There are very few ambulances and EMTs in animal health. That role is handed to veterinary teams for an animal that has been hurt in an automobile encounter. Cassandra Gilday, DVM, and Adesola Odunayo, DVM, MS, DACVECC, provide an extensive decision tree resource for animal patients who have experienced vehicular trauma. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2021. … [Read more...]
Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work
Wendy Hauser, DVM, and Lucas Pantaleon, DVM, MS, DACVIM, MBA, tackle the challenge of chronic illnesses that frequently fall outside of wellness plan coverage. The authors position bundling beginning with common bundles already in place in veterinary practices. By leveraging bundling, treatment packages offer four major advantages: Bundling helps clients understand the … [Read more...]
Getting clients to opt for treatment
Phil Zeltman, DVM, shares 10 common reasons clients decline treatment for their animals and how to avoid the situation. Confidence and the development of trust is critical to handling most situations he says. Ultimately, our job is not to convince a client to do the right thing. We are not in the arm-twisting business. All we can do is educate them objectively, be their pet’s … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 22, 2021
Feeding cattle seaweed reduces their greenhouse gas emissions 82 percent Source: My Vet Candy, April 19, 2021. Link. "We now have sound evidence that seaweed in cattle diet is effective at reducing greenhouse gases and that the efficacy does not diminish over time.” - Ermias Kebreab Even Moses knew about biosecurity Source: Watt … [Read more...]
Communal dog water bowls: safe or not?
Communal water bowls come with some hidden risks, says Kaitlyn Arford. It is possible for dogs drinking out of communal bowls or fountains to be infected with diseases or parasites. Source: AKC, April 6, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. While basic, Arford presents an easily understood message. … [Read more...]
Barn dogs
Realizing it would be beneficial to take a more methodical approach to her barn dogs’ health maintenance, Katie Frank created basic guidelines for keeping her dogs as happy and healthy as her horses. Source: EQUUS Extra. Link. INSIGHTS: This resource addresses the realities of acreage or farm life where species interact daily. Kudos for addressing dogs in the equine … [Read more...]
K-9 kibble enhancement guide
Adjusting dog diets with fresh, raw and organic foods is popular. This article is a guide, compares fresh foods as supplemental versus kibble elimination and reminds pet owners to balance portions to manage weight gains. Whether raw or lightly cooked, a mostly fresh food diet yields outstanding results, with clear eyes, beautiful coats, great teeth, sweet breath, calm … [Read more...]
Cats 101 resources, Fear Free Happy Homes
Complimentary Content More than 55,000 professionals have become Fear Free Certified and there are now more than 140 Fear Free Certified Practices. In addition to animal health professionals’ efforts, Fear Free Happy Homes provides resources directly to pet owners. One example is the Cats 101 kit created to help cat owners learn feline fundamentals. Source: Fear Free … [Read more...]
Dogs needed for dog aging research, new studies
The Dog Aging Project is looking for more canine participants to include in ongoing community science research projects dedicated to understanding the biological and environmental determinants of canine aging. Researchers seek dogs, preferably puppies of both purebred and mixed breeds, in the following categories from a variety of geographies: Large breed dogs Giant … [Read more...]
IAMS launches first-of-its-kind NOSEiD app
Complimentary Content In honor of National Pet ID Week, April 17 through 23, IAMS is launching the beta version of the new NOSEiD mobile app, available throughout Nashville and the surrounding area. The NOSEiD app uses first-of-its-kind nose-scanning smartphone technology to help identify lost dogs by their unique nose print. Source: PR Newswire, April 19, 2021. Link. The … [Read more...]
National Pet Week is May 2 through 8
National Pet Week takes place the first week of May and there is a lot to celebrate. From cats, dogs and fish to lizards, snakes and tarantulas, there’s room for all. Enjoy! Source: National Pet Week 2021. Link. No matter how tough things may seem, pets eagerly provide comfort, sympathy and unquestioned understanding when we most need it. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 15, 2021
What bears can teach us about exercise habits Source: New York Times, April 7, 2021. Link. Like us, bears are inherently lazy. Scientists are finding out why. Their results are remarkable. The time has come to start training the pets for your return to work Source: CNN, April 11, 2021. Link. Millions of adopted pets have no sense … [Read more...]
Study reveals possible role of insects in ASF transmission
In a newly published study, African swine fever viruses have been detected in blood-sucking insects, particularly in those found on farms where pigs are present. While direct transmission was not conclusive, the study reinforces the need to consider insects in biosecurity efforts. Source: Feed Strategy, April 7, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Fly control has always been important … [Read more...]
Improved treatment helps cats with chronic kidney disease
Two percent to 20 percent of all cats and 30 percent of cats over the age of 10 have chronic kidney disease. Recent advances in diagnostics and medical management mean veterinarians can now treat some cats for extended periods. Katie Burns shares information from various sources for controlling chronic kidney disease in cats. Diagnostics and treatments have improved and … [Read more...]
Pet food modernization still a work in progress
Lindsay Beaton shares what is, what is being proposed and where confusion exists in the efforts to update pet food labeling. The idea of simplifying things for pet food customers is constantly evolving in the industry. Making it easier to understand pet nutrition has been a consistent demand heard from advocacy groups, veterinarians, customers and pet … [Read more...]
Understanding the Velcro dog
The author provides a series of reasons dogs might follow the owner all over as if stuck to them. Whether attention-getting or separation anxiety, it is important to understand these behaviors have a purpose. Source: Puppies and Pooches, January 15, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good information to share on social media or in newsletters for dog owners. Be sure to include … [Read more...]
National Pet ID Week kicks off Saturday
National Pet ID week starts Saturday and runs through Friday, April 23. This event helps owners make sure their pets’ identification is up to date. Collar tags and microchips offer the best chances for pets to be returned to their owners if they get separated, according to the ASPCA. Source: National Band and Tag Company, Link. Vets recommend every pet owner prepare for a … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 8, 2021
How we treat animals will inform our future with robots Source: One Zero, April 1, 2021. Link. Author Kate Darling from MIT Media Lab believes that as humanlike robots become more advanced and more deeply integrated into society, we should be wary of people becoming accustomed to mistreating them. Diagnosis of the diagnostics in … [Read more...]
The best dog names of 2021. 500 names by category.
This article contains around 500 name ideas for dogs. It offers essential guidelines for naming a dog. The names are categorized by:Source: Puppies and Pooches, February 4, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
April 11-17 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week
There are an estimated 77 million dogs living in U.S. households and millions of people are bitten by dogs every year. Most, if not all, of these bites are preventable. The American Veterinary Medical Association has assembled worthwhile tips for observing National Dog Bite Preparedness Week® and tools for bringing dog bite prevention education to clinics and … [Read more...]
April is heartworm awareness month
Heartworms are in every U.S. state and other countries. In fact, heartworm disease is on the rise throughout the U.S. and areas that were once non-endemic. The American Heartworm Society offers multiple resources for veterinarians and pet owners at heartwormsociety.org. They include: Heartworm incidence map: updated every three years to highlight the average number of … [Read more...]
Frenetic random activity periods. Why?
FRAPS or, frenetic random activity periods, are also known as zoomies. Karen B. London, PhD, shares reasons behind dog zoomies. They are not a reaction to Zoom meetings, however. London also shares some insights into dogs and smiling in a related article. Source: The Bark, March 2021. Link. Most of the time, a case of the zoomies lasts just a few minutes or even less. … [Read more...]
Changing feline eating habits can be good
Donna Raditic DVM, DACVN, CVA challenges traditional feeding habits and suggests encouraging diet variety for cats. She outlines rationales and benefits with catvocate Steve Dale. Source: Catster, March 31, 2021. Link. Think about what cats do in the wild. It makes sense to offer a cat two or three diets, each with different textures, tastes and smells (unless the cat is … [Read more...]
Mother’s Day flowers that are BIG risks to pets
Marie Carter-Robb shares the 10 most common Mother’s Day flower varieties that are a risk to dogs and cats. Tulips, carnations, and lilies top the list. Consider sharing this warning on social media and in newsletters. Source: Pets Magazine, March 11, 2020. Link. Also see: 12 pet-safe flowers for Mother's Day, ASPCA, May 6, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Shoelaces smoked with bacon. Say what?
As if dogs needed more incentive to chew shoes, Oscar Mayer teamed up with Black Ops Productions to create 1,500 pairs of limited-edition shoelaces cold-smoked with Hardwood Smoked Bacon to capture their scent. Source: ADWEEK, March 26, 2021. Link. Fans have until April 1 to tweet with the hashtags #OscarCookMyKicks and #Sweepstakes. … [Read more...]
How to help a dog with separation anxiety
Complimentary Sponsored Content Claire Walther, DVM, shares three ways to address separation anxiety: environmental management, behavior modification and pharmaceutical options. Walther is a Zoetis Petcare medical lead. Source: Zoetis Petcare. Link. Changes in a dog’s life can also trigger separation anxiety even if they haven’t had problems with it before. Even changes … [Read more...]
Healthy Puppy Month effort seeks to raise $20,000 for parvovirus research
Complimentary Content Revival Animal Health and Good Dog are teaming up to celebrate Healthy Puppy Month and raise money for parvovirus research. All month long, puppy owners and caretakers are encouraged to sign the Healthy Puppy Pledge. For every signature, Revival and Good Dog will donate $1 to Morris Animal Foundation, up to $20,000, to help fund parvovirus … [Read more...]
New grooming series, ‘Pooch Perfect’ coming to ABC
'Pooch Perfect' is the ulti-mutt dog grooming competition series, says ABC. The eight-episode reality series will showcase 10 of the best dog groomers in the country, and their assistants, competing in a series of paw-some themed challenges. The series, hosted by actress Rebel Wilson, premieres Tuesday, March 30, 2021 8:00 p.m. EDT|7:00 p.m. CDT on ABC! Source: ABC, … [Read more...]
Omnichannel, asynchronous, decision support, home delivery terms of future pet business
Opinion Changes to the ways we live and work could mean years of extra business for pet supply stores, says Erich Schwartzel. His article prompts reflection on how we got here from an animal health supply and services standpoint. Source: The long tail of the pandemic puppy business, Wall Street Journal, March 26, 2021. Link. Petco, the animal-supply retailer, was a … [Read more...]
B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant, pets and myocarditis
Scott Weese, DVM, says the first report of the B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant being found in a dog and cat in Texas will cause a bit of concern, but unnecessarily. He reviews and challenges a recent paper yet to be peer-reviewed. This study simply showed that animals can be infected. It does not indicate anything about pets’ role in outbreak dynamics or anything else. Source: … [Read more...]