Horse owners are always trying this or that to get more out of their animals. Sarah Voss reminds us that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or USDA. She says: Make sure any supplement is something a horse truly needs Contact a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s history first Look at the packaging to determine the quantity of each ingredient provided Ask … [Read more...]
There are now lab-grown mouse-meat cookies for cats
There will soon be cultured meat for pet food. Say what? Current pet foods use some of the worst meat and a market for it helps keep conventional agriculture afloat. Enter biotech startup Because, Animals. It touts a reduction in carbon pollution by focusing on cultured, lab grown meat starting with cat treats. The first snack, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, has … [Read more...]
Behaviorists agree on dominance. Dogs don’t try to compete with people.
The debate continues despite the title. It’s an interesting read.” – Kirk Augustine Most available research indicates that dogs engage in behaviors of dominance and submission, but they don’t try to compete with us for control over the domestic environments in which they live. Important questions still remain, however, especially about whether dogs recognize our putative … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
3 must-reads on canine osteoarthritis
In observance of National Dog Month this August, DVM 360 highlighted three articles that provide effective methods for treating osteoarthritis and helping patients manage this debilitating disease so they can live their fullest lives. Source: DVM 360, August 9, 2021. Link. The articles include pointers on implementing a rehabilitation plan immediately after the diagnosis to … [Read more...]
Stop over-apologizing
Starting your sentences with, “I’m sorry,” does a lot more harm than you think, says Reniel. Over-apologizing is a real thing. He says for some of us, we're being too hard on ourselves, anticipating that something we said will offend someone, or provoke them. For others, it stems from something in our past that may have been an unhealthy relationship. . . . consider that … [Read more...]
Pay attention to these 3 customer trends
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, widened the gap between innovative leaders and those who resisted change, unsettled and increased customer expectations, and forced sales teams into remote interactions, says J. Michael Marks. You don’t have to be a distributor to appreciate the simplicity of the trends Marks shares. He says if you’re willing to play offense, … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 12, 2021
Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study
Scientists have found that 40 percent of wild deer in parts of the U.S. had neutralizing antibodies for the coronavirus, suggesting Covid-19 spread from humans in what is reportedly the first documentation of widespread exposure to the virus in free-roaming animals. Source: Washington Times, August 4, 2021. Link. This is not just an occasional one-off infection. This is … [Read more...]
6 criteria for culling cattle during drought
Drought conditions throughout cow country eventually force culling decisions. Multiple factors should be considered when deciding culling strategies, and there’s no one-size-fits-all set of criteria that will work for every producer. The process begins with an inventory of available feed resources. Source: BEEF, August 5, 2021. Link. The author shares some options for where … [Read more...]
Feed bait contraceptive may help reduce feral hog reproduction
A new hog contraceptive is being used to manage the feral hog population in Texas. The strategy is to provide an all-natural feed bait that is made of ingredients fed to cattle and deer but combined in such a way that it makes feral boars sterile. The non-toxic formula reduces the fertility of feral hogs within five days and maintains fertility interruption for at least 30 … [Read more...]
Cattle bunching on dairy farms: Causes and solutions
The ongoing advancements in animal stewardship at the farm or ranch level, are fascinating as they are revealed. Sadly, the public often holds an Old MacDonald point of view about animal care. Dairy and cattle producers are continually observing and working toward solutions to limiting production factors that ultimately improve animal health and stewardship. Brian Dougherty … [Read more...]
ASF information for community and media available from OIE
The latest information about African swine fever and tools for communicating about it to the public and the media are now available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). From a thorough overview of the disease, diagnostics, and prevention and control, the information quality is expectedly high. Additionally, a link to media resources that include posters, … [Read more...]
Pain management is quickest route to improved animal welfare
Pain management was pinpointed as one of the more accessible wins among animal welfare challenges and positive interventions identified during a recent Ruminant Health and Welfare workshop in the United Kingdom. Session attendees included veterinarians, researchers, farmers and other industry professionals. Widening the range of conditions where non-steroidals can be … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Heartworm testing. Repeat, repeat, repeat!
We can’t remind owners enough that it is important to get a heartworm test for their cats and dogs every year. That’s why we’re highlighting this consumer-focused article about heartworm testing. Sharing it on social media and in newsletters can help pet owners understand why heartworm tests and inspections are so necessary. Source: Puppies and Pooches, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Some dog foods may be linked to canine heart disease
This report will generate lots of questions for veterinary teams and retailers alike. Use the article to inform team members and then establish how to respond in unison. Using an approach called foodomics to compare the biochemical compounds that differ between traditional dog foods and those that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Raw diets, more learning required
Although the raw/fresh pet food category is getting more attention from pet owners, it’s not as if these products are going to sell themselves. Pamela Mills-Senn shares some obstacles and objections to raw diet adoption. While written for pet retail, the information shared is worthy of veterinary team consideration and preparation for the inevitable questions from pet … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces new naming for cattle vaccine portfolio
Complimentary Commercial Content New packaging and naming will appear on cattle vaccines produced by Merck Animal Health soon. All cattle vaccines will lead with Bovilis followed by the current product name, such as Bovilis Vista, Bovilis Vision or Bovilis Guardian,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “In … [Read more...]
Pet food draws big-name investment, private equity focus
The pet food and pet care markets have been attracting outside investment interest for well over a decade, writes Debbie Donaldson-Phillips. She says you know an industry has seized the spotlight when it earns the attention of a large and well-known investment firm like Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley recently released a report on the pet industry, predicting the U.S. market to … [Read more...]
Email marketing; Why it’s so important (Infographic)
Email remains a key element of any effective digital marketing strategy. It provides a direct connection between you and your target audience and facilitates a range of engagement benefits. A new overview of essential email usage stats and tips are worth noting: Personalized emails, which include customers' names, can have a positive effect on open rates The right … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 4, 2021
Last week’s most read posts – we have another tie Modeling fierce self-compassion. Link. Lincoln Memorial University pilots new advanced degree option for veterinary professionals. Link. Baby boomers can’t stop looking at their phones Source: Vice, August 3, 2021. Link. While stereotypes paint millennials and Gen Z-ers as phone and social media-obsessed … [Read more...]
ASF in one third of Dominican Republic provinces, pigs will be slaughtered
The Dominican Republic will slaughter tens of thousands of pigs after detecting outbreaks of African swine fever in 11 of the country’s 32 provinces, according to authorities. Reports indicate the government will pay pig farmers the market price of each animal slaughtered. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Associate Administrator Jack Shere said safeguards are … [Read more...]
Survey says U.S. producers are split over nationwide traceability system
Farm Journal conducted a survey to glean U.S. livestock producers’ thoughts about animal traceability. The top reason producers would participate in a traceability program is to track disease outbreaks. For those opposed, the second-highest reason would be to qualify for a premium or branded program. Traceability has two fronts: one to track diseases and one to address … [Read more...]
Pointers for pinkeye
Commercial Content Moraxella bovis is a commensal organism of the bovine eye meaning that it can be found on the eyes and periocular tissues of healthy animals nearly all the time, writes Tim Parks, DVM, and Lowell T. Midla, VMD, MS. The veterinarians explain Moraxella bovis generally does not cause infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, unless there … [Read more...]
Playing tug with dogs. Good or bad?
Speak to any top dog sports competitor or qualified trainer, and they will tell you that well-managed tug games have many benefits. Even scientific studies confirm they don’t promote aggressive or dominant behaviors. I love the description of “shared holding” when it comes to tug. Allowing a dog to win means they can celebrate with their prize, but it also presents them with … [Read more...]
Summer skin issues affect pets
Complimentary Content Just when it is time to buy school clothes and start fall sports practices, the cumulative effects of spring and summer activities routinely show up in pets’ skin. Although dermatological issues can be yearlong, pet parents may discover specific problems in the summer. Whether caused by allergies, swimming, fleas and mosquitoes, or sunburn, … [Read more...]
Important questions to ask dog breeders before deciding on a new puppy
The Muddy Paws team shares a list of questions potential owners should ask dog breeders. They should be able to easily answer these questions. Finding the right breeder can be complicated, however having meaningful conversations with then can be beneficial and help focus the puppy search. . . . a good breeder should be trying to improve the breed. A quality breeder should … [Read more...]