As the third quarter of 2023 begins, the animal health industry continues to adapt to ever-changing new norms. Dr. Google’s influence may be diminishing as new information sources expand in the B2C sector capitalizing on major publications’ use of their databases from other markets. It is important to remember media sources still influence animal owners’ understanding and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 3, 2023
Note the flash sale this week on the IBPSA Emergency Action Plan, Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show features private labels, pet insurance opportunities in retail, free small business apps, challenging the value of pets in human health care, gut health research results and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 3, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Boarding and pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 29, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 22nd, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 22nd AHD Bulletin – Quiet quitting or setting boundaries. Link. New graduates may have no idea how to behave in the office. Link. 11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately. Link. Demand for Yaks growing. Link. Place keeper: 2023 … [Read more...]
Dog food has become 40 percent more expensive since 2020
The cost of ingredients is one of the causes to blame for the price increase. These costs are heavily impacted by factors such as drought and transportation costs according to research by veterinarians.com. The research revealed that dry dog food has risen by 41% in cost compared to 2020, as well as: 55 percent of respondents said they had to cancel subscriptions for pet … [Read more...]
10 pet safety tips for July 4th activities
July 4th celebrations may be fun for us, but they can be stressful for pets. Here are 10 common-sense tips to keep in mind for the holiday. Source: PetMD, June 24, 2023. Link. Here’s how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July. Keep your pet indoors. Create a safe space for your pet. Prepare for noise phobias. Make sure your pet has an up-to-date ID. … [Read more...]
Chewy expands CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings
Commercial News Item As B2C commercial offerings expand, animal health pros need to understand what is available to pet owners and what may influence decisions about preventative care and treatments. “ – Kirk Augustine Chewy recently announced the availability of CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings that feature expanded coverage options and prices from two providers, … [Read more...]
Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses
A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 26, 2023
Pets and older adults, pet wellness’s effect on holistic approaches, software to manage pet businesses, a video discussion of pet trends and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 26, 2023. Link. In the video (10:03) Hunter Williams, Imke Wouters and Melissa Tischler discuss: The importance of pet nutrition Pet care beyond the basics The latest pet fashion … [Read more...]
4 summer foods dogs should never eat
Summer is in full swing and with it come backyard parties, grilling and campfire cooking. Veterinarian Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS, warns United Kingdom pet owners to avoid letting dogs have these barbecue items. Her advice works on this side of the pond. Onions and garlic Corn on the cob Bones Skewer sticks Source: HuffPost, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA discusses new guidelines for endocrinology diagnosis, treatment for dogs and cats
The American Animal Hospital Association recently published the 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines. These guidelines help practitioners identify and treat common endocrine diseases while effectively communicating with clients and the health care team. Liza Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM), discussed the guidelines and how a team-based approach … [Read more...]
Best to know what dog owners are reading about metronidazole
Commentary The Whole Dog Journal headline reads, “Metronidazole Works Like Magic in Dogs.” While the information Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares about diarrhea and how veterinarians approach resolution is informative, publishing this information in a pet owner publication may be an editorial faux pas. Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We cannot … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet talks about artificial intelligence in pet care
AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Integrative approach to treating Giardia lamblia infections
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, share the challenges of treating Giardia lambia infections caused by the environmental protozoal parasite which is spread through fecal-contaminated water, soil and food. The infection from G. lambia is often referred to as beaver fever. To completely clear animals of G. lamblia, the best approach is coupling … [Read more...]
Serotonin and dopamine blood levels in ADHD-like dogs
From the study: Like humans, dogs can suffer from ADHD-like behaviors. A study from Spain analyzed the levels of serum serotonin and dopamine in dogs with signs similar to the ones presented in human patients with ADHD. Study data suggests a strong relationship between serotonin and dopamine and ADHD-like behaviors. Dogs clinically classified as ADHD-like showed lower … [Read more...]
Aquamation as an alternative to cremation
The aggregate effects of cremating the remains of pets and humans have a significant environmental effect due to the carbon dioxide cremation chambers release. Aquamation, by contrast, is compact and efficient, and generates no direct emissions of its own making it one of the greenest means of final disposition, writes Eleanor Cummins. The aquamation process is simple. Over … [Read more...]
Are chlorine-treated pools safe for dogs?
Overall, if dogs are properly cared for during and after swimming, chlorine is safe. Non-chlorine chemical treatments like bromine are safer. The author emphasizes: Keeping treatment tablets and powders secure Prohibit licking and drinking pool water Rinsing the dog after swimming Paying attention to drying dogs’ ears to avoid ear infections Source: AKC, May … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
Plan now for pets bothered by July 4th fireworks
Includes Commercial Content Steve Dale discusses behavior modification for pets who have issues with fireworks and the importance of getting ahead of the problem. Calming pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves this problem.” You can’t reinforce panic. It is likely pets terrorized by fireworks are likely … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Exploring fluorescent light energy as a management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
The study results from work at the University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy, provide evidence that FLE may represent an effective therapeutical modality for superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs, accelerating the time to clinical resolution and consequently reducing the duration of, or need for, systemic antibiotic treatment. Source: Frontiers Veterinary Science, June 2, … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Why chocolate is so harmful to dogs
Elanine Blythe, PharmD, reviews why chocolate is toxic to dogs. She begins with the pharmacology of methylxanthines including theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Blythe’s videos target pharmacy students and pharmacists. Consider sharing them proactively in veterinarian-to-pharmacist communications. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Facebook, June 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies.
Agree or not about the cutest, the Daily Paws list of puppies is sure to bring a smile and a desire to give a puppy a hug! Source: Daily Paws, June 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]