The 2024 American Association of Feline Practitioners Intercat Tension Guidelines dispel 10 popular myths about cat behavior, share five pillars of a healthy multi-cat environment and provide helpful graphics, tools and resources to support practitioners and cat owners. Kristen Green Seymour shares Q and A perspectives from two members of the Intercat Tension Guidelines … [Read more...]
Weese: Perspectives on H5N1 in Colorado cats
Scott Weese, DVM, shares thoughts on Colorado cats diagnosed with avian flu. He advises a focus on infection control, against symptom biases and acknowledges the need for increased surveillance. The risk posed by cats to people and other animals is completely unclear at this time.” Source: Worms and Germs, August 11, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Weese didn’t mention … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen to discuss stress colitis, aka diarrhea
Responding to feedback and requests from animal health pros, Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, will talk about diarrhea in dogs LIVE on Instagram and Facebook Friday, August 16th at 12:00 p.m. EDT/1:00 p.m. CDT. Join her to get the poop on poop! Source: Dr Jen the Vet, Best Friends Fur Ever, August 13, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 12, 2024
Inflation busting strategies, benefits of an expense audit, declining pet adoptions, when tech works against you, understanding micro-influencers and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The most expensive pets to own; annual and lifetime costs ranked
Insuranceopedia analyzed online sources and conducted independent research from large pet stores to compare the average costs for food, bedding, toys etc. for each animal segment and calculated an estimated annual cost for each. The cost graphic in the article is revealing, including: Parrots are the most expensive pets to own, largely due to their long lifespan … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 8, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 1, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 1st AHD Bulletin – The state of allyship in animal health. Link. Stop chasing vanity metrics. Link. Some change is necessary, some inevitable, stability is critical. Link. The chemistry behind the smell of wet dogs. … [Read more...]
Lab-grown meat approved for UK pet food
The United Kingdom has approved the use of lab-grown meat in pet food. This makes it the first country to legalize the product for this use and the first European country to legalize it for sale for any purpose. The approval was in response to an application by a UK startup called Meatly, making it the first company in the world to receive authorization to sell cultivated pet … [Read more...]
5 reasons cats purr
It’s a common question with many answers. AAHA shares perspective on why that purring motor may be running. From expressing contentment and fostering mother-kitten bonding to promoting healing and reducing stress, purring goes beyond simple happiness. Source: AAHA, August 6, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media posts, newsletters and as a reference … [Read more...]
RECOVER initiative issues new CPR guidelines
Aiming to standardize cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices and make outcomes more comparable to human cases worldwide, multiple discipline specialists collaborated to develop new recommendations when performing lifesaving CPR on pets, including: Chest compression techniques Chest depths and techniques Breathing support Medication dosages and … [Read more...]
Show me the money in pet food
With a nod to Jerry McGuire, we’re sharing Tim Wall’s review of the U.S. pet food companies with $100 million in sales for 2023. The 22 companies combined for almost 40 percent of the $147 billion U.S. pet owners spent on pet food, treats and other products. Source: PETFOOD Industry, August 2, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
4 acupressure points for dry, itchy skin in dogs
Brief, daily acupressure sessions can be used to enhance pruritis treatments, write Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis. They share how to stimulate specific acupressure points for dry skin that traditional Chinese medicine calls “wind heat.” Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, August 4, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Sharing this article and acupressure method for pet owners to do at home … [Read more...]
Tangible tick tactics with Dr. Dryden (podcast)
Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, often known as Dr. Flea, discusses strategic methods for avoiding ticks, shares tips for preventing secondary disease and offers insights into why tick strategies have changed. He speaks about tick range expansion that impacts how veterinary teams can help animal owners reduce the risks in different regions. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Advocacy from veterinary teams helps pet owners choose pet insurance – Part 4
Sponsor Content Our series on how veterinary teams position and share the benefits of pet insurance continues. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance field representatives have continued seeking feedback from veterinary professional advocates as part of an initiative started during VMX and WVC <Link>. In addition to the new comments in the link below, we’re sharing the … [Read more...]
SuperZoo preview
Flipping through Pet Business’ SUPERZOO preview gives animal health pros a look at consumer-facing marketing and product trends. Taking place in Las Vegas August 13th through 16th, the convention is where the retail pet industry comes together to discover the latest products, trends and innovations, along with well-rounded education sessions. Source: Pet Business, Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 5, 2024
Pet spending growing despite inflation, growing brands through partnerships, employee well-being program benefits, three qualities of a mindful leader and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 5, 2024. Link. NOTE: The IBPSA Master Business Academy starts October 14th. The intensive 10-week program covers three core areas essential for business success: … [Read more...]
Inflation pinching pet owners’ pocketbooks forcing pet spending decisions
This article appeared as the fifth article in the August 5 edition of IBPSA FastBites <Link>. NPR’s Lola Murti shares the challenges of rising costs for pet owners, how they are adjusting and what drives cost increases across the pet services industry. Source: NPR, July 30, 2024. Link. “<Re: price increases> It's higher ingredient, higher packaging, higher … [Read more...]
Dog import rules changed, but simplified
Effective today, the CDC is implementing new requirements for dogs arriving from countries that are canine rabies-free or low-risk. Beginning August 1, dogs that have spent at least the last six months in countries such as Canada and Mexico will need to meet these few requirements before U.S. entry: Be healthy on arrival Be at least 6 months old at the time of entry or … [Read more...]
Assessment of the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure in cats with and without chronic kidney disease
Fractious cats challenge veterinary staff and owners. Getting a good blood pressure reading with an upset feline gets difficult. Researchers studied the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure in cats with and without chronic kidney disease. Gabapentin has an effect on arterial BP in cats with and without CK. This effect appears to be more than just the result of stress … [Read more...]
Short nose? Beware of BOAS
Cases of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome are on the increase, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS, VTS-H. Her article reviews medical and nutritional management of BOAS and GI signs in brachycephalic dogs. A case report in SOAP format is also shared. BOAS is progressive; age at presentation ranges from a few months to a few years. After 5 years of age, a first … [Read more...]
The chemistry behind the smell of wet dogs
Chemist Andy Brunning, a British chemistry teacher, distilled the essence of the complex molecular reactions into the infographic shared here <Link>. The aroma of a wet dog starts with a cast of tiny critters like yeasts and bacteria that take up residence on the pet. These bugs leave behind “micro excreta” in the form of volatile organic compounds that are carried away … [Read more...]
Study shows how dogs feel when we hug them. You may not like the results.
Dogs don't always love being hugged, writes Angela Vuckovic. She shares study results published in Applied Animal Behavior Sciences revealing dogs in the study often responded to being hugged by expressing feelings of extreme physical stress and anxiety. Misinterpreting a dog's reaction to being hugged, can be harmful to owners and their dogs. Source: Pet Guide, June 2024. … [Read more...]
New app helps pet owners book backyard space for their dogs
An new app, Sniffspot, connects pet parents with homeowners willing to rent out their private property as dog parks. The app is available nationwide, with Sniffspot reporting 20,000 listings and 100,000 guests. Prices vary depending on a yard's size, location and amenities. Designed for private play, only the people and dogs in each booking are allowed in the spot during a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 29, 2024
Niche markets in the pet industry, compliance for paying independent contractors, disaster preparedness, internet security and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 29, 2024. Link. The IBPSA IBBY Committee has chosen the following finalists for this year’s Pet Care Business Excellence Awards from a record number of nominations. … [Read more...]
Beware of these toxic flowers in gardens, yards and building sites
Many flower enthusiasts and landscapers will soon start their fall planting. GreenRipe dug into the dangerous world of common garden flowers to reveal their hidden toxicities in this article. Saving the Monarchs <Link> is important but knowing if plants are toxic to pets and humans needs to be considered. Source: GreenRipe, December 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Training dogs to not attack chickens
The “leave it” command is critical to managing safe dog poultry interactions, shares The Dog Expert, Carolyn Georgariou. Leave it works on more than chickens and is much more humane than the old-style method shown in the photo. Source: Backyard Poultry, February 26, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Staggering mountain lion confirmed as first North American case of rustrela virus
Rustrela virus is marked by animals staggering, having trouble walking or behaving abnormally. The disease is found in domestic cats, rodents and other animals in Europe. The case began in May 2023 and has now been confirmed in the Colorado mountain lion. For most veterinarians, Rustrela virus would not be on a differential diagnosis list if a companion cat presented with … [Read more...]
One in 30 U.S. dogs test positive for Lyme
Valley Vet Supply’s Aimee Elyse Robinson reminds dog owners of the risks of Lyme disease, especially those that live and play in less manicured outdoor environments. The places dogs love to explore are the most likely environs for them to encounter ticks. These include farms, acreages and large urban green spaces. Consider this article for social media or newsletters, … [Read more...]
The stages of heat-related illness in sporting dogs
Complimentary Sponsored Content When a dog exercises, its body generates excessive physiological heat that causes its body temperature to rise beyond the normal core body temperature ranges between 99.5°F to 102.5°F. The Eukanuba staff has put together charts to address the three stages of heat-related illness in active dogs: heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 22, 2024
Improving employee exit experiences, fawn response in pets, reigniting the startup spark, Morgan Stanley predicts pet services will anchor continued spending growth, catering to traveling pets and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 22, 2024. Link. NOTE: The FLOW Business conference housing deadline is August 19th. Current ticket prices are good through August 25th. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians as pet care influencers are on a more crowded stage
There’s no question that veterinarians remain queens of the hill regarding authority on pet care, writes David Sprinkle. However, other sources of information are gaining ground among millennials and Gen Zers as specialty pet shops and the internet have gained influence in recent years. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 26, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]