Veterinary hospitals are likely seeing a rise in cold weather cases as snow, ice and bitter cold conditions continue. Winter can be hard on our pets. Dr. Laura Playforth shares common challenges that cold weather causes and her top tips for caring for your dogs in cold weather. frostbite on pawsbreathing difficulties from dogs who have short-nosespets injuring themselves … [Read more...]
It’s too cold to go potty!
What do you do when the mercury drops, or the snow is deeper than a dog’s belly? Dog owners need to strongly encourage their dog(s) to potty – actually, insist on it! Nancy Kern shares some ideas for dog owners. Consider sharing these on social media and in e-newsletters. . . . the number of cases of urinary tract infections spikes in winter, when dogs tend to “hold it” for … [Read more...]
Trends in pet food ingredients
Before it becomes kibble, pet food formulators and manufacturers must make ingredient choices and find suppliers to meet the demands of new formulations. Consumers increasingly expect pet foods to be free from additives, have clean labels and be formulated as specialty diets. It is a complex challenge. Source: Pet Food Industry, February 2019, page 12. Link. One aspect of … [Read more...]
Second dog? Yes or No?
Dogs in isolation are not happy, says Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM. She shares three rules for improving the pairing of dogs: Generally speaking, don’t shoot for female-to-female.Activity similarity is more important than breed similarity .Similar age doesn’t matter as much as similar health status. Source: Dogster, February 2019. Link. . . . the new pet does need to be … [Read more...]
Milo goes home
We reported last week about Milo, a coon hound-mix puppy that received corrective surgery for upside down paws at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. Link. Good news comes quickly. Milo went home last Friday! Source: Oklahoma State University, February 1, 2018. Includes video. Link. “With this next phase of treatment, there is much work to do … [Read more...]
Pets, like us, continue to put on pounds
Despite veterinarians’ reports that nearly half the they see are overweight or obese, only 17 percent of their owners acknowledge it. Others may realize it, but don’t see the increased weight as a problem. It is a serious problem, according to pet health insurer Nationwide. It reports that obesity in dogs and cats has risen eight years in a row. Obesity related insurances … [Read more...]
Pet statistics questioned
Pet ownership statistics vary between sources and methodologies. Karin Brulliard and Scott Clement review the challenges and discrepancies in the numbers from several sources. . . . a prominent survey shows a rise in pet ownership, three others suggest stability Source: Washington Post, January 31, 2019. Link. “For me, as an academic, I’m offended by the fact that … [Read more...]
Oral ulceration diagnosis needs proper etiology (slide show)
Jan Bellows, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC, DABVP, provides a comprehensive look at oral ulcers and a diagnostic flow chart to help with diagnosis. As National Pet Dental Health Month helps bring clients to veterinary hospitals, oral abnormalities may be discovered during exams. Oral ulcers have several causes ranging from physical trauma to malignancy and are characterized by a loss of … [Read more...]
Firm dental recommendations nearly tripled compliance
John Jeffreys, RVT, CVPM, < link> took the initiative to adjust how dental recommendations were being presented. By moving from low-pressure suggestions to a more needs-based dialogue, the practice grew dental revenue in a short time. . . . it is our job to educate the client and make a firm recommendation for what their pet needs. Source: DVM 360, January 10, 2019. … [Read more...]
February is National Dental Pet Health Month
It is time again for National Pet Dental Health Month, an annual event AVMA sponsors. The association offers a toolkit to help clinic’s work as effective as possible during the promotion. Source: AVMA. A website to help clients help their pets is here. Link. A website exclusively for AVMA member veterinarians to help clients is here. Link. Make the most of the free tools … [Read more...]
Revenue growth may be wishful thinking – re-post
Editor’s note: Oops! We had the wrong byline on Patrick Malone’s post last week, so we’re re-running it here. Please accept our apologies. According to a recent healthcare survey conducted by TD Bank, 87 percent of veterinarians surveyed expected to grow revenue in the next two years. Given the continuing onslaught on pharmacy revenue from 800 Pet Meds, Chewy and others, I … [Read more...]
Paws down, deformed puppy getting better after surgery
A puppy born with his front paws facing up rather than down is on the mend after surgery at the Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. Source: Associated Press, January 25, 2018. Link. Clary says Milo, apparently part beagle and coon hound, suffered from congenital elbow dislocation. Clary inserted pins into Milo’s elbows to realign the joints … [Read more...]
Help educate clients about tick-borne diseases
The risks of tick-borne infections are worth noting and you don’t need to sell from a zoonotic risk standpoint to get the point across. Both dogs and humans can be sequentially or simultaneously infested with more than one tick species, according to Edward B. Breitschwerdt, DVM. He shares basic information that can help veterinary and retail teams address tick risks … [Read more...]
Stop buying grain-free pet food!
Grain-free dog food, accounted for 44 percent of pet food sold in specialty stores in 2017, according the New York Times. Along with pet foods that are vegan, organic, raw and you name it, consumers continue to increase spending on specialty pet food. However, veterinarians are concerned that grain-free diets pose health risks to dogs, especially if consumed long-term. FDA … [Read more...]
Rethinking osteoarthritis: findings from the 2019 VET Report
Successful management of osteoarthritis (OA) requires a multifaceted approach, according to findings in the 2019 Veterinary Emerging Topics (VET) Report from Banfield Pet Hospital. The report considers 3 areas of concern for pets with OA—weight gain, reduced mobility, and the progress of arthritic changes—and offers veterinarians a means to better manage and treat these … [Read more...]
Lipstick and red rocket sightings
Dr. Eric Barchas has directly and tactfully addressed the issue of male dog arousal. The appearance of a dog’s penis is often disgusting to animal owners. To avoid unnecessary trips to the veterinary clinic, Barchas describes the exception, a condition called paraphimosis where the lipstick is showing for an extended period of time. Source: Dogster, January 17, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Reduce dogs’ cancer risks
Veterinary oncologists say that cancers in humans and in dogs are incredibly similar, in terms of growth and prognosis writes Cynthia Foley. She suggests four ways to lessen the odds of cancer in dogs: Reduce exposure to carcinogensTime spay/neuter surgery appropriately when possibleProvide dogs a healthy lifestyleExamine dogs’ bodies to enable early detection Source: … [Read more...]
Retailers get guidance on dental care
Simplicity is key with oral hygiene, according to industry insiders—and brushless options have become very appealing to pet owners, writes Jen Sotolongo. The low-hanging fruit in the modern dental market for animals is centered on home care options that are alternatives to the long-touted brushing. It is important to start conversations. Note the article does not suggest … [Read more...]
The 10 most important things to teach a puppy
Far too many people don’t have a clue about how to properly raise a puppy, says Pat Miller. She offers a refresher course on important things for puppies to learn. Behavior problems are the number-one reason pets are relinquished. Use this information to help a new puppy owner develop their role with the pup. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 5, 2017. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Raised hackles are not always aggression
Raised hackles (medically called piloerection) do not qualify as a behavior, as they are an involuntary reflex triggered by something that put a dog into a state of arousal, writes Jill Breitner. Pet owners with a new pet may appreciate this article as they get to know their pets’ responses to various stimuli. Consider sharing it in social media posts, e-newsletters and with … [Read more...]
Decade-long jerky pet treat update from FDA
Ten years after the first reports of pet and people illnesses linked to jerky treats, the FDA’s efforts have not established a single cause of pet illnesses linked to jerky pet treats. The investigations revealed several issues resulting in recalls or import alerts for various problems, including: Salmonella contaminationResidues of antibiotic and antiviral … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content from AAHA NEWStat
We’ve captured several helpful posts that recently appeared in the AAHA NEWStat blog as it is easy to miss things during the holiday period. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Five pet insurance strategies to aid clients and grow your practice, AAHA NEWStat, January 1, 2019. Link. Sponsored content provided by Petplan Canine noise aversion and motion sickness: … [Read more...]
Kids with pets early on have reduced allergy risks
Multiple studies have shown that keeping pets when a child is an infant can protect them from developing allergies later in life. Researchers in this trial investigated if there is a dose-dependent association between keeping a cat and dog during the first year of a child’s life and subsequent allergy development. Source: PLOS ONE, December 29, 2018. Link. A dose-response … [Read more...]
List defines when to take dogs to vets ASAP
Jackie Brown shares a few situations that require a vet’s immediate attention. She also gives general guidelines outlining how fast to respond and to ease transport of the injured pet. BleedingBloatBreathing issuesDifficulty walking or standing PoisoningSevere vomiting and/or diarrheaTrauma: broken bones, bite wounds, falls, hit by car Source: Dogster, December 27, 2018. … [Read more...]
Pet obesity on the rise for the 8th consecutive year
Excessive body fat in pets increases the risk of preventable health issues and may shorten the life expectancy of dogs and cats as it does in humans. Retrospective research shows the obesity trend is continuing. Nationwide Insurance searched its database to determine the top 10 conditions where obesity is a factor. (see the table in the article). Source: Feedstuffs, January … [Read more...]
Start yesterday to promote dental month
There’s no question that dental services extend life quality for pets and increase revenue potential for animal health businesses. With the inclusion of home care in the WASAVA Global Dental Guidelines, the dental message has more potential for 2019 National Pet Dental Health Month communications in February. Social media is especially helpful in educating clients because it … [Read more...]
What is it like to be a dog? What do dogs think?
Melissa L. Kauffman provides an interview from the October 2018 Royal Canin Future of Animal Companionship Conference. Alexandra Horowitz and Sarah Heath spoke about the dog’s and cat’s point of view on the world and us. They were also part of the panel discussing the benefits of living with pets. Source: Dogster, December 21, 2018. Link. Speaking to our tendency to … [Read more...]
Crate reasoning
Nancy Kerns shares her experiences with dogs and crates during last year’s California Camp Fire. She further underscores the importance of crate training for all dogs. If for no other reason, teach your dog to be comfortable in a crate for emergencies. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2019. Link. . . . the dogs who obviously had experience in crates were far less … [Read more...]
Still no pet insurance?
The editorial team at Catnip challenges rationales for avoiding pet insurance. Pet health insurance should be a no-brainer Source: Tufts Catnip, January 2019. Link. 100 percent of cats get sick at one point or another, just like people. That’s why we firmly believe that cat owners should seriously consider buying a health insurance policy for their pets. Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet industry spending trends in 2019
Chris Rowland writes about key trends influencing our industry’s annual growth, including increases in pet ownership, the humanization of pets and pet parents demanding premium products and better, quality food. Source: International Business Times, December 28, 2018. Link. The trends indicate growth in the following areas: Innovation to spark new products and … [Read more...]