Last week we offered an article on the pros and cons of allowing indoor cats to experience the outdoors <Link>. In the article here, LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP, offers ways to help an outdoor cat transition indoors. She emphasizes it will take planning, consistent effort and time. Source: Preventive Vet, November 11, 2024. Link. Use a gradual process, slowly keeping … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
California lawmakers again consider banning cat declawing
A proposal to ban veterinarians from surgically removing claws from cats seems like it would be an easy sell for California lawmakers, several of whom lovingly describe their pets in their official biography pages. Five measures to ban cat declawing surgery have died in the California Legislature since 2018. The article notes that the AVMA discourages vets from performing … [Read more...]
Protein, not fur, causes allergies to cats
While cats produce at least eight allergens, it is Fel d 1 protein studies have shown to be the leading cat allergen. Fel d 1 is produced in cat saliva and skin glands and sticks to clothing and other surfaces. It can also remain airborne for long periods of time, making it easy to inhale. Source: AVMA Smartbrief, The Conversation, April 7, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
More than 99 percent of U.S. dogs have a behavior problem
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior by Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DACVB, included behavioral data from more than 40,000 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project. Her research highlights how even minor behavioral issues can impact pet owners and should be addressed early. She urges veterinarians to be more assertive in querying clients about their pets’ … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 7, 2025
Gen Z pet ownership growth, U.S. Treasury scraps beneficial ownership information rule for small businesses, smart collar segment growth, Paw and Order program highlights dog business boom, small business perspective on AI and more. . . Source: IBPSA, April 7, 2025. Link. IBPSA members are invited to shift your conversations over to the private Community for legislative … [Read more...]
Leave BUT out of communications
One word that often sneaks into our sentences and quietly undermines our intentions is “but,” writes Steve Keating. When used, the conjunction causes people to focus on what follows “but” because it signals contrast or contradiction. They ignore the first portion of the sentence. The brain latches onto the exception, not the rule. Swap out the “buts. “ Try different … [Read more...]
Recruitment expert shares when last-minute interview prep helps (and when it hurts)
Senior recruitment consultant Julia Yurchak says that despite the clear advantages of early preparation there are specific situations where strategic last-minute prep can benefit candidates. Source: Keller Executive Search. Link. The most successful candidates strike a balance between thorough advance preparation and strategic last-minute review.” … [Read more...]
Don’t assume, check to be sure
Every communication in your practice tells your story. Is that how you want your practice to be perceived? If you don’t share your story, people will fill in the gaps with assumptions that may not be accurate, writes René Rodriguez. He shares tips that can help you and your team create a better picture. Source: René Rodriguez, LinkedIn, March 13, 2025. Link. By refining … [Read more...]
The subscription revolution: Why veterinary practices should embrace wellness plans
This article provides a thoughtful presentation of wellness plan benefits and shares operational considerations when designing or improving a wellness plan for an individual clinic or clinic group. Kelly Cooper, DVM, shares feedback from Debbie Boone, CVPM, and Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA. They offer important considerations about involving the practice team, administering … [Read more...]
National Pet Day is April 11th
Founded in 2006, National Pet Day is one of many designated days to celebrate the human-animal bond. The website’s content shares a plethora of pet statistics animal health pros will find interesting including: 22 percent of Americans are attracted to people whose pet is treated like family 94 percent of families with an autistic child benefit from having a pet 44 … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 3, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 27, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 27, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Stretching others. Link. Spring health checklist promotes consistent routine for horse care. Link. Preventing mastitis in pregnant heifers. Link. ================================= New word, gigil describes seeing … [Read more...]
Cancer Dx is available from IDEXX
Cancer Dx, a first-of-its-kind test to provide early detection of lymphoma in dogs launched in January <Link> and is now available for veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada. Developed by IDEXX Cancer Dx is an accessible blood test with 99 percent specificity and 79 percent sensitivity that can be added to panels for sick pets. It can also be integrated into annual … [Read more...]
1 million telehealth consultations for Chewy’s “Connect with a Vet”
Connect with a Vet from Chewy Inc. has surpassed one million telehealth consultations. The company reports the service is designed to guide pet parents toward the right level of care for their pets. Sharing metrics, Chewy says more than 70 percent of cases are referred to in-person providers to ensure pets receive necessary medical attention, and over one-third of consultations … [Read more...]
Production bonuses to reward high-performing relief veterinarians
Production bonuses are a new feature offered by Serenity Vet, a veterinary relief platform with integrated financial planning tools for veterinarians and clinics. With this feature, clinics can offer a flat rate with the opportunity to earn more from busy shifts. Production-based pay is now live for all users on the Serenity Vet platform Source: Serenity Vet, March 31, 2025. … [Read more...]
Handling the existing and looming threats of feral swine
Called wild, feral, pigs, boars, swine or hogs, these adaptable animals are an invasive species steadily encroaching into more than 35 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces writes Bruce Derksen. Wild pigs cause direct physical damage to pastures, forage fields, fences and crops and like deer are a direct competitor in pasture-based livestock management … [Read more...]
Stockmanship and Stewardship events dates set for 2025
We’ve often asserted that events like these are excellent opportunities for veterinarians to attend with their producer clients. The dates are set for the regional Stockmanship and Stewardship events beginning in Watertown, South Dakota June 26-28. Stockmanship and Stewardship is a unique two-day educational experience featuring low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, … [Read more...]
CSU avian influenza expert discusses how H5N1 affects wild and domestic animals
Understanding how the current H5N1 virus is affecting wild and domestic animals is a mission of the Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The VDL runs as many as 600 samples on a busy day, including a growing number from cats. The VDL has detected outbreaks in commercial poultry and backyard poultry flocks, dairy cattle, domestic pet cats, wild birds and … [Read more...]
Health concerns in older geldings (video)
The tips from Rachel Doenges, DVM, pertaining to older geldings, are good guidance. Whether you share this video with horse owners or review it as a veterinary team, it can help educate and remind horse owners about prepuce and penis care, as well as urine monitoring. Source: My Senior Horse, February 9, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Orthobiologics in an equine veterinarian’s day-to-day practice
Orthobiologics are becoming more mainstream in everyday practices with PRP and stem cell therapies being among the more recognizable <Link>. Orthobiologic treatments still require repetition and experience, especially given the variability of individual animals. Stephanie Ruff shares orthobiologic information from a January 2025 seminar in this article. We noted the … [Read more...]
Cat grooming needs as cats age
From kittens to super-seniors, each stage of a cat’s life brings different grooming needs and challenges, writes Lynn Paolillo. Understanding their changing needs helps to keep cats comfortable and healthy throughout their lives. Her article begins by debunking the myth that cats don’t need grooming. Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2025, Link. Regardless of age, every cat … [Read more...]
Should indoor cats experience the outdoors? 20 pros and cons
Edie Williams provides excellent contrasts between indoor and outdoor access decisions cat owners face. Risk mitigation is well-represented in her article which is a good resource to share, especially with first-time cat owners. Source: Cats Chef, March 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention releases new communication guidelines
APOP has released its Guidelines for Pet Obesity Communication: Promoting Respectful Communication about Animal Obesity. These new guidelines seek to reshape how the community talks about pet obesity by emphasizing pet-first language and promoting the term “clinical obesity.” Saying “a dog with clinical obesity” reframes obesity as a modifiable health condition and encourages … [Read more...]
Earn CE online: A Guide to Proper Hoof Function and Form
Horse health begins where the hoof meets the ground. Certified Master Hoof Care Professional Steve Hebrock, MSC, will explore equine hoof function and form in this online CE course. The curriculum includes: Differences between biologically normal and common, typical hoof form Functions of the foot, the characteristics of a properly balanced foot and the optimal hoof … [Read more...]
House Rabbit Society offers free rabbit care classes via Zoom
Open to anyone, these HRS free online classes will help educate rabbit owners: Rabbit Care 101 covers the basics of taking care of a house rabbit Introducing Rabbits is a starter guide for how to bond two (or more) rabbits Rabbit Behavior offers ways to strengthen the human-rabbit bond Source: House Rabbit Society, April 1, 2025. Link. Also see: House Rabbit … [Read more...]
Study supports use of horses in substance detox therapy programs
Elevated cortisol is an effect of chronic addiction and withdrawal, which negatively impacts the cognitive function needed for substance abuse recovery. Researchers sought to know if equine therapy interactions could mediate these stress responses. Studies have indicated equine-based therapy does reduce stress responses, improve patient comfort and confidence and emotional … [Read more...]
Every new dog breed recognized in the 21st century
Fifty-seven new dog breeds have been recognized by the AKC since the turn of the 21st century, including the recently added Danish-Swedish Farmdog. The list includes some newly created breeds and well-known older, common breeds. Enjoy. Source: Stacker. Link. Image: Danish-Swedish Farmdog – Breed standards … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 31, 2025
HPAI in cats, AI act defines four levels of risk for AI startups, monitoring state legislation, National Small Business Week and more . . . Source: IBPSA, March 31, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
A case study in failed leadership
Wendy Hauser, DVM, applies the untoward experiences during a tour in New Zealand to the challenges of leadership in a veterinary hospital. She describes an intensely uncomfortable situation where leadership was broken and absent resulting in conflict and damaging the customers’ experience. From her observations, Hauser offers four strategies to fix leadership mismatches: … [Read more...]
Stress and performance
Not always negative … the right kind of stress . . . controlled and purposeful . . . can be a powerful tool for growth, performance and resilience. Source: René Rodriguez, LinkedIn, March 5, 2025. Link. The key to thriving under pressure is finding the optimal level of stress that pushes performance without triggering the negative effects of overwhelm.” - René … [Read more...]