minute survey with simple “yes” or “no” answers for cat owners to see if their cat might have arthritis and decide if the pet needs to see a veterinarian. Source: … [Read more...]
The rise of the eco-friendly consumer. . . our employees
Opinion For decades, our industry focused on animals while feeling forced to deal with people. Harsh? Probably, but true. In the current companion animal context, we’re seeing a growing focus on the animal owner as part of the pet care community. Additionally, the animal health pros we employ come from five generations, all of whom have their own opinions and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 8, 2021
AHD Archives provide quick access to posts by month. AHD Archives for June 2021. Link. AHD Archives for May 2021. Link. Extreme heat is becoming more frequent—and our infrastructure is going to need to adapt Source: Fast Company, July 2, 2021. Link. Engineers are being forced to rethink new standards and systems to become more resilient to deal with … [Read more...]
Pets can catch Covid from owner, cats more susceptible than dogs
The more time a cat spent with its owner, the higher the risk of infection, new research finds.” Source: NBC News, June 30, 2021. Link. The researchers also found that the amount of time a pet owner spent with their dog did not have an effect on the pet’s chance of getting Covid-19, but that was not the case for cats. The more time cats spent with their human companions, the … [Read more...]
Personalized medicine for cats with heart disease
Veterinarians at the University of California, Davis have found that a cat’s DNA alters how it responds to a lifesaving medication used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that affects one in seven cats. A simple genetic test led to an actionable discovery. This study was about figuring out why some cats weren’t responding as expected to clopidogrel therapy … [Read more...]
U.S. pet supplies spending update: mid-year 2020
Pet supplies and pet food spending has been on a roller-coaster ride, writes John Gibbons. However, the driving forces of each are different. Pet food is “need” spending and has been powered by a succession of “must-have” trends. Pet supplies spending is largely discretionary and has been affected by two primary factors, 1) spending in other major segments and 2) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 1, 2021
Last week’s most read post: Manage or coach? Source: AHD, June 22, 2021. Link. The legal ramifications of a pet-friendly office Source: National Law Review, June 21, 2021. Link. Workforce and workplace considerations. Authorization requirements. Guidelines to establish. Why you should read old emails Source: Forge, August 2020. Link. “Emails are … [Read more...]
Chatfields talk rabies with Mission Rabies CEO (podcast)
Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield bring their energy to a revealing discussion about rabies with podcast guest Luke Gamble, BVSc DVM&S FRCVS. Gamble is CEO of Mission Rabies and Worldwide Vet Services. Gamble shares his experiences with providing veterinary services in countries without adequate veterinary care and prevention. He shares the alarming incidence of rabies … [Read more...]
Rabies; imported dog last week, now a bat in a zoo
A rabid bat was found alive at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is the second rabid bat found in San Diego County so far this year. Last week we shared a report on an imported dog infected with rabies. There are still a few states that do not require an owner to vaccinate their pet for rabies. These states may delegate the decision to the local governments. In addition, … [Read more...]
When the kitten becomes a cat
Client education is a challenge for veterinary teams and the pet services industry. Resources on the AAFP’s Cat Friendly Homes can help set expectations as that cute new kitten becomes a cat. Sources: First year of life, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Lifetime of care, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. INSIGHTS: Today’s pet owners routinely seek information on the internet. … [Read more...]
AAFP releases updated Feline Senior Care Guidelines
This new release provides a comprehensive update from the heavily referenced 2009 AAFP Senior Care Guidelines. The Guidelines address the importance of veterinary visits a minimum of every six months for cats 10 to 15 years old. This allows veterinary teams to best track and manage health-related issues and detect disease early. Healthy senior cats over the age of 15 should be … [Read more...]
Teach cats to wear a harness
Cat owners may enjoy their cats more when they can take them safely outside. Habituating a cat to a harness and then to a harness-plus-leash takes time and needs to follow specific steps says Nicole Ellis. Source: Catster, April 17, 2021. Link. Also see: Choosing a harness for a cat, Tufts Catnip, April 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]