Bringing agricultural products across the U.S. border without properly identifying them is illegal. It is one of the greatest threats to U.S. efforts to stop the spread of foreign animal diseases (FADs) from entering the U.S. Beagles are the breed of choice for the agriculture mission due to their non-threatening appearance and kind nature, as well as their high drive for … [Read more...]
People foods OK for cats and dogs
Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott collaborated to write two articles about which people foods are okay for cats and dogs. Share these on social media, websites and in e-newsletters. Source: Modern Cat and Modern Dog, October 2018. Links below: 11 people foods for cats. Link. Get snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for cats. 10 people foods for dogs. … [Read more...]
Opinion – Killer dog article misses a great story
The Dog, as he was known around West Valley, Utah, was a German shepherd mix that had no owner. He roamed the town’s streets for years. But he changed. At first, he killed chickens. He then killed goat at Roots Charter High school. Link. Then sheep. More chickens. Then pigs. 40 animals in all. All animals that belonged to Roots students. It appears none of the animals were … [Read more...]
Future is bright for veterinary technicians
There are plenty of doors waiting for you to open and explore, writes Ann K. Johnson, LVT. about opportunities for veterinary technicians. We agree! Veterinary medicine changes every day. Some days by leaps and bounds … others by micro-steps. There’s a place for veterinary technicians within all of these changes. Source: FIRSTLINE, June 2017. Link. Many technicians start out … [Read more...]
Coaching for people who want to work with animals
Before you brush someone off about the challenges of becoming a veterinarian, share this article with them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain positions in the veterinary field are growing quickly. There are a variety of employment opportunities within the veterinary profession that do not require you to become an actual veterinarian. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, … [Read more...]
Be choosy about dog chews
Dog owners are constantly searching for safe chew items that satisfy their dogs’ instincts, keep their homes and possessions safe, and last longer than five minutes. That can be a tough order, especially with big dogs. The number of chew choices today are mind boggling—and not all of them are safe Source: Dogster, June 6, 2018. Link. There are no 100 percent totally safe dog … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from AAHA Red, AAHA NEWStat
We’re sharing sponsored content from recent AAHA Red and AAHA NEWStat issues, two media offerings available from AAHA Press, the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Stress less with the needle-less Bordetella protection, AAHA Red, October 22, 2018. Link. Forty percent of cat owners find veterinary visits personally stressful, AAHA Red, … [Read more...]
Muzzle is not a dirty word
Muzzles are one of the more effective safety tools veterinary teams use. Dr. Michael Miller shares his ideas about muzzling and dealing with clients whose dogs can benefit from muzzling. Source: DRANDYROARK, October 31, 2018. Link. . . . some people think when we muzzle a dog, it’s cruel. It’s not. It’s a matter of safety. We all love animals and love the patients we work … [Read more...]
Assertively address the issue of fat cats
Felines are faring worse than their canine counterparts, with more than a 169 percent increase in overweight cats over the past 10 years, writes Rachel Beck, referencing 2016 Banfield data. She provides a body score card, tips and tricks for talking with cat owners about their cat’s weight. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2018. Link. Prevention, demonstration, … [Read more...]
Know what to expect when a cat is expecting
Whether it’s a deliberate mating or an accidental encounter, a cat guardian needs to know what to expect when their cat’s expecting. Mother Nature dictates the kittens will put in an appearance once they’re ready and not before, usually in 63 to 68 days. Cat-owning clients will appreciate this week-by-week view of feline pregnancy. Consider it for social media posts, … [Read more...]
Winterize for pet safety
Falling leaves remind us that winter is coming. Krista Carothers shares tips from veterinarians to help keep pets safe as the temperature drops: Limit their time outside Know when winter gear is necessary Monitor working and older dogs Don’t assume your outdoor cat can cope in the cold Make sure indoor cats stay indoors Prepare your pooch for long hikes … [Read more...]
47,000 ticks on a moose and that’s an average
According to Dr. Peter J. Pekins’ research, warmer winter months increase the ability of ticks to acquire a moose host and survive winter months. While large numbers of ticks aren’t great for adult moose, they’re especially bad for moose calves, which can die from the onslaught. Source: New York Times, October 18, 2018. Link. The abundance of moose enables the ticks to … [Read more...]
Philosophy professor questions ethics of some pet spending
Sandra Woien, philosophy lecturer at Arizona State University, speaks out on elements of the millions of dollars spent on pets. Citing the philosophy of effective altruism, she suggests if the money spent of pets was instead donated to a good cause, more good or utility could be produced. According to one estimate, about $440 million of pet spending in the U.S. was on … [Read more...]
Read what fall vegetables are good for dogs
Melvin Peña reviews common fall vegetables and discusses their value and potential side effects when dogs eat them. Consider using this article in social media posts and seasonal e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, October 3, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
November JAVMA
The research continues. This issue of JAVMA includes a commentary on engaging a veterinary behaviorist to help pets with behavior problems early instead of as a last resort: Veterinary behaviorists should be the first, not the last, resort for optimal patient care, Link. Asking clients about behavior problems during appointments can be difficult for veterinarians. . . … [Read more...]
Progress made toward Valley fever vaccine
Mazen Animal Health has developed he first Valley fever sub-unit vaccine for companion animals. It reduces the burden of Coccidioides, the fungus that can cause valley fever. The fungal infection leads to disease in humans, cats, dogs, llamas and alpacas and is costly to treat. In fact, it is estimated that Valley fever costs Arizona dog owners $60 million per year. Source: … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Do pets have parents, guardians, owners?
Does it matter what we call ourselves and our pets? What are the implications? Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, analyzes the nomenclature, legal implications and nuances of our role with pets. No matter the label, every pet deserves to be as free as possible from: Discomfort and exposure Fear and distress Hunger and thirst Illness, disease, and pain Inability … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
8 tips to determine trustworthy cat nutrition sites
The team at Catnip delivers common sense about feline nutrition websites and feline sites. They suggest eight questions to use to determine if a site is reputable and its information legitimate. They have also generated a list of the best of the best websites for nutrition information. <link> Source: Catnip, October 2018. Link. If the evidence on a site is presented … [Read more...]
Natural cat litters are gaining popularity
Among product segments that retailers dominate, the $3 billion litter category is projected to grow theee percent over the next five years. Clay litter sales remain strong, but new litters made from corn, grasses, coconut, hemp and even lavender are making their way into a growing natural, ecofriendly list of litter options. . . . consumers are leaning toward a natural litter, … [Read more...]
Talking about dogs and dreams
Like humans, dogs dream. Dog dreams likely summarize the day’s events and allow dogs the opportunity to process what they learn. I don’t think anyone can say for sure what dogs dream about but we can be fairly certain that they do dream,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. Source: Dogster, September 18, 2018. Link. What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things,” … [Read more...]
Opinion – Your smartphone obsession may make your dog sad
I recently noticed a change in our Morkie’s behavior when I turn to my cell phone to monitor emails, texts or see what’s going on with LinkedIn or Twitter. Once I do, the dog allows about 30 to 45 minutes before deciding if it’s time to play, pet or seek attention. I’m not alone. Cheyenne Macdonald reviews growing amounts information that dogs are especially hurt by owners’ … [Read more...]
Pheromones and household cat aggression
Targeting multicat households in the midwestern U.S., researchers recently examined the use of synthetic feline-appeasing pheromone (FAP*; Feliway Friends*) for its effect on intercat aggression in multicat households. Take-home Message - For households with established intercat aggression issues, FAP treatment correlated with significantly reduced aggression within 21 days of … [Read more...]
Install an off switch to dogs’ playtime
Pat Miller shares her experiences with an overly energetic dog and the benefits of teaching the off switch. She explains how to install a cue like “all done” to indicate its time to stop or change focus. Training humans to ignore your dog’s attempts to get them to play fetch might be the hardest part of this! Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 2017. Link. . . . All done!” … [Read more...]
Animal health pro finds out the hard way that pet insurance works
Animal health pro Mark Niblo was on the fence about committing to pet insurance for his new dog, Storm. No so, anymore. He shares Storm’s journey and tallies the costs without insurance. Now insured, Storm is covered for another incident of this kind anytime in the next five years. If only I would have had it earlier! Source: Durvet, September 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Mark’s … [Read more...]
AAHA welcomes 12 new accredited practices
A dozen practices evaluated from August 15 to September 17 achieved the AAHA Accredited status. Congratulations to these practice teams for going above and beyond to meet the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Source: AAHA Red, September 18, 2018. Link. The following practices achieved accreditation: Anthracite Animal Clinic, Ashland, PA Atlantic Animal … [Read more...]
FDA alert – potential neurologic adverse events associated with isoxazoline class flea and tick products
Bravecto, Nexgard, Simparica and now Credelio are implicated in the FDA alert. Following drug approvals, the FDA monitors adverse events. In the case of the isoxaline class of flea and tick products, FDA’s post-marketing activities show some pets have experienced adverse events such as muscle tremors, ataxia and seizures. In the first three years after approval, the FDA pays … [Read more...]
Caterwauling, what and why
There’s nearly always a reason behind caterwauling, the higher pitched, drawn-out, melodic yowling sounds cats sometimes express, writes Angie Bailey. She shares some reasons for it, and what might help remedy the situation. Cats caterwaul: because they’re in pain as a signal they want to breed to alert us to outside activity when they are feeling insecure or … [Read more...]