Don’t you just love animal health topics? Amy Morford says dogs look at you when they’re pooping because they’re vulnerable, not because they are embarrassed. . . . they are counting on you to give them a heads-up to possible dangers should they arise during their pooping time.” Source: German Shepard Country. Link. … [Read more...]
Exploring differences between female and male dogs
Patricia McConnell, PhD, shares information gathered in her quest for discovering if significant sex-related differences exist in the training and performance of the domestic dog. It appears there’s no quantitative research, but it is an interesting subject as dogs become more integral in our daily human life experiences. Source: Dogster, April 2009. Link. … [Read more...]
Tick cases on the rise. Lyme vaccines omitted, questioned.
Entomologists have noted the tick population has climbed 15 percent since last year, making Lyme disease more prevalent this year according to CNet’s associate writer Katie Teague. She shares tick information for consumers, including information specific to Ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. NOTE Teague's article does not identify Lyme vaccines as an option for dogs. She does … [Read more...]
Rabid puppy exposes dozens in Georgia and South Carolina
Opinion If you’ve not read this recent account of rabies exposures, please do so. We still have gaps in rabies management and prevention. . . . only 39 states mandate rabies vaccination for dogs; 11 states have no statewide legal requirement for rabies vaccination of any species. Feline rabies vaccination is required in 34 states, and vaccination of ferrets is required in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 22, 2021
Last week’s most read post The hurrier we go . . . Source: Animal Health Digest, July 13, 2021. Link. Germany reports first ASF case in farm pigs Source: The Pig Site, July 16, 2021. Link. Asian swine flu was found in pigs on one organic farm with 200 animals and on a smallholding with only two pigs. All have been slaughtered. Pet dog brain banking … [Read more...]
Puppy pyrexia
Shawn Kearns, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), shares results from a study evaluating the diagnosis, or presumed diagnosis, in a cohort of pyretic juvenile dogs. A minimum database for patients presented with fever should include a CBC, serum chemistry profile, diagnostic imaging, and infectious disease testing.” Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2019. Link. Key pearls to put into … [Read more...]
CBD pet products popularity continues to grow
Cannabidiol and hemp are fast-growing trends in the pet space: Consumers spent US$426 million on pet CBD in 2020 The segment is expected to reach US$629 million in sales by the end of 2021 The most common uses for these ingredients are functional, with calming, stress/anxiety and hip/joint relief at the top of the list according to a Brightfield Group … [Read more...]
Speaking of Pets – a worthwhile resource
It’s a challenge filling e-newsletter, blog and website content. Enter Speaking of Pets, a 2-minute podcast from NPR and Alabama Public Radio. Host Mindy Morton covers everything under the sun in short, easily usable pieces. Source: NPR, Speaking of Pets, Link. Speaking of Pets with Mindy Norton is for people who care about pets and about humane treatment for animals in … [Read more...]
Spotify’s pet playlists for music that owners and pets will love
Complimentary One of the more popular Spotify playlists is the Pet Playlist. Based on musicology research and a pet-focused survey Spotify conducted, the Pet Playlist generates a list of songs you'll enjoy. Plus, your pet might, too. Source: Insider, via IBPSA Fast Bites, July 19, 2021. Link. The playlist's songs are picked according to what kind of pet you have and their … [Read more...]
Vets DO IT on the phone – Chatfields chat with Aaron Smiley, DVM
Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason Chatfield are joined by Dr. Aaron Smiley to find out what is and isn't legitimate telemedicine. Smiley is one of the founders of the Veterinary Virtual Care Association and a champion of monetizing virtual care interactions. Telemedicine is not new. . . 140 years and going strong. What’s new is the expansion in technologies.” – Aaron Smiley, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 15, 2021
Last week’s most read post Society ignores low-probability events that have far-reaching consequences, Source: Animal Health Digest, July 7, 2021. Link. Become the boss of your emotions Source: Healthline, April 28, 2020. Link. The ability to experience and express emotions is more important than you might realize. The felt response to a given situation, … [Read more...]
Teach stationing for better dog control
“Go to your place,” “stand in front of me,” and using platforms are favorites with pro dog trainers. Karen B. London, PhD, shares why dog owners should add them to their training to-do list. Source: The Bark, January 2021. Link. Being able to send a dog to a place to relax and have that “place” be flexible offers a lot of options to make life simple and easy in a variety of … [Read more...]
Does that dog need help?
Every dog handles heat differently. Those not properly conditioned could show signs faster than those that are fit and in good shape. A dog’s drive may override his ability to know he’s overheating . . . it’s up to every owner and handler to keep their dogs safe.” Source: Gray’s Sporting Journal, June 30, 2021. Link. When a dog’s activity causes his body to generate more heat … [Read more...]
The rise of the eco-friendly consumer. . . our employees
Opinion For decades, our industry focused on animals while feeling forced to deal with people. Harsh? Probably, but true. In the current companion animal context, we’re seeing a growing focus on the animal owner as part of the pet care community. Additionally, the animal health pros we employ come from five generations, all of whom have their own opinions and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 8, 2021
AHD Archives provide quick access to posts by month. AHD Archives for June 2021. Link. AHD Archives for May 2021. Link. Extreme heat is becoming more frequent—and our infrastructure is going to need to adapt Source: Fast Company, July 2, 2021. Link. Engineers are being forced to rethink new standards and systems to become more resilient to deal with … [Read more...]
Pets can catch Covid from owner, cats more susceptible than dogs
The more time a cat spent with its owner, the higher the risk of infection, new research finds.” Source: NBC News, June 30, 2021. Link. The researchers also found that the amount of time a pet owner spent with their dog did not have an effect on the pet’s chance of getting Covid-19, but that was not the case for cats. The more time cats spent with their human companions, the … [Read more...]
Cookout food can be hazards for dogs
Neighborhoods were filled with smells of cookout smoke last weekend. Harriet Meyers reminds us that dog owners may be tempted to let their dog have a taste of grilled foods, but not all are safe for dogs to eat. She shares tips on the foods to watch out for. Source: AKC, June 23, 2021. Link. Meyers’ key points: Grilled steak bones, ribs, and chicken bones cause choking … [Read more...]
Defining how long is too long for a dog to be alone
Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question all along, writes Nancy Tucker, CPDT-KA. Rather than trying to figure out how to best stretch the amount of time we can leave our dogs alone, we should be trying to help our dogs get more out of every day. 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be alone in a single stretch.” - Nancy Tucker, CPDT-KA Source: Whole Dog Journal, January … [Read more...]
Encourage good dog behavior at work or when working from home
Whether or not you work remotely, these tips from Pamela Reid, PhD, CAAB, can help make work more pleasurable when including dogs. Consider this article for social media posts and newsletters. Source: Animal Wellness, June 25, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Correction to research referenced in May 18, 2021 post
It has come to our attention that Curtis W. Dewey, DVM, MS, CTCVMP, CCRP, of Elemental Pet Vets in Freeville, New York, along with Mark Rishniw of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, provided the research data for our May 18 post about canine cognitive dysfunction periodontal disease. The results suggest what is going on in a dog's mouth may be related to … [Read more...]
U.S. pet supplies spending update: mid-year 2020
Pet supplies and pet food spending has been on a roller-coaster ride, writes John Gibbons. However, the driving forces of each are different. Pet food is “need” spending and has been powered by a succession of “must-have” trends. Pet supplies spending is largely discretionary and has been affected by two primary factors, 1) spending in other major segments and 2) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 1, 2021
Last week’s most read post: Manage or coach? Source: AHD, June 22, 2021. Link. The legal ramifications of a pet-friendly office Source: National Law Review, June 21, 2021. Link. Workforce and workplace considerations. Authorization requirements. Guidelines to establish. Why you should read old emails Source: Forge, August 2020. Link. “Emails are … [Read more...]
Can house dust mites induce enteropathy in dogs?
Marie A. Chartier, DVM, DACVIM, shares an excerpt from a study that evaluated the role of the house dust mite, a common environmental allergen, in allergic inflammation in the GI tract in dogs. The results suggest that house dust mite allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic enteropathy. Source: Clinician’s Brief, April/May 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Relationship changes in multi-dog households
Karen B. London, PhD, explains how previously harmonious dog-to-dog relationships shift as dogs age. Her thoughts provide added considerations as our industry gears up for social anxiety issues. Younger dogs who’ve been deferential to older dogs often start to assert themselves as they mature and become more confident while the older dog weakens or declines.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Diets and dietary supplements for anxiety in dogs
Dietary treatments for anxiety in dogs vary. Jessey Scheip LVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, presents therapies for anxiety that vary from appropriate diets with probiotics to those with supplements and how they work. Every animal is different; fortunately, multiple options are available to help each patient achieve the best quality of life possible.” - Jessey Scheip LVT, VTS … [Read more...]
AAHA on separation anxiety
Canine separation–related distress is one of the more studied canine behavior problems. But little data has come to light that really helps us to predict who may develop separation-related problems or how to prevent them, writes Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, DACVB, DACAW. We all love that our dogs love us and want them to be with us, but separation anxiety leads to an enormous amount … [Read more...]
Chatfields talk rabies with Mission Rabies CEO (podcast)
Drs. Jenifer and Jason Chatfield bring their energy to a revealing discussion about rabies with podcast guest Luke Gamble, BVSc DVM&S FRCVS. Gamble is CEO of Mission Rabies and Worldwide Vet Services. Gamble shares his experiences with providing veterinary services in countries without adequate veterinary care and prevention. He shares the alarming incidence of rabies … [Read more...]
Rabies; imported dog last week, now a bat in a zoo
A rabid bat was found alive at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. It is the second rabid bat found in San Diego County so far this year. Last week we shared a report on an imported dog infected with rabies. There are still a few states that do not require an owner to vaccinate their pet for rabies. These states may delegate the decision to the local governments. In addition, … [Read more...]
Turn down the volume on pets’ firework and thunderstorm fears
Complimentary Commercial Content Don't ignore your pet's fear out of the mistaken belief you will reinforce it and make it worse, writes Marty Becker, DVM. The key is to stay calm and not get all worked up yourself, but instead provide calm attention like how you normally interact with him. Becker has updated his previously published article for 2021. Source: Dr. … [Read more...]
Responsible antimicrobial stewardship
It is unclear how recent FDA guidance for antimicrobial drug oversight may affect companion animal practices, yet stewardship of the right drug for the right bug remains a priority for all animal health professionals. Practicing responsible antimicrobial stewardship involves striving to prevent antimicrobial resistance and an unnecessary impact on the microbiome by … [Read more...]