Arden Moore and the Dogster team keep and update key moments in the history of dog adoption and rescue. Their timeline begins in 1866, when the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began its mission. Source: Dogster, April 30, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Study indicates canine cognitive dysfunction and periodontal disease seem linked
Recent research suggests that what is going on in a dog’s mouth may play an important role in canine cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, periodontal or gum disease has been shown to be an important factor in humans with Alzheimer's disease. Research done at Elemental Pet Vets in Freeville, New York recently generated data that suggests that what is going on in a dog's mouth … [Read more...]
Research insights on telemedicine; changing pet owner expectations regarding accessing
Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care released new insights into the effectiveness and safety of remote prescribing. They are collected from tens of thousands of consults during the pandemic, as well as exclusive pet parent research which highlights owner expectations and needs. The insights were first shared in a live webinar called The Great British Data Show last week hosted by The … [Read more...]
Pandemic pets taking toll on vets, staffs
Veterinarians and their teams across the country are seeing more new pets and more sick ones than in pre-pandemic times. The Associated Press reports despite extending hours, hiring more staff and refusing new patients, the load is heavy. Some practices have hire counselors to help staff members deal with burnout and fatigue. The numbers support the burden. Approximately … [Read more...]
No, people aren’t giving up pandemic pets because they’re bored
Opinion Finally! Award winning journalist S. E. Smith speaks up on pandemic puppy surrenders, better ways to approach animal welfare, ways to handle hardship surrenders and social media posturing. While pets adopted during the pandemic period are being surrendered, data from Shelter Animals Count appear to indicate current relinquishments are not back to pre-pandemic, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 13, 2021
NOTE: When it is time to catch up on your reading or recall something you scanned, try the AHD Archives on the right side of the AHD website. Such as: Archives for April 2021. Link. Last week’s top post Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why. Source: Animal Health Digest, May 4, 2021. Link. What my Mother’s death taught … [Read more...]
Why dogs bark at nothing
For dog owners it may seem like their dog can see ghosts, but there’s a logical reason for the commotion writes Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. Dogs don’t experience the world the same way humans do, she says. Because you can’t hear or see anything in the environment to explain your dog’s barking, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something going on. New and experienced dog … [Read more...]
The best flea treatments for cats and dogs
Staff writer Kaitlyn Wells rounded up the most effective vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for her readers. We’re sharing this unique resource for consumers for animal health pro review. Wirecutter, now a New York Times brand, strives to be the most trusted product recommendation service on the internet. Nothing appears on the site as a recommendation unless our … [Read more...]
It’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month
May is a time to spread information about how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The folks at LymeDisease.org created a list of things you, your family and friends can do to help spread awareness. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
How Petco is increasingly a stealthy competitor to clinics
Opinion In this article written for pet retailers, Mark Kalaygian offers a comprehensive look at how the company has improved and how it is expected to continue to do so. His review was prompted by Petco publishing its 2020 annual report on May 4, 2021. Animal health professionals, especially veterinary teams, need to look at these trends as many of Petco’s customers are … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 6, 2021
Last week’s top post Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work Source: Animal Health Digest. April 20, 2021. Link. Tractor Supply, over 5 million chickens sold to new customers in 2020 Source: Morning Brew, April 28, 2021. Link. TSC credits strong Q1 earnings to millennials moving to suburban and rural areas. There’s a name … [Read more...]
Discuss canine behavior problems in the clinic
Since behavior problems are the number-one reason dogs are relinquished, John J. Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB, shares study results recommending behavior be discussed during visits at the clinic. Problems identified in the study included excessive activity, fearfulness, destructiveness, roaming, house soiling, excessive barking, coprophagy, withdrawal, mounting/humping and aggression … [Read more...]
Dogs and cats do see in color
Debunking common thoughts that cats and dogs only have black-and-white eyesight, veterinary experts share the animals see in color just like us. However, the structure of their eyes limit all the hues they can see. Source: Martha Stewart, April 27, 2021. Link. "Dogs and cats can see in color; however, it is with a decreased spectrum of colors," Jennifer Freeman, DVM … [Read more...]
Jealousy in dogs
New research from New Zealand shows dogs appear to be one of the few species that might display jealous behaviors like how a human child shows jealousy when their mother gives affection to another child. In humans, jealousy is linked with self-awareness, the reason animal-cognition researchers are so interested in studying jealousy and other secondary emotions in … [Read more...]
Comprehensive review of bacteriuria, UTIs
As pet owners return to work, the schedules for many pets will change dramatically, including longer periods between trips outside for relieving themselves. One consequence of “holding it longer” can be the development or redevelopment of UTIs. In a two-part series, Juliette Bouillon, DMV, MVetSc, DACVIM, provided a review of the current literature and guidelines for the … [Read more...]
Dogs are really good at sniffing out coronavirus
A proof-of-concept investigation published in PLOS ONE suggests that specially trained detection dogs can sniff out COVID-19-positive samples with 96 percent accuracy. Source: Vet Practice, April 20, 2021. Link. “Dogs have to be specific about detecting the odor of the infection, but they also have to generalize across the background odors of different people: men and women, … [Read more...]
Dog parks and parasites
Sharing key points from the DOGPARCs study, Donato Traversa, DVM, PhD, DipEVPC, EBVS, reminds us of the importance of keeping clients informed of the parasite risks at off-leash dog parks. He shares key pearls to put into practice with pet owners. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January/February 2021. Link. Key pearls for your clients: Intestinal parasites may be a constant … [Read more...]
5 tips for anesthetizing and recovering aggressive dogs
Careful planning, communication and preparation can facilitate a safe and productive appointment for fractious patients that need to be sedated or anesthetized, says Katherine Bennett, DVM, and Christine Egger, DVM, MVSc, CVA, CVH, DACVAA. They share tips for safe handling of for diagnostic or surgical procedures in these areas: Owner communication Pre-appointment … [Read more...]
Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work
Wendy Hauser, DVM, and Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, tackle the challenge of chronic illnesses that frequently fall outside of wellness plan coverage. The authors position bundling beginning with common bundles already in place in veterinary practices. By leveraging bundling, treatment packages offer four major advantages: Bundling helps clients understand the … [Read more...]
Communal dog water bowls: safe or not?
Communal water bowls come with some hidden risks, says Kaitlyn Arford. It is possible for dogs drinking out of communal bowls or fountains to be infected with diseases or parasites. Source: AKC, April 6, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. While basic, Arford presents an easily understood message. … [Read more...]
Barn dogs
Realizing it would be beneficial to take a more methodical approach to her barn dogs’ health maintenance, Katie Frank created basic guidelines for keeping her dogs as happy and healthy as her horses. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. INSIGHTS: This resource addresses the realities of acreage or farm life where species interact daily. Kudos for addressing dogs in the equine … [Read more...]
K-9 kibble enhancement guide
Adjusting dog diets with fresh, raw and organic foods is popular. This article is a guide, compares fresh foods as supplemental versus kibble elimination and reminds pet owners to balance portions to manage weight gains. Whether raw or lightly cooked, a mostly fresh food diet yields outstanding results, with clear eyes, beautiful coats, great teeth, sweet breath, calm … [Read more...]
Cats 101 resources, Fear Free Happy Homes
Complimentary Content More than 55,000 professionals have become Fear Free Certified and there are now more than 140 Fear Free Certified Practices. In addition to animal health professionals’ efforts, Fear Free Happy Homes provides resources directly to pet owners. One example is the Cats 101 kit created to help cat owners learn feline fundamentals. Source: Fear Free … [Read more...]
Dogs needed for dog aging research, new studies
The Dog Aging Project is looking for more canine participants to include in ongoing community science research projects dedicated to understanding the biological and environmental determinants of canine aging. Researchers seek dogs, preferably puppies of both purebred and mixed breeds, in the following categories from a variety of geographies: Large breed dogs Giant … [Read more...]
IAMS launches first-of-its-kind NOSEiD app
Complimentary Content In honor of National Pet ID Week, April 17 through 23, IAMS is launching the beta version of the new NOSEiD mobile app, available throughout Nashville and the surrounding area. The NOSEiD app uses first-of-its-kind nose-scanning smartphone technology to help identify lost dogs by their unique nose print. Source: PR Newswire, April 19, 2021. Link. The … [Read more...]
National Pet Week is May 2 through 8
National Pet Week takes place the first week of May and there is a lot to celebrate. From cats, dogs and fish to lizards, snakes and tarantulas, there’s room for all. Enjoy! Source: National Pet Week 2021. Link. No matter how tough things may seem, pets eagerly provide comfort, sympathy and unquestioned understanding when we most need it. … [Read more...]
Pet food modernization still a work in progress
Lindsay Beaton shares what is, what is being proposed and where confusion exists in the efforts to update pet food labeling. The idea of simplifying things for pet food customers is constantly evolving in the industry. Making it easier to understand pet nutrition has been a consistent demand heard from advocacy groups, veterinarians, customers and pet … [Read more...]
Understanding the Velcro dog
The author provides a series of reasons dogs might follow the owner all over as if stuck to them. Whether attention-getting or separation anxiety, it is important to understand these behaviors have a purpose. Source: Puppies and Pooches, January 15, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good information to share on social media or in newsletters for dog owners. Be sure to include … [Read more...]
National Pet ID Week kicks off Saturday
National Pet ID week starts Saturday and runs through Friday, April 23. This event helps owners make sure their pets’ identification is up to date. Collar tags and microchips offer the best chances for pets to be returned to their owners if they get separated, according to the ASPCA. Source: National Band and Tag Company, Link. Vets recommend every pet owner prepare for a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 8, 2021
How we treat animals will inform our future with robots Source: One Zero, April 1, 2021. Link. Author Kate Darling from MIT Media Lab believes that as humanlike robots become more advanced and more deeply integrated into society, we should be wary of people becoming accustomed to mistreating them. Diagnosis of the diagnostics in … [Read more...]