Commentary Asserting that traditional demographics can be misleading, David Allison urged marketers to consider common values among pet owners. Three values provide more common ground than pet owners’ demographics and can reveal more meaningful ways to appeal to dog, cat and other pet owners: Personal responsibility Trustworthiness Experiences Source: PETFOOD … [Read more...]
After the first visit, 4 opportunities to talk about pet insurance
Sponsored Content from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Increasing the number of clients with pet insurance in a veterinary practice frequently results in increased clinic revenue through more frequent visits, and more services accessed per visit while reducing the struggle of financing veterinary procedures. Jennifer Sperry, BSc, DVM, shares life stage opportunities and some … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 8, 2023
Forbes’ takeaways from Global Pet Expo, affordability now a key reason for pet surrender in Australia, new law regulating the sale of pet insurance in Mississippi, global pet industry developments in Arabia and India plus more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Ways to make an older dog’s life better
Mary Gardner, DVM, refers to some older dogs as “geriatric,” which she says is a more fragile phrase for them. She says many vet schools don’t address the special needs of these gray-muzzled and wobbly dogs that often need modifications at home. She visits homes where dogs have been struggling to get around and be comfortable that often have easy problems to fix. Source: The … [Read more...]
Top 6 conditions found during canine rectal exams
Christopher Lea, DVM, DABVP, shares the importance of rectal exams to detect possible clinical diseases and subclinical disorders. He says this is increasingly important as dogs age. In a related video, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, demonstrates how to perform a rectal examination in a dog. Sources: Clinician’s Brief, January 2023. Link. VETgirl Veterinary … [Read more...]
Updating – Xylitol. Let’s review. Then warn pet owners. (video)
Last week’s xylitol post <Link> shared how common foods can put dogs at risk. In a related video, Elanine Blythe, PharmD, provides more context related to suspensions and solutions that contain xylitol. She warns pharmacists dispensing gabapentin on the order of a veterinarian to be sure the suspension is xylitol free. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, April 28, … [Read more...]
A few drops of blue-green algae can kill a dog
Blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They often begin to affect a dog almost immediately. Symptoms usually develop within 30 to 60 minutes. Many dogs get sick on the way home usually with vomiting and diarrhea. Note: The National Centers for Environmental Information provides an online Harmful Algae BoomS Observing System that … [Read more...]
Study finds H3N2 canine influenza virus moving closer to infecting humans
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...]