Recent reports of canine parvovirus (CPV) infections in areas around the country remind us of how prevalent and challenging this virus is in dogs. CPV itself is small and nonenveloped, making it one of the more robust viruses affecting animals. While our industry has been fighting CPV for nearly 50 years, the only way to stop its spread is to vaccinate dogs. Because of its … [Read more...]
Thunder, firecrackers and more loud sounds
Spring storms have been frequent and loud this year in the Midwest. Add graduation celebrations with fireworks and it’s a noise-averse dog’s nightmare. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, shares strategies for managing sound sensitivity in dogs. The information is an excellent reference to share with dog owners frequently. Studies have suggested that nearly 49% of dogs are reported by … [Read more...]
Top 50 pet food companies in the world
This is a compelling look at economic mass in the pet food industry based on 2018 results. The companies listed also have links associated with them. Source: Petfood Industry, May 2019. Link. Also see: Pet market trends, signals from other services, Petfood Industry, May 2019. Link. The increasing use of non-medical pet services extends even to daily dog care needs . . … [Read more...]
Commercial content from AAHA NEWStat
We captured the commercially sponsored content below as featured in AAHA NEWStat for review. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. How do you know which pet supplements are safe?, May 1, 2019. Link. Sponsored by Rx Vitamins Survey reveals good opportunity for veterinarians to include feline MCS assessments, May 1, 2019. Link. Sponsored by Kindred BioSciences BabelBark … [Read more...]
Oh, my aching cat
As cats age, arthritis is a likely challenge. One study showed 90 percent of cats over the age of 12 experience some radiographic signs of arthritis. Young cats can also suffer from this condition. Excess weight and obesity add to the problems. Cailin Heinze, VMD, discusses joint supplementation and indicate glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 fatty acids are widely … [Read more...]
Common skin problems in cats
From allergic dermatitis to rodent ulcers, a variety of skin problems can afflict cats. Janice Huntingford, DVM, reviews the most common ones, along with their causes and treatments. Source: Animal Wellness, July 6, 2018. Link. Regardless of cause, allergic dermatitis frequently manifests as “miliary dermatitis,” which is not a specific disease but rather a disease … [Read more...]
Behaviorist tells how to stop cats from scratching furniture
Marilyn Krieger discusses scratching behaviors of cats and how cat owners can train them to scratch in acceptable places. She reminds us that scratching is natural and instinctive to all felines. They scratch because: Scratching objects is one of the ways cats communicate. Scratching is a displacement behavior After napping, there is nothing as fulfilling as a slow … [Read more...]
Take Fido for a bike ride in his own basket
John Wood offers a look at five bicycle baskets that allow a pet owner to take a smaller dog along for a ride. He says the baskets are safer than a small dog running alongside a rider. Biking enthusiasts will enjoy getting this information via social media or in an e-newletter. Source: All Things Dog, May 13, 2019. Link. Choose properly-sized pet baskets which have: … [Read more...]
Brucella canis confirmed in Iowa commercial breeding facility
Canine brucellosis is considered zoonotic and is highly contagious among dogs. It causes severe reproductive problems. Iowa's State Veterinarian Jeff Kaisand, confirmed several cases of "canine Brucellosis" coming from a commercial small-dog breeding facility in Marion County southeast of Des Moines. When spread to humans, a rare occurrence, B. canis produces flu-like … [Read more...]
Senior pet diets warrant serious conversations
While every dog or cat that enters a veterinary or retail facility needs a pet diet, animal health pros may shy away from a discussion of individual pet diet needs. Especially true as pets age, nutritional recommendations are important at all stages of pets’ lives, but they’re critical as pets age. Animal owners are bombarded with marketing messages about pet diets. They need … [Read more...]
3 top posts in April show diversity of interests by AHD users
Cranky cats, clinic access and dairy consolidation were hot topics last month. Take a look, or re-look, at the three posts that were the most read last month. Finicky feline eaters: born or made? Link. Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care Link. Consolidation continues as nearly 3,000 U.S. dairy farms closed in 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: We’ll look at what … [Read more...]
Watch out for snakes! For you and Fido.
It is that time of year for exciting hikes and nature walks, but remember to watch for snakes. The number-one rule for hiking is for us and our dogs to stay on the trail, experts say. The snakes are waiting in the high grass where they’re harder to see. Rock climbers need to watch where they put their hands, too. Source: NPR Shots, May 12, 2019. Link. Like humans, dogs are … [Read more...]
Promote pet chipping this month
May is National Chip Your Pet Month and an excellent time to turn up attention to the benefits of placing microchips in pets. Once pets are chipped and registered in a national pet recovery database, services like the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool < link > can reference the chip against hundreds of registries’ databases. Pets with microchips are up to 20 times … [Read more...]
Poisonous plants for cattle, horses, dogs, cats
Spring brings a flowery green up but, plants toxic t0 our critters may lurk among the blooms. We compiled some resources for cattle, horses, dogs and cats below. Use them on social media and to solve problems with animal owners. Source: Plants toxic to cats, ASPCA. Link. Source: Plants toxic to dogs, ASPCA. Link. Source: Poisonous plants that can kill cattle, BEEF, … [Read more...]
9 mosquito myths debunked
Jason Cameron and Amy Lawhorne tackle myths about mosquitoes and share ways to help protect you and your family. They share the 7 Ts of mosquito control. Tip Toss Turn Remove Tarps Take care Team up Treat Source: diy Network, link. INSIGHTS: This is good information for social media posts, e-newsletters and websites. Consider sharing it with … [Read more...]
250-plus unrivaled names for dogs
New pet owners might appreciate this set of unique names for dogs. These names include the least-common dog names in the world, creative dog names, and some which are a little exotic that offer an extra specialness that dog owners may find intriguing. Consider this for social media posts, e-newsletters or new pet kits. Source: All Things Dog, May 2, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Jan Pol, DVM on ‘What I Know Now’
At a young 76 years old, Jan Pol is the star of The Incredible Dr. Pol on Nat Geo Wild. The reality show is the channel’s number-one series and is now in its 14th season. Pol shares what he feels all creatures, even humans, need most. Source: AARP The Magazine, April/May 2019. Link. Nat Geo Wild has always been 100 percent dedicated to animals and the people who love them, … [Read more...]
May is National Arthritis Month; remember pets, too
May is recognized annually as National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans, making it the number-one cause of disability in the country. Osteoarthritis is a very common problem in small animals, as well. It has been estimated that around 20 percent of dogs and 40 percent of cats will be affected by osteoarthritis at some point in their … [Read more...]
It’s National Pet Week
Since 1981, National Pet Week® has celebrated the human-animal bond. It encourages pet owners to be certain they provide their best friends with all they need for a happy, healthy life every week of the year. Everyone loves their pets, but not everyone is aware of what their pet needs to be happy and healthy long into their senior years, says the AVMA. It provides tools and … [Read more...]
Formula, cat years x 7 = human years, no longer valid
The timeworn cat age formula no longer holds true, writes Elizabeth Vecsi. A cat celebrating his first birthday is actually the equivalent of a person who is 15 years old, a 10-year-old cat is the equivalent of 56 and a 17-year-old cat is the equivalent of 84. Source: Catnip, April 26, 2019. Link. New Feline Life Stages Guidelines developed jointly by the AAFP and AAHA … [Read more...]
Deal with canine noise phobias
Thunderstorm season is a challenging time for many dogs and their owners. Noise phobia describes the intense and irrational fear displayed to certain sounds by some dogs. Fear is a normal emotional response to a real or perceived threat or situation but they can escalate to a phobia that can emotionally cripple a dog. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS estimates close to 50 percent of dogs … [Read more...]
Fun, easy brain games for dogs help them bond with owners
John Wood provides some great games to help dog owners bond with their dogs. The dog-human social contract is all about our relationship with our dogs. Play builds relationships. Behavior training is important, but so is play. Source: Dogster, April 16, 2019. Link. Playing brain games for dogs can help to alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors such as chewing … [Read more...]
Stevie the pit bull was likely high
Megan Stadler, DVM, and Julien Guillaumin, DVM, DACVECC, DECVECC, present the case of Stevie, a pit bull presented for an emergency examination approximately three hours after the owner noticed an acute onset of lethargic behavior. The owner affirmed that Stevie had the potential for recent marijuana exposure, but there was no way to confirm it. Stevie’s experience is a … [Read more...]
Experts weigh in on pet-safe houseplants
“Even just the fertilizer that the plant sits in can be a problem,” says Stephanie Liff, DVM. Liza Corsillo sought her arborist and educator Ben Team about pet safety with houseplants. She includes specific species and links to resources for acquiring them. This is informative fit for social media and e-newsletters to help educate pet owners. Source: New York Magazine, April … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets becoming part of long-term eldercare
A Google search produces dozens of visiting pet organizations that provide pet therapy visits to elder care facilities. The results are positive and the organizations require visiting pets to be trained for such activities. Ramona Marek reviews a growing trend of allowing seniors to bring their pet from home when they enter a care facility. I’m supportive of fur, feathers … [Read more...]
Keep those mosquitos away
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...]
10 cutest parts of cats
What? Made you look? The Modern Cat team shares its list but also gives you more information on the importance of each of these body parts. Can you guess which of these three is number 1? Socks Teeny tiny teeth Toe beans Source: Modern Cat, April 18, 2019. Link. Also see: Feng Shui for felines, Modern Cat, April 2018. Link. 5 tips to create positive energy in … [Read more...]
Catnip basics, the original feline high (includes videos)
It turns out there are some psychotropic affects going on when your cat gets into the catnip zone, writes Phillip Mlynar. According to science buffs, cats react to catnip after a volatile oil in it called nepetalactone interacts with the nasal tissue. Once the catnip has been engaged, it starts to replicate pheromones that, in turn, switch on feline receptors and make all sorts … [Read more...]
Finicky feline eaters: born or made?
Most finicky cats have likely been trained by impatient, overly concerned owners, according to nutritionists at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Cats in general are happy to eat the same food day after day. . . . just put out the food and let the cat eat or not as he desires. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2019. Link. In some cases, a change in a cat’s diet is … [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...]