A study published in the August 16 edition of the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine evaluated antimicrobial prescriptions for dogs in the U.S. and Canada diagnosed with urinary tract disease. Understanding antimicrobial use is a critical component of antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Decreases in duration and increased use of recommended first-line antimicrobials were … [Read more...]
Proactive nutrition for the healthy indoor cat
Nutrition is especially important for indoor cats, which depend solely on their owners for what, when, and how they eat. Indoor cats are at greater risk for becoming overweight or obese and for developing behavior problems." From the summary: Recommending that clients weigh daily food portions and monitor the cat’s BCS and body weight will help them maintain a healthy weight … [Read more...]
End-of-summer canine checklist
AKC Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein provides an end-of-summer checklist to make sure dogs are in top shape for fall. He reminds dog owners to watch temperatures and use summer thinking until the cold sets in fully. Source: AKC TV. Link. INSIGHTS: This video and others are good resources to use on social media, link in newsletters or targeted communications. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 23, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post Survey: Workers ages 18 to 44 want payday more flexible. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - Sept 16, 2021. Link. Forget a pre-flight drink. Pet an airport therapy dog. Source: Washington Post, September 17, 2021. Link. Sure, you could drown your travel anxieties at the airport bar or … [Read more...]
R.I.P. Stuckie, the coon hound that refused to quit
The photos in this article may be disturbing to some. Chasing a raccoon almost 30’ above the floor of heavy northeast Alabama woods 40 years ago, a Redbone coonhound got lodged in an oak tree and was out of hearing range of its owner. Forty years later a logging operation fell the tree and discovered the well-preserved hound, posthumously named, Stuckie. The log, dog and … [Read more...]
Toxic, invasive poison hemlock is spreading into gardens, yards, parks across U.S.
Poison hemlock, which resembles Queen Anne’s Lace, is often spotted along highways, in fence lines and on the edges of farm fields. Recently, populations of this toxic and invasive plant have exploded in parks, yards and gardens across the country. Poison hemlock spreads and grows its footprint during late summer and fall. Each plant produces up to 30,000 seeds that ripen … [Read more...]
Puppies are born ready to communicate with people
Researchers from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona put 375 eight-week-old puppies through four tests, designed to establish whether even such tiny pups were receptive to human communication. The results suggest that communication abilities must be inherited instead of being learned. Source: AKC, July 26, 2021. Link. The researchers now seek to … [Read more...]
Dogs will eat just about anything but their own food
A survey of 2,000 American dog owners found dogs will get ahold of just about anything. Pet caregivers shared they experience this at least once per week. The One Poll survey also revealed the average pet parent says that it’s hard to find dog food that is nutritious and delicious. Source: 72POINT, September 20, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Helping canine boredom
Complimentary Content The market for toys and puzzles to ward off boredom by pets is exploding as pet caregivers return to work outside the home. Hardly a day goes by without seeing another article about what to do now that the dog is home alone. While resources are plentiful, it is hard for owners to choose what works for their pet. Plus, finding the best choices may result … [Read more...]
Extensively drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections associated with U.S. pet store puppies
More than 90 percent of human Campylobacter infections are caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Major symptoms include diarrhea that is often bloody, fever and abdominal cramps. Most recover within one week. BUT not all recover that fast. Thanks to the CDC Campylobacter surveillance network, the drug-resistant strains of C. jejuni were reported and investigated. Surveillance data … [Read more...]
It’s okay to truly grieve for lost pets
Losing a trusted pet sucks. Without traditional grieving rituals we generally experience when family members die, losing a pet can truly mess with us. Experts say the death of pets can even activate grief over previous losses. Source: Outside, September 2, 2021. Link. The death of a pet is a very big deal. I often have people tell me they are surprised the experience is … [Read more...]
11 million-plus animals may be affected by ransomware attack
NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, was recently hit with a ransomware attack that forced the farm and feed supply operation to take systems offline. Blackmatter, the group allegedly behind the attack, is demanding $5.9 million to provide a decryptor. NEW Cooperative claims its software powers grain production and feed schedules for 11 million animals. Source: ars TECHNICA, … [Read more...]
Scientists have identified 7 distinct feline personality traits
According to new research, each cat's personality and behavior can be defined using a combination of seven traits. Five personality traits and two behavioral traits are defined in the results: Activity/playfulness Fearfulness Aggression towards humans Sociability towards humans Sociability towards cats Litterbox issues (such as refusing to use the litterbox, … [Read more...]
Dogs with the strongest bite
Bite strength is measured in terms of pounds per square inch. The author shares the dog breeds with the most bite strength. The Kangal, a shepherd dog from Turkey, has the strongest bite force of 740 PSI. Some breeds have more bite force than a lion. Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 9, 2021. Link. Studies indicate that dogs with large heads, big bodies, and broader jaws … [Read more...]
Chats with the Chatfields. . . . Them’s the Rules: Can we join your PACCC?!
Complimentary Exploring little known rules, regulations, and guidelines for important aspects of animal care, Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason are joined by Stephanie Shipley, the current chair of the Professional Animal Care Certification Council. The PACCC is the world's only certification program for animal care professionals and requires successful examination for … [Read more...]
Basics of canine hydration
There are pet caregivers who do not know dogs’ hydration needs are different than our own. This author provides relevant resources, including a consumption chart (Table 1) and discusses variables that influence hydration needs. Source: Animal Wellness, August 10, 2021. Link. All dogs need adequate water to survive, and in most cases, water absorption is enhanced with the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 9, 2021
Last week’s . . . . . . most read post Success starts with followership, AHD. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - Sept 2, 2021. The surprising upsides of spite and how to harness them Source: New Scientist, September 1, 2021. Link. Spiteful behavior, harming another at some cost to yourself, is a psychological game where no … [Read more...]
Dermatology pearls: Your 4-step guide to educating pet parents about pruritus
Owners of pets with allergic pruritus can often encounter confusion and frustration. It’s important to tackle the issue from the first appointment and develop a dependable treatment plan that keeps the needs of both patient and owner in mind. Source: DVM 360, via AAHA NEWStat, August 29, 2021. Link. To navigate these conversations with clients, Ashley S. Bourgeois, DVM, … [Read more...]
VO2 Max, the secret to canine field performance
Kurt Venator, DVM, PhD, talks about getting peak performance out of working dogs. “The key thing is to define what VO2 Max is,” Venator said. “It’s not some odd scientific term. It’s simply the rate of maximum oxygen use. And obviously that’s important because oxygen is going to fuel endurance, performance, and energy. That’s both in dogs and in humans. . . . the higher that … [Read more...]
Select the right food and dietary plan for cats with urinary issues
Any cat at any age can develop urinary stones or crystals, urinary infections and blockages. Catster writers reached out to two of the nation’s leading authorities on cats and feline nutrition to help cat caregivers come up with a food game plan to keep felines healthy. Source: Catster, March 2021. Link. No single diet and no individual pet food company makes the best food … [Read more...]
New study adds evidence for canine “‘theory of mind”’
Researchers studying the cognitive ability known as theory of mind in dogs believe dogs have some insight into what we’re thinking. Their findings indicate dogs can figure out whether we’re doing something on purpose or by accident. Source: Science, September 2, 2021. Link. Also see: New study examines whether dogs understand intent, Treehugger, September 2, 2021. … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLink introduces the Pet TravelPass™ for international pet travel
Complimentary A new tool from GlobalVetLink promises to save veterinarians time and worries when clients want to travel internationally with their pets. GVL Pet TravelPass is available now at http://www.globalvetlink.comand offers an easy sign-up and get-started process, with no subscription fee or monthly minimums. Source: GlobalVetLink, August 7, 2021. Link. The GVL … [Read more...]
Martha Stewart discusses pet CBD, Canopy Growth partnership
Stewart entered the CBD market in 2019 when she collaborated with Canopy Growth to develop a line of CBD-infused gummies, soft gels and tinctures for people. This partnership now also includes a line of CBD pet products that launched early in 2021. Source: Pet Age, September 1, 2021. Link. Based on Stewart’s business savvy and passion for pets, combined with Canopy Growth’s … [Read more...]
Top 7 most popular dog breeds
We’re always curious about lists like this. Here’s the top seven most popular dog breeds in 2021: Golden Retrievers Goldendoodles French Bulldogs Beagles Yorkshire Terriers Australian Shepard Poodle Source: Puppies and Pooches, January 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Be interested
Often when I suggest that it would be more effective “to be interested rather than trying to be interesting,” I am met with a blank stare. My advice sounds good, but many people need help in asking the right questions. This column from five years ago may help. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2016. Link. Do not worry about sounding nosey. Leaders are naturally inquisitive, … [Read more...]
Onboarding processes critical to VCPR successes
Opinion Our industry has appropriately migrated to more individualized health and risk assessments for dogs, cats and horses based on their expected lifestyles. In recent posts we asserted how onboarding communication processes can extend the level of client-veterinary team interactions beyond the next vaccination or blood test and improve perceptions of veterinary … [Read more...]
Top e-collars for dogs
Often controversial, e-collars are used as training aids. The author reviews e-collar pros and cons for various brands. Dog trainers sometimes train dogs with e-collars to try and remedy unwanted behaviors. Some trainers say e-collars can be valuable to get dogs to obey when they are off leash, help keep them safe and locate a dog that is out of sight. Source: Puppies and … [Read more...]
Drug-resistant hookworms spreading in dogs, parasitologists warn
Veterinary parasitologists warn that multidrug-resistant hookworms are spreading in the U.S. and veterinarians should watch for persistent infections. Antoinette Marsh, PhD, cited study results that indicate dogs with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant hookworms are becoming widespread in the Southeast, and they have been documented in the Northeast and California. She said … [Read more...]
Smart cat scat is now here
Complimentary Commercial Content Health monitoring technology is now available in cats’ litter boxes and by monthly subscription. It promises to provide cat owners a visible health monitoring opportunity which is important as cats instinctively hide any illnesses. The company has engaged Martha Stewart as a Pretty Litter brand ambassador. It has been featured in media such … [Read more...]
Petabyte to partner with NVA to transform pet care experience for doctors, patients and their families
Complimentary Commercial Content The newly formed Petabyte consortium and partnership with National Veterinary Associates’ veterinary community of 1,200 independently managed veterinary hospitals and more than 100 pet resorts allows for software development collaboration. Petabyte smooths patient management for veterinary hospitals through its software, … [Read more...]