Prebiotics and probiotics are frequent considerations for multimodal therapies in monogastrics, regardless of species It can be difficult to remain objective about their benefits, but the growing body of work indicates that considering the microbiome will become more prevalent in managing disease risk and potential treatments. We gathered several references for … [Read more...]
Reexamining the early spay-neuter paradigm in dogs
Veterinarians must always be open minded and ready to challenge the status quo when new information challenges how we practice, writes Mark Goldstein, DVM. Goldstein and Michael Petty, DVM, CVPP, CVMA, CCRT, CAAPM, respectfully discuss their disagreements about the medical and societal need for early spays and neuters in America's pets. In the end, it really falls on the … [Read more...]
JAVMA: Defining antimicrobial use; paradigms shifting in behavioral medicine
There’s something for everyone in most issues of JAVMA. We’re highlighting the abstracts of two papers representing changes in our industry. Evidence-based paradigm shifts in veterinary behavioral medicine. LinkThe AVMA's definitions of antimicrobial uses for prevention, control, and treatment of disease. Link. Source: JAVMA, April 1, 2019. Link. Review the table of … [Read more...]
Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban just invested $550,000 in a vegan dog treats company
Vegan pet food brand Wild Earth secured a $550,000 investment from Mark Cuban during a March 18 Shark Tank TV show appearance. He made the investment for two reasons: his belief in technological solutions to modernity’s challenges, and his concerns for environmental sustainability. Ryan Bethencourt, the CEO and co-founder of Wild Earth, said they are prototyping the dog food … [Read more...]
Some anti-vaxxers don’t vaccinate pets, creating danger
Anti-vaccine proponents are increasingly making the same unfounded claims about pets and vaccines they have been repeating about children and vaccines for the past 20 years: that vaccines are unnecessary, dangerous and that they can cause diseases. According a TIME magazine article, the negative attention on vaccines is growing globally. Looking at the circulation demographics, … [Read more...]
USA Today – Obesity in dogs and cats
It is common knowledge have too many overweight cats and dogs; 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs. What is increasing is the percentage of obese pets according to new research from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. In 2018, 18.9 percent of dogs and 33.8 percent of cats were obese compared to 2013 where 16.7 percent of dogs and 27.4 percent of cats … [Read more...]
CAPC initiative aims to spread heartworm awareness, action
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) now offers the Top 10 Cities Heartworm Report, a monthly compilation of the U.S. metropolitan areas that have experienced the highest percent increases in positive heartworm tests that month. The group <link> expects this new report, in conjunction with its monthly parasite forecast maps < link >, will spark conversations in … [Read more...]
Why dogs smell each other’s butts
Butt sniffing is how dogs gather information about each other. It is normal and a necessary ritual that dogs do during greetings, writes Jill Breitner. She describes the 3-second dog greeting rule can keep everyone safe and happy in the event a dog goes overboard in its zeal for getting to know another dog. … [Read more...]
Crates can be a retreat for dogs if used properly
Crates are terrific tools to help manage dogs. Jennifer Messer talks about using them as training tools and for dog comfort. Her article will help pet owners understand how to use a crate with their pet. Consider it for social media posts, e-newsletters and as a resource for new pet owners. Source: Modern Dog, November 2018. Link. If a dog is properly introduced to a … [Read more...]
When a grooming goes bad
Charlotte Means, DVM, helps us understand how opportunistic bacteria can infect hair follicles after grooming pets. Her review includes good reminders about shampoo use, disinfecting equipment and mitigating risk of post-grooming furunculosis. The condition can occur after bathing at home, at professional groomers and at veterinary clinics. Means also provides good … [Read more...]
Time to focus on heartworm
Spring is six days away. With it the mosquito populations will build as will heartworm disease risks for pets. DVM 360 gathered a selection of articles, tips, tools and resources to help renew heartworm knowledge with team members. Consider these resources as you educate dog and cat owners on the importance of year-round heartworm prevention. Source: DVM 360, March 2, 2019. … [Read more...]
Pet nutrition important conversation starter AVMA survey says
Eighty two percent of veterinarians responding to a recent survey from the American Veterinary Medical Association, said said, “all the time,” in response to the question, “How often do you start conversations with clients about pet nutrition?” It’s a hot topic. When asked if pet owners inquire more about pet food than in the past, 48 percent of the responding veterinarians … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from AAHA Red and AAHA NEWStat
Here is actionable, sponsored content from recent issues of NEWStat and Red you’ll find helpful: Cats take enough risks on their own. Why add adjuvanted vaccines to the list? January 21, 2019. Link. Content provided by Boehringer Ingelheim. Pet insurance 101 for veterinary hospital teams, December 21, 2018. Link. Content offered by Petplan. The itchy dog: short … [Read more...]
Dogs and their owners tend to act alike, including anxiousness
Whether through conscious training or day to day interactions, humans shape dog behavior—and they change as we change. "Our lifestyle changes trickle down," says William J. Chopik, a social psychologist at Michigan State University. He led a recent study that found that dogs resemble their owners in an entirely different way: their personalities tend to be similar. Source: … [Read more...]
Top 10 animal ailments exacerbated by obesity
To create a clear picture of how obesity affects a cat’s or dog’s overall health, Nationwide Pet Insurance analyzed its database of more than 700,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 medical conditions related to or made worse by obesity. Source: American Veterinarian, January 3, 2019. Link. The top 10 conditions related to obesity are: Most Common Dog Obesity-Related … [Read more...]
Dog with epilepsy? Ask about supplements!
Many dog owners add dietary supplements to their epileptic pet’s diet without consulting a veterinarian. Erin Y. Akin, DVM, DACVIM, shares information excerpted from a recent study on supplement use by owners of epileptic dogs. . . . less than one-fifth of owners sought advice from a clinician . . . clinicians need to actively engage with owners in discussion about epilepsy … [Read more...]
FDA investigating potential link between certain diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy
Updating a collaboration that began in July 2018, the FDA believes that the potential association between diet and DCM in dogs is a complex scientific issue that may involve multiple factors. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) will continue to investigate this potential association of … [Read more...]
NEW – 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
Created with the goals of decreasing oral pain and improving the quality of life for companion animals, the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats help veterinary practitioners expand upon their current client education efforts. This will help pet owners better understand that periodontal disease can be prevented through regular dental examinations and proper home … [Read more...]
Signs of cancer in dogs vary greatly
Veterinary oncologist Dr. Stacy Binstock’s estimate of 25%-33% of dogs developing cancer at some point in their lives is sobering. Cancer is the number one cause of death in older dogs. Catherine Ashe, DVM, reminds us that annual or semi-annual exams are more than vaccine appointments. The physical exam is the most important function and helps identify any symptoms that might … [Read more...]
A forward look at pet grooming
Jennifer Higgins review trends, products and companies involved with changing the pet grooming industry. According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), “The pet grooming market has been segmented by product type into conditioners and shampoos, scissors and clippers, and combs and brushes.” We also noted the references to occupational safety. The grooming industry … [Read more...]
More pets than ever now travelling with owners who spend lots of money
For pet owners who travel, there are two choices regarding their pets: take them along or board them. Michael Goldstein shares information about advancing services from airlines and the impacts on the grooming and boarding business estimated at $6 billion in 2017. Source: Forbes, February 22, 2019. Link. Both the airline “carry or ship” pet transport business, and that … [Read more...]
Scottish terrier placed on at watch list
The Kennel Club has officially marked Scottish terriers at risk of disappearing. Last year an all-time low of 438 Scottish terrier pups were registered with the dog breeds organization, a decline of 38 per cent over the last five years. Source: iNEws, February 24, 2019. Link. There are now a record-breaking 29 native vulnerable breeds and nine that are at watch, which … [Read more...]
Do dogs get headaches?
Giz Asks reached out to experts in canine medicine and behavior to find out. There was not general agreement on the answer, but it appears that a majority of the five DVMs interviewed believe dogs can get headaches. Source: GIZMODO, February 25, 2019. Link. Dogs with brain tumors tend to push their head against walls and furniture as though their head hurts, and anti- … [Read more...]
DVMs called to action to reduce breeding of brachycephalic dogs
Paul McGreevy, PhD, and Anne Fawcett issue a challenge to the veterinary community’s role in reducing or preventing any negative health impacts of disorders in animals. They utilize brachycephalic or short-skulled dogs as their examples which include French bulldogs, pugs, British bulldogs, Boston terriers, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. . . . given what we know, we’re … [Read more...]
Opinion – Chewing on topics for AHD
We often rely upon categories that represent frequent visits to veterinarians <link> to choose articles for you. We also review material about animals’ behavorial challenges. Here we share a selection of articles that come from media that target dog owners. These initially may not seem important to animal health pros. However, they are consistent with the top reasons for … [Read more...]
Smarter snacks and treats
Consumers are seeking treats that are palatable to their pets and provide wholesome, natural nutrition at a good price, writes Keith Loria. He reviews trends, challenges and options in the retail treat marketplace. Source: Pet Product News, February 2019, page 40. Link. Loria reviews trends including superfoods, increased protein options and price sensitivity using … [Read more...]
Help clients offer diets for pets’ life stages
Deborah E. Linder, DVM, DACVN, Tufts University, recommends veterinarians study established guidelines and give clients clear direction in selecting the appropriate pet food at each life stage. Source: Clinician’s Brief, January 2017. Link. A careful discussion of BCS, life stage, medical conditions, and AAFCO nutrient adequacy statements can better guide owners in … [Read more...]
Talking money, a team opportunity
Brendan Howard put some good thought to using Naomi Strollo’s assertions on talking money with clients. By making the topic a team challenge, there’s an excellent chance team members will be more likely to be more effective at presenting options to animal owners. Source: FIRSTLINE, January 30, 2019. Link. . . . reflect, discuss and get greater clarity and open … [Read more...]
There’s no such thing as a universal periodontal procedure fee
Barden Greenfield, DVM, DAVDC, cautions veterinary teams about the variability of dental procedures, client consent forms and client accessibility to approve of variations from a periodontal exam and treatment plan. 80 percent of all dogs and cats over the age of 3 years have some form of periodontal disease. Therefore, the initial treatment plan for an oral procedure is … [Read more...]
Separation anxiety study reveals benefits of petting
Like kissing your significant other or children goodbye as you leave for work, dogs respond positively to last minute petting before being separated from their owners. . . . after gentle petting, they were calmer during their owners’ absence, with lower heart rates afterward. Source: Dogster, January 28, 2019. Link. Findings from a pilot study published in the Journal of … [Read more...]