Animal health pros will appreciate Louann Chaudier’s perspectives on dealing with four difficult situations, doing the right thing and determining the most viable set of actions. Economics plays a big role in these decisions, along with any health issues the horse may develop. The article is a good resource for veterinary teams who get brought into a decision-making … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Behavior modification program proving cats can be trained
The Oregon Humane Society is finding success using a behavior modification program specifically designed for cats that require specialized training and care before they are ready for adoption. Every cat entering the program receives a customized plan tailored to its specific needs. We are changing views about feline behavior and training which is showing that cats have an … [Read more...]
Why cats love tuna
Scientists seeking to understand taste preferences in cats have discovered cat taste bud receptors are uniquely tuned to molecules found at high concentrations in tuna, revealing why they seem to prefer this delicacy over all others. Different than dogs that can taste sweets and umami, cats don’t taste sweets and crave the molecules found in umami. Source: Science, August … [Read more...]
FDA’s raw pet diet directive
Responding to multiple cases of H5N1 avian influenza in domestic and wild cats fed contaminated raw diets containing poultry, the FDA has issued a directive to pet food producers to ensure that their food safety plans address H5N1 influenza contamination issues. Scott Weese, DVM, discusses the directive and how to address pet owners who are inflexible about avoiding raw … [Read more...]
Ask Jorvet about the latest in veterinary equipment
Visit VMX booth 2805. Jorgensen Laboratories Inc. <Link> is recognized in the United States and globally as a premier source for veterinary instruments and equipment. Ask about the latest innovations in veterinary equipment for the progressive veterinary practitioner and team members. … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and Promoboxx offer social media service
Visit VMX booth 1906, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. Learn how to better engage with your clients even with minimal time to spare. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has partnered with Promoboxx to help you capitalize on the opportunities social media offers to your clients. In just One Click. you can register and automate our social media posts to reach new … [Read more...]
Protecting patients from Ozempic exposure
The Pet Poison Helpline is warning clients of the dangers Ozempic and other semaglutide weight loss medications can have on pets. Reports indicate autoinjectors for pet insulin and semaglutide weight loss medications are similar and can be mixed up, resulting in giving the wrong product to a pet. It is important to store the injectors separately. Source: DVM 360, January 15, … [Read more...]
Address three root causes of procrastination
Elizabeth Grace Saunders offers ways to move beyond the reasons for procrastination. She shares the importance of practicing starting and starting again with consistent, persistent action to move beyond the tendency to avoid dealing with something that needs to be done. Source: Fast Company, January 16, 2025. Link. The key to overcoming your procrastination is identifying … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 20, 2025
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella in household dogs, cats, bird flu, raw diets, human food trends effect pet food choices, members-only dog clubs, rescued shelter dogs helping rescuers in California fire region and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 20, 2025. Link. Note these member benefits: New employee onboarding package Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet … [Read more...]
The wisdom is in the questions
Questioning skills are critical to success in life, and as my grandfather coached, “The wisdom is in the questions.” Refreshing questioning skills will provide better experiences, outcomes and opportunities as animal health pros attend the upcoming national conventions and team meetings. In this article, Leonardo Capita shares the importance of open-ended questions and says … [Read more...]
Managing your stress
Animal healthcare is attractive, seductive and fulfilling, but it comes with responsibilities that produce stress. It is against the backdrop of normalcy that these stress pressures can stay well hidden, ready to strike when you least expect it. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, January 2025. Link. Every team member in a practice is a leader responsible for producing … [Read more...]
Indeed, veterinarian is the new “it” job
Veterinarians are ranked Number 1 on this year’s Best Jobs of 2025 report from Indeed. Sales representative was ranked second. Gen Z surpasses other generations in spending on their pets, whose presence seems to supplant having children. Plus, having a pet is associated with upsides for their own well-being. Source: Yahoo! News, January 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing
From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are equally concerning as those for humans, writes Simon F. Haeder, PhD. He reviews key elements of attitudinal research he published in 2024 <Link> that reveal pet owner sentiments about vaccination carry over to their inoculation decisions for their pets. More than half of pet owners question the … [Read more...]
Zoetis: Latest FDA approvals broaden protection for dogs and cats
FDA has approved new indications for Simparica Trio® (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel chewable tablets), Simparica® (sarolaner) Chewables, and Revolution® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution). Simparica received approval for the treatment and control of infestations with Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) in dogs 6 months of age and older weighing … [Read more...]
ASPCA announces $5 million California Wildfire Response and Preparedness Fund
Responding to animal welfare organizations working to provide protections for the health and safety of owned and shelter animals due to the California wildfires, the ASPCA has created a $5 million relief fund. The funds can be applied to disaster response costs or capacity-building for disaster preparedness. Source: ASPCA, January 13, 2025. Link. Applications may be … [Read more...]
Reminder: Remove the wrappings before offering hay to cattle
Experts agree that the best strategy for herd safety and health is to remove all plastic wrap (and twine) before grinding hay or offering the hay to the herd.” Source: BEEF, November 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Cost of cow-calf production significantly influenced by operation size
NOTE: Understanding the economies of scale is important for animal health pros as we work with cattle producers to optimize production outcomes. Too frequently, the added cost of veterinary services and medicine fall subject to scrutiny despite them being de minimis in the mix of operating costs per cow and the level of production. There are more than 600,000 farms with beef … [Read more...]
What’s cold to a cow and what to do about it
Jason Warner and Justin Waggoner share environmental variables that change thermoneutrality for cows as they weather cold. Nutrition requirements also need adjustments as it takes increased energy to produce extra body heat. Warner and Waggoner provide data and offer points for producers to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress. The article is actionable as it … [Read more...]
Tui Na can combat the effects of damp winter weather on horses
Temperature and moisture swings common in winter often create a damp chill for the hardiest of horses. Tui Na warming techniques can help warm the horse’s entire body, writes Amy Snow. Every muscle and every joint in the horse’s body will benefit from being warmed in winter using these easy-to-learn techniques. Source: Equine Wellness, February 17, 2021. Link. Tui-na is one … [Read more...]
Fecal water syndrome is not the same as diarrhea (infographic)
FWS is a condition where horses pass both solid and liquid material during defecation. It is likely not as severe as diarrhea but equally frustrating for horses and their owners. FWS management typically focuses on dietary management and stress reduction on a horse-by-horse basis. The infographic shared in the post is a helpful tool for veterinary teams to use to educate horse … [Read more...]
Teaching cat owners how to play with their cats and its benefits
Kristin Wurman’s LinkedIn post <Link> shares highlights of a digital campaign encouraging cat owners to engage in daily wand toy play that supports cats' unique nature as a dual species: predators and prey. More than 35 percent of participants reported playing with their cats more often, citing fewer behavioral problems and an increased understanding of their cats' … [Read more...]
Dos and don’ts when choosing supplements for dogs and cats
Good marketing does not necessarily mean high quality. There are many choices in the market which require pet owners and their veterinarians to do their diligence. Theresa W. Fossum, DVM, MS. PhD, Diplomate ACVS, and Sean Ford share the dos and don’ts of choosing supplements in this article. Source: Animal Wellness, January 12, 2025. Link. Prioritize a Certificate of … [Read more...]
Animal shelter best practices provide tips for clinic boarding facilities
Commentary We liked the premise of this article. Staci Cannon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP, shares evidence-based guidelines for standards of care in shelters can be applied to a clinic boarding setting, noting the shared similarities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2024. Link. Whether clinic or shelter, intentional boarding strategies help reduce patient stress during … [Read more...]
Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol
There it was on a cough lozenge label . . . birch sugar. It took a minute to correlate birch sugar to xylitol despite knowing that sugar-free often means xylitol is an ingredient. So, since it is cough and cold season and many folks are dieting, it is a good time to share warnings with animal health pros and their pet owner networks that Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Dogs … [Read more...]
Cleaners to avoid around pets
Holiday cleaning, followed by spring cleaning, puts pets at risk from common household cleaners. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and local community media to help pet owners avoid risks to their pets’ health. Source: Better Homes and Garden, January 9, 2025. Link. When cleaning around pets, it’s important to avoid certain cleaning agents due to their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 13, 2025
Active and empathetic listening skills, bird flu found in raw pet food, measuring stress in therapy dogs, luxury pet care segment growth, OSHA 300 reminder and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 13, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Modern tech reshaping relationships and what we can do to rebuild meaningful connections
Commentary We believe this short article is worth consideration. Our animal health industry has long been underpinned by its collegial connections, the daily interactions with animal owners and the guidance around VCPR. Anthony Iannarino is increasingly concerned about how our technologies have rewired adult relationships. He asserts asynchronous tools sacrifice the … [Read more...]
Questions – rude or helpful?
We succeed when we help others succeed, and that is the role of every animal healthcare professional. Source: Repertoire, October 2024. Link. How can we help others succeed if we don’t know where they want to go?” or “Where are they now?” or “What is standing in the way? INSIGHTS: Move from “intrusive” to “interested” by acknowledging every response. Every interaction, … [Read more...]
Managing your own expectations
New products in a clinic cause excitement. However, your clients may not express the same enthusiasm. So, managing expectations is important for every team member. Source: LinkedIn, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]