Mosquitoes are a worldwide problem and the solutions are the same no matter where you live. The best way to avoid mosquito borne diseases, such as heartworm, is to keep the mosquitos away. Protecting animals from vector mosquitoes remains an animal health priority. Here are two references to consider as you deal with the pesky bugs. Source: How to keep mosquitoes away, … [Read more...]
Questions to ask when choosing a boarding kennel
The boarding kennel marketplace continues to expand for cats and dogs. Animal owners need need help to choose the right facility for their pet, regardless of whether its for daycare or for an extended stay. Joseph H. Kinnarney, DVM, MS, gives questions to ask when selecting a boarding kennel: What vaccinations do you require? Can I see where my pet will stay? What … [Read more...]
10 types of service dogs have different roles
Heather Marcoux tackles the growing diversity of service dog breeds and their roles. For a growing number of individuals with specific physical, neurological or mental health needs, different types of service dogs are invaluable partners in day-to-day life. Legally, most of these types of service dogs are welcome in places where pet dogs are not. Unfortunately, the practice of … [Read more...]
Parasite education? There’s an APP for that
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has designed an app to help strengthen skills in the microscopic identification of fecal parasites in veterinary clinic settings and for individual study. The Veterinary Internal Parasite Flash Card App < link > includes approximately 100 veterinary internal parasites found in dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles and … [Read more...]
Male or female, humping is a normal dog behavior
Humping behavior is mostly associated with male dogs, but it is not uncommon in female dogs, writes Sassafras Lowrey. The behavior is usually a sign of heightened arousal, but not necessarily sexual. Lowrey sought information from Nik Hof, Chair of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, to address common concerns and methods to manage the behavior. Sorce: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Dog whimpering may not mean something bad
Dog whimpering communicates something, but it doesn’t automatically indicate something bad, according to David Dilmore, DVM, He says whimpering can caused by any of these factors: Being uncomfortable or in pain Illness Feeling anxious Needing something/excitement Source: Dogster, April 3, 2019. Link. . . . dog whimpering is just a way for dogs to communicate … [Read more...]
Top 5 substances that affect blood glucose
Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM), shares his top five substances that exert important effects on blood glucose regulation in dogs and cats and the clinical situations in which they may be encountered: Insulin Glucocorticoids Xylitol Growth hormone Progestins Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2018. Link. Abnormalities in blood glucose occur when … [Read more...]
Dogs, ibuprofen and other human pain relievers
Melvin Peña provides solid information about ibuprofen and other human NSAIDS being ingested by dogs. He explains the compounds’ mode of action in dogs and shares common toxicity symptoms. Peña focuses his information on dogs and ibuprofen, since it appears to be the biggest reported culprit. Still no nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, is safe for dogs to … [Read more...]
Alternatives for feeding dogs with diarrhea or other stomach issues
Marc Smith, DVM, draws from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) food therapy when addressing a dog with stomach issues. His approach is to optimize the individual’s qi (life force) by balancing the internal energies of yin (cold) and yang (heat). According to TCM, all foods have properties that either warm the body, cool the body or are neutral, says Smith. Most acute … [Read more...]
Top 10 Cities heartworm report: March 2019
CAPC released the March 2019 report that lists cities with the highest percentage increase in positive heartworm tests. They are: Overland Park, KS San Francisco, CA Laredo, TX Thousand Oaks, CA Salinas, CA Oceanside, CA Clarksville, TN Portland, OR Providence, RI Jersey City, NJ Source: CAPC, April 12, 2019. Link. Share this update with … [Read more...]
Differentiating dog farts
Sassafras Lowrey shares perspectives on dog flatulence. She writes that the occasional fart from your dog shouldn’t concern us. However, excessive farting can be a symptom of something more serious. The articles here are good content for social media and e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, March 28, 2019. Link. Some amount of dog farts is normal for most dogs. However, excessive … [Read more...]
5 ways to stop dogs from begging for scraps
When your dog’s pleading eyes melt your heart, it’s easy to give in and toss a nibble from your plate. You tell yourself, “it’s just a taste.” What you’re doing instead is reinforcing begging behavior. Janet Miller says a few simple tricks can convince your dog to stop begging every time you eat: Do not give in Ignore the behavior Close the door Use the your-place … [Read more...]
How dogs know when you’re sick (video)
Dogs really do know when their humans are having a rough time. In fact, hey use a variety of signals to figure it out, writes Amanda Mull. Your pet can tell when you have the sniffles and domestic dogs have shown an aptitude for detecting both minute mood fluctuations and serious physical conditions. Dogs are preternaturally sensitive to changes in their people,” says … [Read more...]
Cats know their names: why it’s harder for them than dogs
In a new study in the journal Scientific Reports, psychologist Atsuko Saito showed that cats know their names even when called by a stranger. She notes domestic cats are still evolving, thanks to closer human interactions as cats spend more time indoors. The inclusion of Japan's cat cafes as study sites was an interesting twist on behavior research. Source: National … [Read more...]
Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.
Collen Kirk’s recent paper investigated consumers' psychological ownership and their economic valuation of pets <link>. She discusses the juxtaposition of dogs versus cats and how that plays out in economic terms. Her results clearly show that the animal’s behavior is what makes people willing to pay and that psychological ownership is a driving factor in dog owners’ … [Read more...]
New website vets dog breeders and rescue dogs for consumers searching for pets
The company, Good Dog <link>, aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process of getting a dog. The company is centralizing pet searching onto one platform where only responsible sources are included. Each breeder, shelter and rescue that is listed is vetted based on a set of standards created by Good Dog’s advisory board of leading veterinary and academic … [Read more...]
Movement and travel requirements for small animals presented in webinar
Valerie Ragan, DVM, recently presented on the current regulations around animal movement, what changes may be on the horizon and what animal health professionals can do to prepare. The webinar and Q and A are provided by GlobalVetLink. AAVSB RACE-approved CE credit is available following the webinar by taking the quiz. Source: GlobalVetLink, March 18, 2019. Link. Small … [Read more...]
Opinion – New TV program, Animal ER Live, demonstrates the complexity of veterinary care
The launch of Animal ER Live on Nat Geo WILD is a game-changer for animal owner perceptions of veterinary hospitals, veterinarians and veterinary staff members. Animal ER Live joins current family friendly veterinary programs featured on the network that include Secrets of the Zoo, Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet and the network’s number-1 series, The Incredible … [Read more...]
Safety, efficacy key to stain and odor control product purchases
Despite the large brand variety in the stain and odor control category, animal owners prioritize safety and efficacy as key factors to consider when selecting these products. Lindsey Getz discusses the category with retailers so they better understand selection, differentiation and the educational needs. Dealing with odors, stains and waste removal is a reality of pet … [Read more...]
Quiz: Test your brain tumor knowledge
Thanks to advanced imaging and diagnostics like MRI- and CT-guided biopsy, along with improved neurosurgical techniques, veterinarians are increasingly able to diagnose and treat brain tumors, writes Mark Troxel, DVM, DACVIM. Brain tumors are common in cats and dogs. Test your knowledge of meningiomas and other neurological lesions with this quiz. Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome not prevented by drugs
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a chronic, progressive disease with a range of clinical signs, including disorientation, changes in social interactions, alterations in sleep–wake cycles, house soiling (in a previously house-trained pet) and changes in activity and learning, writes Margaret E. Gruen, DVM. Therapeutics used to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome are typically … [Read more...]
Veterinary dermatologists share best practices for diagnosing and treating otitis
The DVM 360 staff asked veterinary dermatologists from coast to coast to give us their best diagnostic and treatment advice for chronic otitis. The result is a clinical consult on various strategic elements for addressing otitis. Source: Veterinary Medicine, March 14, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: We found the recommendations of Darin Dell, DVM, DACVD, about involving the entire … [Read more...]
The business of dogs (infographic)
TruDog created an informative infographic. We highlighted some data that caught our attention: Role in the Family Best Friend: 66% Snuggle Buddy: 59% Guardian: 37% Child: 33% Therapist: 25% Source: TruDog, 2019. Link. 67% of millennials consider their pet their “fur baby” ― and treat them accordingly How Much Is Spent Every Month on Pets? … [Read more...]
Tick removal resources here in time for tick season (includes videos)
Tick season here. Resources are available to help pet owners deal with tick removal and media will cover this topic as spring lets us get outside with our pets, friends and families. These resources about tick removal work well for social media, in-clinic education and e-newsletters. Source: Pets-WebMD. Video: How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet. Link. Video: How … [Read more...]
Discover why dog owners do not use heartworm preventives
Ceva Animal Health US is sponsoring a 1-hour webinar presented by Vetsymposium. The free event features presenters who will discuss why only one fourth of dogs get heartworm prevention. Attendees gets one hour of CE credits and will: Gain an understanding of why owners choose not to give their dogs heartworm preventives from their clients' perspectives. Learn about the … [Read more...]
DVM develops scale to help determine the right time to say goodbye
Alice Villalobos, DVM, is an oncology veterinarian in Hermosa Beach, CA. She has dedicated much of her career to helping pet owners manage end-of-life issues for their pets. In fact, she created an animal hospice program she named “pawspice,” which focuses on extending a pet’s quality of life. To help owners make these tough decisions, Villalobos created a decision tool based … [Read more...]
8 tips for year-round dog paw health
Mother Nature designed dog paws to take a licking and keep on ticking, but they can still get cuts, scrapes, burns and frostbite, writes Marty Becker, DVM. He shares tips for optimal dog paw health year-round. Do a weekly dog paw check Watch out for burrs Do regular dog paw trims Keep dog paws dry Treat painful dog paw cracks Ban the burn Salt on dog paws also … [Read more...]
Labrador retriever most popular dog for 28th year
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) has announced that the loveable Lab remains the most popular breed in the United States. Additionally, AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth consecutive year. The dogs in the top 10 remained the same in positions one through eight. Yorkies and German Shorthaired Pointers flip-flopped their 2017 ranking in 2018. Source: … [Read more...]
Millennials fuel growing market for posh pet items
Millennials are fueling a growing market for luxury pet items as they put raising children on hold or chose to be childless. One example is street-inspired clothing for dogs with price tags that reach $202 each. Millennials are also dropping cash on pricey foods and day care for their pets. Many are treating their pets as if they were kids and devoting a growing share … [Read more...]
New strain of canine distemper virus arrives in North America
The Asia-1 strain of canine distemper virus (CDV), which had never before been reported in North America, most likely entered the continent last fall with a dog rescued from a Korean dog meat farm. Dogs that are already immunized against CDV likely are not at risk from the Asian strain. But if the virus comes into contact with wildlife, it may take a serious toll on … [Read more...]