Commentary If you gritted your teeth at the Amazon ad depicting a family dealing with their dog’s separation anxiety during the Super Bowl, you are not alone. Daily Paws’ Jenna Stregowski, RVT addresses why a second dog may not be a good idea and what to do when dogs are not coping well with being alone. Getting a second dog is not the solution to fixing behavioral issues … [Read more...]
Ingredients to look for in dog food and treats
What do I feed my dog? This is one of the more routinely asked questions in veterinary clinics and retail. A well-balanced diet is vital to a dog’s health and well-being. Well balanced means matching nutrition and calories. Sydney Yankowicz shares perspective on helping clients make food decisions. . . . in general, pet owners can be advised to choose recognizable, whole-food … [Read more...]
Discussing the importance of puppy socialization with clients
Brie Blakeman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, urges veterinary professionals to educate owners on the importance of adequate socialization for puppies so they learn what is safe and not safe when interacting with humans and other animals. Proper socialization helps to prevent unwanted behaviors like fearfulness, anxiety, and aggression which are not easily modified. Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
Beware the busyness culture
An industry colleague shared this article by Adam Waytz who challenges busyness versus productivity. It also offers ways to break away from this fixation. Activity is not achievement, and the sooner companies recognize that, the better off they and their employees will be.” Source: Harvard Business Review, March-April 2023. Link. Five approaches are offered to help overcome … [Read more...]
PAW Program provides aid to cancer patients with pets
The C-word diagnosis often devastates people and their families. Many face changes that tap their finances, energy and make it difficult to pay for pet food, veterinary care or pet services to support their pets’ health. CancerCare provides assistance for cancer patients. For pet owners in cancer crisis its Pet Assistance & Wellness Program offers a variety of resources … [Read more...]
Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements
Commentary Growth in core vaccines, kennel cough vaccine and surgery at this point in the new year is good news. While invoices, patient and client numbers are still negative, these results are much improved over what was seen mid-November <Link>. Prevention medicine requires proactive communication.” Consider sharing this market information as part of employee … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 23, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 16, 2023. Link. Most read posts from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource. Link. Work is NOT your family. Link. New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible. Link. Dos and don’ts of recognition. Link. Place keeper: … [Read more...]
5 key principles for composting farm waste
Spring weather will soon thaw frozen manure piles leaving producers with decisions about handling the manure effectively. Beyond a simple pile of manure, composting should be thought of as the biological decomposition of organic matter under controlled conditions, says Brian Dougherty. He explains the nuances of getting moisture, oxygen level, particle size, … [Read more...]
For cows, time is money
Too simple? Maybe. Yet, Rick Grant reminds us of the importance of giving cows time to rest and eat. Cows need to spend about 70% of their day eating and resting. . . We have to get that right and allow cows to do cow things.” Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 20, 2023. Link. If cows are eating four to five hours a day and resting 12 to 14 hours, that does not leave much … [Read more...]
AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: Compensation Matters
1,378 respondents completed a survey from the compensation subcommittee of the AAEP's Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability. This article shares some of the survey results and opportunities. The average salaries for those in the graduation years 2016–2019 was $88,973 for example. The charge of the committee is “To ensure that members understand what current … [Read more...]
Budweiser Clydesdale accident at San Antonio rodeo (video)
The lead team turned the wrong way during a performance at the San Antonio Rodeo causing a pileup. After some time, the scene ended with all the horses on their feet. Kudos to the handlers and to the way the announcers handled the scene for the audience. Source: Citizen Free Press, February 18, 2023. Link. (10:41) It’s hard to say what went wrong, but the lead horses … [Read more...]
How old is too old for dentals?
It is important to recognize that oral and dental disease often increases in incidence in older pets. Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC, asserts since resolving these issues can improve the patients’ overall quality of life, managing the anesthetic risks of these patients, and concerns of their owners is critical. Seldom will a pet be too old to benefit from optimal care.” Source: … [Read more...]
A cup is a terrible way to measure how much we feed a dog
There are too many variables to effectively use volume as an accurate measurement of how much a dog gets to eat. Reminding us that dog food labels are challenging for pet owners to interpret, if not misleading, Nancy Kerns addresses feeding enough or too much. Kerns’ frequent articles about pet food make good posts for animal health pros to share with pet owners … [Read more...]
Chewy expands private label mix with new wellness line
Commercial Content Vibeful is Chewy’s first pet wellness brand. It features 20 supplements and vitamins crafted to complement a wide range of daily wellness needs to meet the growing consumer demand. These supplements boast no artificial ingredients and come in a variety of soft chews, liquids and powders, and in flavors like chicken, salmon and peanut butter. Source: … [Read more...]
National Justice for Animals Week is February 19 – 25
National Justice for Animals Week runs through Friday. The annual event raises public awareness around crimes committed against animals <Link>. Animal justice is not new. In an 1869 Supreme Court case, attorney George Vest*, later a U.S. Congressman from Missouri, represented an owner who sued a man for shooting his dog. Vest's "a man's best friend" closing argument … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 20, 2023
Women in the pet business, making the most of pay-per-click, promoting small business methods, preventing PTSD after pet loss, tax and insurance tips for small business, working smarter not harder and thoughts on the culture of <pet> domestication. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, February 20, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
6 best practices for workplace wellness
Steven Van Yoder says most employers are not following best practices when designing and implementing their workplace wellness efforts. He references the Workplace Wellness: Best Practices Study 2022 and a set of practices for designing and implementing effective employee wellness initiatives. <the study> findings are a first step in reframing workplace wellness from … [Read more...]
Time to review the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
As National Pet Dental Month promotions end, animal health pros need to consider how pet oral care and dentistry will be presented during exams and in client communications. The AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats were updated in 2019 to outline a comprehensive approach in improving the oral health and often, the quality of life of their canine and feline … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from February 9th AHD Bulletin – Studying PRRS virus and its ability to percolate through soils. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. Zoetis provides perspective, resources to transition OTC antimicrobials … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health receives U.S. FDA approval of expanded indication for Banamine® Transdermal (flunixin transdermal solution)
Complimentary Commercial Content BANAMINE® TRANSDERMAL (flunixin transdermal solution) is now indicated for the control of pyrexia (fever) due to acute mastitis with a short milk withhold of 48 hours. This new indication means BANAMINE TRANSDERMAL can be given with confidence to lactating cows. With simple, pour-on administration along the animal’s back, it saves time and … [Read more...]
Straw can pose mycotoxin risks in dairy heifer diets
Many U.S. dairy producers use chopped straw in their heifer rations to add fiber and bulk. Alltech feed quality evaluations show when a straw crop gets stressed or delayed in the field due to unfavorable weather conditions it can carry its own mycotoxin risks. The same is true for any straw that shows visible signs of mold. Source: Dairy Herd Management, October 5, 2022. … [Read more...]
Effects of transport and exercise on intestinal permeability in horses
The combination of trailer transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and markers of systemic inflammation in horses.” Nancy S. Loving, DVM, reviews a study published this month in Equine Veterinary Journal Source: EquiManagement, February 8, 2023. Link. While there are other possible explanations for the increase in gastrointestinal permeability, … [Read more...]
What to know about cats, chocolate toxicity and candy
Even if Valentine’s Day candy is gone by now, Easter candy is not far away. Cats do not have a taste sensor for sweets but two components in chocolate are dangerous to cats and dogs alike. The short answer is, “Yes chocolate is toxic to cats.” Different than dogs, at no point should you try to make your cat vomit.” Source: Catster, February 9, 2023. Link. Err on the side … [Read more...]
Effect of pre-appointment gabapentin in hyperthyroid cats
Handling or restraining noncompliant, fractious cats can make drawing blood and completing procedures difficult. Doing so may result in increased patient stress or anxiety and potential injuries for veterinary technicians and DVMs involved. Paul DeMars, DVM, DABVP, reviews a study on the use of gabapentin sharing these key pearls: Gabapentin (20 mg/kg PO) given to … [Read more...]
Step-by-step guide to abdominal palpation in dogs and cats
If you’ve ever wondered what a veterinarian is feeling for when examining a dog or cat, this guide helps explain it. A good abdominal palpation can catch all kinds of hidden problems but it takes practice and skilled hands to know which organs are normally palpable or nonpalpable and to identify abnormalities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Advocate for dental health all year long
Oral pet care is no longer merely a revenue booster. It has become an important consideration in the overall health of pets. Marshall Beggs, DVM, asserts the need to include a detailed update on pets’ dental health with owners during exams and to assist with decision making. Source: Veterinary Practice News, February 9, 2023. Link. Seeing is believing, and nothing motivates … [Read more...]
New test strip quickly detects periodontal disease before it is visible
Complimentary Commercial Content OraStripdxTM, a revolutionary rapid test, was launched at VMX 2023 by PDX BIOTECH LLC. It was created to detect active periodontal disease in dogs and cats with no anesthesia or sedation required. In peer-reviewed studies, OraStripdx was found to be significantly more effective than visual awake exams in detecting active periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
Cost of Care Wheel is now 24/7 digital resource
Sponsored Content The popular veterinary practice-based Cost of Care Wheel tool from the ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program is now available in an enhanced client-based online version that can be used anytime, anywhere. Discussing money is never easy but it is important to educate and urge pet owners prepare for their pet’s future health care needs, and how to pay for … [Read more...]
How to ensure plaque does not convert to tartar
Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ, explains the importance of brushing pets’ teeth as it turns into tartar in less than a minute. Consider this video for social media, newsletters or play it for clients during exams. Ideally, brush pet’s teeth every day, but don’t wait longer than 3 days . . .” Source: Linked In, February 8, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation and enrichment matter to dogs
Mental stimulation is key help develop dogs’ cognitive behavior, as well as their overall well-being. Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but it’s only half of the equation. It doesn’t take complex toys, it’s mostly just simple, fun games with its owner.” Source: AKC, January 2009. Link. Many of the hyperactivity and destruction problems dog owners struggle … [Read more...]