Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
Metronidazole is not FDA-approved for dogs
Opinion Regardless of accuracy, it concerns me when articles and videos* like this one are published in consumer publications. Regardless of how frequently metronidazole is prescribed by veterinarians, it is not yet approved by the FDA for veterinary use. * The video features Jerry Klein, DVM, AKC’s chief veterinary officer Source: AKC, September 21, 2020. … [Read more...]
Debunking pet food myths and misconceptions
Ryan Yamka, PhD, challenges the World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines and pet food recommendations. He calls for an update to fill gaps and provide proper security for those recommending pet foods. This statement motivated posting Yamka’s article, “Based on WSAVA guidelines, a pet food company only needs to provide a complete nutrient analysis for one formula … [Read more...]
5 ways to optimize your pet’s health
Complimentary content Katie Woodley, BVSc, cVMA, GDVCHM, brings a collaborative mindset to integrative veterinary medicine. She combines western and eastern approaches to improving the quality of life for pets. A frequent guest on The Bridge Club Pets*, she anchors on food being the foundation for health. She asserts five steps to implement into pet's lives for optimal … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen translates dog diarrhea and new puppy musts
Complimentary content Two new YouTube editions of Is this a Thing? are now available. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, talks about new puppies and dealing with diarrhea in her initiative to help pet owners understand veterinary jargon and be more comfortable communicating with veterinarians. Source: Dr Jen the Vet, YouTube. Link to YouTube channel. … [Read more...]
The dilemma of pandemic pet pounds
The challenge of obesity in dogs has been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. The WFH messages promoted to date involve pets getting more exercise, but Kim Kavin’s Washington Post story indicates many dogs have packed on extra weight. On the other hand, dogs that have lost weight might have a few aches and pains from the increase in activity. Dog owners should work with … [Read more...]
Decoding vaccine titers in companion animal practice
Sara E. Gonzalez, DVM, MS, provides a literature-based review of the limitations and benefits of this type of testing and guidance for interpreting results. In the summary comments she shares: The gold standard laboratory techniques for detecting circulating blood antibody titers against the core canine vaccine antigens and FPV are VN and HI. Core vaccine titer testing … [Read more...]
The conversations continue at The Bridge Club and The Bridge Club Pets
The Bridge Club remains true to its origins to provide virtual opportunities to connect, engage, learn and grow. Now with a professional version and a pet owner version, the coming weeks provide opportunities for animal health pros and pet owners to meet. Click on the link below and then register by clicking on individual conversation topics. Source: The Bridge Club … [Read more...]
Improvements in overnight monitoring care
Complimentary Commercial Content from Kevin Maher, VetMeasure Overnight monitoring care is often necessary for a veterinary patient and can be difficult for the veterinary team, animal owner and the animal. Today, there are options for pet wearables that practices can use to monitor various vitals including: a patient’s axillary temperature, respiratory rate (range), and … [Read more...]
Why dogs eat rocks and how to stop it
Rock eating by dogs can be the result of a medical, behavioral or psychological problem, writes Kaitlyn Arford. While boredom is frequently the reason, she reviews eating disorders and possible medical reasons for this habit that is also hard on teeth. Teaching dogs and puppies two important basic commands, “leave it” and “drop it,” is the foundation of successfully destroying … [Read more...]
Proofing a dog’s training
The 3-D approach to proofing a dog’s training involves challenging the dog with what it does at home without distractions in a distracted environment. Kathy Santo explains the three major categories of proofing: Distraction Duration Distance The reality of dog training is that proofing is the way to take your training from “works at home, sometimes” to “works … [Read more...]
Dog training services are more important than ever
All the time we’ve spent at home with dogs isn’t as beneficial as we initially thought. Trainer Dale Buchanan is seeing an increase in adult dogs that are suddenly developing serious behavior issues related to stress and anxiety. He suggests these changes are likely coming from the stress and anxieties of their WFH owners. The dogs are most likely over-stimulated and … [Read more...]
Top 5 consequences of brachycephaly
Cute or not, dogs that look like they ran headlong into a wall at 60 mph have problems. Anne Fawcett, BVSc, MVS, MANZCVS, DECAWBM, shares how brachycephalic conformation is associated with multiple health problems, some of which can be life-threatening and most of which are lifelong. Awareness of the consequences of brachycephaly is important when advising pet owners about … [Read more...]
10 dog breeds known to turn on their owners
There are dog owners who swear their pet would never attack them. However, some dog breeds are more dangerous than others. The authors compiled a list of 10 of the most dangerous dog breeds often make headlines. We’re sharing them with animal health pros who want to offer additional safety and training information with owners of these breeds. American Pit Bull Terrior … [Read more...]
This week is National Dog Week
National Dog Week was established in 1928. It was the brainchild of Captain Will Judy, a veteran of World War I and an ordained minister who devoted his life to educating Americans on the spiritual bond connecting humans and canines. As the publisher of Dog World magazine, he used it to urge his readers to treat dogs with kindness and respect. National Dog Week…has had the … [Read more...]
Include pets’ fate in estate planning
Including the fate of pets in estate plans is not typical advice from an estate-planning attorney writes, Tony McReynolds. He shares advice about including what will happen to pets in end-of-life planning from attorney and author Kelli Brown, JD, LLM. . . . many pets are relinquished because their owners went into an extended-care facility without having named a designated pet … [Read more...]
Got pets? Put the toilet lid down.
Some of the reasons for a pet drinking out of the toilet are rather sensible . . . at least on the surface. Jennifer Coates, DVM, discusses bacterial risks, cleaning product residues and the importance of providing pets clean water sources other than the toilet. When was the last time you dumped and scrubbed your pet’s water bowl? If you can’t remember, the water in the toilet … [Read more...]
Managing OA in all stages and ages
For most dog owners, canine osteoarthritis in not a consideration in the daily life of their animal until it has already affected function. OA is often not diagnosed until it is already in stage 3. Myths that exist about canine osteoarthritis include: OA is a geriatric disease Growing fast is a sign of health Exercise causes OA in dogs Dogs with OA should not … [Read more...]
Practical preventive care profitability detailed in resource
A new AAHA resource explores how veterinarians can up their profits while also offering optimal care. It builds on two previous documents, Implementing Preventive Care Protocols, published in 2019, and Promoting Preventive Care Protocols: Evidence, Enactment, and Economics, released in 2018. Preventive Care Protocols and Practice Economics < link > explores potential … [Read more...]
Pet owners rank ‘animal welfare’ near ‘no artificial’
Humane husbandry is now as important to pet owners as not including synthetic ingredients in pet foods, according to recent survey information. Nearly half of U.S. pet owners surveyed considered natural and organic pet food to be safer than regular food. Sustainability, animal welfare and ethical sourcing of ingredients, those all have a lot of play remaining in the overall … [Read more...]
Pet safety hurricane kit checklist available (infographic)
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and includes the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane Sally reached the Gulf Coast early yesterday morning. With it come risks to not only humans, but equally to pets. PetMD has provided an infographic and a helpful pet safety hurricane checklist for what to do before the storm and … [Read more...]
Dealing with skin issues
Cliff Faver, DVM, addresses how easily pet owners get led astray when it comes to skin issues. His discussion surrounds all the advice people readily espouse on Facebook without asking basic clarifying questions. <speaking to groomers> . . . the most important job we do is restore the skin back to normal. The issue here is that the body is fighting us. That is why it is … [Read more...]
Reminder: Foxtail threatens dogs’ health
Foxtail grass isn’t present only in California, but the state is definitely ground zero for this injurious plant. Its seeds can penetrate dogs anywhere on their bodies. The seeds are very hard and tipped with a sharp point that is capable of puncturing a dog’s skin and entering his body. Attached to the seed are long, fibrous awns, which are covered with microscopic bristles … [Read more...]
Refresh your Lyme knowledge
“We learned about that years ago,” is not uncommon to hear when visiting with animal health pros. BUT, consider when or if pet owners last received Lyme disease education. With tick-associated Lyme disease migrating westward, it is important to include Lyme disease education with recommendations for flea, tick and heartworm medications to reduce the potential for B. … [Read more...]
Precautions for reintegrating dogs in daycare post-WFH
Michelle Semanski discusses the likelihood of some dogs being different post-work-from-home than they were before. She recommends slow reintroduction of any individual dog to be sure it can get along with kids. . . . dogs who grew up in daycare may have lost their puppy innocence” Semanski says resource guarding, separation anxiety or high arousal are common behaviors that … [Read more...]
Cushing’s Pet Nation is now available
Mark Cushing’s highly anticipated book, Pet Nation, is now available from a variety of sources. Cushing, heretofore best known for his work on animal policy as founder and managing partner of the Animal Policy Group, LLC, brings pets into new light and the big changes happening right in front of us NOW. Pet Nation shows us not only what our love of animals says about our pets, … [Read more...]
The vet’s office; an economic bright spot in the U.S. health system
Animal hospitals appear to have pulled off something human hospitals have struggled to do: make patients feel comfortable seeking routine care, writes Sarah Kliff. Fueled by more comprehensive observation of pets while working from home and the massive wave of pet adoptions, volumes have taxed clinic teams nationwide. Source: New York Times, August 10, 2020. … [Read more...]
BAT helps reduce dog lunging
Gemma Johnstone discusses how Behavior Adjustment Therapy (BAT) can be used to curb dogs that lunge on the leash when meeting another dog or person. It’s an alternative training technique that uses functional rewards for handling reactivity also known as counter conditioning. Source: AKC, August 4, 2020. Link. The goal is to teach the dog that calm behavior around other dogs … [Read more...]
Pet owners need more education about proper handling of pet food
Many Americans don’t wash their hands after feeding or playing with their dogs and cats. They aren’t aware of the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from those activities. Results from a recent Purdue University study showed 78 percent of people were not aware of recent pet food recalls or outbreaks associated with foodborne pathogens in those foods. They don’t really … [Read more...]
Pet owners realizing cost of pet ownership
Commentary Read this article with a pet insurance or wellness program mindset. It’s past time for animal health pros to redouble our efforts to help pet owners understand the value of having a pet on an insurance plan. The amortization math is simple when put against normal costs of veterinary care before special needs. Thirty-three percent of Americans have or have … [Read more...]