A small amount of stomach gurgling, burping or even farting is normal for most dogs, but excessive dog gas may signal a problem. Excessive gas may be caused by a less-than-ideal diet or could be signs of issues like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 10, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Negative side effects of declawing cats
Declawing is an increasingly controversial veterinary surgical procedure. Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH, presents the procedure, risks, possible behavior consequences post surgery and scratching behaviors as normal and instinctual. Source: Pet MD, March 3, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
5 unexpected rainy day dangers for dogs
Rainstorms can lead to unforeseen dangers and issues beyond wet paws and coats: low visibility, lightening and thunder; puddles including leptospirosis, girardia, possible toxins; mushrooms; toads and frogs; pneumonia. Source: Pet MD, March 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Dog helps parents raise twins by grabbing milk, blankets, diapers, toys (video)
Lucy seems to have a complex understanding of words and unique item recognition abilities making her the best big sister ever. Source: Good Morning America, YouTube, March 20, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Enhancing safety and efficient grooming webinar offered
Complimentary Sponsored Content Gingr will lead a discussion about tools and processes that enhance safety and allow for more time for groomers in a webinar hosted by PACCC. PACCC certified professionals attending the webinar will earn one CEU. Topic: Gingr/PACCC Webinar via Zoom Description: How to use technology in the grooming salon to enhance safety and allow for … [Read more...]
Many clinical trials need patients; here’s how you can help
Clinical trials are critical to discover new treatments and deepen our understanding of diseases. The AVMA Animal Health Studies database connects you with veterinary clinical trials reported by researchers. There are a wide variety of opportunities to contribute as a veterinarian or as an animal owner with veterinarian support. Source: AVMA. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2023
Human-animal bond during crisis, culturing proteins for sustainability, blogging tips, more pet households than households with children in America, toxic recreational drugs, ChatGPT, franchisee is a first and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 23, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians and the pet food industry: Building bridges
Includes Commercial Content Strengthening the relationship and communication between the veterinary space and the pet food industry is a win for everyone, writes Lindsay Beaton. The challenge is to ensure veterinarians and veterinary technicians have relevant tools that support the nutrition discussions with clients. Beaton shares some of what companies are doing to bridge … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 9th AHD Bulletin – Pet owners feeling the sting of inflation. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. New York City rats can catch the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, study finds Source: CNN, March 9, … [Read more...]
Domestication of cats and why they are like us
Recent experiments suggest that cats are more socially intelligent and attuned to familiar humans than we realize. These studies even indicate that cats like us. . . . there is no reason to suppose that humans deliberately domesticated cats . . . if anything, cats domesticated themselves.” - Danijela Popovic, PhD Source: New Scientist, March 7, 2023. Link. Also see: Why … [Read more...]
Dogs, special brownies and more
“What to do if your dog eats marijuana,” by Jennifer Bailey, DVM, addresses a growing issue in homes with pets. Whether edibles, weed or vape cartridges, many of these familiar options are also attractive to dogs. Marijuana was ranked 9th in top Toxin Trends <Link>. Consider this article for social media posts and newsletters to keep pet owners informed of the safety … [Read more...]
A primer on mastitis in small animals
Mastitis can have a dramatic effect on the quality of life of any animal. It is painful, can become a more serious systemic infection and can challenge owners to care for young animals unable to nurse effectively. Don Vaughan shares how mastitis presents in small animals along with diagnosis, treatment and effects. Client education can go a long way toward preventing mastitis … [Read more...]
Demand for pet groomers, grooming remains high
The demand for grooming is outpacing the number of groomers available, according to Paula Hendrickson. She discussed the situation with grooming industry peers in the article linked here. Burnout is a concern as professional skills specialization and certification advance customer expectations and groomer economics. Source: Pet Product News, March 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 13, 2023
Safety tips for traveling with pets, increasing demand for pet-friendly workplaces, types of YouTube videos that grow business, more legislation limiting retail pet sales, trends in pet nutrition and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The modern pet telehealth industry is improving veterinary practices
Vetster’s Cerys Goodall writes about the benefits and opportunities for veterinary telehealth in the article linked here. For veterinary teams who have yet to fully use telehealth, it makes a good backdrop for a team discussion. Goodall says telehealth provides unique solutions for consumers and veterinarians while filling in the gaps of in-person clinics. She adds that … [Read more...]
Pets can teach us about love, grief, life and death
Karen Fine, DVM, wrote the recently released book, “The Other Family Doctor.” The book’s subtitle, “A veterinarian explores what animals can teach us about love, life, and mortality,” aptly describes Fine’s observations. She shares these experiences and how they relate to the realities of veterinary practice today with Fresh Air’s Dave Davies. The half-hour interview ranges … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 2nd AHD Bulletin – Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 10 most popular articles of 2022 from HBR’s Working Knowledge … [Read more...]
Animal health efforts DO reduce need for antibiotics
Animal health and nutrition companies are constantly working on ways to improve animal health and provide antibiotic-free alternatives for use in animal feed. Global sales of antibiotics for veterinary use are down nearly one-third since 2011, according to the World Organization for Animal Health with some major livestock-producing countries in Europe, as well as the United … [Read more...]
Stop doing these 7 things that annoy cats
Cat behaviorist Mieshelle Nagelschneider shares seven ways cat owners annoy their cats and what to do instead: Putting all their toys in one basket Wiggling toys in their face Expecting cats to obey Not giving enough attention Giving too much attention Reprimanding the cat Old-school feeding and water methods Source: Modern Cat. Link. Cats can be the … [Read more...]
Why does a well-fed cat kill small animals and birds?
John Woolf, a self-proclaimed cat whisperer, addresses the basic instincts cats have for hunting even when well-fed and living indoors. He shares the story of when Mr. Whiskers becomes Dr. Hyde and along the way shares some facts about cats and their lives. . . . even the Garfields of the world can’t overcome instinct.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, February 27, 2023. Link. Three … [Read more...]
Top 50 best dog poop bags, plus a pollution reality
Commercial Content Included Picking the right dog waste bags is vital. Without the right bag to prevent pollution, non-biodegradable and non-environmentally friendly poop bags can create even more issues. America's 83 million pet dogs produce some 10.6 million tons of poop every year.” – OnEarth.org Source: Top Dog Tips, January 5, 2023. Link. There are 23 million coliform … [Read more...]
3 videos feature insights for treating diabetic patients
DVM 360’s team shares some of the latest tips and tricks for better understanding, diagnosing and treating chronic diabetes in companion animals. They note diabetes affects about 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the U.S. Source: DVM 360, February 24, 2023. Link. The diabetes videos referenced are: The connection between the endocrine pancreas and diabetes. Link. … [Read more...]
Topical therapies in veterinary dermatology
Citing the plethora of topical products for pets, Alexandra Gould, DVM, DACVD, says multiuse products are usually easiest to carry. She groups topical therapies around four main goals and shares the considerations and treatments used to achieve them: Treat infections and prevent their recurrence Decrease seborrhea or greasy skin texture Treat or prevent pruritus … [Read more...]
Florida veterinary technician demonstrates MAXI/GUARD® Oral Cleansing Wipes
Sponsored Content Oral Cleansing Wipes are a fabulous choice for in-between brushings and/or for hard-to-brush mouths, shares Vet Tech Sara from Deerwood Animal Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida. Source: Addison Biological Laboratory. Link. … [Read more...]
Does dog park = cesspool? How to safely enjoy it!
Complimentary Sponsored Content Warmer weather, melting snow, greening grass all invite dog owners outside. Many will decide to take their dogs to dog parks. But are the dogs prepared for the inherent risks? Dawn Martin DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, and the Chatfields discuss the challenges of safely enjoying some of the benefits of a dog park. Note the discussion of risk assessment … [Read more...]
The best way to store dog food may surprise you
In recent dog food recall announcements, we noted comments about how dog food is stored. Storage information is not readily found on several brands’ websites. After a bit of digging here’s what we found. Key points: store dog food inside in original bags for best results, refresh monthly.” We reviewed packaging and labels from more than 12 brands for storage instructions, … [Read more...]
Pet toxicology experts release state-specific top 20 toxins list in new Toxin Trends
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month. Using five years of proprietary call data, Pet Poison Helpline released the next version of Toxin Trends. This online resource helps consumers and veterinary professionals research harmful and potentially deadly toxins in their area. Source: CISION, March 1, 2023. Link. We wanted to share our proprietary data to help educate pet lovers … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 6, 2023
Mars study of CBD safety and efficacy, Hootsuite tips, the search for ecofriendly products, could startups reduce pet care costs, Mars’ investment in pet tech, safeguarding against scammers and cybercrime and more. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet owners feeling the sting of inflation
Commentary Inflation in the pet consumables markets has been in the news recently. The January Consumer Price Index shows the price of pet food is up 15 percent from last year with pet and pet product prices up 12 percent. We’re sharing these article that reference the inflation trends so animal health pros can help pet owners focus on their pets’ essential and urgent … [Read more...]
Vet techs contribute to shared decision making during companion animal vet appointments
Commentary While it should come as no surprise, this study in four practices shows the value of clients engaging with veterinary technicians and veterinarians. We rarely see this in human medicine and one might estimate that vet techs and vets rarely interact together with clients following an exam. In my experience, it is common to never see the veterinarian and vet tech … [Read more...]