Instead of going all in with a human baby, millennials are easing into parenthood with pets, or starter babies, which the generation affectionately refers to as fur babies. Neil Gill, CEO, president of Dogtopia, says millennials are taking pet parenthood seriously and they are not going it alone. They are seeking services to help them cater to their dogs’ needs beyond the … [Read more...]
Seniors 4 Seniors pairing adults and cats in their senior years
The nonprofit Feline Urban Rehab and Rescue is run by the Seniors 4 Seniors program. Started in 2020, the program serves older people who want to adopt cats but face financial obstacles. FURR, based in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, has 11 pairs of senior citizens and cats, specifically chosen based on the cats’ dispositions and the applicants’ living habits and preferences. … [Read more...]
Microbiological quality and presence of foodborne pathogens in raw and extruded canine diets and canine fecal samples
A Chilean study sought to determine pet food safety based on the presence of zoonotic pathogens in extruded and raw meat-based diets. The researchers also sought to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp., C. jejuni, and L. monocytogenes in canine fecal samples. Moreover, the genetic relationship between bacteria isolated from pet food and fecal bacterial isolates was … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 25, 2022
China seeing pet industry growth, pet grooming insurance, Hill’s Pet Nutrition returns for the fifth consecutive year as a national sponsor of Clear The Shelters, inflations affect on small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites – July 25, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Veterinary summer: Back in full swing
Summer pet safety and traveling with pets is all about preparation and education, writes Dawn Singleton-Olson. She reminds us of ways clinics can reach out to pet owners and make sure they have the products on hand for prevention and treatment. Doing so will set them up for a successful summer especially if they are traveling with their pets. Source: Vet-Advantage, June … [Read more...]
Grief balloon ends up scaring a pony
A recent Facebook post is a grim reminder how dangerous balloon releases are to animals. Here is an edited version of that post. To the person who sent balloons skyward. I am sorry you lost your dad, but I am afraid the balloon didn’t reach him. Instead, I might have lost a pony. This was in our horses’ field. The balloon string got stuck in our pony’s mouth. When he put his … [Read more...]
Preventing burnout
All it takes is a little self-reflection on how burnout has manifested for you before. Then set new boundaries with coworkers and yourself. Source: Fast Company, July 6, 2022. Link. Once you set those on and off hours, it’s time to hold yourself to them—especially if you’re working from home. Try creating a ritual that signals you’re done working for the day, like closing your … [Read more...]
AAHA and Petabyte Technology bring live benchmarking to the veterinary profession
The AAHA and Petabyte Technology have teamed up to bring the veterinary community AAHA Benchmarking. It is the first digital tool that uses live practice information management system data and advanced benchmarking analytics to practice performance insights compared to the broader veterinary industry. Petabyte’s software implements sophisticated algorithms that standardize … [Read more...]
The oral microbiome, new in the clinical practice of dentistry
Includes Complimentary Commercial Content The oral microbiome is an exciting and expanding field of research, writes Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP, FAVD. He is looking to understand the role of the microbiome in the alteration of functional and metabolic pathways associated with the diseased states as results from Basepaws testing is analyzed. Basepaws Dental Health … [Read more...]
VHMA’s look at DVM productivity, efficiency
More than 100 veterinary hospital managers provided information to create the feedback data for the July 2022 VHMA Insider’s Insights. The data confirms many of the now routine industry reports that note staffing issues, pressure to see more patients and longer hours. 63 percent believe their DVMs are significantly or somewhat more productive 31 percent said their DVMs … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 21, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 7 important facts about mosquitos and horses. Link. Consolidation trends of veterinary practices acquired by corporate groups are important to observe. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, July 14, 2022. Link. =================================== Antivenin: Five myths to remember this … [Read more...]
Practical culling strategies
Ellen Crawford shares the importance of assertive culling strategies, and the role veterinarians can provide to producers. Culling parameters should remove cattle that do not help the farm or ranch meet its goals. That’s where veterinarians can help producers avoid emotional decisions versus logical business decisions. Operations that are more resilient to drought generally … [Read more...]
Beware of blister beetles
Blister beetles secrete cantharidin to defend themselves from predators through a process called reactive bleeding. Cantharidin is also released when beetles are crushed. Blister beetles are members of a family of plant-feeding insects (Meloidae) that contain cantharidin, a toxic defensive chemical that protects them from predators. Accidentally crushing a beetle against … [Read more...]
Manure-eating worms could aid dairy industry and climate concerns
Fascinating! Royal Dairy in Royal City, Washington, cleans and reuses its water more than 10 times before the water leaves the farm. The dairy has also cut its nitrate pollution and lowered its greenhouse gas emissions, all thanks to a new kind of wastewater filtration system powered by worms. Called vermifiltration, every day, half a million gallons of farm wastewater is … [Read more...]
Collaboration offers digital cattle record access
Superior Livestock Auction and Zoetis are collaborating to offer BLOCKYARD™ technology to cattle producers. The platform creates a digital copy of an animal, so wherever an animal goes, its data can follow. BLOCKYARD™ allows registered users to: Share genomic insights to inform price discovery, management, selection and breeding decisions Communicate genetic merit for … [Read more...]
Managing worms on summer pastures
Sandy Stuttgen, DVM, shares perspective on nematode management during different weather conditions and grazing approaches. Ostertagia, Cooperia, and Haemonchus nematodes’ life cycles occur within cattle and on grass. Using fecal egg counts and knowing when the L3 larvae will be most prevalent can help producers manage worm loads. As a rule of thumb, when weather conditions … [Read more...]
A horse’s tongue, a sensitive and important organ
Jillian Sinclair shares why the tongue matters and how to protect it. A horse’s tongue can be injured in a variety of ways. Harsh bit use, sharp hardware on buckets, habitual chewing and even accidents during dental procedures can all damage a tongue. Source: Horse and Rider, July 14, 2022. Link. It’s always a safe option to have a veterinarian conduct any oral exam.” … [Read more...]
10 things you can do for a horse with heaves
Equine asthma, commonly known as heaves, is not something to be cured. EQUUS editors provide common sense actions to help manage individual horse comfort and respiratory health including: Wetting or steaming hay Changing stalls and bedding Increasing ventilation Consider adding an omega-3 fatty acid supplement Source: EQUUS, July 9, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Use … [Read more...]
Equine practice carries high risk of injury
According to a British study, equine veterinary practice carries the highest risk of injury of any civilian profession. Panelists Drs. Louise Batt and Tovah Caldwell discuss safety in the veterinary practice with AAEP’s Practice Life podcast host Mike Pownall. Source: AAEP Practice Life, June 24, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Basic supplementation for cats and dogs
Shawn Messonnier, DVM, shares his basic supplement approach for a healthy dog or cat which include: a vitamin-mineral product that also provides immune and antioxidant support a fatty acid an enzyme and probiotic combination For older animals, a choline supplement should be added, as it may delay the onset of cognitive disorder CBD use is mentioned in a side … [Read more...]
Tostitos toes: Why dogs paws sometimes smell like corn chips
Frito feet; pup-corn paws; Tostito toes . . . vets have heard it all! Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria are a type of yeast present in most dogs’ feet. Activated by exercise, the bacteria cause the smell when dogs sweat. Washing feet with warm soapy water is the first line of defense to reduce the odor. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Indications of an infection needing … [Read more...]
Pet safety concerns with sunscreens
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center gets regular calls about sunscreen in the summer. Salicylates and zinc oxide are two primary ingredients in sunscreens that can cause issues with pets. Plus, the bottles and tubes complete with their exotic butters, oils and scents peak pet curiosities making them an ingestion risk on their own. Source: APSCA®pro via AAHA NEWStat. … [Read more...]
Study finds dog and human cognition similar
A study published in Animal Cognition identified six key markers of executive function in dogs, many of which overlap with the structures associated with human cognition. These include the ability to follow instructions, control physical impulses and use working memory. The study also found that dogs from breeders had higher levels of executive function than those from … [Read more...]
Making parasite prevention personal: Tips every veterinary nurse can use today.
Complimentary Commercial Content Dr. Cassi and Dr. Joel Sailor discuss strategies for consistent parasite prevention. The discussion of adherence versus compliance is an important perspective to consider. Source: vet2vet, July 18, 2022. Link. The doctors discuss the value of online pharmacies and keeping the Rx close to the clinic. … [Read more...]
World Emoji Day 2022: how emoticons changed the way people communicate
World Emoji Day falls on every July 17 and is observed to celebrate emojis or how their inclusion in digital interactions has made communication easier. Source: The Economic Times, July 17, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Over 3,500 emojis are currently available as part of commonly used hardware, software, and online services. See the most used emojis here <Link>. … [Read more...]
Amazing performance: 2019 FCE Dog Dancing World Championship Freestyle Final
This YouTube video from the Federation Cynologique Internationale caught our attention. Beyond anything ever seen on historic Ed Sullivan shows, the lady dancer and her dog perform reflecting each other’s moves. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is also on Facebook at the link below. Source: YouTube. Link. (5.5 minutes) Source: Facebook, Dogz Devotion Academy. … [Read more...]
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association; dedicated to education, advancement
Complimentary content It is challenging to monitor and choose from all the education, CE and webinars available. It seems there’s a new announcement three or more times per week. The VHMA put together a listing of what’s coming soon and resources available on demand. Webinar topics include micro-breaks, social media, career path management, dealing with the economic … [Read more...]
Top 5 ways to prevent dental disease in dogs and cats
Commercial Content included August will be six months since our industry promoted the annual National Pet Dental Month. Making in-home oral health a priority for every pet has consistently been part of Animal Health Digest posts. We’re outspoken about oral care at home first and Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) in the clinic. Link. Dental exams are … [Read more...]
7 habits to maximize learning time
Opinion Without learning, life is stale. My grandfather often asked me, “What did you learn this week?” during frequent family visits to their home. He understood the importance of stretching our minds, seeing new ways of doing things and avoiding becoming narrow minded. Author Scott H. Young believes learning is the key to living well. He offers seven practices that can … [Read more...]
Your future self?
When we think of our future selves, our brain lights up the same as it would when we think of Natalie Portman or Matt Damon who are strangers with whom we are somewhat familiar. According to our brains, us in the future is not us.” Source: LinkedIn Pulse, June 28, 2022. Link. Start by thinking of 10 things right now that you don’t want to repeat, 10 things in your past that … [Read more...]