Pet therapy helps human well-being, technology influences on pet care industry, keeping Macs secure, pet industry hits record $123.6B, videos for small businesses to consider and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 20, 2022
Last week’s most read posts The cute factor is almost too much to resist. Link. Your customers buy benefits. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Link. =================================== 7 causes of brain fog and how to regain your concentration and focus Source: Insider, March 24, 2022. Link. Brain … [Read more...]
Asian longhorned ticks are on the move
The Asian longhorned tick reached 17 states by last fall. In the United States, the tick has been found in or near counties with large horse, cattle and sheep populations. They do not discriminate however and will use a human or a pet as a host, just the same as livestock or wildlife. The Asian longhorned tick is known to carry the virulent Theileria orientalis Ikeda … [Read more...]
Why cats eat grass
Some cats are drawn to eating grass which is often followed by vomiting up the greens. Tom Fish digs into this behavior with cat experts. There doesn’t seem to be much consensus, but some theories include: . . . eating grass makes the cats throw up less digestible parts of a protein-rich meal Grass is a source of needed trace minerals, micronutrients, and vitamins A, B … [Read more...]
8 reasons dogs don’t listen
Dog owners will appreciate the advice and perspectives from this article. Consider it for social media, newsletters or with appointment follow-up communications. When dogs don’t listen, it has more to do with weaknesses in training strategies than anything else. Lynne Fedorick, CPDT-KA, shares reasons dogs don’t listen. Dogs think proactively. They are doers. They don’t … [Read more...]
Dealing with dog training sabotage
Behavior issues remain a top cause of dogs being relinquished. While sabotage might sound harsh, dogs need consistency to establish and keep behavior patterns. Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, discusses why a family needs to get on the same page to avoid confusing their pet. The pet’s confusion issues are often compounded when a being boarded or going to a daycare provider. No matter … [Read more...]
Safe encounters of the K-9 kind
A large percentage of dogs are not socially adept at meeting new dogs. Pat Miller offers tips on managing intentional get-togethers between dogs that haven’t met before. Few dog owners handle the frequent and often-tense encounter with another dog in a way that protects their dog, preserves his good behavior and supports positive feelings about other dogs.” - Pat Miller, … [Read more...]
Who owns that pet? (podcast)
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the tricky topic of how veterinary clinics determine who is a pet’s owner, who can make decisions, and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying. The situation is more common than you think and can be an issue for daycare and boarding locations, as well. Source: Veterinary Viewfinder podcast, April 6, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Counseling pet owners on pediatric nutrition
Choosing a pet food IS overwhelming with the number of commercial options available, a plethora of advertising, label vernacular and popular trends. Kate Boatright, VMD, shares three key areas in which veterinary team members should be competent discussing with owners of puppies and kittens: The best food for the new pet How much to feed When to switch to an adult … [Read more...]
First aid tips for pet owners
Spring and outdoor activities are wonderful but come with risks of injuries for pets. Pet owners need to be prepared to offer first aid to their pets when an injury occurs. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it can help save a pet's life until it gets veterinary treatment. The AVMA offers several resources suitable for social media, newsletters and … [Read more...]
The veterinary team’s role in the human-animal bond
Veterinary care is anchored by relationships. Rebecca Rose, CVT, shares her belief supporting the human-animal bond as the center of the veterinary profession. She recommends reintroducing the importance of the human-animal bond with the entire team and ensure it appears in the values, vision, and mission of the practice. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 15, 2022. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Traditional recruiting is broken. 6 ways to reimagine it. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== How long is too long to leave a dog alone? Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 10, 2020. Link. 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be … [Read more...]
Why cats’ eyes glow in the dark
The same thing that makes their eyes glow helps cats see better in dim light, writes Braidee C. Foote, DVM. Domestic cats can see in conditions that are only 16 percent as bright as what people require. Eyeshine comes from a tapetum lucidum located in the back of the eye behind the retina. It is a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention: language influences care (video)
The language of care resources from the AVMA are featured in AAHA’s NEWStat. The first article includes a video with role plays of a heartworm client seeking a refill without a heartworm test. The second focuses on the language of care survey results and provides a downloadable ebook to help veterinary team members speak to pet owners in a way that helps them hear and … [Read more...]
Dirty pet food bowls common, full of pathogens
Researchers from North Carolina State University surveyed dog owners about their animal feeding habits and swabbed pets' food dishes for bacteria. The findings suggest a need to educate pet owners about pet food handling and hygiene to minimize bacterial contamination of dishes, especially for high-risk populations. Source: HealthDay, April 6, 2022. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Avocado. Toxic for pets or not?
This new research may create confusion as avocado meal is used as a pet food component. Avocados contain a chemical called persin, a natural fungicide, which could be toxic to dogs that eat the fruit. However, in an experiment, persin seemed to be destroyed and inactivated during kibble production, leaving the resulting product safe for dogs. The Journal of Animal … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 11, 2022
Pet retailer’s guide to animal healthcare, OSHA resources required, wearable pet tech, pet industry advocacy, work force issues and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Stresslaxation is real
It is not uncommon to hear someone say they need a vacation to recover from their vacation. Others may share they got sick during their time off. Some may say they wished they would have stayed at work. Even if relaxation causes anxiety, it can still have a positive effect on mental health, says Jolanta Burke. Not everyone will experience stresslaxation, a new term for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 7, 2022
Last week’s most read AHD posts How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== Feral pigs are biological time bombs. Can California stem their ‘exponential’ damage? Source: Los Angeles Times, April 1, … [Read more...]
The 411 on fetch
We’re including this item because it will be especially helpful for new dog owners. Playing fetch with our dogs is well known, but not all know it is a DNA-driven trait and may psychologically feel good to most dogs. Source: Happy Puppy Tips, Link. Also see: Dog toys: How to pick the best and safest, Humane Society of the U.S. Link. Also see: The 16 best dog toys to … [Read more...]
Science explains puppy dog eyes
There’s no doubt puppy dog eyes capture our attention. Citing research comparing fast twitch muscles in wolves versus dogs, Anne Burrows, PhD, says her findings suggest dogs’ faces have evolved anatomically to improve their connections with people. Source: NBC News, April 5, 2022. Link. Domestic dogs and humans are adept at accurately understanding one another’s facial … [Read more...]
Feline heartworm experience creates DVM advocate (video)
Experience is an influential teacher. Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD, shares the story of her cat's ordeal with heartworm disease and the resulting commitment to feline heartworm preventatives. For me, if there is a preventative I can do that's not going to hurt the pet...I don't see any reason not to do it." - Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD Source: DVM 360, March 31,2022. Link. The way our … [Read more...]
Get ready for Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May
As ticks wake up and crawl out of cover, April and May are great times to reinforce pet owner knowledge on tick and Lyme Disease prevention. 2021 saw an increase in tick populations. We’ve found no reason to expect 2022 will be any different. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
Top-searched product attributes for pet food according to NielsenIQ
Pet owning consumers are seeking specific product attributes, and they are changing the way they shop for products. There is an increasing shift toward omnichannel options and e-commerce outlets, writes Jordan Tyler. The NielsenIQ researchers dug into frequently searched terms that will interest animal health pros. In the top-searched attributes for dog food and treats, the … [Read more...]
Burst the myths about raw food diets for dogs and cats
Raw feeding isn’t new, but it is widely misunderstood. This author looks at five common falsehoods about feeding dogs and cats a raw food diet. He touts the raw dietary option as one of the more nutritionally beneficial choices but also acknowledges challenges. Proper raw diets for dogs and cats are made up of meat, bone, organ meats, vegetables, and supplements. All these … [Read more...]
Pet owners unleashed: Veterinarians reflect on the pandemic’s darkest days
Two years have passed since the Covid pandemic began. Clinician’s Brief honors the strength and resilience of veterinarians through stories shared in their own words. Masks, curbside, impatience, uncertainty and perseverance are all expressed as veterinary teams found themselves in the unique role of being essential but without the same support structure afforded to human … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 31, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – we have a tie! It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Week. Link. Solutions to toxic situations. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Link. =================================== Survey: 1 in 5 pet owners had pet recommended by health professional Source: Petfood Industry, … [Read more...]
Play groups enrich dogs’ lives
Dogs need both dog-dog play and dog-human play. The two serve different purposes says Vint Virga, DVM. Playgroups have resulted in an increase in live release rates in shelters which is a trend that benefits animal welfare overall. <play groups> give dogs an opportunity to have more social interaction as well as to practice appropriate play behavior in a controlled … [Read more...]
Cat wheezing: What it is, why it happens, when to see a veterinarian (video)
This article includes a recommendation for cat clients to capture videos of their cats’ issue as part of a vet visit decision process and background for potential diagnosis. While telemedicine terms are not used, the “when in doubt, see a vet” guidance could include a virtual visit. Consider the opportunity to share this article along with some telemedicine information via … [Read more...]