There are almost as many medication options to treat conjunctivitis as there are reasons for inflammation of the conjunctiva. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, outlines different treatment options for the various causes of infections in the eyes of cats and dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2022. Link. Image credit: PetSure … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 16, 2024
Managing Gen Zs at work, DVM warns against Christmas tree bows, human-dog bond science, PetsMart launches pet streaming service, pet behavior consults, the link between owner demographics and canine nutrition and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 16, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
How dogs say thank you
Elizabeth Gray shares five ways dogs show they’re grateful. With the holiday season taking more time from daily activities, she reminds us to return the favor and show our gratitude to our dogs. Even when we’re busy and stressed, taking just 10 minutes to play with a dog will do wonders for them. Consider this article for social media, newsletters or an interview with local … [Read more...]
Choosing the best farm dogs for herding, guarding livestock, and more
Reviewing some common farm-related tasks and the dog breeds that excel at them, Tracy Kobberdahl divides working dogs into ones that drive and ones that fetch. She emphasizes the need for training and her guidance is universal for dogs on the farm or in the home. If a dog won’t heel, sit, stay, lay down, and come, you’ll never get him to do the work you want.” Source: … [Read more...]
Survey: 62 percent of puppy owners overwhelmed by pet food choices
Commercial Content Differentiating pet food choices is increasingly difficult. Royal Canin’s recent survey found that more than half of puppy owners feel overwhelmed by the number of choices in puppy food and, more importantly, struggle to figure out what ingredients are important. Commentary The survey results are familiar, as is the challenge of leading pet owners to … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2024
The winners of Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards are selected by the publication’s editorial team. They focus on the most exciting and functional products on the market and candidates in categories such as best packaging redesigns, merchandising displays and consumer-marketing campaigns. This edition of the 23rd-annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the … [Read more...]
Rethinking dog parks
Initially viewed as ideal social venues for dogs, public dog parks now face more scrutiny for their potential risks. The authors share risks and benefits while reinforcing the need for owners to consider training and risks based on their individual pets. Consider sharing this article and a list of top local dog parks, often provided by Yelp or Rover, with dog owners on … [Read more...]
Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups
Includes Commercial References With an eye on eliminating falls and slippery surfaces, Heather E. Lewis, AIA, NCARB, AAA, discusses various slip-resistant surfaces for veterinary hospitals. Pet care services facilities have similar risks for humans and animals. Flooring is often discussed as part of Fear Free certification as well. Source: DVM 360, November 15, 2024. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 9, 2024
Pug wins National Dog Show, impact of kennel materials on behavior, Gen Z stressing managers enough to quit, pet owners driving natural products, sticks and stone can spell injury and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Mexico notifies United States of New World Screwworm detection
Commentary The recent announcement that officials detected a New World Screwworm in Mexico brought memories of removing screwworms from baby rabbits, ducklings and newborn puppies in the late 1960s. These experiences make this situation a priority to share with animal health pros. Vigilant monitoring and managing fly populations is critical to avoiding the devastation … [Read more...]
New definitions, recommendations for managing UTIs in dogs, cats
Kate Boatright, VMD, shares updated information related to antimicrobial stewardship, and the management of sporadic and recurrent urinary tract infections, including how the presence of bacteriuria should be interpreted and treated. Urine was once thought to be sterile, but new analyses have found numerous bacterial and fungal species exist in both human and animal urine, … [Read more...]
CBD 101: Common cannabis “cures” for your canine
Commentary This online article, full of commercial references, is another example of what-they’re- reading-content being proliferated at breakneck speed. We believe it is important for animal health pros to see content like this, which could potentially mislead pet owners. To the author’s credit, cannabis with THC and CBD are differentiated and disclaimer language is also … [Read more...]
10 signs a dog is depressed
Early detection and intervention are key to helping dogs navigate through their emotional struggles, which can stem from various causes, including changes in their environment, loss of a companion or underlying health issues. The author shares some signs of canine depression, including: Avoidance and withdrawal Changes in vocalization Loss of interest in favorite … [Read more...]
Keep cold weather safety top of mind
An easy-to-use infographic from ASPCA® Pet Insurance covers many of the winter hazards including extra care for senior pets. Communication from veterinary practices is noticed and appreciated by pet owners and often reinforces messages clients receive from consumer media. Consider printing a few of the infographic pages for waiting and exam rooms in addition to sending it to … [Read more...]
Dogs smell when people are stressed or calm; adjust their behaviors in response
Sarah Biren shares new perspectives from research on how dogs perceive and react to stressful situations and environments depending on the smell of the people they are with. The unique research examines how human emotions can affect animals’ perceived reality, highlighting the need to consider dogs’ training and working environments from an olfactory standpoint. Source: The … [Read more...]
Weese: Rabies deaths reminders of the need to educate public
Rabies is still here and will likely always be, writes Scott Weese, DVM. While we have tools to effectively prevent infections, the human factor is the weak prevention link. Sharing two cases of human deaths from rabies, he stresses the importance of a better public understanding of rabies risks. Source: Worms and Germs, November 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 3, 2024
Colorado considering a new rule to require rabies vaccination for imported pets, NYC Council passes bill to prohibit sale of dogs, cats from unlicensed locations including backyard breeders, avoiding charity scams, selling pet play time and more . . . Note the members-only opportunities available in December. Source: IBPSA, December 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Resources for National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
The C-word strikes fear in pet owners despite better chances of successfully treating pets for neoplasia and cancer than they had in the past. Routine client education about cancer can improve early detection. The AVMA provides resources for pet owners on cancer in pets, including warning signs, how it is diagnosed, how it can be treated and potentially be prevented. Sharing … [Read more...]
Client perspective important when choosing antiseizure medications for dogs, cats
We like that Tom Jukier DVM, MS, DACVIM, included the importance of including the client in decisions when antiseizure medications are indicated. Successfully controlling epileptic seizures can take several directions, Jukier explains. He provides background, medication efficacy and pharmacokinetic information for common antiseizure medications used in dogs and cats in the … [Read more...]
New study, employees prefer pet-related benefits
Complimentary Commercial Content New research from OnePack Plan by PetPartners, a leading employer-based pet insurance brand, revealed just how important pet-related benefits are to employees, with nearly half of employees reporting that pet-related benefits influence their job decisions. Other results we noted include: Two-thirds of employees are interested in PTO for … [Read more...]
Identifying allergic reactions in dogs
Holidays bring risks of allergic reactions in dogs. Whether environmental, dietary, from new chemicals, a new product or accidental ingestion of a guest’s medications, knowing the signs of an allergic reaction is important. Kate Basedow, LVT, discusses allergic reactions from mild to severe in this article. Consider it for newsletters, holiday communications and social media … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 18, 2024
2024 consumer and product trends, lifelong learners in the AI age, opportunities in the pet wellness market, Whisker Media launches new podcast and more . . . Source: IBPSA, November 18, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians’ important roles in feline hospice and palliative care
It takes a clear strategy to help lead clients through the difficult stages of caring for a critically ill pet. Veterinary technicians are well-suited to helping establish an effective care plan for a hospice period and for clients after the pet’s death. Jamie Rauscher, LVT, outlined guidelines in five steps for hospital teams in a recent presentation worthy of review and … [Read more...]
The nonprofit veterinarian shortage: Who will care for the pets most in need?
Statewide studies suggest that shelters and nonprofit clinics have been especially hard hit by the veterinary workforce shortage. A study sought to determine the effect of this shortage on veterinary care provided at two types of public practice: veterinary care for cats and dogs housed temporarily in animal sheltering organizations veterinary clinics aimed at … [Read more...]
Consumer-facing article touts over-the-counter drugs safe for dogs
Commentary The article linked here represents a disturbing trend in animal advice pieces featured in all types of today’s media. Chelsea Huckabay asserts that four OTC drugs featured in it are safe for dogs. To our knowledge, Huckabay is not a veterinarian, and there is no indication that a veterinarian edited this article. We reached out to our colleague and AHD … [Read more...]
Well Groomed’s data-driven canine wellness revolution sweeps Florida
Well Groomed Franchise System announced its 19th franchise sale in Florida. Its approach incorporates pet wellness advocacy as each grooming appointment gathers more than 50 points of valuable wellness information. Each salon location generates hundreds of monthly wellness product recommendations and wellness-related service referrals to local pet industry partners, according … [Read more...]
Neuroscientists explain why wet dogs shake themselves dry
The hairy skin of mammals is packed with more than 12 types of sensory neurons, each with a unique function to detect and interpret various sensations. Researchers studying a type of ultra-sensitive touch-detecting receptors that wrap around hair follicles (C-fibre low-threshold mechanoreceptors), or C-LTMRs, explain how signals from C-LTMRs travel through the nervous system to … [Read more...]
Reinforcing the 12-month flea prevention message
Holiday spending may affect flea preventative compliance as pet owners juggle budgets to buy gifts and meet holiday expectations. Whether or not pets are guests during holiday gatherings, pet owner visitors can carry larvae and eggs on their clothing from address to address. Animal health pros understand that visible fleas are just the tip of the iceberg when dealing with a … [Read more...]
The science and ethics of dog cloning
Dog cloning is no longer science fiction. While cloning can duplicate genetics of one dog in another dog, there’s no guarantee of an exact copy. Cloning may become more accessible and affordable . . . but just because we can doesn’t mean we should. Source: Animal Wellness, October 31, 2024. Link. Image credit: The Guardian … [Read more...]
Medical-grade honey’s superior antibacterial activity
Honey is known as a natural, effective and safe alternative to traditional antiinfectives. But not all honey is alike. Researchers have discovered that medical-grade honey, particularly manuka honey, exhibits significantly stronger antibacterial properties compared to non-medical-grade honey. Source: Vet Candy, October 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]