If you get overcome by the cuteness, you might not be able to properly take care of it, so the brain needs to bring us back a bit. This is apparently where cute aggression comes in, according to evolutionary theorists. Source: Nice News, March 4, 2024. Link. . . . for people who tend to experience the feeling of ‘not being able to take how cute something is,’ cute … [Read more...]
Beware the hungry coyotes
With pups growing and hungry, adult coyotes are more aggressively hunting for food now. This article is a good reminder to keep pets safe and be aware even when out walking pets. Those cute little coyote puppies quickly become a ravenous mob that requires more and more food every day. Share local warnings with pet owners. Source: LAist, May 3, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 6, 2024
Top pet franchises, focus on dental care, options with smartpay payment processes, study says purebred dogs are not more prone to health problems, National Pet Month study about pet owner spending and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 6, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Understanding telemedicine and teletriage
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares the differences between telemedicine and teletriage in her article for dog owners. The difference between the two and her explanation of VCPR is good information to share with pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 29, 2024. Link. Telemedicine and teletriage can play an important role in your dog’s … [Read more...]
Nature can’t run without parasites. What happens when they start to disappear? (video)
Commentary Millions of dollars are spent annually to get rid of parasites. This article challenges much of the traditional thinking about parasites as bad things. In some ways, it reminds me of the microbiome discoveries and advancements of the last 50 years that continue to change how we think about the role of intestinal bacteria. Parasite ecologist Chelsea Wood … [Read more...]
Saipan Humane Society completes crucial training program conducted by Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares
A LinkedIn post by Kim Van Syoc <Link> alerted us to veterinary work being done on the western Pacific Ocean island of Saipan by the Banfield Foundation and BluePearl Cares in support of the Saipan Humane Society. She shared, “There hasn’t been a veterinary clinic on the U.S. island of Saipan for 10 years.” Source: Saipan Tribune, April 23, 2024. Link. Looking ahead, … [Read more...]
7 cleaning tips about washing pet toys
Even though a dog’s toys may look clean to the naked eye, one cannot know what’s lurking on them, writes Lavanya Sunkara. She offers tips for cleaning dog toys to keep them from becoming health hazards. For rope, cloth or plush toys, she recommends washing weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how many dogs are playing with them and how they are being used. Source: Great Pet … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of feline sunbathing
Many cats enjoy sunbathing and find benefits from it. However, like so many things, too much can be detrimental. Lauren Demos, DVM, shares how sunshine is good for cats and what problems can come from too much exposure to sunlight inside or out. Source: Catster, April 24, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Cat owners will likely appreciate the guidance Demos shares about UV filters … [Read more...]
Cost versus value 1 of 4 nutrition challenges with pet owners
Chyrle Bonk, DVM, PhD, identified pet owner awareness, time constraints, information overload and, especially, pet obesity among the nutrition challenges facing the veterinary and pet food industry. These likely play out in everyday conversations in veterinary hospitals and retailers alike. Source: PETFOOD Industry, April 25, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Why vet bills are so high
Opinion article by Helaine Olen The circulation of The Atlantic is broad enough that Helaine Olens’ opinion piece will reach some clients of veterinary hospitals. She provides a well-informed opinion piece indicting Big Vet while recognizing pet owners’ inclinations to do whatever it takes to extend their pet’s lives. The emergence of Big Vet and the injection of cutthroat … [Read more...]
New program to open access to veterinary care to underserved animals nationwide
The Veterinary Innovation Council has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Through its Access to Care Resource Hub, veterinary professionals will find the tools, knowledge and resources they need to offer greater access to veterinary … [Read more...]
Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction
Prompted by a past article in National Geographic <Link> we dug into the effect of beer and alcohol on mosquito attraction. And, yes, mosquitos choose alcohol drinkers over those drinking water but why is not known. Exhaled carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Sources: Beer can make you a … [Read more...]
Utahns reunited with pet cat they accidentally shipped with Amazon return
A cat may have used a couple of its nine lives when it was accidentally shipped with an Amazon return from Utah to California. A Utah couple got the surprise of their life when they got a call that their missing cat was found in Los Angeles. Source: KSL TV, April 24, 2024. Link. The incident reinforces the importance of microchipping pets.” … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 29, 2024
Pet bereavement leave efforts, pet industry reaches $143 billion in 2023, pets over paycheck trends, managing cash flow, cybersecurity and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 29, 2024. Link. Nominations for the Pet Care Business Excellence Awards are open through May 31st at com. This fall, plan to attend the IBPSA FLOW Business Conference, September 24-26th … [Read more...]
CDC’s new HeatRisk tool
The CDC and National Weather Service have teamed up to roll out two experimental tools nationwide that will help public health officials and citizens to better prepare for dangerous heat: HeatRisk Dashboard and HeatRisk Forecast. Given the challenges heat brings to livestock production and companion animal safety, these tools can help animal health pros stay safe and more … [Read more...]
DVM changed his mind about supporting lasers
From skeptic to advocate of photobiomodulation therapy, Michael Perry, DVM, shares how his choice to upgrade to a class IV laser changed his approach and created many new treatment possibilities. Pain management is a huge part of my practice. A lot of my patients with chronic osteoarthritis cannot take NSAIDs . . . for various reasons . . . so I rely on physical modalities . … [Read more...]
AKC announces AKC® DNA + Health: DNA identification with genetic health and traits testing
The AKC® DNA + Health test promises to be a powerful resource for breeders as they plan for litters and work to strengthen their breed(s). The AKC DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile, plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Source: AKC, April 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
When dogs need braces
Dog braces can help correct a variety of dental issues, some of which are serious. Rachael Gerkensmeyer shares conditions where braces may help and details of supporting a dog with correctable dental issues. Source: Dogster, April 16, 2024. Link. Dental problems that can be treated with dog braces include: Linguoverted teeth Overbite Overcrowding Misalignment … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
How pet owners define a “good death”
Sponsored Content End-of-life decisions are difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams alike. While much has been written about end-of-life conversations, much less is known about owners’ preferences when it comes to the actual procedure, writes Lori Kogan, PhD. Kogan shares what was learned from research investigating what factors matter most to pet owners when … [Read more...]
Why dogs sniff each other’s butts (video)
While humans experience the world through their five senses, dogs predominantly do so through their sense of smell. Samantha Randall explains butt sniffing allows dogs to gather information about other dogs, including recognizing each other. Source: TopDogTips, March 8, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media or newsletters. Butt sniffing behavior … [Read more...]
Blain’s Farm and Fleet announces online system for direct ordering of prescriptions AHD Staff
A new online product, AnimalRx, is a direct result of FDA Guidance for Industry No. 263 and offers access for livestock producers with a prescription. Source: Successful Farming, April, 15, 2024. Link. The website shares the following about how they handle livestock prescriptions <Link>. "If you have a prescription from your veterinarian, simply add the item(s) to … [Read more...]
Halo collar named to Fast Company’s 2024 fastest-growing private companies
Halo is a wireless GPS dog safety system and wireless fence that keeps dogs protected everywhere they go. Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024 shines a spotlight on businesses, like Halo Collar, that are shaping industry and culture through their innovations. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Essential nutrients cats need in their diets
We often hear, “a cat is not a small dog.” That phrase is especially meaningful when delivering the main things cats need in their diets. Rachel Giordano shares six vet-verified, nutrient essentials cats need in their diets, what they do and where they are found: Animal protein Fat Carbohydrates Water Vitamins Minerals Source: Catster, April 12, 2024. … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society updates heartworm guidelines
After thoroughly reviewing the latest research, the American Heartworm Society has updated its canine heartworm guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis and treatment AND added a new section with "spectrum of care" information. Source: American Heartworm Society. Link. Download the summary here <Link>. AHS recommends annual antigen and microfilaria testing as well … [Read more...]
The AAFP and ISFM release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The 2024 ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term Use of NSAIDs in Cats from the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimize adverse effects and optimize pain management for their feline patients. The … [Read more...]
It is important to count dogs’ teeth
Michael Jennings, VMD, DAVDC, writes about dentigerous cysts which are often seen in young brachycephalic dogs. They develop around an unerupted tooth when the epithelial lining covering the enamel produces fluid, causing expansion and destruction of surrounding bone. Jennings shares the importance of counting teeth, determining if a tooth is missing or unerupted and … [Read more...]
Vet technician shares honest thoughts on French Bulldogs
Frenchies are adorable, hilarious and highly social dogs, so their popularity is no surprise. But the health problems associated with the breed are discouraging, writes Jenna Stregowski, RVT. She shares pros and cons of the breed. The high demand for Frenchies means that more people are breeding them. Unfortunately, some lack the knowledge and experience to do so ethically and … [Read more...]