The Search Dog Foundation provides dogs and training at no cost to fire departments and other emergency agencies around the U.S. The non-profit foundation relies solely on contributors for funding. It is building a new training facility to prepare dogs and their handlers for active rescue duties. Source: Equine and Canine News, Fall 2015, page 40. Finding a rescue dog with … [Read more...]
Editorial – Most dog seatbelts aren’t safe
Recent articles and videos question the safety of pet harnesses for automobiles. The not-for-profit Center for Pet Safety found a majority of pet harnesses marketed today do not work during sudden maneuvers. Supported in part by Subaru, CPS conducted tests on 25 harness products. Of these, only four protected a pet according to its protocols. Source: The Huffington Post, … [Read more...]
Pet age in human years
While anthropomorphic, comparing our pets’ ages to our own is common. Heather Cha, editor, offers perspective in this Yahoo News story. Veterinary hospital personnel will appreciate the updated information and resources. Source: Yahoo News, December 15, 2015. In fact, a dog’s aging process is accelerated during the first few years of maturation and then slows down after … [Read more...]
What we’re learning about new canine flu
Emerging diseases confound animal health professionals. Staying abreast of current information is critical to disease recognition and prevention. Learn about a recent canine flu study, the dogs most likely to be infected and actions taken by DVMs to avoid spreading the disease. Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 16, 2016. Middle-aged dogs, not puppies or the … [Read more...]
Setting the facts straight about leptospirosis
Vaccination is still the primary method of protection against leptospirosis. This short article helps veterinary hospital teams prepare for discussions about lepto and lepto vaccines with pet owners. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, 2015 must read summary. Leptospirosis is not limited to large-breed or outdoor dogs. If a dog goes outside, she could be exposed—all it takes is … [Read more...]
Electric locks, windows pose threat for traveling pets
Simple things are often easy to forget. This story reminds us that pets can be injured if electric windows and locks in automobiles are not locked out. This is good information for veterinary teams to share with clients. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 23, 2015. How many of you have electric windows in your car? If you do, and your dog can reach the window, you should … [Read more...]
Pet ownership saves the US $11.7 billion in healthcare costs
The economic value of pet ownership is shown in this study. Print, broadcast and online media are sharing the information. Source: Petfood Industry, December 28, 2015. While additional health benefits associated with pet ownership have been documented by scientific research, the economists were unable to determine specific cost data associated with those findings. … [Read more...]
United Airlines brings dogs to airports to comfort stressed holiday travelers
The human-animal bond reduces stress for airport travelers at seven airports, thanks to United Airlines’ United Paws program. Source: 89.3 KPPC, Southern California Public Radio, December 22, 2015. “United Paws is a wonderful program that comes at just the right time for some holiday travelers who may be experiencing a bit of anxiety or stress," said Veterinary Consultant … [Read more...]
Pet food packaging: consumers care about what it says
Learn what pet owners actually look for in packaging. This column notes packaging trends and what buyers want on packaging from the pet food industry. Source: Petfood Industry, December 15, 2015. For pet owners who do care most about what pet food packaging actually says efforts are under way to help make that information easier to find and comprehend. A task force has … [Read more...]
Taming feline aggression
Increasing the volume of feline veterinary care is an important opportunity for companion animal practices. Multiple client experiences, as well as their feline frustrations will accompany this growth. Petey, a much-loved, six-month-old kitten, is the main character for this story. It is a great guide for handling aggression. Veterinary hospital teams will appreciate this … [Read more...]
Are your dog’s teeth a hot mess?
Veterinary clients can take a quiz in this issue of Dogster and read about dental care. Learn what they’re reading and consider using the quiz as a fun, pre-exam activity while clients wait for their appointments. Two articles in this issue present canine dental care considerations for dog owners. Source: Dogster, February/March 2016. (direct link unavailable) Dental care … [Read more...]
Bird Dogs: American Labs vs. British Labs
The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced in February 2015 that the intelligent, family friendly Labrador Retriever held on to the number-one spot on the most popular list. This was the 24th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation's top dog in AKC history. The blog post from Pheasant’s Forever goes into detail on the differences in the British vs. … [Read more...]
Fluid dynamics on four legs: The brilliance of how dogs drink
In the, “Did you every wonder about?” category, this article helps those who wonder how dogs get enough to drink with their head down and all the splashing that takes place from those tongues. Dogs are drinking machines. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms it. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2015. A dog laps by … [Read more...]
Effect of ketamine on the minimum infusion rate of propofol needed to prevent motor movement in dogs
Veterinary practitioners and their technical staff members will appreciate this study of the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of propofol and ketamine. The study results may be important to surgical suite protocols for anesthesia. This is also a good reference paper for representatives who supply ketamine and propofol. Source: American Veterinary Journal of Research, December … [Read more...]
Top 5 maintenance insulins
This peer-reviewed article is great material for a veterinary hospital staff meeting. Ruth Gostelow, BVetMed(Hons), DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, MRCVS, Royal Veterinary College, provides perspective on treatments of diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Representatives can lead the discussion as a service to the veterinary team or use this information to become more aware of the variances … [Read more...]
Do cats present a big pet market opportunity for 2016?
Feline pet food and market trends are featured in this piece by Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry. She also highlights: the latest developments in pet nutrition food safety hot topics Feline marketers and veterinary staff members will be interested to learn more about cat ownership. Source: Petfood Industry, December 9, 2015. Almost … [Read more...]
Pet Industry Roundtable
Ten of the pet retail industry’s top professionals discuss trends, challenges and share advice they would give every retailer. Many of their concerns parallel those of private veterinary hospitals. Source: Pet Product News International, December 2015, page 22 (direct link unavailable). “If you aren’t paying attention and your customer base is evolving, you will be left … [Read more...]
Pet travel accessories for keeping Fido safe on the road
My dogs had always been greater than 50 pounds until recently, so travel with them involved crates in the back of my pickup secured with tie-downs. However, an 11-pound Morkie now runs our household, hates crates and loves to go on rides. This story comes from a subscriber who thought veterinary hospital personnel and animal health pros who travel with pets would want to know … [Read more...]
In vitro fertilization goes to the dogs
Veterinary teams working with breeders of all sizes will find this story interesting. We’re sharing it because it represents the ever-advancing science in animal health. Also, the connection to species preservation and replication for human disease testing and discovery is significant. In livestock, embryo transfer has changed the face of progressive breeding and trait … [Read more...]
What you need to know about Parvo
Canine parvo virus has been with us since the mid-1970s. Still considered a relatively new disease, it continues to be a risk for pets whose vaccinations were given too early or not finished. This article is a solid review of risk, treatment and prevention, including hygiene for owners, personnel and premises. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 2015. Because parvo … [Read more...]
Prevent holiday CATastrophies
Dr. Marty Becker contributes sound, referenced information to help keep cats more comfortable during the holiday season. Seven topics are covered, including risks and behavioral cautions. Veterinary hospital teams will find value in the information for websites and client inquiries. Source: Catster Special Holiday Issue 2015, page 20. (direct link unavailable) There is a … [Read more...]
Understanding heart disease in cats
Suzanne Cunningham, DVM, assistant professor of cardiology at Tufts, does a nice job in this article of helping cat owners understand and identify potential feline heart disease. She reminds readers that heartworm disease is diagnosed in about 10 percent of cats these days. It should be considered as a threat to feline health, especially where hot, damp climates encourage … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Canine Bordetella vaccine: now easy to administer
Richard Meadows, DVM, DABVP, offers perspectives on Bordetella vaccination delivery options from the position of teaching veterinary students the practical aspects of vaccination. A sidebar reviews the four clinically important facts about Bordetella bronchiseptica. Source: Clinician's Brief, October 2015 print issue, page 26. As a veterinarian charged with teaching … [Read more...]
Senior cats: diabetes, kidneys and hyperthyroidism
Veterinary professionals have written three articles directed toward show cat owners in Cat Talk. This publication is dedicated to the needs of owners of more than 2 million pedigreed cats. Each issue offers profiles, perspectives and treatment options to educate the owners of aging cats. Source: Cat Talk, page 24. This "Senior Cat" issue looks at the issues that older cats … [Read more...]
Case Study – Juvenile diabetes mellitus: long-term management
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians may find this case report informative and validating as they consider individual pet therapies. Source: JAAHA Nov/Dec 2015, page 419. Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus and Concurrent Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in a Labrador Retriever: Long-Term Management. A three-month old, female, entire Labrador retriever presented with vomiting, … [Read more...]
Four top nutrients every animal needs
Learn what pet owners are reading about nutrition in the October/November issue of Animal Wellness. Jean Hofve, D.V.M. walks readers through the top nutrients needed by dogs/cats: Omega 3 Fatty Acids Digestive Enzymes Probiotics Antioxidants Other articles address liver, pH and supplementation. Source: Animal Wellness, Oct/Nov 2015 page 42. Many people, … [Read more...]
Feline Calicivirus + Cats, Cattle & M. Bovis
If it has been awhile since you refreshed your knowledge on calicivirus in cats, Dr. Lister’s peer-reviewed article contains a nice blend of science and situational factors worthy of reading. For this writer who grew up in a small southern Iowa farming town, the cats that “just did not seem right” were a near every week occurrence. Source: Clinician’s Brief September 2015, … [Read more...]
Popular approaches to treating CHF in dogs
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs is a growing category of pet care as the average age of pets increases. Better technologies and increased understanding of cardiac failure provides more opportunities for earlier diagnosis and preemptive care. Yet, the treatment options are varied by condition, by individual dog and by veterinarian experience. New options for treatment are … [Read more...]