Learn about the top 10 medical conditions affecting dogs and cats and their associated costs based on Nationwide claims data from 2015. Here are the top three in each category. Top three medical conditions in dogs: Allergic dermatitis Otitis externa Benign skin neoplasia Top three medical conditions in cats: Feline cystitis, or FLUTD … [Read more...]
Homemade feline diets are complex
Veterinary hospitals and retailers will find this article supportive of commercially available cat foods. Dr. Cailin Heinze strongly warns against preparing homemade cat meals without talking with a veterinarian and requesting a referral to consult with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Consider using this information on websites, in blogs or newsletters for feline … [Read more...]
Pet weights are swelling
Cats and dogs are getting heavier, according to a release from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) that compares 2015 data to 2014 data. Source: DVM 360, March 17, 2016 cited in April 15 newsletter. One problem is that “overweight” remains largely undefined industry-wide. APOP defines clinical pet obesity as 30 percent above ideal weight. “Our profession … [Read more...]
Avoid the new allergy drug for dogs
This article warns pet owners of potential safety issues with Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet), from Zoetis. It is indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs of at least 12 months of age. Holistic veterinarian Deva Khalsa, VMD, expresses opinions about the product’s mode of action, its safety profile and … [Read more...]
Help keep pets safe during storms, disasters
Help clients keep their pets safe during storms and disasters. May 8 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. It is a reminder to create a disaster plan for pets or include them in your personal disaster plan. Eight tips are featured here. Source: AAA Oklahoma. While pets can suffer from sickness or injury as the result of a natural catastrophe, we hope to minimize … [Read more...]
Natural, safe ways to get rid of worms
Rita Hogan takes on conventional dewormers and offers natural alternatives. The subhead, Avoid Deworming Drugs, is a red flag to our editorial team because they are generally efficacious. Fortunately, she does suggest taking a stool sample to a veterinary hospital for testing. We share this article for your review and consideration, especially noting their April 11th Facebook … [Read more...]
Fear Free™ taking veterinary industry by storm
AAHA, VetFolio and the Fear Free™ advisory panel have created a groundbreaking certification program intended to change handling approaches in veterinary hospitals. This initiative may be the largest, most important transformation in the history of companion animal practice, according to its advocates. Simply put, Fear Free™ is an experience management initiative to benefit … [Read more...]
Cats and dogs now playing computer games
Computer games for pets are the latest in the continuing trend of dogs and cats being elevated from family pet to furry babies. Source: The Age, April 9, 2016 via APPA SmartBrief. I don't think people spend enough time with their pets. Anything that encourages people to interact with their cats, so they're not living such a sedentary lifestyle, is good," Dr. Bronwen Slack, … [Read more...]
5 tips help with pet travel
Vacation season is almost here. In fact, Memorial Day weekend, the traditional kick-off to summer, is just seven weeks away. For those traveling with pets, five considerations will help make traveling with pets as stress-free as possible. Source: American Red Cross A common concern of people who travel with their pets is that the animals will get sick, hurt or lost during … [Read more...]
Is pet insurance worth it?
Consumer Reports analyzed policies from three providers to determine whether pet insurance was a good deal. The analysis was done using one dog and one cat. Source: Consumer Reports, May 2016. The insurance trade group says that accident and illness coverage per year averaged $473 for dogs and $285 for cats in 2014. Accident-only policies ran $158 and $132, … [Read more...]
Feline FIP tops concerns
A 2015 survey of cat owners indicated Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) as the most urgent disease of concern, followed by heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Definitive diagnostics and treatments remain elusive, although great strides have been made in viral genetics and pathobiology. Veterinary teams, sales representatives and marketers will appreciate the perspective … [Read more...]
Canine influenza confirmed in felines
The first confirmed report of multiple cats testing positive for H3N2 canine influenza virus in the U.S. shows the virus can affect cats. Researchers hope that infections and illness in felines will be rare. An H3N2 vaccine is now available for dogs, but no vaccine is currently approved or recommended for cats. Source: AAHA NewStat, April 7, 2016. Suspicions of an outbreak … [Read more...]
Rabies Vaccinosis
This article is one that pushes against career-long paradigms for many of us. Sometimes it is hard to remain neutral after thirty some years of animal health training and experiences. Our team at Animal Health Digest remains tasked to expose animal health pros to information found in print or digital formats in periodicals, digital media and related sources. So, we share this … [Read more...]
Wiggle with Wendy Myers
Wendy Myers addresses wiggle words in the context of heartworm compliance and dental care. She presents the case for being more confident instead of wishy-washy. Source: Animal Health Solutions, April 2016. (complimentary access) Are you letting clients wiggle out of heartworm prevention? and Avoid wiggle words that kill dental compliance both address how veterinary team … [Read more...]
You gotta’ be kitten me
This issue of Catster is dedicated to kittens. Marty Becker, DVM, sounds off on flea and tick prevention. Susan Logan-McCracken guides readers through 22 distinct needs and attributes of kittens. Catherine Holm proposes Maybe not everyone should have a cat. The publication is filled with tidbits, splashy photos and catchy ideas sure to garner the attention of … [Read more...]
Promote good canine behavior
Veterinary teams and retail associates will find this article helpful to help clients get the support they need for their animals. increases in pet adoptions are yielding a high probability of behavioral issues in rescue dogs. There are no quick fixes, so setting a plan is critical. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 18, 2016. The number one issue in any study that’s … [Read more...]
Expanding Xylitol use risky for dogs
Stop! Don’t put that peanut butter in the Kong toy until you read the ingredient label. Eric Barchas, DVM, warns about the dangers of xylitol. It is frequently found in gums, candies, and even peanut butter. Consider his warning for websites, newsletters and blogs to help dog owners avoid potential risk. A podcast offered from the ASPCA Poison Control Center about Xylitol is … [Read more...]
Editorial – Don’t ignore this take on canine health and wellness
The information on canine health and wellness in this issue falls short. Even the website references miss the basics of urban dog care. Published for specific cities, the articles do not cover basic vaccines, endo- or ecto-parasite control, dental tips or pain management. Information on the website is hardly a primer on canine wellness. Source: CityDog Magazine, Spring … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebration
July 4th and its accompanying fireworks will be here soon. Help clients get ready for the noisy celebrations that often scare pets. The specialists at the VPI Pet HealthZone offer sound tips about dealing with noise, food toxicity and lost pets. Source: July 4th Pet Safety Tips, Veterinary Pet Insurance™, a Nationwide Insurance® company. If you include your pets at a 4th of … [Read more...]
What’s up with pet food?
The Global Pet Expo offers a look at what’s new, different or trendy. Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief, of Petfood Industry, shares what she experienced at the expo in this article. Topics include: innovation enhanced kibble freeze-dried, raw and baked pet foods and treats cat focus natural pet food and treat claims ingredient transparency Source: … [Read more...]
Vetfolio – New product podcast
Onsior® (robenacoxib) injection is reviewed for its value in feline pain management in this Vetfolio Product Showcase podcast. VetFolio is a joint program of NAVC and AAHA, non-profit organizations committed to the veterinary profession. These two groups have partnered to provide online continuing education for veterinary professionals. Source: Vetfolio News, March 28, … [Read more...]
Does this make my pet look fat?
About every third client you see is likely overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you tell someone their pet is overweight, you might as well rub their own weight problem in their face. Weight is personal. Yet, when it comes to a pet’s health, veterinarians are obligated to deliver the news effectively. Source: DVM 360, March … [Read more...]
Home remedies are no guarantee for flea control
Veterinary teams and representatives who service them need to be prepared to answer questions from animal owners about home remedies and product safety. In addition to print circulation readers, consider the Facebook following which includes 760,000 “likes”. Source: Dogs Naturally, March 18, 2016. You know those spot-on flea and tick products are bad for your dog, right? … [Read more...]
Tap water may endanger dogs
“Could your dog’s water give him joint disease?” is the question posed by this article. It presents correlations between the findings of a 2014 research study (Neurobehavioural Effects of Developmental Toxicity) published in The Lancet, one of the world’s most distinguished medical journals. The study added fluoride to a group of developmental neurotoxins such as arsenic, lead … [Read more...]
Feline leukemia recommendations reviewed
Veterinary teams can use this article to discuss their knowledge and practice recommendations about feline leukemia. Without prevention, the life expectancy of any cat that contracts FeLV is short. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) The incidence of feline leukemia has declined significantly since the introduction several decades ago of a vaccine designed to … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy promising for feline chronic gingivostomatitis
Stem cells and their regenerative abilities are intriguing to veterinarians and university researchers. They have potential to be useful in everything from healing wounds in dolphins to easing arthritis in pigs and horses. Source: Tufts Catnip, April 2016. (partial link) In a clinical trial led by Dr. Boaz Arzi — a dental surgeon and researcher with the UC Davis School of … [Read more...]
Canine calming products reviewed
There is a plethora of items positioned as solutions for the barking, quaking, biting, and cowering some dogs exhibit. But just like humans, dogs are individuals with their own genetic make-up and experiences that play a part in their reactions. Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Tufts Cummings School’s Animal Behavior Clinic, addresses issues, perceptions and products that target … [Read more...]
Dog-friendly prepping for spring
Spring is here. Animal health pros know the dangers of pets returning to activities outdoors. Pet owners appreciate reminders. Share these common risks as spring activities begin via websites, blogs or newsletters. Source: The Bark, March 19, 2016. Spring comes with a few cautions for companion animal owners. Areas to note: In the house, in the driveway, in the yard, new … [Read more...]
15 signs a dog is in pain
Pain and pain management remains a significant topic in animal health. Clients have received immeasurable amounts of information over the years. Still, new is often perceived as better. Here’s a blurb with 15 pain symptoms from Dr. Petty’s Pain Relief for Dogs. Source: Modern Dog, Spring 2016. (direct link unavailable). Pet owners are urged to see their veterinarian if they … [Read more...]
Shy and boisterous dogs warrant attention
This pair of articles will catch dog owners’ eyes. Thus, both are important to animal health pros who service dog owners, offer behavior training or support training classes. Chronic timidity limits a dog’s life quality and can become dangerous for others if the dog acts out of aggression. Incessant barking, jumping up and destructive chewing are on the other end of the dog … [Read more...]