While animal health pros may discuss the same topic multiple times daily, individual animal owners may only hear about the risks from mosquitoes, fleas and ticks once or twice a year and ignore the topic in their online streams or feeds. Dana Kneese, DVM, reminds us that animal owners need to know the types of ticks and what diseases they carry and understand the basics of … [Read more...]
Peanut butter. Good for dogs or not?
Most experts agree that peanut butter is safe for most dogs in moderation. Jennifer Lesser shares facts on why moderation is warranted. Considering that myriad brands now exist, she shares the importance of reading labels and, whenever possible, avoiding ingredients like sugar or corn syrup, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or other potentially harmful preservatives. Also, … [Read more...]
Brush, don’t shave to keep animals comfortable during heat waves
Speaking with NPR, Sandra Faeh, DVM, comments about the practice of shaving pets during hot summer days. Shaving their fur does not help. Their fur makes them comfortable and protects them from sunburn. Brushing dogs removes the hair that they would have shed so that they have their normal coat which makes them so much more comfortable.” Source: NPR, July 10, 2024. … [Read more...]
Addressing common nutrition misperceptions
Discussing pet diets is fraught with challenges created by common myths, misconceptions and marketing jargon. These include an excessive focus on the concept of natural ingredients, the effects of processing on pet food and the assumption that cost directly represents quality. Ultimately, the cornerstones of feeding pets are safety and nutritional balance, and these concepts … [Read more...]
Updated fluid therapy guidelines from AAHA
The new 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, provides a detailed refresher on the basic principles of fluid therapy while also guiding veterinary professionals through common fluid therapy scenarios and empowers an animal-specific, individualized approach. . . . if a practice doesn’t approach fluids as a drug prescription that necessitates accurate … [Read more...]
How hot is too hot?
This picture of a sidewalk sign is important. Although we posted about temperature risks on May 24th <Link>, the sign is a good reminder as were the number of dogs being walked in 90o F temps last week. Summertime warnings need to be repeated over and over.” Also see: Search results for: dog heat stroke, AHD archives. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 8, 2024
Mars courting next-gen high-spending pet owners, future of flying with pets, email marketing myths, shifts in big life priorities, views of website written content averages 5.59 seconds, and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 8, 2024. Link. . . . websites are not just selling products or services . . . they’re guiding users on a journey, and every step along the way … [Read more...]
Shelter dogs do better with a well-matched roommate
Newly published research from Virginia Tech showed companiable dogs housed together showed fewer signs of stress and were adopted more quickly than dogs housed by themselves. . . . social isolation can work against dogs’ behavioral health and adoptability.” - Erica Feuerbacher, PhD Source: Virginia Tech News, June 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Pairing dogs that can get along … [Read more...]
Global Alliance for Rabies Control launches Dog Welfare Certificate course
GARC’s new Dog Welfare Certificate course is designed to provide essential knowledge for anyone involved or interested in canine care. Free and self-paced, the course offers foundational knowledge crucial for anyone looking to care for a dog whether it is their own, or a dog in the community. Source: Global Alliance for Rabies Control, June 23,2024. Link. The course is … [Read more...]
BARK hopes for industry-wide adoption of its Dog Toy Safety Standards (video)
There are more than 40 safety standards for various children’s products in the U.S. alone, yet there are zero safety standards for dog products. Bark’s safety lab has been testing since 2022 and developing standards to ensure toys are safe as demonstrated in the video. The company plans to publicly share its safety protocols, encouraging industry-wide adoption to ensure the … [Read more...]
Wild Thang is officially the world’s ugliest dog
It took him five tries, but Wild Thang was named winner of the World Ugliest Dog competition last week during the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California. He and his owner, Ann Lewis, will get $5,000 and an appearance on the Today show. Source: BBC, June 22. Link. (video, 1:00 minute) … [Read more...]
7 ways to set an effective puppy schedule
Sharing advice for new puppy owners, the author urges them to set a schedule for their puppies and be patient and consistent about following it. This is good to share via social media, newsletters and in new puppy kits. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: For puppies that attend daycare, pet owners should mirror the daycare schedule at home as much as possible. … [Read more...]
Iowa Great Dane, world’s tallest dog has passed away (video)
Measuring 3’, 2” from his feet to his withers and almost 7’ when he’s on his hind legs, Kevin was crowned the world’s tallest dog by Guinness World Records. The original story includes a fun video link from X. Sadly, Kevin passed away shortly after the receiving the tallest dog designation. Guinness World Records said Kevin, a Great Dane, became ill and underwent an unplanned … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet to implement Healthy Pet-keeping Seal program at Best Friends Fur Ever
Complimentary Commercial Content Elevating the standards of pet care facilities and bridging the gap between pet care and veterinary care is core objective of the Healthy Pet-keeping Seal program, shared Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, last October <Link>. Best Friends Fur Ever recognizes the opportunities of implementing an industry-leading initiative … [Read more...]
Reminder: Salmonella outbreaks associated with pig ear dog chews
Tim Wall shares the outcomes of research on Salmonella cases related to pig ear dog chews from 2015 to 2019. While retrospective, the article and results serve as a reminder to animal health pros and pet owners who choose pig ears as treats. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 21, 2024. Link. Also see: Are pig ears safe? Canine Journal, November 2, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
RSPCA urges animal lovers to reject the rising trend of puppy yoga
Puppy yoga involves litters of puppies being brought into human yoga classes. Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare expert, asserts that puppy yoga may be cute, but especially young puppies can be overwhelmed and frightened causing a detrimental effect on their welfare. Source: Pets Mag, June 20, 2024. Link. Puppy yoga was recently banned in Italy and it will soon be outlawed in … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 24, 2024
CDC to implement new rules for any dogs entering U.S., leveraging pet trends, RedRover enables pets in homeless shelters, keeping local listings current, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to hold buy now - pay later programs to the same consumer protection standards as credit card companies and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 24, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Exploring holistic care remedies and therapies for common dog ailments
If for no other reason than to answer animal owner inquiries, we recommend veterinary teams review the information in the article linked below. Anderson Cox covers acupuncture to essential oils and more. Exploring natural remedies and therapies for common dog ailments is not a trend, rather a shift towards a more balanced, whole approach to canine health, Cox says. He … [Read more...]
NAVC and MFA seek to chart new course, define future animal health and pet care
The North American Veterinary Community and the Michelson Found Animals Foundation announced a partnership that will engage industry leaders and visionaries within and outside of the animal health and pet care sectors to define the future of animal health and wellbeing. The first event will form under the Compass brand and bring together industry leaders and mavericks from … [Read more...]
Adopt a Pet, Zoetis announce 1st round of 2024 Shelter Grant recipients
Adopt a Pet and Zoetis have named the inaugural group of animal welfare organizations selected as recipients of the 2024 Zoetis petcare product grant. Each grant recipient will receive flea, tick, and heartworm disease prevention for cats and dogs, along with core vaccines and antibiotics needed to support healthy shelter pets in their care. Source: Zoetis, June 5, … [Read more...]
10 tips to keep your dog calm during fireworks
Independence Day celebrations will be here soon. As usual, some will start early and run late. The American Kennel Club offers 10 tips to calm dogs in this video with Kathy Santo, master trainer. Source: American Kennel Club, May 22, 2024. Link. (Includes video) Here are three of 10 expert-approved tips to keep dogs safe during fireworks and other loud situations. Keep … [Read more...]
Human-animal bond: Dolly Parton on Captain Kangaroo (reel)
Animal health pros promote and witness the human-animal bond as part of daily life. We’re sharing a link to a reel highlighting that the human-animal bond was being celebrated 48 years ago. In a 1976 appearance on TV’s Captain Kangaroo Dolly Parton sang a song she wrote about her dog, Cracker Jack. Enjoy! Source: Our American Stories with Lee Habeeb, Facebook. Link. … [Read more...]
Raw dog food, the big questions
Includes Commercial References Questions mount as the popularity of raw diets grows. Andrew Dickens posed some key questions to We Feed Raw’s Amy Zalneraitis. The article reveals how perception, processing and handling affect the quality and safety of commercially produced raw diets. Source: Dog Food Advisor, February 23, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Summer temperatures … [Read more...]
Best life jackets, vests for dogs
Includes Commercial Content Water safety experts recommend owners who take their dogs near water or boating invest in a dog life jacket to ensure buoyancy for those that swim and for those that don’t. The authors review top-ranked canine floatation devices. Source: AKC Retrievist. Link. Photo by Matt Seymour on Unsplash … [Read more...]
6 foods we eat that can kill dogs
Big John turned his back away from the grill’s side table briefly to answer a question from a guest. In a flash, the guest’s dog went grill-surfing, grabbing a sizeable chunk of garlic-infused and onion powder-dressed roast. Now, a nice dinner was missing, and there was a chance the dog might get ill. Despite those big brown begging eyes, we have to be careful with these six … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 17, 2024
Fusing science and affection*, motion needed in websites, engagement culture, 82 percent of HR pros believe pets help mental health, connecting brand and demand**, and more. * Scritches used in this context refers to a scratching motion versus a harsh sound. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 17, 2024. Link. Note the NEW IBPSA Master Business Academy, a cutting-edge program … [Read more...]
June heat wave enveloping the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
A hot day or two is normal, but the National Weather Service says a near-record strong heat dome will bring record-breaking high temperatures and sultry, uncomfortable nights during the next two weeks. The inherent risks to people are no surprise especially when temperatures remain high during the night. For animal health pros, reminding animal owners to keep their animals … [Read more...]
Clear The Shelters celebrates 10 years
Celebrating 10 years and more than one million adoptions, Clear the Shelters is recruiting veterinary clinic participation to fulfill its mission. Sign up to receive a supporter kit including access to the social media toolbox and improve pet adoption. Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Link. … [Read more...]
Did we really need another dog breed?
Viki Spencer decided to develop a new dog breed that combines the stunning appearance of a wolf with the temperament of a loving and mellow family dog. After years of selective breeding she has developed the American Blue Bay shepherd. Source: Pet Guide, October 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: One might postulate the next iteration could be a Blue Bay Doodle. … [Read more...]
CVT shares how she advocates for pet insurance including her own experiences (part 3)
Sponsored Content Certified veterinary technician Sarah Walsh is a strong advocate for pet insurance at Wignall Animal Hospital in Belvidere, Vermont. Her experiences with her own animals reinforce the benefits pet owners can expect when insuring their pets against illness, accidents and disease. Summarizing, Walsh shares these simple points: Why ASPCA® Pet Health … [Read more...]