Depicting the differences in cold tolerance for different sized dogs, this infographic, along with the articles below, will make good content for social media, newsletters and for local media. Source: Pet Plan. Link. Also see: How cold is too cold? Daily Paws, February 24, 2022. Link. NOTE: This article contains an infographic, When is it too cold or too hot? … [Read more...]
Narcolepsy in pets: what you need to know
Sponsored Content Annette Louviere, DVM, shares what is known about narcolepsy in pets and how to deal with it to keep them safe. Narcoleptic episodes often occur during moments of excitement or over-stimulation. If you’ve seen a dog running at the park and then suddenly collapse into a heap for a quick snooze, it’s possible that pup has narcolepsy.” Source: Wisdom Panel™, … [Read more...]
Environmental toxins and their impact on dogs
Dogs are affected by environmental toxins just like people are, says Lauren Trepanier, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVCP. She shares research about lymphoma and bladder cancer and how toxic chemicals in homes and yards contribute to risk. Animals can help us detect environmental dangers to people.” Source: Morris Animal Foundation, TedXMileHigh, October 21, 2022. Link. (21 … [Read more...]
Animal shelters facing a potentially fatal pet adoption crisis
Daniel De Vise’ provides a situation analysis of the pet shelter market, confusing data and trends. Source: The Hill, December 9, 2022. Link. Overflowing shelters have fed a national narrative of fickle owners returning pandemic pets. That is neither entirely true nor particularly fair, animal rights advocates say.” … [Read more...]
Understanding obesity and weight loss in dogs and cats
New scientific evidence points to fat tissue as being biologically active and not in a good way. Obesity is a major health crisis for companion animals and it’s often overlooked. About 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats are overweight or obese. Plus, it is estimated 30 percent of horses are now considered obese. Obesity now is generally thought of as a chronic, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 12, 2022
Senior pet numbers growing, 6 ways technology has changed the pet care industry, how virtual reality may fit in veterinary education, using Google ads effectively, why a strategy for 2023 is needed and more . . . U.S. households with a dog older than 7 years of age has increased from 42 percent to 52 percent” Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Disgusting companions with no anuses. Demodex sp.
Commentary We found a set of interesting articles related to the intersection of animals and humans. Whether wild animals in our backyards, pet-to-human or human-to-pet interactions carry risks that need to be understood. In this case the yuk-factor is preeminent. Say Demodex to most animal health pros and images of mange or localized alopecia on a puppy’s face come … [Read more...]
VetWatch® Commentary for Week 48 thru December 7th
Opinion The numerical trends in the VetWatch updates can appear to be minimal. However, considering the average annual value of a cat at about $400 and the average annual value of a dog is at least $900, retaining and engaging clients is critical to long-term practice revenue, healthier pets and happier clients. Simple math shows a veterinarian with 4000 active clients of … [Read more...]
Pet parents are your teammates
“Pet parents may not be medically trained but they know their pets better than anyone,” asserts Dana Varble, DVM. “Listen to them when they have concerns.” She advocates treating owners as home healthcare providers who serve as an extension of your own clinic team every day. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, October 10, 2022. Link. Trust, communication, and education … [Read more...]
What a cat friendly veterinary experience looks like
Note: Kudos to the Vet Candy team who summarized the recently published Cat Friendly Guidelines and to the almost 3,700 clinics and practices across 57 countries who have achieved official ‘Cat Friendly’ status. The cat’s veterinary experience includes their journey to the clinic, their interactions with team members, the social environment, as well as the physical … [Read more...]
What dogs can safely drink besides water
Although dogs can drink other liquids, water is the only fluid that is 100 percent safe for them. The author shares a list of generally safe and unsafe drinks with the recommendation to consult a veterinarian about possible allergies or untoward effects. Source: Top Dog Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing tips about what should not be shared with pets on social … [Read more...]
Possible benefits of medicating patients before and during vet visits
Using pre-visit sedation can be a win-win, win for patients, the owner and veterinary team, explains Heather R. Carter, MPS, LVT, VTS. She shares the importance of preparation and client education along with medication options. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Winter 2021, page 30. Link. Reducing patient stress should be a priority in any veterinary setting.” - Heather R. … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Drugs used to prevent heartworm in dogs and cats
Lindsay A. Starkey, DVM, PhD, DACVM, tackles what has become a plethora of drugs available to prevent heartworm. She reviews the macrocyclic lactone-based drugs the Food and Drug Administration approved for prevention of heartworm disease and Environmental Protection Agency approved mosquito repellents. Source: Clinician’s Brief, October 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: We recently … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2022
Pet Business’ annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the products and vendors that drove innovation in the pet industry over the past year. In addition to new beds, leashes, treats and CBD/hemp products, here are examples we noted: Animo GPS - Merck Animal Health; an activity monitor for dogs with GPS tracking Recovery Double Sleeves - Suitical International … [Read more...]
Jonathan the tortoise celebrates 190th birthday
Commentary Jonathan, the Seychelles giant tortoise, is estimated to be 190 years old and the world’s oldest land animal, according to Guinness. The giant tortoise is blind and can’t smell, but his hearing is great. He lives a pampered life on St. Helena Island, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean which lies about 1,200 miles west of the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 5, 2022
Pet spending growth increased $8.65B in 2021 to $23.81B, says John Gibbons; interactive toy opportunities, pet care on capitol hill, cross-promotion marketing tips and more Companies in a cross-promotion partnership need to be on the same page with clearly defined, common goals including when to end the arrangement.” Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, December 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Small companies, big discoveries
Kristi Fender covers the expanding landscape of new advancements in animal health from startups and partnerships in a variety of developing categories, describing it as an innovation explosion. She highlights differences in the people now working in biotech and the need for a commitment to standards. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2022. Link. Only a handful of animal health … [Read more...]
Almost 27, Flossie is the world’s oldest living cat
Born in 1995, Flossie has been in several homes since living as a stray kitten in Liverpool, England. Vicki Green, Flossie’s fourth owner, adopted the elderly pet after it was handed in to the UK cat welfare charity, Cats Protection. The oldest cat who ever lived, Crème Puff, reached the age of 38 years and three days passing on August 6, 2005. Source: CNN, November 25, … [Read more...]
Pet parenting style influences dog behavior
An Oregon State University research study shows that the pet dog-human caretaker bond may be functionally and emotionally like the bond between a human parent and their child. The study focused on how the quality of a human-dog relationship may influence a dog’s performance on behavioral and cognitive tests. Source: Vet Candy, October 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
10 Christmas plants that are toxic to dogs
While decorative holiday plants accompany the season, it's important to remember that some are toxic to pets. Share this list of 10 with pet owners on social media and in newsletters. Consider sharing it with local media too. Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias top the list. Source: Country Living, December 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Rapid growth in hookworm prevalence and resistance
Hookworm prevalence has increased from 4 percent in 2018 to almost 50 percent three years later, according to a study published in Clinician’s Brief in August 2020 <Link>. Kim Campbell Thornton shares a troubling situational perspective on prevalence across the U.S. and the challenges of growing drug resistance for all three major classes of dewormers. We recommend ALL … [Read more...]
What pet owners think about using CBD
Includes Commercial Content Responses from 1448 pet owners to a Leafreport survey revealed 50 percent had tried CBD for their cat or dog. Other key metrics are: 38 percent gave their pet CBD because their vet recommended it. 44 percent gave their pet CBD to help ease their anxiety or stress. Pet edibles were by far the most popular delivery format Source: … [Read more...]
Four factors that will shape 2023
Mark Kalaygian looks into his crystal ball for the 2023 pet retail business citing: The return of innovation Global Pet Expo returning to full strength Mergers and acquisitions NO clear difference-making product trend . . . the growing focus on pet health care should be considered <as a prominent trend>, but it is a complex category that requires much … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 28, 2022
IBPSA Fast Bites is back this week with more news for those working in pet care and boarding, pet walkers and sitters, trainers, holistic pet care providers and veterinarians. The industry is evolving to meet the needs of modern pet ownership, resulting in a shift toward more convenient and tech-forward services, as well as more sustainable and environmentally friendly … [Read more...]
WHO cites antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 threats to humanity
Reinforcing the messaging of the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week the senior animal health officer for FAO, discusses the impact antimicrobial resistance is having on animal health. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and food production have put our future at risk.” Source: News Medical, November 24, 2022. Link. Responsible and … [Read more...]
Outbreaks are inevitable, but pandemics are optional (video)
Experts suggest a new era of zoonoses and elevated risks demands new thinking and approaches, shares Krissa Welshans referencing “Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective,” a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. It focuses on zoonotic diseases and the importance of One Health. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, November 23, … [Read more...]
Students turning meat processing co-products into potential pet treats
Graduate students at Auburn University have been conducting research to study various aspects of developing treats from poultry co-products such as wing tips, broiler carcass frames, woody breasts and organs, in addition to organs and other parts from beef and swine. Palatability and sensory trials along with economic production models will follow. Upcycling parts of livestock … [Read more...]
AVMA Humane Slaughter Guidelines now available for comment
Dr. Robert Meyer says expanded guidelines have been made more user-friendly via organization by species, rather than by techniques. More species are also cited. This includes the slaughter of animals not primarily designated for the food chain, such as animals raised for fur. Every stage of the slaughter process is addressed, from an animal’s arrival at a facility, when … [Read more...]
Thousands of pet cats may have been infected with SARS-CoV-2
Swabs taken from a broad sample of 2,309 cats in the United Kingdom between April 2020 and February 2022 were analyzed by virologists and veterinarians from the University of Glasgow. The researchers found 3.2 percent of all the samples were positive for Covid antibodies, with the highest levels of infection occurring at the end of 2021 and at the start of 2022, with one in 20 … [Read more...]
Old cats: 3 vet visits each year
Tufts Catnip staff reviews updates to the 2021 Feline Senior Care Guidelines including moving cats over 15 years of age to three visits annually. Senior cats 11 through the age of 15 should continue having vet visits twice a year. Source: Tufts Catnip, September 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]