Includes Complimentary Commercial Content The oral microbiome is an exciting and expanding field of research, writes Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD. He is looking to understand the role of the microbiome in the alteration of functional and metabolic pathways associated with the diseased states as results from Basepaws testing is analyzed. Basepaws Dental Health … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 21, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 7 important facts about mosquitos and horses. Link. Consolidation trends of veterinary practices acquired by corporate groups are important to observe. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Link. =================================== Antivenin: Five myths to remember this … [Read more...]
Beware of blister beetles
Blister beetles secrete cantharidin to defend themselves from predators through a process called reactive bleeding. Cantharidin is also released when beetles are crushed. Blister beetles are members of a family of plant-feeding insects (Meloidae) that contain cantharidin, a toxic defensive chemical that protects them from predators. Accidentally crushing a beetle against … [Read more...]
Basic supplementation for cats and dogs
Shawn Messonnier, DVM, shares his basic supplement approach for a healthy dog or cat which include: a vitamin-mineral product that also provides immune and antioxidant support a fatty acid an enzyme and probiotic combination For older animals, a choline supplement should be added, as it may delay the onset of cognitive disorder CBD use is mentioned in a side … [Read more...]
Tostitos toes: Why dogs paws sometimes smell like corn chips
Frito feet; pup-corn paws; Tostito toes . . . vets have heard it all! Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria are a type of yeast present in most dogs’ feet. Activated by exercise, the bacteria cause the smell when dogs sweat. Washing feet with warm soapy water is the first line of defense to reduce the odor. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Indications of an infection needing … [Read more...]
Pet safety concerns with sunscreens
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets regular calls about sunscreen in the summer. Salicylates and zinc oxide are two primary ingredients in sunscreens that can cause issues with pets. Plus, the bottles and tubes complete with their exotic butters, oils and scents peak pet curiosities making them an ingestion risk on their own. Source: APSCA®pro via AAHA NEWStat. … [Read more...]
Study finds dog and human cognition similar
A study published in Animal Cognition identified six key markers of executive function in dogs, many of which overlap with the structures associated with human cognition. These include the ability to follow instructions, control physical impulses and use working memory. The study also found that dogs from breeders had higher levels of executive function than those from … [Read more...]
Making parasite prevention personal: Tips every veterinary nurse can use today.
Complimentary Commercial Content Dr. Cassi and Dr. Joel Sailor discuss strategies for consistent parasite prevention. The discussion of adherence versus compliance is an important perspective to consider. Source: vet2vet, July 18, 2022. Link. The doctors discuss the value of online pharmacies and keeping the Rx close to the clinic. … [Read more...]
Amazing performance: 2019 FCE Dog Dancing World Championship Freestyle Final
This YouTube video from the Federation Cynologique Internationale caught our attention. Beyond anything ever seen on historic Ed Sullivan shows, the lady dancer and her dog perform reflecting each other’s moves. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is also on Facebook at the link below. Source: YouTube. Link. (5.5 minutes) Source: Facebook, Dogz Devotion Academy. … [Read more...]
Top 5 ways to prevent dental disease in dogs and cats
Commercial Content included August will be six months since our industry promoted the annual National Pet Dental Month. Making in-home oral health a priority for every pet has consistently been part of Animal Health Digest posts. We’re outspoken about oral care at home first and Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) in the clinic. Link. Dental exams are … [Read more...]
Petflation: Inflation’s impact on pet industry
Inflation is strong in the pet market says John Gibbons. The Consumer Price Index has shown four straight months of double-digit, year-over-year monthly percentage increases. These are the first increases of more than 10 percent since 1981. We’re sharing quotes from two sources that present economic trends in the animal health industry. Inflation historically affects pet … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 18, 2022
Survey from Elanco reminds us of high percentage of pets unprotected from Leptospirosis sp. and Lyme disease, new 1099-K reporting rules, pet food mergers to date, using multi-factor authentication is smart for small business cyber-security, TikTok launches Follow Me for Small Business Users and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 18, 2022. Link. Current Flow Business … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – four posts qualify as most read in the June 30thAHD Bulletin Guide to medical professionals who specialize in caring for pets. Link. The complaint department. Link. Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why. Link. Grass-fed versus grain-fed ground beef. Does it matter? Link. Previous AHD Bulletin - Animal … [Read more...]
Canine aggression, treatments, when to refer
Sharing results from a study on canine aggression treatment protocols, Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc (Hon), DPNAP, DACVB, DACAW, shares the importance of asking pet owners about possible behavior problems during routine examinations. She highlights data from the study showing dogs seen by a clinician were diagnosed with a contributing medical condition. These data raise … [Read more...]
WDJ criteria to identify good-quality dry dog foods
Foods for pets may contain wildly varying levels of vitamins, minerals and macronutrients, and yet all can be called complete and balanced, writes Nancy Kerns. She shares the Whole Dog Journal’s criteria used to identify good-quality dry dog foods. AAFCO establishes the nutrient levels that legally constitute “complete and balanced” diets for our pets. But, unlike the human … [Read more...]
Obese owner is the most important factor in dog obesity
Just as vigorous people tend to choose active lifestyles for their pets, overweight and obese individuals may pass their eating patterns onto their pets. Physicians and veterinarians collaborated to use a One Health approach to study pet obesity emphasizing the importance of nutrition as one aspect of health. Being an overweight dog owner was found to be the most important … [Read more...]
Dog breeds with the most Westminster Dog Show wins
The winners podium at the Westminster Dog Show today looks different than it did a century ago. More breeds can compete than ever before, which gives underdogs like a bloodhound named Trumpet, this year’s winner, a better shot at earning the Best in Show title. Terriers are the best-performing dogs by far; they've secured nearly a third of all the Best in Show prizes awarded … [Read more...]
Possible connection between Lyme disease and Alzheimer’s
Commentary In 2022 we’ve shared the advancing movement of ticks <Link>, that Lyme-carrying ticks live longer <Link> and have seen articles indicating tick-borne diseases and illnesses are on the rise <Link>. While the latest Vetwatch® report shows parasite product growth at 1.4 percent year over year, one might conclude that tick risks are more prevalent … [Read more...]
The AAFP and AAHA release the 2022 Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines
The 2022 AAFP/AAHA Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines <Link> present evidence-guided strategies that veterinarians and their teams can use in choosing appropriate antimicrobial therapy to best serve their patients and minimize the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship is one of the most important public health issues facing the profession.” … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 30, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Vaccine guide is helpful for newbies and pros. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 23, 2022. Link. =================================== If we love our pets so much, why do we treat their veterinarians so poorly? Source: Boston Globe, February 15, 2022. Link. “They give their all to our … [Read more...]
Chill protocol manages aggressive and fearful dogs
When a dog needs to be seen for veterinary care, reducing fear, anxiety and aggressive behavior facilitates a safer visit for the dog, owner and veterinary team. The Chill Protocol described by Renata S. Costa, DVM, MPhil, MANZCVS, GradDipEd, DACVAA, can be prescribed to healthy patients that are known to be aggressive, fearful or anxious during hospital visits. Source: … [Read more...]
Dog trainer says fearful dogs are increasingly more common
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, and fellow trainers agree they are seeing more dogs with fear-related behaviors. Whatever the reason, she says it’s important to understand the difference among the closely related behaviors of fear, phobia and anxiety. Miller discusses fear prevention, pharmaceuticals, ways to modify fear-related behaviors and more. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs
Victoria Arnold shares information about identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs. The article includes links to Companion Animal Parasite Council and other helpful resources. Tick bites should not make your dog itch.” Source: Dogster, June 3, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to reinforce tick risk education efforts. … [Read more...]
Keeping fit with pets
Adam Christman, DVM, shares the chat room with Drs. Jen and Jason Chatfield to discuss pet obesity and ways to keep pets in shape. Exercise and activities are not a one size fits all for every pet or human . . . work up to it!” NOTE: This episode is certified to provide 1 hr of PACCC CEU’s! The unique code CE code is delivered during the episode. Pet lovers can get more … [Read more...]
Rawhide. Good? Bad? What’s the alternative?
Veterinary team members are often asked if rawhide chews are ok for their dogs. Austin Cannon shares the pros and cons as well as some alternatives to rawhide. . . . dogs can find themselves sick and in pain if they eat too much rawhide or ingest pieces that are too big . . .” Source: Daily Paws, June 3, 2022. Link. The primary fear with rawhide is that dogs might bite off a … [Read more...]
10 commandments of dog ownership
This list of 10 provides dog owners the basic needs for a dog to live a happy and healthy life. Lists like this have been published many times. Still, it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and new pet packs. Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
17-year-old Mr. Happy Face wins World’s Ugliest Dog competition
The World’s Ugliest Dog promotes the adoption of dogs, even ones with perpetually protruding tongues and missing fur. Mr. Happy Face was the hands down winner in the contest June 24 in Petaluma, California. Source: New York Times, June 25, 2022. Link. Also see: Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Link. The dog and his owner, Jeneda Benally, won $1,500 and a trip to New York City to … [Read more...]
Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why
For the total pet care sector, inflation reached 8.1 percent year over year in May 2022 and is at 6.7 percent year to date. Fuel price increases are an obvious contributor, but Debbie Phillips-Donaldson shares other competitive factors creating imbalances in the supply chain. Source: Petfood Industry, June 15, 2022. Link. <Petfood> is having to compete with renewable … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 23, 2022
Last week’s most read posts IRS increases mileage rate for remainder of 2022. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Link. =================================== New grant will help veterinary students learn how to practice using a ‘spectrum of care’ model Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2022. Link. The … [Read more...]
Safety required around poison ivy, oak and sumac for humans and pets
In many parts of the U.S., the edges and undergrowth of stands of trees, timber, forests and marshes contain poisonous vines. These plants are poisonous because of urushiol, a potent oily sap found all over the plants. While rare, dogs get poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac through touch or ingestion. A dog's fur protects against the urushiol. But areas of a dog's body … [Read more...]