Hunting dogs encounter more risks than backyard pets, including toxins that we want everyone to avoid. Every year, hunting dogs in the U.S. die as a result of drinking from contaminated sources, ingesting harmful substances, trauma and getting lost, writes Toinette Strusinski-Broschay, DVM. Her tips for hunting dogs apply to dogs who go camping and hiking . Source: The … [Read more...]
Top 10 reasons why pets see veterinarians
The lists of top reasons pets see veterinarians don’t change much year to year, according to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance’s third annual Cost of Pet Health Care 2018 report. The report ranks the top 10 ailments for dogs and cats that triggered a vet clinic visit. With trends stable in ailment-related veterinary visits, clinics can more comprehensively plan staffing and inventory … [Read more...]
Beagle brigade sniffs out border risks (includes video)
Bringing agricultural products across the U.S. border without properly identifying them is illegal. It is one of the greatest threats to U.S. efforts to stop the spread of foreign animal diseases (FADs) from entering the U.S. Beagles are the breed of choice for the agriculture mission due to their non-threatening appearance and kind nature, as well as their high drive for … [Read more...]
People foods OK for cats and dogs
Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott collaborated to write two articles about which people foods are okay for cats and dogs. Share these on social media, websites and in e-newsletters. Source: Modern Cat and Modern Dog, October 2018. Links below: 11 people foods for cats. Link. Get snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for cats. 10 people foods for dogs. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Killer dog article misses a great story
The Dog, as he was known around West Valley, Utah, was a German shepherd mix that had no owner. He roamed the town’s streets for years. But he changed. At first, he killed chickens. He then killed goat at Roots Charter High school. Link. Then sheep. More chickens. Then pigs. 40 animals in all. All animals that belonged to Roots students. It appears none of the animals were … [Read more...]
Be choosy about dog chews
Dog owners are constantly searching for safe chew items that satisfy their dogs’ instincts, keep their homes and possessions safe, and last longer than five minutes. That can be a tough order, especially with big dogs. The number of chew choices today are mind boggling—and not all of them are safe Source: Dogster, June 6, 2018. Link. There are no 100 percent totally safe dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from AAHA Red, AAHA NEWStat
We’re sharing sponsored content from recent AAHA Red and AAHA NEWStat issues, two media offerings available from AAHA Press, the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Stress less with the needle-less Bordetella protection, AAHA Red, October 22, 2018. Link. Forty percent of cat owners find veterinary visits personally stressful, AAHA Red, … [Read more...]
Muzzle is not a dirty word
Muzzles are one of the more effective safety tools veterinary teams use. Dr. Michael Miller shares his ideas about muzzling and dealing with clients whose dogs can benefit from muzzling. Source: DRANDYROARK, October 31, 2018. Link. . . . some people think when we muzzle a dog, it’s cruel. It’s not. It’s a matter of safety. We all love animals and love the patients we work … [Read more...]
Winterize for pet safety
Falling leaves remind us that winter is coming. Krista Carothers shares tips from veterinarians to help keep pets safe as the temperature drops: Limit their time outside Know when winter gear is necessary Monitor working and older dogs Don’t assume your outdoor cat can cope in the cold Make sure indoor cats stay indoors Prepare your pooch for long hikes … [Read more...]
Philosophy professor questions ethics of some pet spending
Sandra Woien, philosophy lecturer at Arizona State University, speaks out on elements of the millions of dollars spent on pets. Citing the philosophy of effective altruism, she suggests if the money spent of pets was instead donated to a good cause, more good or utility could be produced. According to one estimate, about $440 million of pet spending in the U.S. was on … [Read more...]
Read what fall vegetables are good for dogs
Melvin Peña reviews common fall vegetables and discusses their value and potential side effects when dogs eat them. Consider using this article in social media posts and seasonal e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, October 3, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
November JAVMA
The research continues. This issue of JAVMA includes a commentary on engaging a veterinary behaviorist to help pets with behavior problems early instead of as a last resort: Veterinary behaviorists should be the first, not the last, resort for optimal patient care, Link. Asking clients about behavior problems during appointments can be difficult for veterinarians. . . … [Read more...]
Progress made toward Valley fever vaccine
Mazen Animal Health has developed he first Valley fever sub-unit vaccine for companion animals. It reduces the burden of Coccidioides, the fungus that can cause valley fever. The fungal infection leads to disease in humans, cats, dogs, llamas and alpacas and is costly to treat. In fact, it is estimated that Valley fever costs Arizona dog owners $60 million per year. Source: … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Talking about dogs and dreams
Like humans, dogs dream. Dog dreams likely summarize the day’s events and allow dogs the opportunity to process what they learn. I don’t think anyone can say for sure what dogs dream about but we can be fairly certain that they do dream,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. Source: Dogster, September 18, 2018. Link. What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things,” … [Read more...]
Opinion – Your smartphone obsession may make your dog sad
I recently noticed a change in our Morkie’s behavior when I turn to my cell phone to monitor emails, texts or see what’s going on with LinkedIn or Twitter. Once I do, the dog allows about 30 to 45 minutes before deciding if it’s time to play, pet or seek attention. I’m not alone. Cheyenne Macdonald reviews growing amounts information that dogs are especially hurt by owners’ … [Read more...]
Install an off switch to dogs’ playtime
Pat Miller shares her experiences with an overly energetic dog and the benefits of teaching the off switch. She explains how to install a cue like “all done” to indicate its time to stop or change focus. Training humans to ignore your dog’s attempts to get them to play fetch might be the hardest part of this! Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 2017. Link. . . . All done!” … [Read more...]
Animal health pro finds out the hard way that pet insurance works
Animal health pro Mark Niblo was on the fence about committing to pet insurance for his new dog, Storm. No so, anymore. He shares Storm’s journey and tallies the costs without insurance. Now insured, Storm is covered for another incident of this kind anytime in the next five years. If only I would have had it earlier! Source: Durvet, September 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Mark’s … [Read more...]
FDA alert – potential neurologic adverse events associated with isoxazoline class flea and tick products
Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica and now Credelio are implicated in the FDA alert. Following drug approvals, the FDA monitors adverse events. In the case of the isoxaline class of flea and tick products, FDA’s post-marketing activities show some pets have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures. In the first three years after approval, the FDA pays … [Read more...]
Digging into compost intoxication
Compost piles in backyards are often tempting to pets. However, until composting materials have fully decomposed they can be toxic to pets who ingest the mixtures. Frank Davis and Laura Stern, DVM, share what to do when dealing with compost toxicity. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Fall 2018. Link. Treatment is aimed at controlling clinical signs. Compost intoxication can … [Read more...]
Individual approaches best for post-appointment follow-up
Research uncovers that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to communicating with pet owners after a clinic visit. There are some indications of when clients want follow-up in the study referenced. For the rest, maybe it is time to JUST ASK! Source: VETTED, May 10, 2018. Link. If we leave it up to guesswork, then we have a 50-50 shot at getting it right. But if we ask … [Read more...]
Kibble size matters to dogs
New research reveals data contrary to common beliefs that smaller dogs prefer smaller kibble and larger breeds larger kibble. The research by AFB International was conducted to help customers make informed decisions about their dog food brands. . . . the research found small, mid-size and large dogs preferred large-size kibble to small-size kibble. Source: Petfood Industry, … [Read more...]
Steve Dale: Dog flu is relentless
When dog flu hits a community, all exposed dogs – except those who recently had the flu or those vaccinated – will get the virus, writes Steve Dale. Around 25 percent of dogs who get the virus don’t show any signs or symptoms. But, they’re just as contagious as sick dogs. Numbers below only hint at the real story. What we do know is that around two to five percent of dogs do … [Read more...]
Vetfolio announces new education programs
New programs offer free education. Minimizing Preoperative Vomiting and Maximizing Post-operative Care, sponsored by Zoetis <link> This two-part podcast series discusses strategies for preoperative management in dogs with an in-depth discussion on the role of a veterinary nurse in this clinical scenario. Dealing with Ixodes scapularis and Lyme disease … [Read more...]
AAHA announces pet insurance plan and new board of directors
Congratulations to the new AAHA board members whose leadership began following the inaugural Connexity conference. AAHA also announced The AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program, offered by Petplan. The AAHA plan seeks to provide more options for pet owners seeking to manage the cost of veterinary care and is specifically designed to help clients pay for unexpected expenses for … [Read more...]
More reasons for an annual exam
Melissa Beall, DVM, PhD, explains why regular, comprehensive screening is critical and what veterinarians can do to help keep dogs healthy. All dogs need to be screened annually for exposure to infected ticks Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 20, 2018. Link. A new study . . . showed two key findings: 1) dogs with Ehrlichia antibodies in E. canis-endemic areas have a … [Read more...]
Babies may be healthier with a pet around
Steve Dale reviews research about the microbiome benefits of raising babies in the company of animals. We urge animal health pros to share this information in their various networks and social media. While previous studies have established that reducing allergen exposure in the home helps control established asthma, the new findings suggest that exposure to certain allergens … [Read more...]
Reviews.com rates pet meal delivery services
Home delivery of dog food continues to grow. Dog owners can now get raw ingredient meal delivery services like their owners get pizza. The team at Reviews.com reviewed canine meal delivery services. They rated variables for customized meals that included: ordering experience, recipe variety, scheduling flexibility, packaging, instructions, ease of serving and … [Read more...]
The skinny on pet supplements
Jackie Brown investigates pet supplements and finds a lot of questions remain. While certain supplements can have a place in joint disease management, some veterinarians are concerned about how they might be perceived by pet owners. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 23, 2018. Link. Sam Franklin, MS, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR, tells clients, “. . . if they can afford to … [Read more...]