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...]
Cannabis product use in cats and dogs in the U.S.
Sharing the results from a pet owner survey, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, offers a view of how pet owners are using cannabidiols, their perceptions of its efficacy and attitudes about trying cannabis or cannabidiols. The results underscore the need for veterinary education and the legal ability to discuss administering cannabis in companion animals. . . . only 21 percent … [Read more...]
Mutt mail. Subscription boxes for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The number of pet subscription boxes filled with items curated by pet loving marketers continues to grow. The Happy Puppy Tips team shares a few options in this article. Our AHD office dog, Li’l Buddy, is a benefactor of a family member who subscribes to one of these services for their Golden Retriever. A new toy or two comes home after every … [Read more...]
Resources to help pet owners from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
Sponsored Content Whether veterinary clients are getting a new pet, adding a pet or entertaining people with their pets during the holiday season, ensuring a safe and healthy home is important. A few helpful resources delivered via social media, emails and newsletters can make a difference. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance creates content ready to download and share that saves … [Read more...]
Marijuana is among the 2023 Top 10 pet toxins
Marijuana and carprofen were again among the Top 10 Pet Poisons for all species this year. They first appeared on the annual year-end list in 2022. In the 2023 case data, marijuana-related incidences accounted for the sixth-highest toxin overall for pets and was also sixth for dogs. The article includes the top 10 for cats and dogs. Chocolate was first for dogs and lilies was … [Read more...]
Dr. Kwane Stewart honored as 2023 CNN Hero
Kwane Stewart, DVM, was named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year last week during the 17th annual CNN Heroes Event that took place at New York City’s Museum of Natural History. The California veterinarian and Colorado State University graduate started serving unhoused people and their pets more than a decade ago. With the help of his brother, they founded Project Street Vet, a … [Read more...]
Winter Solstice. Shortest day and longest night of the year.
Today marks the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. Along with shorter days, many people experience seasonal affective disorder. From reducing stress to easing feelings of loneliness and depression, encouraging research shows dogs could bring the dopamine boost our brains need during the darkest of days. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Along with … [Read more...]
2023 was a record year for Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Rabies surveillance and prevention is everyone’s job. World Rabies Day 2023 was the most impactful event to date. The GARC hopes to build on the participation success and move closer to eliminating rabies deaths in humans by 2030. The widespread participation in World Rabies Day 2023 is a testament to the growing global awareness surrounding rabies prevention and … [Read more...]
Packaged Facts – pet industry is now “omnimarket,” not just “omnichannel”
Combining retail and pet services is becoming more common, according to Packaged Facts Pet Services in the US, 2nd Edition 2023. At the consumer level, franchising can combine some of the advantages of local, operator-owned with corporate efficiencies. At the industry level, franchising exemplifies how the pet market has entered a new era of multiple-front competition driven in … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 11, 2023
Fromm family’s Danielle Opetz, Pet care accessibility, longevity drugs to extend dog lives, small business insurance, APPA’s acquisition of online education and conferencing platform, small business sales trends and more . . . Resources to remember: IBPSA Infectious Disease Cleaning Standards Thrive Master Group for facility owners and general managers via Zoom, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]
Tips for socializing dogs with other dogs
Holiday gatherings can be challenging, but adding pets to the mix can be an ordeal, especially if socialization training has been ignored. Cammi Morgan shares tips to help pet owners realize their responsibility to properly socialize their dogs. She includes comments about puppy age, vaccination, dog park safety and approaches for undersocialized dogs. Be realistic . . . dogs … [Read more...]
Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in dogs are linked (video)
ICYMI. The link between respiratory and gastrointestinal illness in dogs has been well documented, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. She says treating respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases at the same time works. Long-term studies of dogs undergoing airway surgery and medical treatment of gastrointestinal disease show improvement with interventions.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Behavior tips to make owners and handlers better
Samuel Ceisler is right. There is always something we can learn about how and why dogs behave the way they do. Whether owner, dog sitter, boarding kennel staff member, vet clinic employee or veterinarian, one of Ceisler’s behavior tips will be something new or something you forgot. He breaks down the most common dog behaviors and what they mean so you can figure out exactly … [Read more...]