Complimentary Commercial Content Data collected over the first year of CPMA availability shows improvements in survival rates for puppies battling the deadly virus, enhanced operational efficiency and high satisfaction within veterinary clinics. Our recent real-world data shows that the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is giving puppies and veterinary clinic staff a … [Read more...]
Pet industry adapts to economic challenges, new trends
The pet industry has become accustomed to steady, consistent growth at high levels throughout the range of products and services offered. Richard Kestenbaum says that's over. There will still be growth, but it will be more choppy and more selective. Certain product classes will grow. Others will shrink. Certain marketing channels will be an opportunity. Others not. Consumers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 17, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 10th AHD Bulletin – How to stop making excuses. Link. Larval therapy decreases layup time for coffin bone infection. Link. Oak mites join chiggers, mosquitos . . . big annoyance for pets, humans. Link. Explaining why cats chatter. Link. … [Read more...]
Russian scientists claim world’s first anti-aging pet food
Russian researchers have developed a pet food said to support longevity and combat age-related issues in pets. “The pet food is comprised of a combination of geroprotective substances such as epigallocatechin gallate, silymarin, curcumin, resveratrol and naringenin. Geroprotectors act by regulating some signaling pathways and molecular markers associated with aging and life … [Read more...]
How to use dog food toppers
Includes Commercial Content It seems every trip to the pet retailer reveals an ever-expanding inventory of pet food toppers. It is challenging to understand how to use them effectively to enhance dogs’ diets and not disrupt their basic nutritional needs. Toppers can enhance a dog’s meals, offering additional flavor, variety and nutritional benefits. Renee Streeter, DVM, … [Read more...]
How long is kennel cough contagious?
There is no black-and-white answer to how long kennel cough is contagious, writes Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. She advises pet owners to keep the dog out of his activities for a week after the last cough. Kennel cough, now called CRDC, can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread via droplets, dog-to-dog and coughs that mist … [Read more...]
Keeping canine cognitive dysfunction at bay
Mental sharpness in dogs can decline over time. Some suffer from a serious condition called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. CDS is a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s disease in people and is more common than originally suspected. What is important for dog owners and veterinary professionals is to recognize changes that aren’t part of normal aging. Source: … [Read more...]
Vet Techs play critical role in pet healthcare
Commentary Celebrating veterinary technicians during National Veterinary Technician Week is important for individual and team morale. Handshakes, pizza lunches and bagels aside, animal-owning clients need help understanding the roles these experienced and educated animal healthcare professionals provide in a clinic or telehealth setting. Consider sharing the ASPCA® Pet … [Read more...]
Shelter dog behavior after adoption
Little is known about long-term dog behavior after adoption. Research published in PLOS ONE followed 99 dogs at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days after adoption, revealing a high prevalence of certain behaviors among the adopted dogs. Understanding how shelter dogs typically adjust to new homes over time can help set realistic expectations and guide interventions to support successful … [Read more...]
Dogs may be entering a new wave of domestication
Commentary Brian Hare says, “In just a generation, we humans have abruptly changed the rules on our dogs.” Maybe . . . maybe not. Yet his assertions are worthy of thought and, as animal health pros, our influence. Humans need to breed and train more puppies like service animals.” Source: The Atlantic via Microsoft Start, October 14, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: There is little … [Read more...]
The rise of the small animal pet market
Commentary The popularity of small pets continues to grow. In pet retail, this growth opens up many opportunities to cater to these feathered, furred and scaled animals, writes Lindsay Beaton. However, for veterinary and pet services businesses, specialty pets may prove challenging. Regardless, the metrics are worthy of review. They may generate some questions about … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 14, 2024
Supporting pets affected by Helene, rapid growth projected in pet sitting market, company culture, timing difficult conversations, pet owner spending and more . . . Source: IBPSA, October 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 9, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 3, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 3rd AHD Bulletin – “Social license to operate” topic drives equine gathering agenda. Link. Probiotics, prebiotics for feline digestive health. Link. Non-antibiotic approaches to canine recurrent UTIs. Link. Plain speak matters. Link. … [Read more...]
Ollie acquires DIG Labs, rolls out new Foodback Loop™ to elevate health services
Ollie, a subscription-based fresh dog food company, has acquired DIG Labs, an AI-powered diagnostic company, providing real-time, image-based pet health screenings across stool, weight management, skin and coat, dental care and more. The company shared its Foodback Loop™ is a revolutionary, closed-loop, and proprietary process that leverages over 20 million first-party data … [Read more...]
Gracie, Glacer National Park’s B.A.R.K. Ranger
Gracie a 10-year-old Border Collie is an official “Wildlife Working Dog.” Twice a week in the summer, she and owner-handler Mark Biel patrol Montana’s Logan Pass in Glacier National Park in an effort to curb wildlife encounters, especially bighorn sheep or mountain goats. Source: Thrillist, September 30, 2024. Link. B.A.R.K. stands for: Bag your pet’s waste Always … [Read more...]
Theories on why dogs do what they do
Many dog behaviors are inexplicable, but they have meaning. Experts share some theories on why dogs tilt their heads, eat grass, lean on us and more. Animal health pros can use this article for social media or newsletters to help dog owners attempt to decipher and understand their dogs' idiosyncratic behaviors. Source: Better Help. Link. Related: Educating pet owners on … [Read more...]
Food-moving behavior by dogs discussed
Joan Merriam’s article is interesting. She shares various theories to explain why dogs move their kibble and it ends up all over the floor and in various areas of the house. Among them are instinct, looking for comfort, and resource-guarding. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Oak mites join chiggers, mosquitos, other insects as big annoyance for pets, humans
According to cicada expert Dr. Gene Kritsky, a particular mite known as the "oak leaf itch mite" can be seen in large amounts following a cicada emergence. The articles shared here offer information on these little critters known as Pyemotes herfsi. Oak leaf itch mites are nearly invisible to the naked eye (0.2 mm in length), but they are responsible for mite bite outbreaks in … [Read more...]
Walmart is expanding pet care services
Walmart is opening five more pet services centers after testing the first location near Atlanta. The centers offer vet visits and grooming. The pet services centers will have their own dedicated entrance next to a store under the Walmart name and staffed by employees of vet care and pet product company PetIQ. Source: CNBC, October 8, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Product News top dog product picks of 2024
It is always a good idea for animal health pros to scan through new products. Treats, chew toys, a clear pet gate, a board game to play with a dog, car seat, functional supplements, special collars and more are featured here as winners of PPN's Editors' Choice Awards. Source: Pet Product News, October 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 7, 2024
Poopcopter is the world’s first aerial bound self-guided dog poop removal system, Fire Prevention Week, improving employee performance, dogs traveling, pet spending continues, the evolution of pet food processing and more . . . Note: The APPA is seeking speakers for The Pet Summit to take place from March 24th-26th, 2025, in Orlando, Florida alongside the Global Pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 3, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 26, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 26th AHD Bulletin – The story no one talks about: the cost to produce food. Link. Changing weather patterns call for a change in deworming habits. Link. Conservation advocacy soars in ‘24 Bird Photographer competition. Link. USDA network … [Read more...]
Charity Halloween pet costume contest to benefit the Veterinary Hope Foundation
This charitable event hosted by The Bridge Club aims to build excitement for the "Give is the Word" benefit in March 2025 during the WVC Annual Conference, while raising awareness for the Veterinary Hope Foundation. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and anyone connected to the veterinary profession are invited to dress their pets in one of the … [Read more...]
WagWell debuts microbiome-friendly certified dog paw balm
Complimentary Commercial Content Paw Protector enhances paw health without disrupting the beneficial bacteria essential for healthy skin. It is certified as Microbiome Friendly by MyMicrobiome. It is clinically shown to dramatically improve the overall condition of dog paws within the first three days of use. Source: Pet Age, September 26, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Non-antibiotic approaches to canine recurrent UTIs
Various non-antibiotic measures show promise in managing canine UTIs and reducing the amount of antibiotics used to fight infections. The authors assert combining conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies may offer a more holistic approach to managing UTIs in dogs. Source: Innovative Vet Care, September 27, 2024. Link. A combination of approaches may … [Read more...]
Study: Most effective cooling method for hyperthermia in dogs
A hot day in the field or on the trail can quickly turn into a critical situation when a dog gets too hot. A small crossover study evaluated field-applicable cooling methods to treat this condition effectively. The voluntary head dunking method, which included controlled water ingestion, resulted in the lowest mean core temperature within the first five minutes … [Read more...]
Nonmedical pet services: A tangled web of competition
The high cost of pet food and of veterinary services top the list of significant challenges that pet owners currently face, writes David Sprinkle, referencing Packaged Facts’ February 2024 data. The high cost of nonmedical pet services such as grooming, boarding, daycare and training weigh in at a lower level, but these services remain part of the picture for a robust pet … [Read more...]
Success with supplements
Health and wellness trends are driving a pet supplement market positioned to surpass $2.7 billion <Link>. Many veterinarians are concerned about quality, writes Graham Garrison, who shares the opportunity to help practices realize revenue benefits that accompany selling supplements. Packed Facts’ survey <Link> indicates online purchases outpace in-store sales giving … [Read more...]
Holiday hazards for pets
Fall’s arrival welcomes gatherings for sports events and holidays. Many holiday hazards can harm pets. Determining what will harm pets makes it confusing. Pet owners are advised to prepare in advance. Source: Great Pet Care, September 20, 2024. Link. Photo by K E on Unsplash … [Read more...]
World Rabies Day is September 28th
On September 28th, we celebrate the 102nd birthday of Louis Pasteur by honoring his pioneering work in developing a vaccine against rabies. The anniversary of his birth has been designated World Rabies Day in remembrance of Dr. Pasteur and the millions of lives he continues to save with the rabies vaccine. Source: Global Alliance for Rabies Control. Link. Rabies is an … [Read more...]