While cats can’t talk, they can still express their feelings through their body language and behavior, writes Judith McCain. She identifies 15 of the most common traumatized cat symptoms and writes about ways to address them, including contacting a veterinarian. Source: Happy Whisker, June 16, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article to provide context along with … [Read more...]
Brushing a cat: It’s for his health, not just his looks.
Self-grooming only goes so far, especially as a cat ages and can’t reach around to body parts as well. The author shares the benefits of brushing a cat, brush types and tricks for short- and long-haired cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, January 21, 2021. Link. Brushing will remove dirt, grease, and dead hair from his coat and cut down on hairballs. Plus it will help remove … [Read more...]
11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately
Cat owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency in your feline friend. Eleanor Flynn, BSc DVM MANZCVS MRCVS, shares 11 scenarios where cat owners should immediately take their cat to the vet. Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Cats are good at masking anything abnormal. Consider this article for social media or newsletters to help … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet talks about artificial intelligence in pet care
AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Integrative approach to treating Giardia lamblia infections
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, share the challenges of treating Giardia lambia infections caused by the environmental protozoal parasite which is spread through fecal-contaminated water, soil and food. The infection from G. lambia is often referred to as beaver fever. To completely clear animals of G. lamblia, the best approach is coupling … [Read more...]
Serotonin and dopamine blood levels in ADHD-like dogs
From the study: Like humans, dogs can suffer from ADHD-like behaviors. A study from Spain analyzed the levels of serum serotonin and dopamine in dogs with signs similar to the ones presented in human patients with ADHD. Study data suggests a strong relationship between serotonin and dopamine and ADHD-like behaviors. Dogs clinically classified as ADHD-like showed lower … [Read more...]
Petco presents: The Ultimate Dog(g)
Commentary Veterinary teams in private or corporate practices need to be aware of this ad campaign and consider what it is telling dog owners. It is disappointing to see the less money theme perpetuated at a time when many veterinary practices are still dealing with staffing challenges, appointment availability and levels of services. It takes a Dogg to know a dog. And … [Read more...]
Aquamation as an alternative to cremation
The aggregate effects of cremating the remains of pets and humans have a significant environmental effect due to the carbon dioxide cremation chambers release. Aquamation, by contrast, is compact and efficient, and generates no direct emissions of its own making it one of the greenest means of final disposition, writes Eleanor Cummins. The aquamation process is simple. Over … [Read more...]
Are chlorine-treated pools safe for dogs?
Overall, if dogs are properly cared for during and after swimming, chlorine is safe. Non-chlorine chemical treatments like bromine are safer. The author emphasizes: Keeping treatment tablets and powders secure Prohibit licking and drinking pool water Rinsing the dog after swimming Paying attention to drying dogs’ ears to avoid ear infections Source: AKC, May … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]
Cats’ lifestyles. Indoors? Outdoors? Both?
This article is a good coaching resource to help cat owners choose a safe, balanced lifestyle for their cat(s). Catios that provide indoor/outdoor options are no longer a trend, but a must-have for cat lovers <Link>. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) believes an indoor/outdoor lifestyle for cats in a safe environment can keep away most dangers, and … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
Plan now for pets bothered by July 4th fireworks
Includes Commercial Content Steve Dale discusses behavior modification for pets who have issues with fireworks and the importance of getting ahead of the problem. Calming pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves this problem.” You can’t reinforce panic. It is likely pets terrorized by fireworks are likely … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chiropractic care for companion animals
Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Legislative updates, progress and the status of VCPR
The Bridge Club hosted a panel* to provide an update following legislative decisions in Arizona and California that have eased restrictions on virtual VCPR. The discussion included experiences from panel practitioners and members of the VVCA. Mark Cushing shared legislative experiences and offered perspective on which states are likely to move forward with a virtual … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 8, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 1st, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – The June deadline is here! Link Building trust. Link. Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies. Link Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Exploring fluorescent light energy as a management option for canine superficial bacterial folliculitis
The study results from work at the University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy, provide evidence that FLE may represent an effective therapeutical modality for superficial bacterial folliculitis in dogs, accelerating the time to clinical resolution and consequently reducing the duration of, or need for, systemic antibiotic treatment. Source: Frontiers Veterinary Science, June 2, … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
Gene therapy may offer birth control for cats
Researchers recently published the results of a small study in Nature Communications describing how a single shot of a gene therapy prevented pregnancy in cats for at least two years. Researchers analyzed 15,220 freeze-dried fecal samples for estrogen and progesterone levels and examined 1,200 hours of video of mating behavior. Source: The New York Times, June 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Why chocolate is so harmful to dogs
Elanine Blythe, PharmD, reviews why chocolate is toxic to dogs. She begins with the pharmacology of methylxanthines including theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Blythe’s videos target pharmacy students and pharmacists. Consider sharing them proactively in veterinarian-to-pharmacist communications. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Facebook, June 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 1, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 25th, 2023. Link. Most read post from May 25th AHD Bulletin – Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== Biosecurity doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item Source: … [Read more...]
Puppy break! 30 dog breeds that have the cutest puppies.
Agree or not about the cutest, the Daily Paws list of puppies is sure to bring a smile and a desire to give a puppy a hug! Source: Daily Paws, June 10, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Study confirms a way to communicate with cats
Research from 2020 has shown people can communicate better with cats by smiling at them more. But not in the human tooth-baring way but the cat way, by narrowing your eyes and blinking slowly. The study results showed that cats are more likely to slow-blink at their humans after their humans have slow–blinked at them, compared to the no–interaction condition. It even worked … [Read more...]