Lacey Fahrmeier, DVM, shares ways clients can help foster stronger connections and mindful adjustments with their veterinarians. Although focused on issues with rural livestock veterinarians, her five steps also apply to companion and equine practice clients as well. Veterinarians only have so much bandwidth. If you don’t want your vet to burn out, you probably need to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 27, 2024
Strategies to remain customer-centric, unlocking exceptional service, McKinsey's top 28 AI business growth tools, Walmart adding pet telehealth to Walmart++ and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 27, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Beyond getting a yes, factors that restrict adherence
A recent pet experience allowed me to watch a dozen pet owners and their pets come and go from a veterinary office. Over half of the pet owners returned to their cars and sat in the parking lot for several minutes, displaying what could be described as a 1,000-yard stare. Others seemed to share the visit results with a passenger or via a phone call. THERE IS A LOT to process … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 23, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 16th AHD Bulletin – Cheese by-product turned into plastic. Link. What do your customers value? Link. Biofilms affect animal health. Link. ===================================== Seven simple ways to improve your memory Source: Better Report, … [Read more...]
Kansas Department of Agriculture set to host animal health workshops
With sessions targeted for producers and veterinarians, as well as emergency management and county officials, the Kansas Department of Agriculture workshops will take place across the state. The workshops will focus on: The role of the county in a disease response: how to respond to a livestock truck rollover, disposal of dead animals and sheltering animals in case of … [Read more...]
Miniature poodle wins 2024 best in show at Westminster
Sage, a four-year-old female miniature poodle from Texas and handled by Kaz Hosaka is the first female dog to be named Best in Show since 2020. Hosaka will end his 45 year showing career with Sage’s win. The runner-up Reserve Best in Show went to a German Shepard. Source: Daily Paws, May 14, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Is H5N1 a threat to U.S. swine herds?
Influenza is constantly changing, shared Amy Baker, DVM, PhD, in a recent webinar for swine producers. Influenza from a native waterfowl host has the potential to infect swine. Those same viruses can also interact with humans and poultry. Baker emphasized awareness, precautions and surveillance. Several species, including pigs, birds, wild mammals and humans, have the … [Read more...]
2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards finalists gallery
Always a favorite of AHD Bulletin readers, the images in this year’s finalist gallery are sure to give you a smile or chuckle. Enjoy! Source: Comedy Pet Photography Awards. Link. … [Read more...]
A poor guide to dog allergy medications
Commentary In the article linked here, Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares what medications can be given to a dog to relieve allergy symptoms. The article is a red flag for our team because it empowers pet owners to use the information to medicate their dogs outside of the veterinary-client relationship. Given the many possible reasons for allergies, the article fails to … [Read more...]
A dog walk temperature chart for every season
Commentary Our temperatures in the Kansas City area reached the upper 80s last weekend. The changes in neighborhood dog behaviors were noticeable as they sought shade and were less active on walks. Beyond the normal concerns about dogs shut in cars and hot pavement burning pads, our recent post about the thermoneutral zone for cattle <Link> sparked digging to find such … [Read more...]
Whisker fatigue in cats: what it is and how to help (video)
Because a cat’s whiskers are constantly transmitting information, there’s a theory that this can lead to whisker fatigue, writes Sarah Wooten, DVM. She explains the situations that lead to whisker fatigue and behaviors that can indicate a cat is getting sensory overload. It is thought that contact with everyday items can lead to whisker fatigue, particularly food and water … [Read more...]
Hospital noise affects feline patients negatively
Findings from a recent study investigated the effects of hospital environment noise levels on cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy surgery and indicated a correlation between higher noise levels and increased stress in cats. The researchers asserted that respiratory rates are a reliable tool for assessing stress levels in cats. Minimizing noise levels is a key strategy … [Read more...]
Advocacy from Veterinary teams helps pet owners choose pet insurance
Sponsored Content For veterinary teams, pet insurance is a part of meeting the needs of today’s animal owners. A 2022 survey of veterinary professionals revealed: More than 90 percent of veterinary teams wish more of their clients had pet insurance. 2 percent of veterinary teams believe that pet insurance is a beneficial way to help clients manage the lifetime cost … [Read more...]
Why thunderstorms upset some dogs
There’s no scientific evidence proving why some dogs are more bothered by storms than others. In this article, the author posits that dogs feel the storm coming and offers ways to help them feel less stressed. Sound only plays a small part in dogs’ overall fear of a thunderstorm. As the storm approaches, barometric pressure drops, making static electricity more common and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 20, 2024
Surprising pet hotel statistics, millennials want vets with apps, new age of pet tech, scaling small businesses, women in the pet industry, tips to maintain cash flow and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 20, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Microchip check station for lost pets (video)
What a great idea! The All Dogs Clinic in Rogers, Arkansas, now has a 24/7 microchip check station available on the outside of its building for anyone to use. Source: KNWA/KFTA, May 16, 2024. Link. (0:51) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 16, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 9, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the May 9th AHD Bulletin – Advances in equine disease detection. Link. Differentiating mastitis from teat sealant residue at freshening. Link. Temple Grandin, PhD, joins Fear Free as director, animal well-being. Link. … [Read more...]
Biofilms affect animal health
Water bowls and drinkers that aren’t regularly scrubbed often develop bad-tasting biofilm that discourages drinking. Biofilms are part of the normal complement of microbes in many healthy animals. However, biofilms can be very harmful making them important to remove. The CDC estimates that up to 70 percent of human bacterial infections in the Western world are caused by … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club seeking nominees for Bright Minds award in U.K and Singapore
Announcing the inaugural Bright Minds Singapore award and its second annual Bright Minds U.K. Award The Bridge Club is seeking nominees in three categories: Industry Influencer Practice Game Changer Wellness Champion Source: The Bridge Club, May 15, 2024. Link. Since the inaugural Bright Minds Awards in 2018 more than 16 professionals and organizations have been … [Read more...]
Seats still available for hands-on Veterinary CE at the NAVC Institute
Space is available in Strategic Leadership, Orthopedic Surgery, Ultrasound Intermediate, and Advanced and General Ophthalmology during the May 20-24, 2024 NAVC Institute in Orlando, Florida at The Caribe Royale Resort. Small class sizes allow for immersive, personalized instruction. Source: NAVC. Link. The hands-on training and skills veterinarians and veterinary … [Read more...]
CDC finalizes dog import rule to prevent rabies
All dogs coming into the U.S. from other countries must be at least six months old and microchipped to help prevent the spread of rabies, according to new government rules. The updated rules apply to dogs brought in by breeders or rescue groups, as well as pets traveling with their U.S. owners. All dogs coming into the U.S. from other countries must be at least six months … [Read more...]
Farm dogs play many roles
The celebration of farm dogs in recent years <Link> has brought more focus to the health of pets on acreages and farms. Whether working dogs or companions, these animals encounter environmental risks from domestic and wild animals, some of which are One Health concerns. This recording and article feature farm dogs and the importance of getting regular veterinary care for … [Read more...]
Diagnosing benzimidazole-resistant hookworms
Includes Commercial Content Multi-anthelmintic, drug-resistant hookworms is now recognized as more far-reaching in terms of geography locations and breeds of dogs, shares Emily Singler, VMD. MADR hookworms are a concern because they can wreak havoc on companion animals and farm animals, as well as humans. Singler shares Keyscreen, a test created and offered by Antech … [Read more...]
Benefits of insect-based pet food beyond nutrition
Tim Wall shares seven benefits pets derive from insect proteins and oils. He says black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms and other species benefit pet health in various ways including: the gut microbiome allergy relief weight management Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 9, 2024. Link. Also see: Ÿnsect mealworm protein for dog food authorized in US, PETFOOD … [Read more...]
A comprehensive guide to poisonous plants for dogs
For gardeners, spring is a time to fill planters, pots and beds with flowers to add color and dimension to landscapes. However, some plants are toxic to dogs. A quick review of this listing will likely change plant selections for dog owners. It did for me. Included in the list of 29 outdoor plants are: Lilies Daffodils Hydrangeas Morning glory Sweet peas … [Read more...]
Research explores nutrition paradox between pet parent intentions, realities
Includes Commercial Content The results of a research survey found a major discrepancy between what dog owners believe to be beneficial for their pets and the actual practices they implement, especially when it comes to nutrition. Despite high confidence in supporting their dogs' health, there's a significant gap between perception and reality, including a lack of … [Read more...]
Shaving a dog for summer not universally advised
A close shave for a dog seems logical as hot weather approaches. But, many dogs should not be shaved at all and doing so may make the dog even hotter, writes Harriet Meyers. She shares insights on different coat types, hot weather grooming tips and how to keep dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather. Source: AKC, May 1, 2024. Link. Also see: To shave or not to shave, The … [Read more...]
Watch out for foxtail (video)
Foxtails are everywhere in the environment <Link>. Pet owners need to take preventive steps to minimize the risks to their pets. Once on the cat or dog, a segment of a foxtail can burrow into the skin, get stuck in the eyes, creep into ears, be inhaled into the nose or even make its way into the lungs. Source: The Conversation, May 9, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider … [Read more...]
Fresh pet food market in flux
The fresh pet food market is evolving rapidly. David Lummis’ article will be interesting for students of the explosion of pet food options. E-commerce is projected to increase its share of overall pet food sales to about two-fifths in 2028. The share will likely be closer to two-thirds for fresh pet food. Source: Pet Product News, May 2024. Link. Closing in on $3 billion at … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 13, 2024
Keys to success for pet stores, VMG’s new dashboard, where cannabis is working, poverty and pets, another celebrity brand, advertising in 2024 and more . . . Approximately 20 million pets in the U.S. experience poverty with their families and 70 percent have never seen a veterinarian.” – Harris Poll survey Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 13, 2024. Link. Recently updated IBPSA … [Read more...]