Opinion While traveling between Kansas City, Missouri, and the Twin Cities recently, heavy smells from poultry and pork production facilities seemed reduced compared to trips over the past two decades. Although prevailing winds might be partly responsible, more facilities are bordered by trees, ventilation systems have been added to existing buildings, green space expansions … [Read more...]
Even with screening, equine cardiac problems prove difficult to catch
Medina Spirit, the 2021 Kentucky Derby winner, died of an apparent heart attack December 6, 2021 at Santa Anita, California. While tragic, we’re reminded that screening for equine cardiac problems is not as easy as you'd think, especially in racehorses. Natalie Voss presents information equine veterinarian specialists shared during discussions about the realities and challenges … [Read more...]
Just fat, hay belly or getting on in years?
These two articles about horse obesity will be useful to horse owners. Poor-quality feed can fool horse owners when their horse looks like it’s getting fat. Feeding low-quality hay that lacks adequate protein and fiber is the cause of a horse’s belly hanging low and out to the sides. Called “hay belly,” the condition happens when poor-quality feed sits in the large … [Read more...]
Teaching the Velcro dog independence
If a dog is underfoot at every turn or is the owner’s shadow its likely it could be a Velcro dog. Various resources suggest dogs learn this behavior through inadvertent training and reinforcement of clingy behavior. Also, certain breeds that are more prone to clinginess than others. We’re sharing articles about dealing with the Velcro behaviors and teaching the dog to be … [Read more...]
Inbreeding contributes to higher costs of dog care
Most dog breeds are highly inbred, contributing to a lifelong increase in disease and health care costs. New research confirms dog breeds with higher levels of inbreeding were more likely than other breeds to need additional veterinary care. Study researchers found that the average inbreeding was close to 25 percent, which is similar to the amount of genetic similarity found … [Read more...]
Feline nuisance behaviors; it’s a thing.
Feline nuisance behaviors are normal behaviors that occur in problematic ways and are not inherently pathological, says Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC. He offers items to consider before making recommendations to cat owners for curbing their cat’s nuisance behavior. Cats have the potential to annoy people and sometimes pose a danger to themselves or others in the household. … [Read more...]
Survey says pets are as costly as a child
According to a new survey by OnePoll in partnership with MetLife, 40 percent of pet parents believe that having a pet is just as expensive than raising a child, if not more. The findings show that the average pet owner spends over $4,500 on their pet’s basic needs each year. Sixty-one percent of owners said that owning a pet is more expensive than they initially thought. … [Read more...]
What to do with pets’ itches
Complimentary Sponsored Content Itching is one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary care. In this episode, Dr. Jen the vet and Jason Chatfield, DVM, are joined by Dr. Millie Rosales, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. They discuss common reasons pets itch. From skin testing for most popular environmental allergens to serology, veterinary medicine … [Read more...]
Top pet products of 2021
The 20th annual Pet Business Industry Recognition Awards celebrate the most innovative products and companies in the pet care category. Among the products are several treats, diets and supplements. With obesity issues affecting over half of all dogs and cats, veterinary teams and OTC retailers are advised to monitor the Kcal levels in these offerings. Source: Pet Business, … [Read more...]
Tips to stop dogs from peeing on Christmas trees
A popular cartoon shows two dogs admiring a newly decorated Christmas tree. The caption reads, “Every year about this time they put in an indoor toilet.” Karen B. London, PhD, shares tips to help owners and dogs adjust to a tree’s tempting presence. Go back to Housetraining 101. No matter how well your dog is housetrained or how many years it’s been since he had an … [Read more...]
Fidu, Hill’s partner on free veterinary nutrition teleconsultation service
Complimentary Content Nutritional evaluation, the fifth vital assessment, constitutes a core component of every pet’s veterinary examination. Proper nutrition promotes wellness and helps manage illness, and pet parents crave specific diet recommendations for their canine and feline family members. Now nutrition consultations, which often cost more than $200, are being … [Read more...]
Curbside check-in. A new standard in veterinary medicine?
Effective communication techniques, efficient clinic workflows and virtual platforms that streamline client services help define a new level of service for animal owners at veterinary practices. Mary Lopez, MSOL, shares how commitment to curbside service as a new standard of care can positively impact operations, workflows, speed, convenience and safety regulations at … [Read more...]
Evolving the window shopping experience (includes podcast)
Trends in consumer shopping reflect how animal owners seek products and services are discussed in this episode of the Retail Gets Real podcast. All commerce is becoming digital — even when it happens in store.” “Shoppers are operating in a more blended world as the boundaries between physical and digital shopping start to fall away. For example, 68 percent of shoppers say … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 2, 2021
Did you miss a week or two? Check the AHD Bulletin archives. Animal Health Digest Bulletin Link. Email signatures can increase brand awareness, drive traffic and generate leads Source: MarTech, November 22, 2021. Link. There are three times more individual email accounts than both Facebook and Twitter social media profiles combined. That’s not all. You are … [Read more...]
Starlings. Rats with wings!
There are an estimated 160 million European starlings nationwide. In a September post <Link> we raised concerns about nuisance birds, such as starlings, as costly and as potential disease carriers in fecal-oral fomite cycles. These birds cause issues on farms and swarm as scavengers in cities and towns consuming songbird seed, garden waste and garbage. According to … [Read more...]
AABP develops cattle vaccination guidelines for members
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ Committee on Pharmaceuticals and Biologics has developed vaccination guidelines for its members to use when designing client vaccination protocols. Likely the first of its kind for cattle, the guidelines provide member practitioners with the base knowledge necessary to construct protocols customized to bovine client needs across … [Read more...]
Water as a nutrient in horse care
Complimentary Content supported by Ritchie® Nancy S. Loving, DVM, offers advice on ensuring your horses get the quantity and quality of water they need for optimal health. She covers: The role of water in horse health Summer and winter hydration needs Is your horse dehydrated? Source: Stable Management Extra, Volume 9. Link. Water consumption depends on many … [Read more...]
First aid kits for dogs
Carrying two adhesive bandages with you doesn’t represent a first aid kit for a dog or you. Pet owners can keep a separate and customized first aid kit for their pet for in case of an injury or emergency. Of course, the type of pet and its lifestyle determines how extensive the first aid kit needs to be. Source: Puppies and Pooches, November 29, 2021. Link. Also see: The … [Read more...]
Yes, cats can be trained
Cats can and do learn various behaviors through positive behavior training. Positive reinforcement, rewarding a behavior you desire, is how cats learn best, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Ignoring undesirable behaviors can be extremely effective as well. Active punishment is not effective and can lead to a cascade of negative effects. Source: … [Read more...]
Free-roaming cats spread deadly parasite to wildlife
Free-roaming cats kill billions of wildlife in the U.S. every year. The greatest risk is from cats that are allowed to roam freely and hunt. New research suggests that free-roaming felids are likely infecting other animals with Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis. This disease is linked to nervous system disorders, respiratory and heart disease, and … [Read more...]
Consumer survey predicts holiday giving to pets will grow
Ho, ho, ho! Duke and Ginger and all their companion animal pals are likely to see presents under the tree. Fifty-six percent of consumers surveyed plan to buy their pets a present this year, up from 51 percent last year and 47 percent in 2019. Thankfully, for most pets this holiday season, the best present will be a squeaky sprout toy or snazzy Santa outfit, not a new … [Read more...]
Dealing with the fear of the unknown
As individuals, employees, colleagues, supervisors and employers, mental health remains a major concern in the animal health industry. David Robson’s article may resonate in current situations, with individuals in our lives or our own experiences. Feelings of uncertainty can bring acute discomfort, and even trigger anxiety disorders. Our deep fear of the unknown not only … [Read more...]
What neuroscience tells us about social media marketing
This article is worth consideration and will resonate with many of you. It seems intuitive: Few of us need convincing that interrupting meaningful social gatherings with random peddling from sales and marketing people run contrary to our internal sense of right and wrong. Social media marketers, on the other hand, aren't getting the signals, writes Nicole Gravagna, … [Read more...]
VIS shares results from 2nd burnout study; announces upcoming webinar
Findings from the Burnout Study in the Veterinary Profession 2021 show a statistically significant increase in burnout levels between 2020 and 2021. Women, younger practitioners and veterinary technicians were found to be the most burned-out groups. All veterinary professionals suffer from high workloads and low work-life balance factors that have a direct impact on the … [Read more...]
4 quick tips to get cattle winter-ready
The Thanksgiving holiday is a good time to enlist some extra helpers on the farm. Extension beef specialist Ron Lemenager recommends these steps for early winter herd management planning: Take care of your weaning Get your vaccinations done Prepare your facilities Consider adding windbreaks or other protective structures to limit cattle stress Source: … [Read more...]
Keys to systematically minimizing and eliminating diseases in pig production
Joseph F. Connor, DVM, MS, is well known for applying his experiences and knowledge to the management and elimination of diseases in pig production. He shares how diseases were managed in the past and how to use what was learned to better manage current and potential future diseases. When you have multiple pathogens, the strategy should be first to focus on the one that can be … [Read more...]
Is it or isn’t it colic?
Colic can be resolved easily about 90 percent of the time, but it can also be the end of a horse’s life, writes Marsha King. She provides 33 tips to use as guidelines when dealing with horses. Any horse can experience colic. The disorder is indiscriminate of age, sex, breed, occupation, or environment.” - Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS Source: The Horse, August 22, … [Read more...]
Cats and reactions to insect bites and stings
Some cats may be allergic to either the bite or to the venom of an insect. Allergic reactions can range from minor swelling at the injury site, to hives and anaphylaxis, writes Hanie Elfenbein, DVM. She suggests protecting cats from bugs that bite. Source: Pet MD. Link. A minor allergic reaction can often be effectively treated with a cold compress and diphenhydramine … [Read more...]
A dog’s personality can change over time
Research findings prove how much power humans have that influences a dog’s personality, according to William J. Chopik, PhD. He explains many of the reasons a dog’s personality changes result from the “nature versus nurture” theory associated with humans’ personalities. Source: The Bark, November 2021. Link. We found correlations in three main areas: age and personality, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 22, 2021
Brands offering health-oriented products for aging pets, grant opportunities and sponsored content from Morton Buildings. Also check out the IBPSA member list <Link> to know who else is member in your area. Source: IBPSA, November 22, 2021. Link. Consider the species-specific educational materials and certification exams for you and your staff <Link>. … [Read more...]