An Award of Merit at the 143rd Westminster Dog Show was a stage for Booker T. to make a difference in the lives of children, specifically by supporting reading and learning. Enjoy the coverage of this pug and his role in education. Source: University of West Georgia, June 10, 2019. Link. “Booker offers a nonjudgmental environment for kids to practice reading,” said Meghen … [Read more...]
Prison dogs do good
America’s largest maximum-security prison is in Angola, Louisiana. Dogs have always been here. They sniff for drugs, search for escapees and provide support to the sick and elderly. Two years ago, Major Keavin Tanner and his wife, Master Sgt. Sarah Tanner, created the Prisoners Assisting Warrior Services program (PAWS), a volunteer program that trains service dogs for veterans. … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs can give you a disease
Marchelle Chastain says, “. . . in our interaction with our dogs, we tend to forget that these lovely pets can be the first cause of many diseases that we can catch.” This is a good reminder to share on social media, blogs and in e-newsletters. He lists 7 diseases dogs can give to humans: Sarcoptic mange Salmonella Ringworm Rabies Tapeworms Leptospirosis … [Read more...]
A guide to dog muzzles
If an owner is relying on a dog muzzle in the absence of any other training – they are failing. These devices are not magic, they will not solve a behavioral problem and they aren’t a cop-out for a poorly trained dog. They simply limit damage while you rehabilitate your dog, says John Woods. He adds muzzles can be brilliant for reactive dogs, as they can help to: Limit … [Read more...]
Overexcitement may be addictive to dogs
The adrenalin rush dogs get when excited can be addictive, shares Trish King. She says the epinephrine responses are good for animals in the wild, where an action not taken lead to death. But, it’s not always so useful in our world. Animal owners with dogs who get overly excited can gain one or two tips from this article. Share it on social media, websites, in blogs or … [Read more...]
Your dog feels your stress
It is proven that dogs and their owners can experience the same emotions and stress levels, especially during highly stressful or exciting activities such as competitions or police work. A new study suggests dogs may be highly sensitive to our stress. Source: NPR Shots, June 6, 2019. Link. “It was the owner’s personality that influenced the dog’s hair cortisol level, rather … [Read more...]
Study explores DVM attitudes regarding euthanasia
Patricia Wuest summarizes a recent study that found 69 percent of veterinarian respondents said they had felt moderate to severe distress about not being able to give animals what they thought was the right care. Almost two-thirds were bothered by inappropriate requests for euthanasia. The study exposes animal health pros to the challenges of being the point of service for … [Read more...]
Animal hoarding caused by multiple issues
Kirk Miller, DVM, helps us understand the issues around hoarding beyond those of the long-established crazy cat lady. He says what classifies a person as a hoarder isn’t a particular number of animals, rather it’s whether or not those animals are provided with sufficient care. Miller explains three types of hoarders and potential intervention approaches. The overwhelmed … [Read more...]
Tick, tick, tick . . . TICK!
The range of ticks is expanding, more diseases spread by ticks are being identified, and new species are being introduced to the U.S. by global trade and travel, writes Judy Stone. The expansion of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases appears related to two major factors: a) climate change and, b) forest fragmentation. Humans and animals are challenged. Source: Forbes, May 29, … [Read more...]
Porcupines can cause prickly problems for cows, horses
Heather Smith Thomas shares information about porcupines, discusses various quill removal myths and reveals the challenges of removing quills from cattle and horses. The best way to remove quills is to immobilize the animal while the quills are pulled out with needle-nosed pliers. A straight, quick jerk works best. - Robert Cope, DVM Source: Countryside Magazine, June 2, … [Read more...]
Rabbits, herbs and gastro-intestinal stasis
Brittany May focuses on four garden herbs rabbits may encounter and the rabbits' delicate and unique digestive system. The best food for rabbits is high-quality pellets, hay, vegetables and herbs. Source: Countryside Magazine, February 13, 2019. Link. . . . if you notice your rabbit acting like he is in pain, lethargic, or not eating and drinking, or notice a change in his … [Read more...]
9 ways to tell if a cat is in pain
Cats are instinctively driven to hide suffering, so it can be hard to tell when they're in pain writes JaneA Kelley. She lists subtle signs to help identify a sick cat. The article is good for social media posts and e-newsletters. Source: Catster, May 22, 2019. Link. Kelly lists these 9 common signs of a sick cat: A sick cat may exhibit changes in behavior … [Read more...]
New York bans cat declawing
New York lawmakers passed a ban on cat declawing this week, making the state the first to outlaw the procedure if Governor Andrew Cuomo signs it into law. Despite opposition from some groups, including the New York Veterinary Medical Society, the bill sailed to approval. Source: New York Times, June 5, 2019. Link. New York State joins several cities in banning declawing, … [Read more...]
Discover more urinary tract stones with these tips (includes image slides)
Positive and negative contrast studies can provide additional, often valuable, information to aid in diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. Daniel VanderHart, DVM, DACVR, leaves no stone unturned as he discusses the various types of calculi and the use of radiography and ultrasonography. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Link. Radiography and ultrasonography … [Read more...]
Reverse sneezing in dogs can signal a problem
Writer Elizabeth Vecsi says reverse sneezing isn’t really sneezing. Officially termed pharyngeal gag reflex or paroxysmal respiration, reverse sneezing in dogs is a condition where a dog will extend his neck and begin making gasping sounds as though she can’t catch her breath. Seeing a dog honk, snort or gasp for breath is alarming for dog owners. Source: Dogster, May 23, … [Read more...]
3 considerations before adding a second dog
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, believes that dogs in general are happier with other dogs. It is hard on social creatures not to live with their co-species members, she says. . . . you can be reasonably sure when bringing home a second dog that your first dog will be better off for the company but never certain just how well it’s going to work . . . Source: Tufts, Your Dog, March … [Read more...]
Dog ownership likely influenced by genetics
A recent Swedish twin study provides evidences of a strong genetic component to dog ownership. The results fit with feelings many have that loving dogs is an intrinsic part of who we are. Heritability for dog ownership ranged from 57 percent for females and 51 percent for males. A shared environment accounted for much less; in the range of 0 to 6 percent. Source: Bark, May … [Read more...]
Blood-sucking ‘kissing bugs’ cause Chagas disease
If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina or Tennessee it’s important to understand Chagas disease. Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, shares information on disease symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. In dogs, the primary area to be infected is the heart, but sometimes the nervous system is also involved. The trypanosomes cause a high level of … [Read more...]
Dogs need vets to manage arthritis
Veterinarian Kathryn Primm reminds us that May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. It is a perfect time to be aware of the subtle signs pets who might be in pain from conditions such as arthritis provide and to seek veterinary help when necessary. The article is worthy of posting on social media or in e-newsletters. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, May 6, 2019. Link. If … [Read more...]
Keep dog paws healthy
Christine Caplan, CVT, reviews the various aspects of dog paw health. She says foot problems can be as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for us. Caplan provides this list of common problems and conditions: Allergies Seasonal hazards Cuts, abrasions, lacerations Nail problems Cracked or dry pads Growths Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, May 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Man’s best friend ready to help with summer chores
Caution! These pics will make you smile. Summer may seem late, but it will get here soon. It’s likely a dog will be along for the ride. Farm Journal’s Sonja Begemann compiled a fun set of dog photos working farms and checking cattle. Source: AgWeb, May 28, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: This may provide inspiration for a local clinic photo contest featuring the best farm and ranch … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs act as sentinels to human risk for Lyme disease
New research from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) quantifies the association between canine seroprevalence for the disease-causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, and human incidence of Lyme disease, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the U.S. The overall association shows that human incidence increases as dog seroprevalence increases. Source: Infection … [Read more...]
Why cats bite
They can be lying there purring, docile and without warning, cats sometimes start biting. Cat behavior expert Dusty Rainbolt shares a few reasons why cats bite: Health problems and pain Aggressive play Defense and offense Love bites and petting If the ears go back and the tail starts moving, stop petting the cat. – Dusty Rainbolt Source: Catster, May 21, 2019. … [Read more...]
Pet food smell important for pets and pet owners (includes video)
Diana Pet Food’s Chloe’ Champion and Perrine Delime share the challenges of satisfying both pet palates and owners’ noses when developing pet diets. . . . pet food must smell great to both the pet and the owner Source: Appetizer, May 12, 2018. Link. Data from an online consumer survey showed 25 percent of respondents said that pet food odor was a very important criterion … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Pet Anxiety Awareness Campaign kicks off June 2nd
Kristen Levine began a campaign three years ago to raise awareness about the need to recognize the symptoms of fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) in dogs and cats. She wants to encourage pet parents to speak to their veterinarians about how to get their pets relief. An estimated 50% of dogs and cats suffer from FAS Source: Cision, May 21, 2019. Link. Each week in June one of the … [Read more...]
AAFP releases diabetes educational toolkit
Effective management and treatment of feline diabetes is based on a combination of patient goals, finances, implementation of a treatment plan and the patient’s response. A strong partnership between the veterinarian and the cat caregiver is key to achieve optimal results. To help veterinarians and cat owners better understand and manage diabetic cats, the AAFP has released … [Read more...]
Top 3 most common pet insurance claims from 5 providers
ASPCA Pet Insurance, Embrace, Nationwide, Pets Best and Trupanion shared their top three most common claims of 2018 with Veterinary Economics. For veterinary teams, these lists represent opportunities for discussion and consensus around treatment, products and preparations. Salespersons can use these lists as a backdrop for pre-call planning and product … [Read more...]
If you are approached by a service dog without its owner, it may need your help
Ashley Brewer shares what to do if a service dog approaches you without its owner. In all likelihood, the owner needs help. Share this article using social media, e-newsletters and texts. Knowing how to engage the animal to help you find its owner is important because it is different than how we’ve been trained. Source: Animal Planet, May 9, 2019. Link. . . . any verbal cue … [Read more...]
50 ways dogs communicate with their people
The position your dog sleeps in means something, writes Inno Asuncion. He shares 50 more common dog behaviors explained in human terms. This is fun to share on social media, in e-newsletters or as part of a follow-up message after initial clinic or retail visits. Source: Animal Planet, August 21, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Lifetime value of clients helps determine marketing spend
What is the most you can spend to acquire a new client for your veterinary practice and still be profitable? If you do not know, you're not alone. I developed a formula that helps determine what you can afford to pay to gain a new client based on its lifetime value of to your practice. Calculate your number to eliminate any marketing efforts that aren't profitable. Source: … [Read more...]