Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger says cats can gradually be transitioned to living indoors by making their homes more appealing than the great outdoors. Here’s how: Bring your cat to the veterinarian Motivate your cat with food Provide a sanctuary room Teach litter box skills Enhance your cat’s indoor worlds Exercise your cat’s inner predator Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Predictive model could reveal risk for Lyme disease in dogs, humans
The range of ticks carrying Lyme continues to expand, making it important to be able to forecast patterns of risk to exposure in order to target those areas for vaccines, preventives measure and educational campaigns. Researchers with the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) published an open access article in May in PLOS One that describes the methods taken to create the … [Read more...]
Fitness dos and don’ts for senior dogs
C. J. Puotinen shares a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when helping an aging dog resume a more active lifestyle. He reminds us that reasonable diet and exercise management balanced with time and effort is worth learning for the dog and owner. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 2016. Exercise is essential for dogs of all ages. It helps maintain muscle tone, a healthy … [Read more...]
Feline hyperthyroidism reaching epidemic levels
When Dr. Mark Peterson started veterinary school in 1972, feline hyperthyroidism didn’t seem to exist. He treats nothing else today. This article traces the beginnings of research into the condition, to the treatment and to the links it may have to our own health. Source: New York Times Magazine, May 16, 2017 (paywall). A steady drumbeat of research links the strange feline … [Read more...]
Dental products you can recommend with a smile
Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows compiled this list of food, treats and more that are proven effective at maintaining the health of pets' teeth. She says that only 32 dog and 12 cat products have been approved by the VOHC. Click through to see what this means to you. Two of the 10 products showcased are manufactured by AHD Sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory. Source: … [Read more...]
Cesar: separation anxiety is your fault
When your dog is separated from you, he gets anxious and acts out. So, who causes it? Two words. YOU DO! Cesar Millan explains how pet owners winding up their animals before leaving and upon returning can create separation anxiety. Source: Cesar’s Way, May 21, 2017. In a related article, he shares 5 tips to help dog separation anxiety: Before you leave the house, … [Read more...]
Foxtail: high risks for dogs
Nancy Kerns expresses the dangers of this prevalent grass to our canine friends. She writes, every single strand is lined with gnarly microscopic barbs that catch on anything they touch, from fur to collars, clothing to bare skin. When the barbs come in contact with anything, they propel the strand forward, pushing the sharp-tipped seed at the end forward. As the plants dry out … [Read more...]
Canine house soiling can be fixed
Clients are often intolerant of house soiling, such as indoor urination, defecation or marking in adult dogs. Puppy owners may arbitrarily impose a deadline for house training without seeking veterinary advice and may relinquish the puppy if expectations are not satisfied. Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB, discusses diagnosis’ and treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February … [Read more...]
Plague still poses risks
The widespread impact of the “black death” is not likely to be repeated in our time. However, plague still poses substantial risk to exposed humans, including pet owners and veterinarians. Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, is maintained in various wildlife populations, particularly wild rodents, and is spread through close contact and fleas. Spillover infections of domestic … [Read more...]
Periodontal therapy in dogs using products marketed for veterinary use
Several different bone augmentation products are available for veterinary use. While there is not one class of product ideal for every treatment option there are good options that must be supported by long-term commitment to oral health by the owner. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2017 (abstract only). Also see: Table of Contents, JAAHA, May/June 2017 … [Read more...]
Looks like parvo, acts like parvo, tests negative: Cryptosporidium parvum
Brandon Sinn, DVM, shares information on a troublesome protozoan named for its parvo-like symptoms, Cryptosporidium parvum. He indicates Cryptosporidia burrows into the base of the intestinal villi and eventually moves them off similar to parvo. The result is profuse, bloody diarrhea. Professionals have observed a recent increase in protozoa infections in kennel operations … [Read more...]
Top pet food companies for 2017
Mars, Nestle’ Purina, Big Heart, Hill’s and Blue Buffalo top the list of U.S. and global leaders in the pet food industry. Mars and Nestle’ Purina combine for more than $29 billion in domestic sales eclipsing the combined sales of the remaining companies. Source: Petfood Industry, May 2017. This exclusive list of top 50 pet food companies, part of PetfoodIndustry.com’s Top … [Read more...]
The doctor will see your iguana now
Not every clinic deals with cows, canines or kittens. Veterinarians at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine In New York City see everything from iguanas to guinea pigs and even kinkajous. This is an interesting, short read with insight into what goes on in a practice specializing in exotic species. Source: The New York Times, May 12, 2017 (paywall). The surgery ground … [Read more...]
Mizzou maps feline genomes, identifies source of illnesses
The research, named the 99 Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Initiative, aims to sequence the entire genome of 99 cats. Getting halfway there has already given the University of Missouri research team insights into genetic mutations that lead to serious health conditions. Source: Kansas City Star, May 10, 2017. One study found a genetic mutation responsible for progressive … [Read more...]
Yawning promotes social bonding between dogs and humans
We yawn. So do bears, bats, guinea pigs, dogs and others. It’s a mystery as to why. In fact, it’s likely the least understood common human behavior. It’s also a contagious behavior that may have social and communicative functions. Source: NPR, May 15, 2017. But recently, two more species have been added to the list of contagious yawners: dogs and chimpanzees. When two … [Read more...]
Cats’ tails tell tales
Our team couldn’t resist the pun. Cat blogger Jane A Kelly shares eight ways cats talk with their tales tails. Source: Catster, May 11, 2017. A cat’s tail is an amazing and beautiful thing. Not only is it an anatomical wonder, it’s an excellent tool for feline self-expression. Even the most obtuse of humans can learn the secrets of this behavior — “tail talk,” if you will — … [Read more...]
Veterinary clinic and trainer partnerships, a no brainer (includes recording)
Pet relinquishment and euthanasia are inextricably linked in our industry. But, handing out business cards of trainers is not the best option to ensure pet owners get the support they need. This article speaks to a partnership between trainers and the vet clinic. A similar relationship could also benefit independent retailers as big box pet chains already offer behavior … [Read more...]
Pet owner offers perspective on errant pet deaths
Our team at AHD found this article refreshing, mature and honoring of the veterinary profession. Stephanie Colman shares her pet loss, the professionalism of her veterinarian and notes the suicide trends among veterinarians. Source: Whole Dog Journal, May 2017. We may not always be happy with the services rendered by our veterinarians, but only rarely is this caused because … [Read more...]
Multi-dog household research in progress
The dynamics in multi-dog households is different in every home, but rarely studied. Most research tests dogs in a laboratory and looks at interactions between animals that don’t know each other. This will be interesting to watch. Source: Science Daily, April 24, 2017. Canisius College professors Christy Hoffman and Malini Suchak decided to take a different approach in … [Read more...]
You’ll never bitch again about walking your dog
Payam Mohebi, the star veterinarian of Tehran, Iran, is running for city council and the election is this Friday. He may win or get 60 lashes. Mohebi is shown on campaign posters with a stray dog. Ruling Iranian clerics consider dogs impure. Taking one for a walk can get an owner arrested and the dog seized and perhaps killed. Source: New York Times, May 16, 2017 … [Read more...]
Canines offer great listening training
It is widely acknowledged that the number one cause of communication breakdown is ineffective listening skills. We talk at each other rather than with each other. However, there is hope. It comes in the form of our canine friends. Source: Vet-Advantage Magazine, April 2017. When humans communicate, we use words, our voice and our body to convey our message. Behavioral … [Read more...]
Another reason for tick control
A tick-borne disease recognized since the 1950’s may become the new threat to humans. Powassan virus, which is a far rarer and more deadly pathogen than the bacterium that produces Lyme, is also transmitted by the deer tick. A flavivirus like mosquito-borne West Nile, it is not clear if the virus is a threat to pets. Still, the principles of tick population control and One … [Read more...]
May is Lyme awareness month
Steve Dale offers information about Lyme awareness month. He exposes the role mice have in the increased risk. 2017 will likely be a record Lyme year. We can do more to protect dogs than we can ourselves More than anyone or anything - blame increased mice for increased Lyme Source: Steve Dale Pet World, May 9, 2017. … [Read more...]
Parasites likely to win again in 2017
There’s that “c-word” again – compliance. Don Jergler indicates mild weather and lackluster client compliance continue to favor parasites. He discusses fleas, ticks and heartworm, including perspectives from the Heartworm Society and major manufacturers of for pets and parasite control products. Source: Veterinary Practice News, May 2, 2017. While part of the U.S. is under … [Read more...]
Therapy certification for cats
Caroline Golon offers the basics of the therapy cat certification process. To train as an official cat therapy team, you need to meet minimum requirements, which vary by the certifying organization. Most programs also require that the cat be able to wear a leash and harness, mostly for the cat’s own safety. Source: Catster, May 4, 2017. Obviously, not all cats make good … [Read more...]
4 puppy biting survival strategies
Behavioral problems are a significant factor in pets not being retained. Biting and nipping complaints are among the more common ones. There are things you can do to manage a nippy puppy until your it outgrows this important developmental stage. Animal health pros can share these tips in blog posts, new pet kits, newsletters and social media. If you sell chew toys, consider … [Read more...]
CAPC issues first mosquito control guidelines
The first set of guidelines on mosquito control were issued in April. According to the CAPC Parasite Prevalence Maps, in 2016 more than 118,000 cases of canine heartworm were diagnosed in the United States. Heartworm infections are becoming more prevalent in areas previously considered to be at a low risk (see Heartworm disease in CAPC guidelines). In response, the … [Read more...]
Basic cardiology exam in dogs
Wendy W. Mandese, DVM, and Amara H. Estrada, DVM, share the approach to a basic cardiology exam in this brief. They remind us that a thorough physical examination is valuable for diagnosing heart disease and should include extensive examination of all body systems. It is a good review for veterinary teams and their sales reps. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May … [Read more...]
Rare red wolf pups born in North Carolina
Red wolf female #1858 gave birth to a litter of six pups April 28th. They are the first critically endangered red wolves born at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, since 2002. While this is great news for an endangered species, the red wolf faces an existential threat far beyond the fact that its numbers have dwindled to around 300 individuals. Source: … [Read more...]
Location, location, location and litter box placement
Never put the litter box near a cat’s food and water. This is one primary rule, according to Pam Johnson-Bennett, author of Think Like A Cat. She discusses litter box placement options in this excerpt from her book. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 24, 2017. Pick a spot in your home away from heavy traffic to provide your cat with a feeling of privacy and safety. However, don’t … [Read more...]