Scientists at the China Agricultural University indicate the dog flu virus is mutating, stabilizing and adapting to better recognize human-like receptors. Virologists say the study calls for continuous surveillance and risk assessments related to the canine flu, citing no pre-existing human immunity. Source: Popular Mechanics, May 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal health … [Read more...]
Desensitization and counterconditioning canine behaviors
Fans of Cesar Millan’s new show, Better Human Better Dog, may recognize these training methods that may help dogs overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain people, animals or other triggers. Behavior modification takes patience, consistency, practice and time.” Source: The Spruce Pets, April 18, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Millan’s new show focuses on redirecting … [Read more...]
DVM uses XXT to save dog
Margaret Hunt, DVM, saved a German shepherd that was choking on a rubber dog toy. The video explains the difference between the Heimlich maneuver and the external extraction technique used to get the toy dislodged from the dog. Source: Inside Edition, April 26, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 1, 2023
Debunking pet insurance myths, smartphone apps for dog owners, when it is time to secure funding, recession proofing strategies, $500 billion global pet industry could be possible by 2030 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Tips on marketing to owners of senior pets
Veterinarians should be seeing many more patients in their advanced-age life stage than ever, writes Mary Gardner, DVM, citing metrics that show 44 percent of practice patients are seniors. She shares tips on communicating with owners of senior pets similar to how puppy and early stage education is done. Source: AAHA Trends, February 2023. Link. We can do so much to manage … [Read more...]
Canine cancer research startup helps treatment in humans
One Health’s FidoCure is using genomics and AI technology to develop precision oncological treatments, and the work is benefiting human cancer research, writes Jenni Spinner. Source: Outsourcing Pharma, April 19, 2023. Link. NOTE: In February 2020, FidoCure’s CEO Christina Kelly Lopes was interviewed on FOX Business Live <Link> where she spoke about cancer in dogs, … [Read more...]
Straddling the fence on dog parks
Mary R. Burch, PhD, presents the pros and cons of dog parks. She shares alternatives for dog owners who are not confident their local dog park is secure, safe and appropriately maintained. Source: AKC Family Dog, May/June 2023. Link. Also see: Search results for: dog parks, AHD. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider checking out the dog parks in your local area and communicate with … [Read more...]
How to keep a dog from eating everything he sees
Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares tips on training and muzzling while allowing dogs to investigate, but avoiding possible toxins and other things that might harm the animal. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 21, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. … [Read more...]
Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners.
While no surprise to animal health pros, warmer weather could put dogs at a greater risk of xylitol poisoning. Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in many of our foods, BUT it is very poisonous to dogs. Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, DABT, DABVT, shares a list of common products containing xylitol including ICE CREAM, a preferred treat for dogs at drive-through restaurants. It is … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 24, 2023
Herding cats with AI, Gen Z and millennials own half the pets, Petco pilots recycling program, growth in cat ownership a factor for future pet industry growth and more . . . IBPSA is partnering with the SMART Dog Park Professional Certification Program. This program will help us as we help cities build better dog parks and educate our pet owner clients.” - Carmen … [Read more...]
A closer look at the world of organized dentistry
Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD, shares the history and development of organized dentistry. He outlines the bodies behind it that serve veterinarians, technicians and the public. Organized veterinary dentistry began in 1976 making it young compared to the 160-year-history of the American Dental Association. Source: DVM 360, April 2023. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Cushing, veterinary future so near, so far
“The only thing holding back the pet health care industry might be a fear of where the answers lead, and that’s understandable,” says Mark Cushing, JD. He discusses what he calls an “interesting” juncture in pet health care and shares areas of top priority: Younger generations Rules and regulations License portability Public policy Utilization of veterinary … [Read more...]
If humans acted like #dogs at the vet
When was the last time you had a good belly shaking, tear-jerking, snot-producing laugh? Today might be the day. Dare ya! And just for fun, sidle up to a colleague and share it! Source: Idaho Animal Rescue Network, Facebook, April 18, 2023. Link. Credit: https://www.tiktok.com/@watreallyhappensatthevet … [Read more...]
Beyond CBD: the ingredients driving sales of pet supplements
Contains Commercial Content Pet owners are turning to supplements for a variety of reasons, writes Lindsay Getz. She interviewed several supplement providers for their take on supplement demand. Source: Pet Product News, April 2023. Link. Pet owners need to be sure that they’re very educated in the supplements themselves, and then fact check them with many sources. Trust … [Read more...]
Dog seats not as safe as advertised
Protecting pets in a car is essential, and there are several ways you can do that. But, not all restraints are as safe as we’re led to believe. . . . safety testing data from independent sources show that a crash-tested car restraint is a much wiser investment in your dog’s safety than a dog car seat.” Source: Top Dog Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
11 everyday habits that put dogs in danger
Includes Sponsored Content Pet owners often do things that can be harmful to their pets, writes Diana Kelly Levey. She identifies smoking around them, errors in bathing and nail trim, overfeeding and poor oral care as potentially harmful. Source: Reader’s Digest, July 27, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: The Addison Biological Laboratory's MAXI/GUARD® family of oral care wipes, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 17, 2023
Influencer dogs with their own LLC, pet food label modernization, creating an inbound marketing strategy, affiliate marketing in pet industry, pet parents grappling with pet expenses and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pause to say, “Good Job” to veterinary teams
Commentary – Complimentary Content While already into 2-Q-2023, the most recent Vet Watch Monthly Insight report shows veterinary teams have stayed the course to meet the demands of pet owners and rebalance some of the previous negative trends. Vet Watch numbers remain consistent down to a regional level. Individual practices are advised to look at their own practice results … [Read more...]
What it means when a dog puts his paw on you
Pawing is a form of communication, writes Lauren Cahn. She interviewed veterinarians and trainers to better understand canine motivation for pawing. You talk with your hands. Why shouldn't your dog?” Source: Reader’s Digest, February 16, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: There’s little doubt animal health pros will hear things animal lovers read in the Digest. Reader’s Digest claims … [Read more...]
2 stages of puppy fear and how to get them through it
All puppies go through stages of development. Two of them are often referred to as the fear period or stage. The author explains each stage and ways to help a pup mature into a confident, happy, socialized dog. For most dogs animal health pros see, stage 1 has already passed during weeks three through twelve. Stage two generally arrives at about four to six months and can … [Read more...]
Dewclaws. Leave ‘em or remove ‘em?
Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, says the best answer to the dewclaw question is, “sometimes.” She shares the anatomy, pros, cons and the general opinions of breeders and dog owners based on the activities the dog will be expected to perform. Source: Whole Dog Journal, February 1, 2023. Link. All dogs are born with front dewclaws while hind dewclaws are absent in most dogs. The … [Read more...]
How much food to feed a dog
“How much do I feed my dog?,” is one of the most common questions animal health pros hear from new and seasoned dog owners. John Strassburger reminds dog owners that food volumes are different for every dog. He offers some calorie guidance and suggestions. Bottom line, dog owners will read this so animal health pros need to be aware of the guidance. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Vector-borne disease screening critical to pet health
To help veterinarians stay ahead of the curve and provide the best care to their patients, this article explores why comprehensive screening is critical to pet health. It includes key insights into a lesser-known tick-borne disease that has become more frequently detected than Lyme. “Anaplasma is becoming the most common vector-borne infection they’re seeing dogs are exposed … [Read more...]
Vet pharmacist. Marijuana intoxication in dogs (video).
Complimentary Content Marijuana intoxication in dogs doesn’t make them high, it makes them incredibly ill. Keep all of those products up and out of the reach of our favorite pets.” – Elaine Blythe, Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Instagram, April 10, 2023. Link. (2:00) Also available on Facebook. Link. Marijuana is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. There is no antidote … [Read more...]
The 5 most trusted pet retailers in 2023
Five pet retailers were recognized on Newsweek’s second annual Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2023 list. The list includes Amazon, Chewy, PetSmart and PetCo in the retail category top 10. Tractor Supply was not mentioned in the article but took 10th place. Walmart was ranked 25th. <Link> Source: Pet Product News, April 7, 2023. Link. Also see: Franchising is … [Read more...]
Chewy and Petco are increasingly reliant on pet health care for sales
Commentary With our recent post, “Pet-owning households on decline while spending remains strong” <Link> still resonating, we stepped back to the comments on quarterly reports from pet retailers Chewy and Petco. Gabrielle Fonrouge summarized key points from the respective earnings reports commenting, “Pet health care will be key to whether the companies can grow and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 13, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 6th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 30th AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Reverse the downward trend of pets missing vet care. Link. JVECC makes a case for quality improvement in vet med. Link. Finding the optimal pattern of a customer journey. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [Read more...]
Dog paw infections: Causes, symptoms and treatments
JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM, reminds us that dog paw infections can be uncomfortable, but they are treatable and preventable. She reviews how and why paws get infected and ways to prevent dog paw infections through good care. Dog paw infections come from three types: bacterial, fungal and yeast.” Source: Great Pet Care, March 18, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for … [Read more...]
Prioritize canine influenza vaccines based on animals at risk during shortages
Scott Weese, DVM, shares ways to determine which dogs need the canine influenza vaccines most since our industry continues to see shortages in flu vaccine supplies. Dogs considered to have increased risk of severe disease include seniors, pregnant, immune compromised, brachycephalic and those with significant cardiac or respiratory disease. Canine influenza is one potential … [Read more...]
Dogs, lawn care and cancer
The pesticides and herbicides that make mass food production and smooth grass easier may negatively impact the ecosystem, but also the health of our pets. Lauren Trepanier, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, shares findings from three ongoing studies that compare chemical exposures in dogs with and without cancer. Source: The Humane Society of the United States, March 31, 2023. … [Read more...]