Gastroprotectants, which include antacids and acid suppressants, are one of the most widely used classes of medications in veterinary medicine. Because acid suppressants and antacids are inexpensive and readily available over the counter, inappropriate use of these drugs is of great concern. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Emily Nissa Gould, DVM, MS, DACVIM … [Read more...]
As seen in AAHA NEWStat
With a focus on accredited practices, AAHA’s NEWStat is a reliable source for practices and the animal health pros who work in them or with them. The following links share recent sponsored content and a feature on how big-box veterinary clinics are redefining consumers’ concept of pet healthcare. Source: Big-box veterinary clinics redefining consumers’ concept of pet … [Read more...]
New course teaches how to run a no-kill shelter
Learning how to set up and run no-kill shelters for cats and dogs is the goal of a new certificate program at Southern Utah University. In partnership with the Best Friends Animal Society <link>, the program will be offered mostly online, so students anywhere can sign up for the courses. Source: Salt Lake Tribune, December 10, 2019. Link. The credits earned will … [Read more...]
North American Veterinary Anesthesia Society focuses on team education
The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia along with the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia identified a need to elevate standards of care and practice for veterinary anesthesia and analgesia, as well as support those providing anesthesia and analgesia to animal patients. The NAVAS was created as a non-profit to engage anyone … [Read more...]
Opinion: the dental divide
The holidays are a great time for veterinary teams to make some decisions about dentals < link >. Melissa Detweiler, DVM, discusses the challenges of her love/hate relationship with common oral health procedures and the conversation and marketing that go with it. Beyond the gold standard, she says are two options; skip it or treat what she can. I believe there is another … [Read more...]
Rodeos in the exam room
Gina Singleton, DVM, shares a fun poem about dealing with petrified patients in the exam room. Here’s an excerpt. His owner is coaxing him, trying to soothe. The tech's tossing treats, but he won't improve. You try to be patient, you give them a smile, but you say to yourself, "Looks like we'll be here a while." Source: VETTED, December 6, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
48 million pets need a regular vet
The relationship counts says, Matthew Salois, PhD, citing recent metrics from the AVMA’s most recent Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook < link >. Based on the research, he is confident developing a strong veterinarian-client bond can help get more pets into practices on an ongoing basis for the preventive healthcare we know they need. Salois also noted the … [Read more...]
7 ways to make holidays safe for pets
Keeping pets safe over the holidays takes common sense, reminders of the obvious and planning. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers seven basic tips that are easily shared with customers. In addition, AVMA offers its Holiday Pet Safety Page <link> that has extensive information about protecting pets that customers will also appreciate. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
Why dogs kick their feet after pooping
It is instinctive, right? Jake Rossen shares the basics about this strange behavior which looks like a dog is covering his poop. He reminds us this is territorial behavior, not poop embarrassment. By kicking up the area, the dog mixes pheromones from the feet and creates a visual disruption to signal other dogs of territory boundaries. The pheromones from the kicking are … [Read more...]
Cleaning the stuff dogs use daily (video)
Gear dogs use every day often harbor mold and bacteria. Here's how to clean dog bedding, toys, food and water bowls, collars and other dog stuff. The short video is very suitable for social media, newsletters and pet owner communications. A little effort from pet owners to maintain dog gear goes along ways to prevent the possibility of more serious issues. Source: Web MD. … [Read more...]
More cold weather tips for dogs and dog owners
Melissa Kauffman addresses keeping dogs comfortable during cold weather. Three of her tips prompted us to post the article: Don’t let dog nails get too long during winter Bathe your dog regularly during cold weather Use flea-and-tick protection during cold weather Source: Dogster, November 21, 2019. Link. While there are some dangers for dogs with winter, using … [Read more...]
CBD warnings by FDA to animal product companies
13 companies making cannabidiol (CBD) products for pets were among the 15 warned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on November 25, 2019. The companies’ sales of CBD-containing pet and human items violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (CBD pet product companies warned are listed in the references. Source: Pet Product News, December 2, 2019. Link. The FDA … [Read more...]
7 most-read companion animal posts
Content about companion animals is expanding exponentially alongside the metamorphic consumer-retail market focus. Topics are varied, including how-tos, should-dos, opportunities and research. The seven most-read posts from June 1 through October 31, 2019 are listed here. Source: Animal Health Digest. Link. Snakebite dos and donts for dogs, AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
CBD special report
Cannabidiol here, CBD there! Various manufacturers tout a variety of benefits from their products. The FDA is currently drafting regulations for hemp and hemp-derived substances. The USDA released the final interim hemp farming rules on October 31, 2019 < link >. The Pet Product News insider’s report sheds light on where this new category is headed and gives perspective … [Read more...]
Top 10 tips for senior cats
November is Adopt a Senior Pet month. To honor senior cats, the American Association of Feline Practitioners provided tips to set up aging cats for success and build the special bonds between them and their owners. The list is a great resource to share in social media posts, newsletters or targeted communications. Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Also see: Tips for … [Read more...]
Age-related changes in canine brain structure and metabolism
Although cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction may occur as pets age, neither should be accepted as simply a consequence of aging. This is the conclusion by the authors from a study at the Purina Institute. Nutritional interventions provide opportunities to slow cognitive decline, mitigate the behavioral signs of cognitive dysfunction and improve quality of life for … [Read more...]
Poop contains great information
Stool samples are telling of a dog’s health, writes Kyle Grusling, DVM. He reminds dog owners that parasites are not the only thing that can be seen on a fecal check. In addition to gastrointestinal parasites, stool samples may reveal diarrhea, mites and protozoa. Source: Whole Dog Journal, March 2019. Link. A great diagnostic or screening tool for any dog, routine poop … [Read more...]
Skin tags, lumps and bumps on dogs
No skin growth should be dismissed without veterinary attention, writes Melvin Peña. Common as dogs age, he says the most important thing you can do about skin tags on dogs is to be observant. Acknowledging he is not a veterinarian, he shares researched information on lipomas, fatty and mast cell tumors. The article is simplistic, but the messages are clear for dog … [Read more...]
KCAHC plays vital role in pet food industry
Lindsay Beaton shares the importance of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor (KCAHC) < link > in the pet food industry. Gaining perspectives from various corridor manufacturers, she outlines benefits Kansas City area companies realize. Growing the pool of qualified laborers remains a challenge for corridor companies but progress is ongoing. More than 300 companies … [Read more...]
Making decisions about boarding
Jessica Finnegan presents considerations for boarding as part of veterinary hospital ancillary services. She reminds us that pet boarding and grooming is a hot business prospect, growing nearly double year over previous year. She challenges veterinary teams to look at boarding differently and to bolster veterinary practice revenue slowly being eaten away by online and big-box … [Read more...]
Keeping dogs safe in cold weather (includes infographic)
Keeping dogs warm outside takes forethought. Pet owners need to make sure dogs maintain their body temperature to ward against hypothermia and have protection on their paws to help prevent frostbite. When temperatures drop below 20°F, all dogs are prone to developing hypothermia and frostbite.” Sally Jones Source: Canine Journal, October 23, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Sally … [Read more...]
Rough training has long-term effects on dogs
Dogs trained using positive reinforcement experience less short- and long-term stress than those in aversive training classes. This, according to a new study from Universidade de Porto in Portugal. Forty two companion dogs from schools that use reward-based training and 50 dogs from four school that use averse-based training were compared. Source: Sciencealert, November 7, … [Read more...]
5 important questions when choosing supplements for cats and dogs
Bill Bookout reminds us that supplements are either nutritional or health-related. He recommends reading product labels for answers to these questions: Are the product claims too good to be true? Does the product have a lot number? Are ingredients and amounts clearly listed? Is there contact information if I have questions? Does the supplement have the NASC … [Read more...]
Found in AAHA NEWStat
We found several articles worthy of sharing in recent AAHA NEWStat posts. Some selections are sponsored while others are original and collaborative content. Post-surgical rechecks made simple with virtual care, sponsored content by BabelVet. AAHA NEWStat, November 1, 2019. Link. A logical, comprehensive staging tool for canine osteoarthritis, sponsored content by Elanco … [Read more...]
Revisiting Frito feet
The causes of Frito feet are natural enough and don’t mean a dog has been sneaking corn chips. However endearing for some, canine paw odors disgust others. Like strong or acrid human foot odors*, the sources of paw smell are many. Like the fungi that cause humans feet to smell, one source of dog foot odor is an unchecked proliferation of yeast fungi in and around its feet. … [Read more...]
5 ways to bond with a rescue dog
James Woller shares five ways to welcome a rescue dog into the home so they can become a part of the family. It’s essential that you do everything you can to make her feel at ease and look for the ways to make a true and unbreakable bond, he says. Woller recommends five ways of connecting with a rescue to help them become a friend for life: Talk and touch is everything … [Read more...]
Defining causes of dogs’ aggression in boarding facilities
Of all the behaviors boarding and daycare personnel experience, dogs’ aggression can be difficult and frequently dangerous. Dogs become aggressive for multiple reasons including fear, pain, dominance and illness, writes Steven Applebaum. Understanding root causes is critical to treating any problem, as aggression is often a symptom of an underlying factor. Aggressive behavior … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis continuing education
Most mammals are susceptible to infection, writes Ashley DiPrete, RVT, VTS, (SAIM). As humans expand their environmental footprint, encroachment on wildlife becomes a greater issue, and people, pets and wild animal reservoir hosts cross one another’s paths more frequently. The importance of leptospirosis sp. is underscored by its status as the most prevalent zoonotic disease … [Read more...]
Younger pet owners’ pet food and care decisions don’t rely on tradition
Younger consumers are independent, do-it-yourselfers, and less reliant on traditional authority figures and similar experts, writes Debbie Phillips- Donaldson. She describes factors that may explain changing influences on pet owner decision making. In the old paradigm, consumers trusted veterinarians and major brands backed by vets, as well as large pet specialty … [Read more...]
Advancements saving damaged corneas in pets and horses
Veterinary ophthalmologists at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center < link >have started using corneal crosslinking to help spare animals’ eyes or avoid surgery. Corneal crosslinking was developed to treat a condition called keratoconus in people which animals don’t get. Veterinary ophthalmologists have found the crosslinking approach valuable in treating dogs and horses … [Read more...]