Adopt a Pet and Zoetis have named the inaugural group of animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the 2024 Zoetis petcare product grant. Each grant recipient will receive flea, tick, and heartworm disease prevention for cats and dogs, along with core vaccines and antibiotics needed to support healthy shelter pets in their care. Source: Zoetis, June 5, … [Read more...]
10 tips to keep your dog calm during fireworks
Independence Day celebrations will be here soon. As usual, some will start early and run late. The American Kennel Club offers 10 tips to calm dogs in this video with Kathy Santo, master trainer. Source: American Kennel Club, May 22, 2024. Link. (Includes video) Here are three of 10 expert-approved tips to keep dogs safe during fireworks and other loud situations. Keep … [Read more...]
Human-animal bond: Dolly Parton on Captain Kangaroo (reel)
Animal health pros promote and witness the human-animal bond as part of daily life. We’re sharing a link to a reel highlighting that the human-animal bond was being celebrated 48 years ago. In a 1976 appearance on TV’s Captain Kangaroo Dolly Parton sang a song she wrote about her dog, Cracker Jack. Enjoy! Source: Our American Stories with Lee Habeeb, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Raw dog food, the big questions
Includes Commercial References Questions mount as the popularity of raw diets grows. Andrew Dickens posed some key questions to We Feed Raw’s Amy Zalneraitis. The article reveals how perception, processing and handling affect the quality and safety of commercially produced raw diets. Source: Dog Food Advisor, February 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Summer temperatures … [Read more...]
Best life jackets, vests for dogs
Includes Commercial Content Water safety experts recommend owners who take their dogs near water or boating invest in a dog life jacket to ensure buoyancy for those that swim and for those that don’t. The authors review top-ranked canine floatation devices. Source: AKC Retrievist. Link. Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash … [Read more...]
6 foods we eat that can kill dogs
Big John turned his back away from the grill’s side table briefly to answer a question from a guest. In a flash, the guest’s dog went grill-surfing, grabbing a sizeable chunk of garlic-infused and onion powder-dressed roast. Now, a nice dinner was missing, and there was a chance the dog might get ill. Despite those big brown begging eyes, we have to be careful with these six … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 17, 2024
Fusing science and affection*, motion needed in websites, engagement culture, 82 percent of HR pros believe pets help mental health, connecting brand and demand**, and more. * Scritches used in this context refers to a scratching motion versus a harsh sound. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 17, 2024. Link. Note the NEW IBPSA Master Business Academy, a cutting-edge program … [Read more...]
June heat wave enveloping the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night. For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals … [Read more...]
Clear The Shelters celebrates 10 years
Celebrating 10 years and more than one million adoptions, Clear the Shelters is recruiting veterinary clinic participation to fulfill its mission. Sign up to receive a supporter kit including access to the social media toolbox and improve pet adoption. Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Link. … [Read more...]
Did we really need another dog breed?
Viki Spencer decided to develop a new dog breed that combines the stunning appearance of a wolf with the temperament of a loving and mellow family dog. After years of selective breeding she has developed the American Blue Bay shepherd. Source: Pet Guide, October 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: One might postulate the next iteration could be a Blue Bay Doodle. … [Read more...]
CVT shares how she advocates for pet insurance including her own experiences (part 3)
Sponsored Content Certified veterinary technician Sarah Walsh is a strong advocate for pet insurance at Wignall Animal Hospital in Belvidere, Vermont. Her experiences with her own animals reinforce the benefits pet owners can expect when insuring their pets against illness, accidents and disease. Summarizing, Walsh shares these simple points: Why ASPCA® Pet Health … [Read more...]
Noise from stainless steel kennels ‘detrimental’ to patient health, survey shows
Includes Commercial Content A recent CASCO Pet survey reveals how noise can pose challenges to staff and patients. Clanging, resonant and disruptive, stainless steel kennels can significantly exacerbate fear, stress and anxiety and impact recovery. Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 10, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for teething puppies
Teething puppies generate tons of questions for all animal health pros. Each pup has its own toothy challenges and there is not a universal way to deal with the discomfort and consequences. In the article linked here, the authors address ways to help a teething puppy be more comfortable. It is a good reference to share with puppy owners on social media or in newsletters. Gum … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 10, 2024
Speakers list for September FLOW Business conference, Envigo RMS LLC fined for cruelty after rescue of 4000 beagles in 2022, Meals on Wheels distributes 13 millionth pet meal, using AI for pricing, Bill Walton’s mark on pet industry, small business marketing and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 10, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Comedian: Taking my dog to the vet
Enjoy this video clip of Chris Martin talking about taking his dog to the veterinarian. While representative of perceptions pet owners may have, we think most animal health pros will get a chuckle from his bit. Being able to laugh at ourselves is a sign of resiliency and mental toughness.” Source: Chris Martin, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
IDEXX expands test menu for the Catalyst Platform for diagnosing pancreatitis
IDEXX announced the Catalyst® Pancreatic Lipase Test, a new in-clinic quantitative assay that measures pancreatic lipase in dogs and cats suspected of pancreatitis in less than 10 minutes. Diagnosing pancreatitis can be difficult due to its nonspecific symptoms and subtle clinical signs, including vomiting and weight loss, which are among the 10 most frequently recorded … [Read more...]
Are pet dogs and cats the weak link in bird flu surveillance?
Some epidemiologists, food safety experts and veterinarians worry that pets could provide a potential springboard for H5N1 bird flu to evolve into a human threat. They are warning pet owners against feeding their animals raw food. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 2024. Link. When researchers talk about their biggest bird flu fears, one that typically comes up involves and … [Read more...]
What stool color could say about a dog’s health
Myles Rowley, DVM, helps shed light on dog poop, what different colors mean, what could be done to fix fecal abnormalities and when it’s time to consult a veterinarian. Consider sharing this on social media or in newsletters. Source: Top Dog Tips, February 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Study: Service dogs improve cortisol levels in veterans with PTSD
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine have taken a step toward better understanding the relationship between veterans and service dogs. They believe this could lead to life-changing improvements in health care for veterans. In a new study published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, researchers found that veterans who worked with … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 3, 2024
CPR-AED Awareness Week and training, nanoparticle vaccine possibilities, creating stronger customer connections, Bark Air lifts off with dogs-first approach to flight and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Could dogs and cats be passing superbugs to owners?
New research presented at the recent ESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, suggests dogs and cats play important roles in the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The focus was on bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems, which are considered the last line of defense when other antibiotics have failed. Understanding and addressing the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 30, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 23, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 23rd AHD Bulletin – A poor guide to dog allergy medications. Link. Spring health check for senior horses. Link. A dog walk temperature chart for every season. Link. ===================================== Can dogs ‘catch’ yawns from … [Read more...]
12 complications when dental health is ignored
Dental month ended but educating pet owners about oral health and dental disease requires an everyday effort from animal health pros. James Rhys Clarke presents the consequences of neglected dental health in this article complete with photos. Consider sharing it on social media and in newsletters including products you know work to improve oral health. Source: Top Dog Tips, … [Read more...]
Veterinary team advocacy helps pet owners choose pet insurance (part 2)
Sponsored Content Last week we introduced the first post in a series to show how some veterinary teams position and present pet insurance in ways that fit well with their current practice routines and protocols <Link>. While a 2022 survey showed more than 90 percent of veterinary practices wished that more of their clients were covered by pet insurance, only about … [Read more...]
Trupanion’s 29 percent rate increase approved by California Department of Insurance
The rising cost of veterinary care amplifies the need for Trupanion to price correctly, bringing California residents more in line with those rising costs. The new rate goes into effect in July 2024 adding to the previous 12 percent rate increase in June 2023. Source: GlobeNewsWire, May 17, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Everfur launches Fur-Forward diagnostics kit: Advanced metabolomics to monitor pet health
With just a sample of a pet’s fur, Everfur analyzes its unique molecules to help determine fur quality, brain health, digestion, immunity, and potential disease risks. Everfur's proprietary approach leverages metabolomic science to provide comprehensive health assessments for dogs and cats by analyzing over 200 unique molecules within a pets' fur. Metabolomic testing offers … [Read more...]
Seeing allergies through a One Health lens
Calling for a bigger view of product and treatment choices, Erica Tramuta-Drobnis, VMD, MPH, CPH, urges veterinary teams to evaluate plans by the individual animal, consider the owner’s capacities and ensure proper antimicrobial stewardship practices. Ensuring we select appropriate therapies to manage dermatological manifestations of allergies and other skin conditions … [Read more...]
Glyphosate in dog food
Laura Ward, BSc, shares perspectives on bioaccumulation of chemicals in foods we and our pets eat. Specifically, she says glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide applied to the leaves to kill plants and grasses, is found in a vast amount of human and dog food. She notes glyphosate does not accumulate in meat from animals as it does in plants. Wards is not trying to cause … [Read more...]
Updated canine neutering guidelines
Researchers at the University of California-Davis, have updated their guidelines on when to neuter 40 popular dog varieties by breed and sex. Five breeds have been added to research begun in 2013 that questioned early neutering due to increased risk of joint diseases and certain cancers. The updated guidelines emphasize the importance of personalized decisions regarding the … [Read more...]
2024’s best dog calming treats for anxiety
Includes Commercial Content A team of experts assessed 48 brands of dog-calming treats based on the key ingredients, customer satisfaction and overall value choosing three as best in class. Dana J. Cook shares facts and some of the latest research on the key ingredients that have proven to relieve dog anxiety, promote calmness and minimize aggressive behaviors: Hemp … [Read more...]