Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients
ICYMI. Ordering online is rapidly becoming an expectation. Already, convenience is table stakes. Malinda Larkin shares takeaways from survey results presented by Brakke Consulting. The survey looked at consumer preferences and behaviors in pet medicine purchasing, customer satisfaction with different channels and service expectations, and the competitive landscape versus major … [Read more...]
Decontamination guidelines for dogs developed by Texas A&M VET
A newly developed set of protocols from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team aims to educate disaster management teams across the country about the kinds and quantities of resources needed to clean external contaminants, such as toxic chemicals, off dogs. Providing information about other common pet species … [Read more...]
Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, debate the role of the veterinary team when it comes to pet owner education and discuss if pet insurance is an obligation. Their consensus: Pet insurance is not an obligation. Educating pet owners on the lifetime costs of veterinary pet care is important. Source: Veterinary Breakroom, Clinician’s Brief. February 2024. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians launch pet treats and chews certification program
In an industry where pet owners seek the best for their furry companions, VetEvaluated aims to be a trusted authority, offering a rigorous certification process that involves expert evaluation by experienced veterinarians. Current certification is available for consumable pet treats and chews at this time. VetEvaluated Certification assessments cover: Digestibility … [Read more...]
Webinar to address cutaneous adverse food reactions
AAHA and Hills will offer a free CE webinar to update veterinary teams confronting skin issues from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MDT, March 14, 2024. Presenter Sara Hoff, DVM, MPH, Dip. ACVD, expects to cover novel proteins plus: Latest data on CAFR prevalence and risk factors Advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate identification Proven strategies for managing … [Read more...]
The role of technology in reducing stress for cats in veterinary medicine
Innovative solutions are emerging to minimize stress and create a more comfortable experience for cats during veterinary visits writes Craig Wallace. He shares the potential of incorporating telemedicine, AI, calming interventions, and other innovative solutions. With these, veterinary professionals can create a more compassionate and stress-free environment for cats, … [Read more...]
Chatfields and Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, share updates on using hemp, CBD for pets
Commercial Content included It seems everyone is talking about hemp and CBD for pets and there are several considerations for veterinarians. Studies are showing CBD and CBDA can be helpful in certain conditions common to pets and potentially with livestock. Topics include pain, stress, anxiety, inflammation, itching plus dosing and quality issues with so many sources of … [Read more...]
Seeing more pets with marijuana/THC intoxication?
The legalization of marijuana in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for medicinal or recreational use has given more pets access to THC-containing products. It can happen to any pet owner as we referenced in a recent post <Link>. Tina Wismer DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, shares current information to help veterinary teams deal with THC intoxication … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 26, 2024
Best pet care apps, NerdWallet survey shows pet insurance in 24 percent of pet owners, elements of scaling in small business, American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces two new online training programs for veterinary assistants, franchise or independent choices and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 26, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Partnerships advancing Petco’s transition from transaction to engagement focus
Like it or not, pet owners seen by veterinary teams two or three times per year may visit a pet retailer a dozen or more times per year. Petco is tapping into the inherent emotion of the pet sector to create a sense of shared experience and loyalty in its customers, shares Nicole Silberstein. She shares a look at Petco’s strategies, partner alignments, services roster and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 22, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 15, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 15th AHD Bulletin – Creating a Fear Free toothbrushing experience for pets (video). Link. Consistent ordinary produces extraordinary. Link. Improve the narrative with diagnostic listening. Link. … [Read more...]
Yes to testing! Yes to preventatives!
Commentary Resources from the American Heartworm Society include a waiver for when a client declines heartworm testing and heartworm prevention. Use this AHS form to educate clients when they won't choose prevention. Whether they sign or not, it provides an opportunity to educate them on how important heartworm prevention really is! And it is a role most veterinary … [Read more...]
Free Free’s revitalizes branding and tools signaling a broadening focus
Conventioneers attending Viticus’ WVC were introduced to a fresh look and promising improvements to the Fear Free platforms. According to the company’s press release, providing the best physical and emotional care for animals remains the core objective, along with making certification and training easier for animal pros. Source: Fear Free, February 19, 2024. Link. Working … [Read more...]
Skipping the dog walk is a big deal
A fenced yard is nice for a dog to rest or to take a quick pee, but it can’t take the place of a good walking, according to Stephanie Borns-Weil at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Plus, while great, exercise isn’t the most important reason for the walk. Source: The Washington Post, February 20, 2024. Link. . . . they’re not getting … [Read more...]
Over-the-counter meds & pet poisoning perils
Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, joins Drs Jenifer and Jason Chatfield to discuss the often-overlooked dangers of common over-the-counter medications for pets. Pain medications like Advil, Tylenol, Aleve and aspirin top Dr. Schmid’s list of OTC medications that frequently cause issues for pets. Schmid notes that a high number of calls they receive at the Pet Poison Helpline … [Read more...]
Which size dog faces higher risks of certain diseases?
A University of Washington study of more than 25,000 dogs and 238 breeds has linked dog size to varying patterns of risk for health conditions throughout a dog’s lifespan. Overall, larger dogs in the study were more likely to have faced certain health conditions at some point in their lives, including cancer, bone-related disease, gastrointestinal problems, ear/nose/throat … [Read more...]
Banfield, more than half of dogs and cats have periodontal disease
Commentary Research from Banfield’s expansive, granular veterinary visit records has been invaluable as our industry seeks to understand the metrics of our business. Their recent report on oral health issues, while not surprising, quantifies the challenges veterinary teams face in making oral health an integral part of managing a pet's overall health and … [Read more...]
Cost of Care tools drive interest, conversations at VMX and WVC 2024
Veterinarians and technicians kept ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance field representatives busy at their booth during VMX 2024 and WVC 2024. Booth personnel sought to learn about the interactions veterinary staff have with pet owners about pet insurance from attendees. Those discussions exposed the values an informative cost of care tool provides when sharing ways to plan for the … [Read more...]
8 reasons a dog may be anxious
Anxiety in dogs is displayed, among other behaviors, through fear responses, aggression, noise phobia, separation anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Some of these can be subtle or ignored as normal. Caroline Wilkinson shares reasons a dog may have anxiety. Lack of socialization, life changes and owner anxiety are among them. Source: Pets Radar. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 19, 2024
Active shooter training, nose length may hint at dog longevity, progress on pet adoption crisis, year-round dental care, curing animals with cannabis, getting ready for falling interest rates, SEO, social media and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 19, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Creating a Fear Free toothbrushing experience for pets (video)
Fear Free specialists explain how pet owners can make the often stressful task of brushing their pet’s teeth into something Fear Free. The video is good to repost on social media, link in newsletters or use in exam rooms. Source: Fear Free Pets, YouTube. Link. (3:25) Sponsored Content. Dental wipes make oral care easy and convenient. MAXI/GUARD® family of oral care … [Read more...]
CBD in Dr. Marty Beckers’ 2024 five tips for dogs
Marty Becker, DVM, shared five tips to do for dogs in 2024 in his recent newsletter. They include nutrition, parasite control, supplements, CBD and enrichment. Source: DrMartyBecker.com, February 13, 2024. Link. Related content: Long-term CBD for dogs caused few health problems, PETFOOD Industry, February 6, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
If we don’t keep reminding, educating – WHO will?
Commentary The American Heartworm Society routinely provides images like these on X, Instagram and Facebook. The amount of likes and forwards of the posts does not reflect the number of followers, nor how many animal health pros there are. It’s our job to keep the educational efforts of AHS in front of pet owners. The posts are easy to forward and can be copied for all … [Read more...]
Measure pet food by weight, not volume
An estimated six out of 10 cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, so how pet food is measured is something to consider. With a little coaching, pet owners can learn to measure based on calorie content instead of using a volume measurement. Research has shown that measuring by cup, or volume, often leads to overfeeding or underfeeding.” Source: Catster, September 27, 2022. … [Read more...]
How to get a dog to listen when it’s distracted
Some dogs become highly distracted as soon as they step into the real world. It is a common problem for dogs of all ages and an important behavior for all dog owners to cultivate. Consider this article when coaching an owner, for social media or newsletters. To get a dog to come when distracted outdoors, it needs to be able to reliably ignore distractions indoors, … [Read more...]
How to help dogs get along
Multiple dogs in a household or daycare often require approaches to minimize exposure to stressors that can result in interdog aggression. Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, shares a lot of information that may be challenging for the typical dog owner to comprehend. The tips and approaches she offers can be used to help pet owners deal with dog-versus-dog interactions in their homes … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 1, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 1st AHD Bulletin – A plan is not a strategy. Link. Studies: Early social housing helps dairy calves thrive. Link. Using standing equine CT in veterinary diagnostics. Link. Do it NOW! Link. ============================================ … [Read more...]
Paragon’s new digital dog grooming guide
"Notes From the Grooming Table," authored and released by Melissa Verplank nearly 20 years ago is now available as a digital book for the low monthly subscription price of $6.99. Source: Pet Business, September 2023. Link. The digital version allows users to highlight and bookmark important information, freehand draw on the pages with a stylus or a finger, search for key … [Read more...]
Dechra launching monthly dentistry education for veterinary teams
With help from Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP, Dechra Academy is launching the 12 Months of Dentistry educational series. Each month a new webinar, podcast episode, case study, or interactive educational tool will be made available to build more dentistry confidence. Because dental care goes beyond one month.” Source: Dechra Veterinary Products, February 7, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]