When a dog exhibits separation-related behaviors, the first objective is to determine the underlying cause, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. Understanding these behaviors and what causes them offers the best chances of a successful outcome before implementing an approach to deal with them. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 27, 2024
Strategies to remain customer-centric, unlocking exceptional service, McKinsey's top 28 AI business growth tools, Walmart adding pet telehealth to Walmart++ and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Beyond getting a yes, factors that restrict adherence
A recent pet experience allowed me to watch a dozen pet owners and their pets come and go from a veterinary office. Over half of the pet owners returned to their cars and sat in the parking lot for several minutes, displaying what could be described as a 1,000-yard stare. Others seemed to share the visit results with a passenger or via a phone call. THERE IS A LOT to process … [Read more...]
Miniature poodle wins 2024 best in show at Westminster
Sage, a four-year-old female miniature poodle from Texas and handled by Kaz Hosaka is the first female dog to be named Best in Show since 2020. Hosaka will end his 45 year showing career with Sage’s win. The runner-up Reserve Best in Show went to a German Shepard. Source: Daily Paws, May 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards finalists gallery
Always a favorite of AHD Bulletin readers, the images in this year’s finalist gallery are sure to give you a smile or chuckle. Enjoy! Source: Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Link. … [Read more...]
A poor guide to dog allergy medications
Commentary In the article linked here, Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares what medications can be given to a dog to relieve allergy symptoms. The article is a red flag for our team because it empowers pet owners to use the information to medicate their dogs outside of the veterinary-client relationship. Given the many possible reasons for allergies, the article fails to … [Read more...]
A dog walk temperature chart for every season
Commentary Our temperatures in the Kansas City area reached the upper 80s last weekend. The changes in neighborhood dog behaviors were noticeable as they sought shade and were less active on walks. Beyond the normal concerns about dogs shut in cars and hot pavement burning pads, our recent post about the thermoneutral zone for cattle <Link> sparked digging to find such … [Read more...]
Advocacy from Veterinary teams helps pet owners choose pet insurance
Sponsored Content For veterinary teams, pet insurance is a part of meeting the needs of today’s animal owners. A 2022 survey of veterinary professionals revealed: More than 90 percent of veterinary teams wish more of their clients had pet insurance. 2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost … [Read more...]
Why thunderstorms upset some dogs
There’s no scientific evidence proving why some dogs are more bothered by storms than others. In this article, the author posits that dogs feel the storm coming and offers ways to help them feel less stressed. Sound only plays a small part in dogs’ overall fear of a thunderstorm. As the storm approaches, barometric pressure drops, making static electricity more common and … [Read more...]
Microchip check station for lost pets (video)
What a great idea! The All Dogs Clinic in Rogers, Arkansas, now has a 24/7 microchip check station available on the outside of its building for anyone to use. Source: KNWA/KFTA, May 16, 2024. Link. (0:51) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 16, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 9, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 9th AHD Bulletin – Advances in equine disease detection. Link. Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening. Link. Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being. Link. … [Read more...]
Biofilms affect animal health
Water bowls and drinkers that aren’t regularly scrubbed often develop bad-tasting biofilm that discourages drinking. Biofilms are part of the normal complement of microbes in many healthy animals. However, biofilms can be very harmful making them important to remove. The CDC estimates that up to 70 percent of human bacterial infections in the Western world are caused by … [Read more...]
Seats still available for hands-on Veterinary CE at the NAVC Institute
Space is available in Strategic Leadership, Orthopedic Surgery, Ultrasound Intermediate, and Advanced and General Ophthalmology during the May 20-24, 2024 NAVC Institute in Orlando, Florida at The Caribe Royale Resort. Small class sizes allow for immersive, personalized instruction. Source: NAVC. Link. The hands-on training and skills veterinarians and veterinary … [Read more...]
CDC finalizes dog import rule to prevent rabies
All dogs coming into the U.S. from other countries must be at least six months old and microchipped to help prevent the spread of rabies, according to new government rules. The updated rules apply to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups, as well as pets traveling with their U.S. owners. All dogs coming into the U.S. from other countries must be at least six months … [Read more...]
Farm dogs play many roles
The celebration of farm dogs in recent years <Link> has brought more focus to the health of pets on acreages and farms. Whether working dogs or companions, these animals encounter environmental risks from domestic and wild animals, some of which are One Health concerns. This recording and article feature farm dogs and the importance of getting regular veterinary care for … [Read more...]
Diagnosing benzimidazole-resistant hookworms
Includes Commercial Content Multi-anthelmintic, drug-resistant hookworms is now recognized as more far-reaching in terms of geography locations and breeds of dogs, shares Emily Singler, VMD. MADR hookworms are a concern because they can wreak havoc on companion animals and farm animals, as well as humans. Singler shares Keyscreen, a test created and offered by Antech … [Read more...]
Benefits of insect-based pet food beyond nutrition
Tim Wall shares seven benefits pets derive from insect proteins and oils. He says black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms and other species benefit pet health in various ways including: the gut microbiome allergy relief weight management Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 9, 2024. Link. Also see: Ÿnsect mealworm protein for dog food authorized in US, PETFOOD … [Read more...]
A comprehensive guide to poisonous plants for dogs
For gardeners, spring is a time to fill planters, pots and beds with flowers to add color and dimension to landscapes. However, some plants are toxic to dogs. A quick review of this listing will likely change plant selections for dog owners. It did for me. Included in the list of 29 outdoor plants are: Lilies Daffodils Hydrangeas Morning glory Sweet peas … [Read more...]
Research explores nutrition paradox between pet parent intentions, realities
Includes Commercial Content The results of a research survey found a major discrepancy between what dog owners believe to be beneficial for their pets and the actual practices they implement, especially when it comes to nutrition. Despite high confidence in supporting their dogs' health, there's a significant gap between perception and reality, including a lack of … [Read more...]
Shaving a dog for summer not universally advised
A close shave for a dog seems logical as hot weather approaches. But, many dogs should not be shaved at all and doing so may make the dog even hotter, writes Harriet Meyers. She shares insights on different coat types, hot weather grooming tips and how to keep dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather. Source: AKC, May 1, 2024. Link. Also see: To shave or not to shave, The … [Read more...]
Watch out for foxtail (video)
Foxtails are everywhere in the environment <Link>. Pet owners need to take preventive steps to minimize the risks to their pets. Once on the cat or dog, a segment of a foxtail can burrow into the skin, get stuck in the eyes, creep into ears, be inhaled into the nose or even make its way into the lungs. Source: The Conversation, May 9, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Fresh pet food market in flux
The fresh pet food market is evolving rapidly. David Lummis’ article will be interesting for students of the explosion of pet food options. E-commerce is projected to increase its share of overall pet food sales to about two-fifths in 2028. The share will likely be closer to two-thirds for fresh pet food. Source: Pet Product News, May 2024. Link. Closing in on $3 billion at … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 13, 2024
Keys to success for pet stores, VMG’s new dashboard, where cannabis is working, poverty and pets, another celebrity brand, advertising in 2024 and more . . . Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families and 70 percent have never seen a veterinarian.” – Harris Poll survey Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 13, 2024. Link. Recently updated IBPSA … [Read more...]
Animal Cracker’s YouTube videos raise concerns about animal chiropractic
Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, FAAMA, shares concerns and assertions about doctors of chiropractic performing animal adjustments and challenges regulatory language. Animal chiropractic is considered part of physical medicine as shared in several Animal Health Digest posts which include eye-opening information about the animal chiropractor licensing process <Link>. It … [Read more...]
Report shows dermatitis, gastroenteritis among top reasons for veterinary visits
Annual claims reports help bring awareness to pet owners about common pet conditions and the costs to treat them. Gastroenteritis, degenerative arthritis and dental disease rank high for cats and dogs alike, according to data shared by Nationwide’s Jules Benson, BVSc, MRCVS. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 18, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
First of its kind veterinary of record program seeks to improve access to care
Shelters United is a group purchasing organization that allows animal welfare groups to purchase animal care supplies and products at discounted prices. Rescue organizations rely on a veterinarian of record to provide care for pets awaiting adoption and to purchase necessary prescription medications. Since no VOR model exists to help veterinarians and rescue organizations … [Read more...]
July 12 is deadline for Farm Dog of the Year nominations
Nominations for the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year are open. Farmers and ranchers who are Farm Bureau members can nominate their dogs by reviewing eligibility guidelines and submission requirements here. Link Once there, click on the black “submit” button to be taken to the final instructions. You can see last year’s winner here. Link. Source: Farm Bureau, May 1, … [Read more...]
6 possible reasons why dogs lift one paw
When a dog lifts its paw it is communicating. The author shares that a raised front paw shows the dog feels conflicted and putting them at ease could make a difference. Lifting one paw can have multiple meanings, but it’s rarely a behavior to ignore.” Source: Dogster, April 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media, newsletters or use it in puppy … [Read more...]
Thelaziosis emerging in cats, dogs in northeastern U.S.
Thelaziosis, a disease caused by the Thelazia callipaeda eye worm, has been reported in two domestic cats in New York and is believed to pose an increasing threat to cats and dogs. T. callipaeda is an exotic eye worm transmitted by the fruit fly, Phortica variegata. Thelazia californiensis is native to North America but T. callipaeda poses a One Health risk as the parasite can … [Read more...]
Top 5 uses for gabapentin in dogs and cats (podcast)
A survey of clinicians found that gabapentin use in veterinary medicine is similar to use in human medicine; 69 percent of respondents indicated they prescribe gabapentin on a daily or weekly basis, most commonly for acute and chronic pain (extra-label). Rebecca Reader, DVM, DACVAA, reviews her top five recommended uses for gabapentin based on mechanism of action and physiology … [Read more...]