Commentary Four main barriers may hinder communication about nutrition between pet owners and vets, according to research published in JAVMA <Link>. Time Misinformation and information overload Pet owners’ apprehension toward new information Veterinarians’ confidence in nutrition knowledge and communication skills Collecting diet and treat information … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 18, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 11th AHD Bulletin – Understanding active listening and distractions. Link. The pros and cons of servant leadership. Link. 22 team-building activities and games for 2024. Link. ============================================ Study: Antibiotics … [Read more...]
6 things to know about pet-safe ice melts
Contains Commercial References All ice melts pose some kind of risk to our pets. Those considered pet-safe contain urea or magnesium chloride are considered slightly safer but may still cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea and may not be as effective in melting ice and snow. Rock salt, sodium chloride, is one of the least pet-friendly ice … [Read more...]
Lenticular sclerosis or cataracts?
The eyes of aging dogs often show a blueish haze as old lens fibers degenerate and new fibers are laid down. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, explains the importance of distinguishing between lenticular sclerosis and the advancing blindness caused by cataracts. Her article is good content for social media and newsletters as some dogs live longer than previous generations. Source: … [Read more...]
Brands share feeding fundamentals for puppies and kittens
The puppy and kitten diet market is replete with brands. Glenn A. Polyn shares insights from various brands on the nutritional needs of puppies and kittens in this article. Consistent delivery of nutritional elements that support steady growth and managing feed timing and volume are common to most brand messages. Polyn advocates for retailers to become more knowledgeable about … [Read more...]
Helping maintain comprehensive oral-care habits
Includes Commercial Content Pet oral hygiene is often overlooked and considered post dental problems. Oral care is gaining attention and retailers have many options to support it as a health and wellness category. Combining efforts with local veterinarians is good business and timely as National Pet Dental Health month promotions begin in February. Source: Pet Business, … [Read more...]
Purina unveils 2024 Pet Care Innovation Prize winners
Pet care startups from the U.S., Canada and Australia have been named finalists for the eighth annual Pet Care Innovation Prize powered by Purina. The first round winners brought innovations across the spectrum of pet care products and services including pet enrichment toys; a toothbrush designed specifically for a cat’s anatomy; alternative protein and allergy-friendly pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 15, 2024
OSHA log reminder, PetSmart evolving employee engagement, PR and AI for small business, rural area volunteers, meeting changes as a small business, grooming growth supported by brands and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 15, 2024. Link. Also see: IBPSA addresses new canine respiratory illness, IBPSA, January 16, 2024. Link. To prevent infected dogs from … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 11, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 4, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the January 4th AHD Bulletin – Will we be ready? Introducing Gen Alpha. Link. Cat takes exception to coyotes attacking the family dog (video). Link. Communication – a critical skill for success. Link. … [Read more...]
AHS resource for heartworm prevention
Animal health pros need to keep beating the drums about preventing heartworm. Prevention nonadherence remains prevalent in the U.S. The incidence of heartworm disease has continued to rise in previously known hot spots, but also in unexpected locations with previously low heartworm rates <Link>. Short articles like this one from the American Heartworm Society make good … [Read more...]
Benefits of colostrum for dogs
Includes product reference Colostrum is most often used to help dogs with allergies, but it has other benefits, too.The author lists 14 different uses for colostrum including: Repairing gut damage from pharmaceuticals Improving immune systems Preventing upper respiratory diseases and the canine flu Source: Modern Dog, January 4, 2024. Link. Bovine colostrum … [Read more...]
Dealing with drug-resistant hookworms
ICYMI. Drug-resistant hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) are now widespread in dogs across the United States and have been identified in Canada. Hookworm anthelmintic resistance is no longer limited to a single antimicrobial. It has been documented for several common deworming drugs, including fenbendazole and febantel (benzimidazoles), macrocyclic lactones, avermectin/milbemycin … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance wants to hear from you
The ASPCA Pet Health Insurance team is looking forward to different conversations at the upcoming 2024 VMX. Stop by booth #1311 and share the discussions you are having with dog, cat and horse owners about pet insurance. Ask about the various tools available to support those important discussions. The expectations clients have of veterinary services continue to evolve making … [Read more...]
Advancing oral care at home, COHAT in the veterinary hospital
Attention VMX attendees! Visit booth #1416 to learn about new advancements in veterinary dental diagnostics. Addison Biological Laboratories is hosting D.A.V.I.D. X-Ray in their booth to introduce it to the veterinary community. Learn about an AI tool that helps veterinary teams read a dental radiograph or photo with the accuracy of a board-certified veterinary … [Read more...]
Shelter overcrowding persists, adoption rate slow
Citing financial challenges, housing issues and increasing costs of care, Kate Gibson reports on the growing number of pets being abandoned or relinquished. An increase in puppies and purebred dogs being brought to shelters is noted. The reduction of spay/neuter access during the pandemic may be a contributor. Source: CBS News, January 9, 2024. Link. We need to increase … [Read more...]
Kicking off the new year with pet insurance (podcast)
Ricky Walthers, DVM, chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, discusses trends and misconceptions surrounding pet insurance and how veterinary teams can educate clients about pet insurance to help them better understand the importance of having it. . . . only about 3 percent of U.S. pet owners have pet insurance . . .” Source: The Vet Blast Podcast, January 3, 2024. Link. A … [Read more...]
Winter hydration critical in the home, the kennel, daycare and on the street
Includes commercial content For ourselves and our pets hydration is as crucial in winter as it is in summer. Decreasing indoor humidity during furnace season requires dogs to drink more water, says Luke Pidgeon. Dehydration always results in a loss of electrolytes. Warning signs include panting, dry nose, loss of appetite, reduced energy levels, lethargy and thick … [Read more...]
Petfood industry, a lot on its mind going into New Year
Health and wellness, e-commerce and sustainability were identified as top of mind by Lindsay Beaton. We noted the mention of prevention in the treats and supplements category. Source: PETFOOD Industry, January 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 8, 2024
State of pet nutrition, embracing uncertainty, productivity killers, employee bonus programs for small business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 8, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Groomers can play important role in skin and coat care
Groomers who increase their understanding of skin and coat care can develop more pivotal roles in caring for the integumentary system which includes the epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, associated glands, hair, and nails. Jennifer Bishop Jenkins shares perspectives on communication with local veterinarians, advancing education and bridging some of the gaps in pet care … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 4, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 28, 2023. Link. A review of 2023’s highly viewed posts in 13 categories. Most read posts in 2023, all categories – Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses. Link. How to deal with an angry … [Read more...]
AKC recognizes Lancashire Heeler, adds to Herding Group as 201st breed
Lancashire Heelers are energetic workers, bred to be cattle herders and ratters. Small, powerful herding dogs, they thrive on human interaction and can make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention. To become an AKC-recognized breed, there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the U.S. and an … [Read more...]
Comparing wearable tech for canines
Includes Commercial Content There are so many functions and features available in various combinations of wearable tech for dogs that it’s hard to know what’s what, writes Stephanie Coleman. Her team organized a table to help you compare products and establish the priority features dog owners may need or want in a smart dog collar. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 25, … [Read more...]
Breaking dogs’ barking habits (video)
There are many reasons dogs bark and it is unrealistic to expect one to stop barking altogether. The video shares ways to reasonably reduce barking and help dogs learn to bark less. It is worthy of sharing on social media or in newsletters. Adding a message about consistency in commands among family members, daycare and dog sitters is important to avoid confusing the … [Read more...]
Benefits, risks of chew treats
The AHD team has vigilantly shared content about treats and chews, especially when it comes to the calories these mostly non-essential products add to an already overweight pet population <Link>. Discussing chews specifically, Laura Gaylord DVM, DACVIM, and Donna Raditic DVM, DACVIM, CVA, share an overview of the three types of chews and potential benefits and risks when … [Read more...]
Why good communication is essential to sales
Commentary Like it or not, if a person pays you for a product or service it is technically a sale and indicates transfer of title or completion of an action. Animal health pros who improve their communication skills enhance their value to their clients and company, writes Justin Zappulla. Note*: We comment on the discussion of “you versus I” below. The difference between … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 1, 2024
Staff readiness program coming in February, pet food in the context of global meat production, demand increasing for subsidized vet care in British Columbia, easy questions for market research, recreating vet care in United Kingdom, AI in small business, call for speakers for 2024 Flow Conference and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 1, 2024. Link. The … [Read more...]
Prevention top of mind for new year for AVMA president, Steve Dale (podcast)
Rena Carlson, DVM, and Steve Dale, CABC, talk about resolving to be more comprehensive about pet preventative care including diet, oral care, vaccination, parasite control, behavior training and lifestyle enrichment. The discussion includes the growth of reptiles, small mammals and opinions about telemedicine sources. The podcast is good for sharing on social media or linked … [Read more...]
Highly-read AHD posts from 2023
In this edition of the Animal Health Digest Bulletin, you’ll find highly-read posts in 13 categories. Now in our ninth year of curating content for animal health professionals, our team remains committed to sharing content in the context of daily interactions with animal owners, veterinary teams and industry colleagues. Source: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 28, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 21, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the December 14th AHD Bulletin – Underutilized and underappreciated. Link. What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses? Link. Keeping it simple. Link. ============================================ Sorry, dogs: Cats can play fetch, too, … [Read more...]