Veterinary hospital teams will find this article valuable for newsletters, websites or blogs. Team members will want to have this as a resource for owners looking to responsibly leave their cat at home. Source: Tufts Catnip, January 25, 2016 newsletter. Ideally, the visit to a cat’s home shouldn’t just be for feeding and emptying the litter box. The pet sitter should spend … [Read more...]
Help stop canine brucellosis
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging veterinarians to play a major role to help stop the spread of canine brucellosis, a contagious and incurable bacterial infection most often found in breeding kennels. The agency’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service released best practices for veterinarians and kennel operators who may encounter the disease, which causes … [Read more...]
Where do dogs really come from?
A new study may help us understand the origin of modern dogs as we know them. Scientists have some consensus but many hypothesis are still at odds. Source: The New York Times, January 18, 2016. One reason for the conflicting theories, according to Greger Larson, a biologist in the archaeology department at the University of Oxford, is that dog genetics are a mess. In an … [Read more...]
Prep now for Pet Dental Month
Progress slowly continues in realizing the potential of the dental market. Multiple barriers remain, yet the health benefits are widely accepted. February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Veterinary teams and sales personnel getting ready for the event will appreciate these two articles. Source: True Prophylaxis, JAVMA News, January 15, 2016, page 130. There is a long … [Read more...]
Toenail trim tips
Proper, routine nail care is emphasized in this well-illustrated article. Groomers, vet technicians and hospital team members will benefit from understanding the biomechanics of nail care in dogs. The information is also good for clinic websites and newsletters. Source: Dog Naturally Magazine, January/February 2016. Trimming nails does not have be a traumatic event … [Read more...]
WSAVA updates vaccination guidelines
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association guideline changes reflect the growing attitude that a one-size-fits-all approach is impractical. The guidelines redefine core vaccines from a global perspective and supports an adjustment to boosters based on scientific evidence, such as maternal anti-bodies. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 12, 2016. . Compared with … [Read more...]
If a cat poops in the bed…?
Cat poop and Aristotle? Not two references you would expect to see in an article. However, the author uniquely correlates behavior to philosophy to discuss a common problem. Veterinary team members will value the perspective. Consider this content for clinic websites, blogs or newsletters. Source: Catster, January 5, 2016. Aristotle’s concept of the “four causes” provides a … [Read more...]
A dog’s life and death – illustrated
Social media strikes again. This time in the form of a cartoon about a dog’s life here and beyond. Sent by a subscriber, we share this especially with veterinary teams in mind. This will be useful in dealing with the natural deterioration of health as a client’s animal ages. Take a look, then you can decide. Source: PawMyGosh.com. Nothing brings us more joy in life than … [Read more...]
Red urine
Winter snowfall makes changes in urine color easier to spot. Dr Ben Character, DVM, walks through what changes in urine color mean and what to do about it in this issue. Source: The Retriever Journal, December/January 2015, page 32. (direct link unavailable) The more common cause of red colored urine is the presence of blood – and in this case whole blood vs. just the … [Read more...]
Editorial – Hunting dogs need vets, too
Awareness for the roles of companion animal veterinarians in multi-species or mixed practices is increasing. Veterinarians hiring new associates will find this article valuable. Chuck Johnson references the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Ft Collins, CO. He presents a set of questions for working dog owners to use in the process of choosing … [Read more...]
Dogs bloat
Concise and scary is how I describe this article about bloat in dogs or, gastric dialation-volvus complex, GDV. The key to survival is quick recognition. Approximately 180,000 owners of AKC-registered animals will receive this information. It is also good content for veterinary hospital websites, blogs or client newsletters. Source: AKC Family Dog, January/February 2016, … [Read more...]
Myth Buster: corn edition
Reading dog food labels is beyond challenging. The proliferation of specialty veterinary and commercial diets coupled with myriad ingredient choices is confusing for most pet owners. This article and the resources it references will help veterinary teams and reps servicing owners’ pet diet choices sift through the confusion. Source: Trends, January 2016, page 40. (direct … [Read more...]
12 houseplants that are dangerous to dogs (and cats!)
Veterinary teams will find this infographic valuable. Placing it on veterinary websites, in blogs or newsletters is a good use. Local florists will appreciate getting this from a staff member to raise awareness of risks to pets, as well. Source: The Bark, January 8, 2016. This infographic is a good reminder that we should consider our dogs when picking plants for both … [Read more...]
Editorial – Pet industry trends for 2016
This article presents important food for thought. Highlights include: Pet industry sales will grow to $91.72 billion by 2019 50% of dogs and cats are considered overweight 39% of dogs and 43% of cats are considered old 60% of pet spending will come from high-income households Veterinary and dealer segments will experience these same retail trends. It is important … [Read more...]
What kind of cat do you have?
This fun quiz will interest cat owners as they wait in the lobby or exam room. It may open discussions between an owner and vet technician or DVM. Consider using it on veterinary hospital websites, as well. Source: Modern Cat, Winter 2015/2016, page 46. Five multiple-choice questions lead cat owners to assess their cat’s personality type and the kind of toys and activities … [Read more...]
People foods for dogs
Feeding dogs table scraps or people food treats has been an ongoing conversation for as long as I remember. The slide show featured here may or may not support your own convictions. However, thousands of pet owners may use this resource. Source: Web MD, January 6, 2016. (slideshow) Make human food a treat -- no more than 5% to 10% of your buddy's diet. See what eats are … [Read more...]
Poop-tastrophe … a dog owner’s nightmare
Poop happens! Then you or the dog steps in it. Any dog owner has had this happen. You’ll get a smile from this, as we did: What to do If Your Dog Steps in Poop: A Semi-Practical and Full Humor Guide to Your Very Own Poop-ageddon. It could be fun to include it in a veterinary hospital newsletter too. Source: Dog Channel, December 30, 2015. You feel the wild tug of a mad dog … [Read more...]
December pet food recalls
It is hard to stay abreast of pet food recalls. This list of the latest ones will help veterinary teams and dealers answer client questions. Consider posting it on an employee bulletin board or discussing it during team meetings. Source: Petfood Industry, December 30, 2015. See Blue Buffalo, Stella and Chewy’s, Bravo and Nutro products recalled in the last month. … [Read more...]
Canine disaster search teams to have world-class facility
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...]