Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January, 16, 2024. Link. Most read posts from January 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin Managing your own expectations. Link. Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol. Link. Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size. … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Behavior modification program proving cats can be trained
The Oregon Humane Society is finding success using a behavior modification program specifically designed for cats that require specialized training and care before they are ready for adoption. Every cat entering the program receives a customized plan tailored to its specific needs. We are changing views about feline behavior and training which is showing that cats have an … [Read more...]
Why cats love tuna
Scientists seeking to understand taste preferences in cats have discovered cat taste bud receptors are uniquely tuned to molecules found at high concentrations in tuna, revealing why they seem to prefer this delicacy over all others. Different than dogs that can taste sweets and umami, cats don’t taste sweets and crave the molecules found in umami. Source: Science, August … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs are an overlooked risk for antimicrobial-resistant salmonella spread
Pennsylvania State University researchers indicate household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal Salmonella and pose a zoonotic risk for spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Source: DVM 360, January 14, 2025. Link. A greater awareness of the risks pet dogs pose in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, as … [Read more...]
FDA’s raw pet diet directive
Responding to multiple cases of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic and wild cats fed contaminated raw diets containing poultry, the FDA has issued a directive to pet food producers to ensure that their food safety plans address H5N1 influenza contamination issues. Scott Weese, DVM, discusses the directive and how to address pet owners who are inflexible about avoiding raw … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and Promoboxx offer social media service
Visit VMX booth 1906, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. Learn how to better engage with your clients even with minimal time to spare. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has partnered with Promoboxx to help you capitalize on the opportunities social media offers to your clients. In just One Click. you can register and automate our social media posts to reach new … [Read more...]
Improve oral health with Maxi/Guard
Visit VMX booth 3304. Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. <Link> is a leader in zinc-based oral care. Learn how to help pet owners improve daily oral care compliance, discuss your dermatological skin and otic approaches and see what’s new in animal-print ties and scarves. … [Read more...]
Protecting patients from Ozempic exposure
The Pet Poison Helpline is warning clients of the dangers Ozempic and other semaglutide weight loss medications can have on pets. Reports indicate autoinjectors for pet insulin and semaglutide weight loss medications are similar and can be mixed up, resulting in giving the wrong product to a pet. It is important to store the injectors separately. Source: DVM 360, January 15, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 20, 2025
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in household dogs, cats, bird flu, raw diets, human food trends effect pet food choices, members-only dog clubs, rescued shelter dogs helping rescuers in California fire region and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 20, 2025. Link. Note these member benefits: New employee onboarding package Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing
From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are equally concerning as those for humans, writes Simon F. Haeder, PhD. He reviews key elements of attitudinal research he published in 2024 <Link> that reveal pet owner sentiments about vaccination carry over to their inoculation decisions for their pets. More than half of pet owners question the … [Read more...]
Zoetis: Latest FDA approvals broaden protection for dogs and cats
FDA has approved new indications for Simparica Trio® (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets), Simparica® (sarolaner) Chewables, and Revolution® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution). Simparica received approval for the treatment and control of infestations with Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) in dogs 6 months of age and older weighing … [Read more...]
AAVMC, Chewy Health announce the 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort
The 2025 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Cohort program combines financial assistance, professional development resources and mentorship opportunities to empower underrepresented veterinary students to thrive as future leaders. Fifteen selected second-year veterinary students receive a $20,000 scholarship each, as well as peer support sessions, leadership training and early-career … [Read more...]
ASPCA announces $5 million California Wildfire Response and Preparedness Fund
Responding to animal welfare organizations working to provide protections for the health and safety of owned and shelter animals due to the California wildfires, the ASPCA has created a $5 million relief fund. The funds can be applied to disaster response costs or capacity-building for disaster preparedness. Source: ASPCA, January 13, 2025. Link. Applications may be … [Read more...]
Teaching cat owners how to play with their cats and its benefits
Kristin Wurman’s LinkedIn post <Link> shares highlights of a digital campaign encouraging cat owners to engage in daily wand toy play that supports cats' unique nature as a dual species: predators and prey. More than 35 percent of participants reported playing with their cats more often, citing fewer behavioral problems and an increased understanding of their cats' … [Read more...]
Dos and don’ts when choosing supplements for dogs and cats
Good marketing does not necessarily mean high quality. There are many choices in the market which require pet owners and their veterinarians to do their diligence. Theresa W. Fossum, DVM, MS. PhD, Diplomate ACVS, and Sean Ford share the dos and don’ts of choosing supplements in this article. Source: Animal Wellness, January 12, 2025. Link. Prioritize a Certificate of … [Read more...]
Animal shelter best practices provide tips for clinic boarding facilities
Commentary We liked the premise of this article. Staci Cannon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP, shares evidence-based guidelines for standards of care in shelters can be applied to a clinic boarding setting, noting the shared similarities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2024. Link. Whether clinic or shelter, intentional boarding strategies help reduce patient stress during … [Read more...]
Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol
There it was on a cough lozenge label . . . birch sugar. It took a minute to correlate birch sugar to xylitol despite knowing that sugar-free often means xylitol is an ingredient. So, since it is cough and cold season and many folks are dieting, it is a good time to share warnings with animal health pros and their pet owner networks that Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Dogs … [Read more...]
Cleaners to avoid around pets
Holiday cleaning, followed by spring cleaning, puts pets at risk from common household cleaners. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and local community media to help pet owners avoid risks to their pets’ health. Source: Better Homes and Garden, January 9, 2025. Link. When cleaning around pets, it’s important to avoid certain cleaning agents due to their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 13, 2025
Active and empathetic listening skills, bird flu found in raw pet food, measuring stress in therapy dogs, luxury pet care segment growth, OSHA 300 reminder and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 13, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
The Dog Stop building on record 2024 to bring services to more pet lovers in 2025
The Dog Stop continues its mission to make exceptional dog care accessible to more communities nationwide. The company plans to double its 2024 store openings this year, bringing The Dog Stop to major markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, Washington and all NFL metros nationwide. Source: vmsd, January 7, 2025. Link. With over … [Read more...]
Bird flu may be reaching the boiling point
Scientists are increasingly worried about bird flu based on four key signals. The H5N1 virus has spread uncontrolled in animals, including cows frequently in contact with people. Additionally, detections in wastewater show the virus is leaving a wide-ranging imprint, and not just in farm animals. Some experts say they have lost faith in the government's ability to contain the … [Read more...]
5 tricks to help clients develop healthy treat-giving habits
It is important for veterinarians to adopt a proactive approach when counseling owners about treats, writes Raj Naik, DVM, DACVIM. Acknowledging the emotional factors, it is possible to get poor treat-giving habits under control by understanding the behavior behind them and working with the client to develop a personalized plan that satisfies both owners and pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Vaccination protects ratter dog from disease
Katie weighs 12-ish pounds, is four years old and is a mix of at least four breeds. She’s a tough native Texan thriving in Brooklyn, New York, ridding it of more rats than you can imagine. Her trip from Texas to the Big Apple was unremarkable, but one night at a playground, she revealed her calling – killing rats. She recently got her 364th rat kill in a year. Sarah Darby, her … [Read more...]
Study: Button dogs DO understand words recorded on soundboards
Research conducted at the University of California, San Diego, shows that dog participants successfully associated words their owners had recorded onto soundboards with the correct outcomes in real life and responded to those words without any other cues. Noting the research as a comprehension study, Federico Rossano, PhD, shared some of the dog participants are currently using … [Read more...]
Spasms or tremors in dogs and when to call a veterinarian
Minor dog muscle spasms are generally not an emergency. But spasms accompanied by other symptoms or a change in behavior or level of alertness can be serious or worse, shares Barri J. Morrison, DVM. Dogs returning to boarding routines or puppies coming for the first time may exhibit spasms. Morrison’s article is a good review for pet services and veterinary teams as the new … [Read more...]
Dog Aging Project offers insights on how dogs are being fed
Includes Sponsored Content Janice O'Brien, PhD, joins Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to share some early findings from the Dog Aging Project’s large database. The conversation focuses on the latest data about dog owners and their nutritional decisions for their pets. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, YouTube, October 21, 2024. Link. The Dog Aging … [Read more...]
Crate size decisions for those new puppies as they grow
Includes Commercial References “There are three crate sizes in my garage, shared a friend, but I’m not sure I have the right size for this new, larger-breed puppy my son received at Christmas.” Mary Cope, PhD, shares how to choose crates for dogs as they grow and develop. Her guidance makes good content to share with new pet owners and clients on social media. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 6, 2025
Feline Pet Care Provider Certifications raise the bar, pet industry M&As on the horizon, perceived benefits of limited ingredient foods and treats, AI prompts for small business, bird flu and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 6, 2025. Link. Note: Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet lodging facilities, January 22, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CST) Link. … [Read more...]
California fires sending deadly smoke for miles
Air quality is suffering in a widespread area in California. Wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds are devasting property and pushing smoke into the atmosphere. Beyond the immediate wildfire crises, the smoke will increase risks to people and animals over the next several days locally and likely spread across the U.S. in time. Consider educating animal owners about reducing … [Read more...]