There’s more to making sure dogs get exercise than Just Do It. Audrey Pavia shares ideas, options and warnings for dog owners as they set out to get their dogs more exercise. Source: Dogster, January 10, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good resource for social media and newsletters especially as the weather warms up. … [Read more...]
Pets afflicted with pandemic pounds just like us
Veterinarians blame extra treats and table scraps given to pets since the coronavirus pandemic began as the primary reason for a whopping increase of pet obesity. Banfield Pet Hospital found nearly 40 percent of cats and almost 35 percent of dogs were diagnosed as overweight in 2020, up from less than 20 percent a decade ago. Source: The New York Times, March 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Evaluating grief in dogs
Italian researchers have increased our understanding of grief in dogs. Whether the changes are behavioral or actual grief are not clear, but the research indicates dogs are affected by the loss of a canine companion in multi-dog homes. Knowing that dogs likely experience changes due to grief can help both researchers and pet owners. Source: Treehugger, March 2, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Bite inhibition matters
Though using their mouths on our hands, arms, legs, hair and clothes is natural behavior for dogs, they must learn to interact in ways that are appropriate in our world. Karen B. London, PhD The degree to which dogs learn not to use the full force of their mouths on people and other dogs is called “bite inhibition,” and it is the most important part of a dog’s … [Read more...]
Special days coming in March
Savvy animal health pros will find reasons to conduct outreach, have themes in house or start conversations using one of these featured day or week designations. Source: National Today. Link Here’s what we found for the first part of March 2022. National If Pets Had Thumbs Day – March 3, 2022 National Professional Pet Sitters Week – March 6-12, 2022 National K9 … [Read more...]
Pet ownership linked to slower cognitive decline
In a study thought to be the first to consider the effect of duration of pet ownership on cognitive health, pet ownership was especially beneficial for working verbal memory, such as memorization of word lists. Owning household pets for five years or more produced the most benefit, delaying cognitive decline by 1.2 points over the six-year period of the study compared with … [Read more...]
Why dogs bite and how to stop it
Behavior problems remain a primary reason dogs are relinquished or euthanized. Bite aggression is one of those behaviors that cause owners to give up on their dogs. Victoria Stillwell’s article is a good resource to share with dog owners. The most important advice says Stillwell, is to be your dog’s advocate and try not to put pressure on her to greet other people on walks … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation matters for dogs
. . . just 15 minutes of mental stimulation can have the same positive benefits of an hour of physical exercise in dogs.” The author outlines the top tips and tricks to ensure dogs’ mental health stays as fit as their physical bodies. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for newsletters and social media. It reinforces the need for exercise in … [Read more...]
Top herbs that help promote dental health
Sharing symptomatic remedies, not cures, Greg Tilford emphasizes working with veterinarians, taking a hard look at the food an animal receives, and including an occasional raw bone to scrub off tartar and build healthy gleaming teeth. His list of favorite herbs, plus kelp are options he suggests that minimize discomfort while enhancing the health of the pet’s teeth and gums and … [Read more...]
Truth sandwiches about dogs and cats
One of the objectives of Animal Health Digest is to provide visibility to the ever-increasing information and misinformation being shot into animal health media narratives daily. Zazie Todd, PhD, shares how to counter misinformation about companion animal behavior and topics. . . . there are a lot of incorrect ideas out there about how to care for or train your pet ; some of … [Read more...]
Retrospective evaluation of secondary wound healing for extraction of the maxillary first molar in dogs
A particular area of challenge of oral surgery in dogs is extraction and closure of the maxillary first molar (M1) in dogs. A retrospective assessment evaluated patients that had the maxillary first molar extracted with placement of a cruciate suture across the alveolus to achieve partial closure and secure the blood clot. Results . . . demonstrate that primary … [Read more...]
February 2022 is Responsible Pet Owners Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month highlights the key components of responsibility about pet ownership and how owners meet their animals’ needs including*: Food quality and portions Getting enough exercise, love and attention Proper identification Pet proofing and safety in home and yard Socialization beyond the home Regular veterinary check-ups * Our additions … [Read more...]
Puppy Bowl XVII airs Sunday, February 13
The 18th annual Puppy Bowl will air at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time this Sunday on Animal Planet and Discovery+. Martha Steward (Team Ruff) and Snoop Dogg (Team Fluff). More than 100 dogs will participate. There will also be Kitty Halftime Show for cat lovers during the broadcast. Source: Bleacher Report, February 8, 2022. Link. Before the Puppy Bowl kicks off, there will be a … [Read more...]
Could it be an allergy?
Getting a good history and a complete picture of anything that might have changed in a pet’s environment is important for any allergy diagnosis. Ultimately, getting history depends on fully engaging the pet owner to identify possible causes. Consider this article as a resource to help pet owners think about possible causes when they suspect a pet allergy and to realize the … [Read more...]
Grooming’s important role in pet health
Complimentary Commercial Content included Regular grooming does more than help pets look fresh and smell clean, shares Julia L. Rivera. It also is an important part of a pet’s proper hygiene, which can reduce the risk of skin issues, matting, ear infections, fleas and other health issues. Social media is expanding significantly which gives groomers, retailers and brands … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 10, 2022
Last week’s most read post Catching up or just back to normal? Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, February 3, 2022. Link. =========================== It’s coyote mating season, and in my neighborhood that means trouble Source: Los Angeles Times, February 5, 2022. Link. The reign of terror in my Northridge neighborhood … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post USDA grants emergency-use authorization for RHDV2 as virus spreads. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, Jan 27, 2022. Link. =========================== Losing our cookies? Source: Media Post, January 20, 2022. Link. B2C brands are dealing with the impending loss of third-party data … [Read more...]
Dealing with cats with urinary troubles
When cats are presented with urination issues, open-ended, follow-up questions by the veterinary nurse helps the veterinarian make a definitive diagnosis. writes Paula Plummer LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM). She reminds veterinary nurses why being knowledgeable about pathophysiology is important to the conversations with clients about their pets. Plummer shares useful information when … [Read more...]
7 ways to help puppies socialize with other dogs
There are at least three television shows airing now that deal with canine behavior issues. As much information as there is about socializing, there’s always a need to reinforce what’s known and encourage owners to learn and do more. Socialization is very important in a dog’s life. It is crucial for its development and for its safety too. All dogs need to interact with … [Read more...]
Chatfields chat about itchy pets
Complimentary Sponsored Content We’re reposting this episode. Highly viewed in early December 2021, it is timely as winter days lengthen ahead of spring. Dr. Jen the Vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined in the Chat Room by Millie Rosales, DVM, DACVD, to discuss common reasons pets itch. Skin issues are always in the top 10 reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. Note … [Read more...]
Tips for pet parents with full-time jobs
Published pre-pandemic, this article indicates the issues of work, life and pet balance have always been with us. Various media have covered the challenges of returning to work and leaving a pet behind as we transitioned through the challenges of 2020 and 2021. Alex Haslam shared sound tips to help owners and pets make smooth transitions to new schedules. Taking care of a … [Read more...]
Diagnosing adverse food reactions in canine and feline patients
Adverse food reactions in dogs and cats can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians, shares Kate Boatright, VMD. Recognizing common clinical signs and starting diet trials with a novel protein or hydrolyzed diet are important to obtaining an accurate diagnosis. Boatwright says recent evidence suggests low-dose prednisolone use at the beginning of the diet trial may … [Read more...]
Top 10 medium-sized dogs
Medium-sized dogs are desirable right-sized dogs fitting between tiny and large or giant dogs. Small dog breeds weigh up to around 20 pounds, while large dog breeds begin at about 60 pounds. Medium-sized dogs have been identified as popular candidates for people wanting a sturdy companion, including these first three of 10 on the list: Australian Shepard Bassett … [Read more...]
Choosing a trainer and training tips for dog owners (podcast)
There’s always more than enough training advice to go around. The real challenge is consistent execution. For animal health pros, it is important to continually reinforce consistent training approaches to help dogs’ and owners’ communal lives. . . . all dogs can benefit from training throughout their lives.” Samantha Balban discusses choosing trainers, training methods and … [Read more...]
Educating pet owners on correcting nuisance behaviors (video)
It’s not rocket science, but redirecting pets is not a normal reaction. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, advocates pet owners redirect problem behaviors in their companion animals rather than responding with punishment. Have we provided the pet an appropriate outlet for nuisance behaviors? What do we want the animal to do?” - Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
IPBSA Fast Bites – January 24, 2022
Pet care commerce gaining importance, hamsters emerge as pets of choice, small business tax options, China hotel built with dogs in mind and more . . . Source: IPBSA Fast Bites, January 24, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: IBPSA offers business resources, staff education, and legislative support. IBPSA Members include the owners and employees of pet boarding and daycare facilities, … [Read more...]
Gonadectomy resources for veterinarians
Elective and often controversial, pet sterilization is an important part of pet owner decision making. As the risks and benefits of gonadectomy are re-examined, a renewed conversation about if and when to sterilize a pet is emerging. The AVMA stays on top of this topic and provides resources for veterinarians and pet owners as spay and neuter decisions are considered. As we … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 20, 2022
Last week’s most read post Lyme-carrying ticks live longer. What? Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, Jan 13, 2022. Link. =========================== The world’s largest wildlife crossing could have a spring groundbreaking Source: LAist, January 13, 2022. Link. The Liberty Wildlife Crossing has been impressive since its … [Read more...]
Kinesiology tape on dogs? You decide.
This article is in the red flag category. Review the information with your team before an 80-pound Staffordshire terrier mix comes into the clinic taped up like an injured professional wrestler or Olympic gymnast. Proponents say that kinesiology tape can help a dog recover from chronic and acute sports injuries. At the same time, kinesiology taping is not a magic cure-all, … [Read more...]
Pets can be an important part of your business plan
More than 70 percent of U.S. households include a pet and 88 percent of them think of it as part of the family. Plus, according to an ASPCA survey, 23 million American households added a new pet since the beginning of the pandemic. Modern pet parents want housing, workplaces, products and experiences to recognize and integrate their animals. Put another way — if your … [Read more...]