Consumers are seeking treats that are palatable to their pets and provide wholesome, natural nutrition at a good price, writes Keith Loria. He reviews trends, challenges and options in the retail treat marketplace. Source: Pet Product News, February 2019, page 40. Link. Loria reviews trends including superfoods, increased protein options and price sensitivity using … [Read more...]
Help clients offer diets for pets’ life stages
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, Tufts University, recommends veterinarians study established guidelines and give clients clear direction in selecting the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2017. Link. A careful discussion of BCS, life stage, medical conditions, and AAFCO nutrient adequacy statements can better guide owners in … [Read more...]
Talking money, a team opportunity
Brendan Howard put some good thought to using Naomi Strollo’s assertions on talking money with clients. By making the topic a team challenge, there’s an excellent chance team members will be more likely to be more effective at presenting options to animal owners. Source: FIRSTLINE, January 30, 2019. Link. . . . reflect, discuss and get greater clarity and open … [Read more...]
There’s no such thing as a universal periodontal procedure fee
Barden Greenfield, DVM, DAVDC, cautions veterinary teams about the variability of dental procedures, client consent forms and client accessibility to approve of variations from a periodontal exam and treatment plan. 80 percent of all dogs and cats over the age of 3 years have some form of periodontal disease. Therefore, the initial treatment plan for an oral procedure is … [Read more...]
She’s not pregnant. That cat is fat!
Overweight cats are at risk for a host of health issues. Sassafras Lowrey shares five health risks for overweight cats worthy of sharing with cat owners: DiabetesHigh blood pressureBone/joint damageFatty liver diseaseSkin problems Cats who are overweight are known to have shorter life spans, and the associated health problems can be deadly to the cat. Not only that, … [Read more...]
It’s too cold to go potty!
What do you do when the mercury drops, or the snow is deeper than a dog’s belly? Dog owners need to strongly encourage their dog(s) to potty – actually, insist on it! Nancy Kern shares some ideas for dog owners. Consider sharing these on social media and in e-newsletters. . . . the number of cases of urinary tract infections spikes in winter, when dogs tend to “hold it” for … [Read more...]
Trends in pet food ingredients
Before it becomes kibble, pet food formulators and manufacturers must make ingredient choices and find suppliers to meet the demands of new formulations. Consumers increasingly expect pet foods to be free from additives, have clean labels and be formulated as specialty diets. It is a complex challenge. Source: Pet Food Industry, February 2019, page 12. Link. One aspect of … [Read more...]
No, cats cannot be vegan
A study of U.K. cat owners revealed one in five were not aware their pets were carnivores and required animal products in their diets to thrive. It is believed similar ignorance exists in U.S. cat owners. Veganism simply cannot be a lifestyle choice you make for your cat, even if you make it for yourself. Source: Tufts Catnip, February 2019. Link. It is not possible … [Read more...]
Pets, like us, continue to put on pounds
Despite veterinarians’ reports that nearly half the they see are overweight or obese, only 17 percent of their owners acknowledge it. Others may realize it, but don’t see the increased weight as a problem. It is a serious problem, according to pet health insurer Nationwide. It reports that obesity in dogs and cats has risen eight years in a row. Obesity related insurances … [Read more...]
Pet statistics questioned
Pet ownership statistics vary between sources and methodologies. Karin Brulliard and Scott Clement review the challenges and discrepancies in the numbers from several sources. . . . a prominent survey shows a rise in pet ownership, three others suggest stability Source: Washington Post, January 31, 2019. Link. “For me, as an academic, I’m offended by the fact that … [Read more...]
Oral ulceration diagnosis needs proper etiology (slide show)
Jan Bellows, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DABVP, provides a comprehensive look at oral ulcers and a diagnostic flow chart to help with diagnosis. As National Pet Dental Health Month helps bring clients to veterinary hospitals, oral abnormalities may be discovered during exams. Oral ulcers have several causes ranging from physical trauma to malignancy and are characterized by a loss of … [Read more...]
Firm dental recommendations nearly tripled compliance
John Jeffreys, RVT, CVPM, < link> took the initiative to adjust how dental recommendations were being presented. By moving from low-pressure suggestions to a more needs-based dialogue, the practice grew dental revenue in a short time. . . . it is our job to educate the client and make a firm recommendation for what their pet needs. Source: DVM 360, January 10, 2019. … [Read more...]
February is National Dental Pet Health Month
It is time again for National Pet Dental Health Month, an annual event AVMA sponsors. The association offers a toolkit to help clinic’s work as effective as possible during the promotion. Source: AVMA. A website to help clients help their pets is here. Link. A website exclusively for AVMA member veterinarians to help clients is here. Link. Make the most of the free tools … [Read more...]
Revenue growth may be wishful thinking – re-post
Editor’s note: Oops! We had the wrong byline on Patrick Malone’s post last week, so we’re re-running it here. Please accept our apologies. According to a recent healthcare survey conducted by TD Bank, 87 percent of veterinarians surveyed expected to grow revenue in the next two years. Given the continuing onslaught on pharmacy revenue from 800 Pet Meds, Chewy and others, I … [Read more...]
Cats need their claws
Research about the negative effects of declawing cats is becoming more widely known. All cats, even indoor cats, need their claws for balance, mobility, protection, grooming and gripping prey and objects. Studies show declawed cats often experience pain from remaining bone fragments; nail regrowth, reluctance to move or play, lameness and chronic pain. All of these factors … [Read more...]
Calm anxious cats with music
Cat owners, groomers and veterinary teams all appreciate the challenges of skittish felines. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, shares information about the benefits of playing music in order to create a more serene environment. Two resources she recommends are: MusicMyPet.com <link> “Relax My Cat” on You Tube < link > Source: Tufts Catnip, February 2019. Link. For … [Read more...]
Study: We’re finding new feline viruses faster than we can figure them out
The authors of a recent review in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery < link > say, “the rate at which novel [or previously unknown] viruses are being discovered now exceeds our understanding of their clinical relevance.” (The researchers) also raised important questions because the potential pathogenic role of novel viruses can be difficult to … [Read more...]
Measuring owner-cat bonds
Here’s a fun quiz worthy of social media posts and e-newletter links. Cat owners will enjoy taking the quiz and then learning how to increase the bond with their cats. Source: Modern Cat, October 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
7 secrets to choosing the best food for cats
Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott discuss cat food secrets and present information for cat owners to help them make the best choices for their individual animal(s). Their topics cover: Tinned food versus dry foodRead the ingredient listWhat’s the deal with grain?Good fats vs. badFiber versus fillerAdd fresh foodsConsider your cat’s life stage and activity level Source: … [Read more...]
Stop buying grain-free pet food!
Grain-free dog food, accounted for 44 percent of pet food sold in specialty stores in 2017, according the New York Times. Along with pet foods that are vegan, organic, raw and you name it, consumers continue to increase spending on specialty pet food. However, veterinarians are concerned that grain-free diets pose health risks to dogs, especially if consumed long-term. FDA … [Read more...]
Rethinking osteoarthritis: findings from the 2019 VET Report
Successful management of osteoarthritis (OA) requires a multifaceted approach, according to findings in the 2019 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET) Report from Banfield Pet Hospital. The report considers 3 areas of concern for pets with OA—weight gain, reduced mobility, and the progress of arthritic changes—and offers veterinarians a means to better manage and treat these … [Read more...]
Safety concerns when cats fight
Industry information shows homes with cats are likely to be multi-cat homes. Bringing a new cat into the mix can easily erupt in caterwauling and flying fur. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine offers cat fight knowledge to keep cat owners safe. Source: Catwatch, February 2018 via Catster, January 23, 2019. Link. Most cat fights center around coveted … [Read more...]
Watch for these changes in cat behaviors
Cats are excellent at masking illness or health issues. Jo Singer discusses seven shifts in cat behavior which indicate a potential health problem that warrants veterinary attention. Source: Catnip, August 2017. Link. Domestication and indoor lifestyles have required pet cats to adjust to our surroundings, a habitat that is by nature quite alien to them. As a result, … [Read more...]
Retailers get guidance on dental care
Simplicity is key with oral hygiene, according to industry insiders—and brushless options have become very appealing to pet owners, writes Jen Sotolongo. The low-hanging fruit in the modern dental market for animals is centered on home care options that are alternatives to the long-touted brushing. It is important to start conversations. Note the article does not suggest … [Read more...]
Cats groom each other for good reasons
Grooming each other, called allogrooming, is one of three ways cats express cohesion in colonies. The other two ways are allorubbing and transmitting scent signals. . . . scientists have studied allogrooming behaviors in domestic cats, lions, primates and many other species. Source: Catster, January 1, 2019. Link. Allogrooming appears to be a sign of social … [Read more...]
Cold season and cats
Its cold and flu season. The sneezing, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes that make us miserable are also symptoms of cat colds or upper respiratory infections. Dr. Arnold Plotnick reminds us that feline herpesvirus (FHV) and the feline calicivirus (FCV), both viruses, cause 80 percent of feline upper respiratory infections. He discusses cat colds using relatable language … [Read more...]
Treats with meat attract cat owners
Cat owners want options and they are looking for treats with high-quality ingredients with a focus on meat. Retailers and manufacturers agree that cat owners are willing to try new treat ideas if they meet their nutrition expectations, including protein. Source: Pet Product News, January 2019, page 54. Link. Cats are carnivores, and a healthy treat or food choice must … [Read more...]
Decade-long jerky pet treat update from FDA
Ten years after the first reports of pet and people illnesses linked to jerky treats, the FDA’s efforts have not established a single cause of pet illnesses linked to jerky pet treats. The investigations revealed several issues resulting in recalls or import alerts for various problems, including: Salmonella contaminationResidues of antibiotic and antiviral … [Read more...]
Feral cat control through an ethical lens
The trap-neuter-return (TNR) method of feral cat control creates a backdrop for authors to examine our changing societal ethics toward the killing of animals. They explain a shift from an anthropocentric ethic to a zoocentric ethic which is, in part, the result of a growing body of research demonstrating cognition, emotion,and sentience in animals. This prospective can help … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content from AAHA NEWStat
We’ve captured several helpful posts that recently appeared in the AAHA NEWStat blog as it is easy to miss things during the holiday period. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Five pet insurance strategies to aid clients and grow your practice, AAHA NEWStat, January 1, 2019. Link. Sponsored content provided by Petplan Canine noise aversion and motion sickness: … [Read more...]