Researchers discovered using dog and cat pheromones could be key to a happy household where both are living. Relationship challenges between a new pet and an existing pet is one of the main reasons for cats and dogs get taken to shelters for rehoming. Thought to be the first research of its kind, the results suggest that using the dog-appeasing pheromones had a more … [Read more...]
Research shows dogs understand words and intonation
We often hear, “I know Spot knows exactly what I am saying.” Dog owners spell out words like “walk,” “treat” or “ride” to avoid recognition by their dog. According to recent research, dogs not only understand the emotional tones of what we say, but also recognize and understand more words than previously known. <researchers>. . . demonstrated that dog brains can also … [Read more...]
Well-trained dogs have more freedom, more fun
Karen London, PhD, rejects ideas that dogs live wild, free and unencumbered by constraints on their desires and inclinations. In fact, she argues that by setting boundaries through training, we enhance dogs’ happiness. Trained dogs have better lives precisely because they are allowed more freedom. Source: The Bark, August 2020. Link. London shares why well-trained dogs … [Read more...]
Let them eat dirt
Eat dirt? That was an insult once upon a time. Fast forward to Emily Stein, PhD, who shares how a diverse diet, regular dental care and a little bit of dirt can help a dog’s gut microbiome thrive. She offers: Microbes from the mouth survive the stomach to impact gut function and gut health Growing friendly bacteria in the mouth leads to increased levels of friendly … [Read more...]
Keep older dogs fit with these activities
The aging German Shorthair-Labrador mix pictured here has earned a special place with a young dog lover. At 14, his routine still includes activities described in the article linked here. They have allowed him to live longer, live better and establish a bond with a growing boy. The authors share ideas on how to make a dog's senior years the best years of their lives: … [Read more...]
Help to understand prebiotics and probiotics for dogs and cats
The business of nutraceuticals used as prebiotics and probiotics is confusing, full of misdirection and often neither good nor bad. Ann Wortinger BIS, LVT, VTS, writes, “According to the hype, these products can improve the immune system and gastrointestinal function while performing a number of other tasks just short of emptying the litter box.” Her comment sets the stage for … [Read more...]
5 FAQs about pets and vaccines
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Carley Lintz provides a brief guide to share with pet parents about animals and vaccinations. Rudimentary? Yes! But consider using this to contact local media, as the basis for an interview on local radio or for developing a script for a YouTube video for your website. The K.I.S.S. principle probably applies here and yes, … [Read more...]
Favorite 5 articles from Clinician’s Brief
We’re sharing this group of articles from Clinicians Brief in the event you hit delete before taking a good look at this group of peer reviewed tips. Source: 5 tips for treating otitis externa, Clinician’s Brief, June 2019. Link. Source: Top 5 complications of gonadectomy, Clinician’s Brief, February 2020. Link. Relevant information in light of this recent post: Neutering … [Read more...]
Looking ahead with The Bridge Club
Now three years old, The Bridge Club continues to gain momentum, popularity and fill gaps in our social and professional networks. Animal health pros rely on each other’s experiences and perspectives. The Bridge Club virtual events have evolved to emulate discussions often had over lunch or at the watering hole during on-site industry conventions. Source: The Bridge Club. … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis Cliff notes: Screen, test and treat leptospirosis better (webcast)
Complimentary commercial content from VETgirl and Merck Animal Health Natalie Marks, DVM, reviews common and uncommon presentations of leptospirosis in general practice, lab abnormalities not to miss and keys to successful therapy. The review includes clinical signs of leptospirosis in dogs, signalment, what treatment is, and how to diagnose it. Also included is a brief … [Read more...]
Parvovirus cases spike
BluePearl, which operates 90 specialty and emergency pet hospitals in 21 states, has experienced a 70 percent increase in parvovirus cases. They relate the spike to the pandemic. AAHA’s Tony McReynolds dug into the situation and offers ways for practices to prepare. Source: AAHA NEWStat, July 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Neutering study lays out guidelines for 35 dog breeds
Our industry has struggled to answer questions about when or if to consider neutering for dogs because of great disparity between breeds. A new, 10-year study by researchers at the University of California – Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed, size and sex. Source: UC Davis, July 15, 2020. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Getting to the bottom of goosebumps
Scientists have found the same cell types that cause goosebumps are also important for regulating stem cells that regenerate the hair follicle and hair. In this study, we identified an interesting dual-component niche that not only regulates the stem cells under steady state, but also modulates stem cell behaviors according to temperature changes outside.” - Ya-Chieh … [Read more...]
Dogs and cats, plus string equal real problems
Animal health pros know what John Hutcheons, DVM shares. What is important is how he demonstrates the problems with string. Kudos to Dr. Hutcheons for using his camera and sharing the images. Keep string, yarn and other like materials away from pets. This includes frayed or damaged rope toys.” – John Hutcheons, DVM Source: LinkedIn, June 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Practitioners … [Read more...]
Pet pain points and tools for assessment
Pain! It’s one of the biggest challenges and important topics in veterinary medicine. Pets naturally avoid showing pain. Clients do not recognize pain and taking a pet to a practice likely masks pain even more with an adrenal response. Fortunately, there are now tools to identify and differentiate pain. Source: JAVMA, April 1, 2020. Link. Katie Burns shares these tools for … [Read more...]
Who is shopping for pet insurance?
Carley Lintz reviews takeaways from a recent survey of 20,000 pet owners who expressed interest in pet insurance. The results show both the importance and the urgency of having pet insurance as COVID-19 pushes many into financial insecurity, according to Woody Mawhinney of Pawlicity Advisor, the survey company < link >. We noted the dominant interest from dog owners … [Read more...]
For dog owners
As much as animal health pros prefer to share knowledge and education from their own perspective, time limits the ability to create new content to share. To help keep communication going, we assembled articles for dog owners worthy of sharing. Source: Steve Dale; Ban retractable leashes, PetVet Magazine, April/May 2020. Link. Source: Chiggers on dogs: What you need to … [Read more...]
It takes all kinds
Sporting dog and working dog owners are supporting a resurgence for dogs to do what they were bred to do. Like many peri-urban dog owners, Hannah Hays’ experiences with her pet Vizla lit a fire in her to help her dog become himself. Dog owners like her support wildlife conservation, habitat and organizations for dog enthusiasts. For those who have never … [Read more...]
AKC: Signs of chronic pain in dogs
Pain is personal to the pet, the owner and the veterinary team and can be hard to identify. Kevin T. Fitzgerald, DVM, provides solid information for dog owners, including a list of top signs of chronic pain in dogs and how it can be eased. Source: AKC Family Dog, March/April 2020. Link. Diet is perhaps the most underused pain relief method.” - Kevin T. Fitzgerald, … [Read more...]
Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
“Is this kibble okay to feed my dog?” This is a common question asked of veterinary team members. With the amount of press pet obesity garners, animal owners are sensitized to get the right food for their pets. Human food trends also impact pet owner choice. Label confusion and lack of knowledge about nutrients and ingredients add to the challenges. Clinicians need to focus … [Read more...]
Choosing a backup generator
Weather events are the most common reasons for the power to go out. Aging power grids in the U.S. are susceptible to outages as more and more electricity is demanded. Daniel D. Chapel shares factors to consider when making an electrical backup generator decision. Source: DVM 360 Hospital Design, June 2020, page 6. Link. . . . the average duration of an electrical power … [Read more...]
Articles to help dog owners
Meeting the needs and curiosities of dog owners is part of what B-to-C publications seek to provide. Not all the material gets read thoroughly, so we assembled recent articles that can help dog owners better understand their canine pals. Source: How to satisfy your working dog’s instincts, Animal Wellness, July 6, 2020. Link. Satisfying a working dog’s instincts begins with … [Read more...]
Training and behavior products category booming
Let’s face it, there is a growing need for canine companions to be well-behaved in a variety of settings. In fact, the need has created a fast-growing product/services category that includes innovative training and behavior products. Client education is also a strategy for retailers to serve clients who need help with improving their pets’ behaviors. Source: Pet Product … [Read more...]
The experts every dog owner needs
It takes a village, writes Bryn Nowell. From veterinary team to social media groups, she identifies resources for pet owners. Source: Dogster, June 25, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: The list of those who offer input on the care of any given pet is extensive. We have asserted the importance of seeing beyond the DVM dialogue to be more visible in local and social media to help set … [Read more...]
Dog year not equal to 7 human years
Research published last week in the Cell Systems journal debunks the thinking that multiplying a dog’s age by seven is equivalent to its real age. Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine developed a new formula that tracks molecular changes, mainly the changing patterns of methyl groups, in the DNA of Labrador retrievers. It shows dogs age … [Read more...]
Family dogs likely encourage toddler’s social and emotional development
Animal health pros likely have a good grasp on the value of dogs in homes. A newly published study focuses on children too young for school. Toddlers from dog-owning families who participated in the study published in Pediatric Research were 30 percent less likely to have conduct and peer problems compared to preschoolers from families who didn't own dogs. Source: CNN, July … [Read more...]
Make the oral health discussion memorable
Amanda Carrozza shares suggestions for making actionable recommendations in the examination room and promoting ongoing oral care at home. Her ideas reflect a team approach and prioritizing home care as part of communications. Source: DVM 360, June 29, 2020. Link. Too often clients perceive discussions about their pet’s oral health as “friendly suggestions” instead of … [Read more...]
French dogs 95-percent effective at smelling Covid-19 virus
Weeks of trials produced positive results at veterinary school and research centre l'École Nationale Vétérinaire in Maisons-Alfort, where researchers say German Shepherds trained to detect coronavirus showed a 95-percent success rate in sniffing out the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.. . . . the dogs had to identify the presence of the virus by smelling sweat samples taken … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebrations
Independence Day is Saturday and celebrations are already underway. While fun for us, the noisy festivities can scare pets and some run away. Plus, the foods we like can be unhealthful for them and firework debris can be dangerous. The American Veterinary Medical Association has helpful safety tips worth sharing. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association. Link. Make … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from May’s AAHA NEWStat
Covering industry trends and breaking news, innovative new research and technology, and legislative updates, AAHA’s NEWStat blog and weekly e-newsletter keep a finger on the pulse of current events that matter to the veterinary community. Commercial content is an important part of animal health pro awareness and education media. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Current … [Read more...]