DVM 360’s Julia Burke assembled three articles covering tips and tricks for veterinary surgery. The content and videos cover the ins and outs of minimally invasive surgery, insights on performing oronasal fistula repair and common questions about canine digit amputation. Source: DVM 360, November 2, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Articles like these are especially good … [Read more...]
Study suggests health benefits by feeding dogs once a day
According to a new study, dogs that are only fed once a day are less likely to develop age-related conditions such as dental, gastrointestinal, orthopedic and liver disorders thandogs fed more frequently. Companion dogs provide a potentially powerful animal model in which to better understand the relationship between diet and age-related health outcomes. Once-daily feeding in … [Read more...]
Yes, cats can be trained
Cats can and do learn various behaviors through positive behavior training. Positive reinforcement, rewarding a behavior you desire, is how cats learn best, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Ignoring undesirable behaviors can be extremely effective as well. Active punishment is not effective and can lead to a cascade of negative effects. Source: … [Read more...]
Free-roaming cats spread deadly parasite to wildlife
Free-roaming cats kill billions of wildlife in the U.S. every year. The greatest risk is from cats that are allowed to roam freely and hunt. New research suggests that free-roaming felids are likely infecting other animals with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. This disease is linked to nervous system disorders, respiratory and heart disease, and … [Read more...]
Consumer survey predicts holiday giving to pets will grow
Ho, ho, ho! Duke and Ginger and all their companion animal pals are likely to see presents under the tree. Fifty-six percent of consumers surveyed plan to buy their pets a present this year, up from 51 percent last year and 47 percent in 2019. Thankfully, for most pets this holiday season, the best present will be a squeaky sprout toy or snazzy Santa outfit, not a new … [Read more...]
CDC eases restrictions on entering U.S. with dogs
The United States government has eased up on a rule that banned the importation of dogs from 113 countries because of concerns over fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates. As of October 14, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blocked the import of foreign dogs and those re-entering the country after traveling abroad, from countries where the risk of … [Read more...]
Cats and reactions to insect bites and stings
Some cats may be allergic to either the bite or to the venom of an insect. Allergic reactions can range from minor swelling at the injury site, to hives and anaphylaxis, writes Hanie Elfenbein, DVM. She suggests protecting cats from bugs that bite. Source: Pet MD. Link. A minor allergic reaction can often be effectively treated with a cold compress and diphenhydramine … [Read more...]
A dog’s personality can change over time
Research findings prove how much power humans have that influences a dog’s personality, according to William J. Chopik, PhD. He explains many of the reasons a dog’s personality changes result from the “nature versus nurture” theory associated with humans’ personalities. Source: The Bark, November 2021. Link. We found correlations in three main areas: age and personality, … [Read more...]
The climate crisis: Reducing pets’ environmental pawprints
There is a lot of coverage these days about addressing sustainability and carbon footprints. Livestock production has been heavily targeted, as has fossil fuel consumption and automotive emissions. The real challenge is understanding the total carbon cost from inception to the ultimate destroying of an item and its residual waste. In this article by Adam Green, pet food … [Read more...]
VetWatch™ then and now shows continued growth
Providing consistent data on practice visits and revenues, the VetWatch™ weekly insight reports and commentary brings practices and industry a perspective on demand, especially in the pet segments. We’ve linked to the current report and the report from a year ago. Take a few minutes to compare these commentaries. We’ve come a long ways in the past 12 months!” Source: Vet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 17, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post We’re overfeeding like crazy. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin – November 11, 2021. Link. . . . Posts from one year ago Archived posts from November 2020. Link. Why do animals hibernate? Source: Trivia Genius, November 12, 2021. Link. Bears may be the most famous hibernators, … [Read more...]
Grackles could expose humans, pets to parasites
Areas where grackles congregate should be avoided by pets. Contact with grackle feces can expose pets and humans to organisms that cause disease, including salmonella, roundworms and West Nile virus, according to a study from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University. Source: San-Antonio Express News, September 26, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Should you pet your dog before an absence?
Older advice not to pet dogs before going out is not supported by a new study. The pilot study results suggest that petting a dog before a brief separation from the owner may have a positive effect, making the dog calmer during the separation itself. Further studies are needed to analyze more about petting’s effectiveness, especially in dogs affected by separation … [Read more...]
How to get that pill down
The best medicine can’t help if your dog won’t take it, says Ernie Ward, DVM. He shares less intimidating and more compassionate methods of pilling a dog than simply shoving a pill down the dog’s throat. Source: Dogster, October 28, 2021. Link. Regardless of your approach, always observe your dog until you’re certain the meds are on their way to the stomach. INSIGHTS: We … [Read more...]
Feline thyroid problems linked to household chemicals
New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting could harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel water and oil. It is imperative to better understand how these persistent chemicals might … [Read more...]
Connecting the gut to the skin
The skin is an important immune organ with functions that include barriers against foreign antigens, sensory perception, reproduction and antimicrobial action. Amelia White, DVM, MS, DACVD, shares some of the important ways nutrition plays a role in dermatological diseases. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 2021. Link. Scaling skin, alopecia, and skin infections may … [Read more...]
Evolving wisdom on feline housing
Cats have unique kennel and containment needs, according to nearly 15 years of research from around the world. Their tendency to develop upper respiratory conditions when stressed has been the catalyst for retrofitting traditional kennels. When given more space and choice, cats stay healthier. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Top 5 holiday dangers for pets
Holiday decorations are appearing worldwide. Pet owners will appreciate reminders about commonly found holiday dangers for pets as they gather or travel for celebrations. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, and twin brother Jason Chatfield, DVM, share five top holiday dangers: Out-of-town guests; people and their pets Holiday decorations; tinsel, ornaments and seasonal plants … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 15, 2021
New AVMA journals website launched, managing feline stress, email authentication to get more emails through, Apple’s new subscription service for small businesses, IBPSA is migrating to a new association management software system, new learning management system and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 15, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Age introduces pet industry’s 2021 Power 50 list
In its inaugural Power 50 list, Pet Age recognizes the people whose vital work has made a substantial impact on the pet market. Note the cross section of businesses represented. The criteria were simple: Identify the people influencing the pet care community in positive ways, whether they be company leaders, heads of organizations or officials whose decisions affect the pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 11, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post Cost of veterinary care concerns consistent among generations. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin – November 4, 2021. Link. . . . Archives Archived AHD posts for October 2021. Link. This 11-year-old is helping hard-to-place dogs in shelters get attention – and find new … [Read more...]
We’re overfeeding like crazy
Studies show that keeping dogs lean contributes significantly to their health and well-being, writes Denise Flaim. A 14-year Purina Life Span Study found dogs with restricted diets lived 15 percent longer than those with less-restricted diets. That’s almost two years. Despite the compelling evidence for the upside of slimming down, the reality is that thin isn’t In . . . when … [Read more...]
How dogs see the world and TV
Dogs hear better than us for sure. When it comes to sight dogs see the world differently. Two articles from PetMD offer a look at dog vision, including TV watching. Sources: How do dogs see the world? Pet MD. Link. Can dogs see TV? Pet MD. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider these articles for social media or newsletters. … [Read more...]
Which dogs live the longest?
Some breeds live longer than others . This article shares dog breeds with long average life expectancies. For a canine companion that has a long average life, choose small dog breeds.” Source: Puppies and Pooches, January 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
The weird way we’re changing cats
Truly allergen-free cats are a myth. However, biotechnology may help where genetics has failed, writes Sarah Zhang. An obnoxious little protein, Fel d 1, found in feline saliva and oil glands causes most cat allergies. Zhang discusses the various ways scientists have been working to reduce the production of Fel d 1 with diets and immune approaches. Source: The Atlantic, … [Read more...]
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month
As the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs, epilepsy has a profound impact on quality of life for affected dogs and their owners. Epilepsy affects one in every 100 dogs and refers to recurrent seizures resulting from an abnormality in brain function. Source: AKC, November 8, 2021. Link. Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and its donors have … [Read more...]
It’s okay to sleep with your pet
The long-held answer to whether to share a bed with a pet has been “NO”. But recent studies have shown that pets in the bedroom could be beneficial for some of us. And it appears both pets and people benefit from spending the night together in bed. In general, it is a very good thing for animals to sleep with their people." – Dana Varble, DVM, CAE Source: CNN, November 5, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post Beef upcycles well. It’s a great story we all can share. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - October 28, 2021. Link. Culling moose in Maine to control ticks Source: Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2021. Link to PDF. To save Maine’s moose population from being decimated by ticks, … [Read more...]
New study suggests vegan pet food as healthful* for dogs and cats as meat
A controversial new research study showed that cats and dogs on a plant-based diet had health outcomes that were as good or better as those pets being fed diets containing meat. *Study leader Dr. Andrew Knight was quick to point out that the results only apply to vegan meals that have been formulated to include added nutrients that ensure that dogs and cats are getting a … [Read more...]
AAHA releases first veterinary guidelines for working, assistance and therapy dogs
The 2021 AAHA Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines are the first comprehensive consensus report to guide veterinary teams who care for: Protection dogs (police, military, security) Odor/scent detection dogs Service dogs for people with diagnosed disabilities or physical limitations Emotional support dogs Therapy dogs Source: AAHA NEWStat, November … [Read more...]