AAHA announced another group of practices that went above and beyond to meet the highest standards in veterinary medicine. This list includes practices evaluated from October 15–November 14, 2018. Escanaba Veterinary Clinic, Escanaba, MISheridan Animal Hospital - Referral (two specialties), Buffalo, NYAMC of Garner Veterinary Hospital, Garner, NCDanville Family Vet, … [Read more...]
4 easy ways to ice-proof a horse’s hooves
Snow and ice can cause ice balls to build up on horses’ hooves. Horse owners will appreciate this reminder when you share it on social media and in e-newsletters. When snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, it warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. . . Walking on an uneven mass even for a short time can cause a … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content from AAHA NEWStat
We’ve captured several helpful posts that recently appeared in the AAHA NEWStat blog as it is easy to miss things during the holiday period. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Five pet insurance strategies to aid clients and grow your practice, AAHA NEWStat, January 1, 2019. Link. Sponsored content provided by Petplan Canine noise aversion and motion sickness: … [Read more...]
Clearing the air about feline flatulence
Most cat farts are normal, and almost all are odorless, writes Angie Bailey. Some common causes of kitty toots are: Diets that are high in fiberDairy ingestionEating too fast and swallowing excessive amounts of airConsuming spoiled food or garbageHairballsDietary changes, especially ones that aren’t gradual Source: Catster, December 14, 2018. Link. Although it’s perfectly … [Read more...]
Stop cats from urine spray marking
Mieshelle Nagelschneider addresses the challenging issue of cats that spray mark with urine. She says the number one reason is the cat has become aware of an outside cat’s presence and feels his territory may be threatened. She also reminds us that spray marking is a natural behavior, not something spiteful. Spraying is a major reason that cats get sent to the shelters or … [Read more...]
Cat scooting causes and actions to take
Usually seen in dogs, cats also scoot or drag their butts on the ground. Jackie Brown addresses what causes the itchy posteriors and what to do about it. Source: Catster, December 21, 2018. Link. Brown discusses these reasons for cat scooting: WormsAllergiesAnal gland issues INSIGHTS: We would add poor backside grooming to the list. Consider this article for … [Read more...]
List defines when to take dogs to vets ASAP
Jackie Brown shares a few situations that require a vet’s immediate attention. She also gives general guidelines outlining how fast to respond and to ease transport of the injured pet. BleedingBloatBreathing issuesDifficulty walking or standing PoisoningSevere vomiting and/or diarrheaTrauma: broken bones, bite wounds, falls, hit by car Source: Dogster, December 27, 2018. … [Read more...]
Free Partners for Healthy Pets program re-engages inactive clients
There’s good news about a free program offered by Partners for Healthy Pets (PHP). PHP’s inactive client reminder program has proven effective in getting inactive clients back to the veterinarian’s office, where pets can get the health care they deserve. Source: AVMA, January 4, 2019. Link. Within six months of sending a reminder message, the 1,612 practices that used the … [Read more...]
Common productivity beliefs that are lies
The early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Ciara Byrne shares productivity practices we believe, but just aren’t so. Some conventional wisdom isn’t so wise. Productivity experts weigh in on some commonly held beliefs that are just wrong. Source: Fast Company, January 4, 2019. Link. Productivity experts share their thoughts on the productivity myths that need … [Read more...]
Pet obesity on the rise for the 8th consecutive year
Excessive body fat in pets increases the risk of preventable health issues and may shorten the life expectancy of dogs and cats as it does in humans. Retrospective research shows the obesity trend is continuing. Nationwide Insurance searched its database to determine the top 10 conditions where obesity is a factor. (see the table in the article). Source: Feedstuffs, January … [Read more...]
Start yesterday to promote dental month
There’s no question that dental services extend life quality for pets and increase revenue potential for animal health businesses. With the inclusion of home care in the WASAVA Global Dental Guidelines, the dental message has more potential for 2019 National Pet Dental Health Month communications in February. Social media is especially helpful in educating clients because it … [Read more...]
You need a plan, not just a resolution (includes video)
Julie Compton addresses the dynamics of resolutions and shares tips from author John Norcross: Plan ahead (but be realistic)Trigger rewards in your brainEliminate triggersRearrange your environmentGet social support Mess-ups are normal. They should strengthen, rather than hinder, your resolve. Source: Better, December 29, 2018. Link. Your brain forms habits around … [Read more...]
BEEF blog’s top 10
Consider broadening your perspective as customer interactions begin this year. Top-read lists similar to this one offer insights into customer priorities and interests. Here are the 10 BEEF Daily blogs that received the most traffic in 2018: 1. Researchers conclude livestock have no detectable effect on climate 2. Hay bale kills ranch mom 3. Move over kale; steak is the … [Read more...]
New Zealand culling cattle to control Mycoplasma bovis
A New Zealand program to eradicate the country of Mycoplasma bovis has resulted in 50,000 cows being culled so far and nearly as many still scheduled to be killed. If successful, New Zealand will become the first country to rid its boundaries of the disease, which can lead to mastitis, pneumonia, abortions and lameness. Government and industry jointly spearheaded an eradication … [Read more...]
Researchers summarize 50 years of pathogen research
Two University of Minnesota researchers have combed through 57,000 publications to share a 10-year retrospective of disease, pathogen research and how it is prioritized. Salmonella, E. coli, influenza, pseudorabies and FMD were the top 5 most researched pathogens. Source: National Hog Farmer, December 2018, page 6. Link. We generally find a shift in the last 40 years, … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens may be the most pampered pets of the moment
Chicken pampering is taking over in the backyard poultry segment writes Glenn Selk. Nothing seems too much for these feathered friends. Americans have begun treating their fowl more like pets than livestock. And just as with our beloved cats and dogs, nothing is too much for our little Foghorn Leghorns. Source: USA Today, December 24, 2018. Link. The Centers for Disease … [Read more...]
What is it like to be a dog? What do dogs think?
Melissa L. Kauffman provides an interview from the October 2018 Royal Canin Future of Animal Companionship Conference. Alexandra Horowitz and Sarah Heath spoke about the dog’s and cat’s point of view on the world and us. They were also part of the panel discussing the benefits of living with pets. Source: Dogster, December 21, 2018. Link. Speaking to our tendency to … [Read more...]
Still no pet insurance?
The editorial team at Catnip challenges rationales for avoiding pet insurance. Pet health insurance should be a no-brainer Source: Tufts Catnip, January 2019. Link. 100 percent of cats get sick at one point or another, just like people. That’s why we firmly believe that cat owners should seriously consider buying a health insurance policy for their pets. Also see: … [Read more...]
Pet industry spending trends in 2019
Chris Rowland writes about key trends influencing our industry’s annual growth, including increases in pet ownership, the humanization of pets and pet parents demanding premium products and better, quality food. Source: International Business Times, December 28, 2018. Link. The trends indicate growth in the following areas: Innovation to spark new products and … [Read more...]
Resources promote importance of preventive pet health care
Animal health pros know the cost of prevention is a fraction of the cost of treating a disease or problem once it becomes advanced. Proactive protection products, early diagnosis and treatment of known risks, developing problems and diseases increases the life quality of pets. As you implement strategies for improving the customer experience, consider the resources … [Read more...]
Dog food under the spotlight
The canine obesity situation and new dog food trends have animal health pros scrambling to keep up with new products, recalls, special packaging and meeting the needs of pet owners concerned about the right food. We compiled several articles that relate to overweight dogs. Sources: as below What and how to feed your overweight dog, Dogster, December 26, 2018. Link. Ernie … [Read more...]
Welcoming 2019 and adjusting to changes
For some animal health pros, early 2019 will bring a period of adjustment to some of the fast-paced onslaught of changes that started last year. Whether in practice ownership, cannabis laws or almost everything else, the past year brought upheaval to the profession, making it a microcosm of the world at large. Edie Lau Source: VIN News Service, December 31, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Change the feeding schedule of spring-calving cows now
December is the time to reset the feeding schedule to dusk hours for cows bred to spring calve, says Glenn Selk. Known as the Konefal method, adjusting the feeding schedule limits night-time calving when observation is more challenging and when temperatures usually lower. University studies have confirmed this method moves calving to daylight hours in as many as 85 percent of … [Read more...]
New tracker technology for cows resembles fitness trackers
A new type of fitness tracker may help farmers keep track of their livestock. The new technology, in the form of a smart ear tag, produces similar data to those delivered by consumer smart watches. GPS enabled, the high-tech ear tag allows farmers to track the location of individual animals remotely via internet capabilities. Source: BEEF, December 7, 2018. … [Read more...]
Drovers’ Top 10 Cow-Calf Stories of 2018
From anaplasmosis to low-stress animal handling and deworming to BQA requirements Sara, Brown gives us a look at the top cow-calf stories of this year. Source: Drover’s, December 13, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Use NSAIDs appropriately with horses
NSAIDs are some of the most common medications given to horses. They are prescribed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with equine osteoarthritis (OA). While an important part of joint health management,” says Boehringer-Ingelheim’s Britt Conklin, DVM, “they have to be used appropriately.” Source: AQHA, December 13, 2018. Link. Dr. Conklin urges horse … [Read more...]
DO NOT FEED NUTS to dogs
Pet owners frequently search "are peanuts safe for dogs?" Bottom line, certain types of nuts can cause poisonings, an upset stomach or an obstruction in a dog's gastrointestinal tract which can lead to life-saving surgery and unexpected veterinary expenses. According to Nationwide pet insurance, walnut poisoning is one of the most common claims for toxic … [Read more...]
Catios, one solution to the indoor/outdoor dilemma (includes video)
Catios are becoming a popular trend in feline enrichment and safety. Cat owners who wrestle with the indoor/outdoor dilemma can have the advantages of both worlds with a safe outdoor enclosure called a catio, or cat patio. Source: Modern Cat, December 5, 2018. Link. INSIGHTS:A variety of catio resources are available including DIY plans for those who want to … [Read more...]
9 top-rated orthopedic dog beds
The biggest waste of money when it comes to dog beds is being cheap, writes Cynthia Foley. There’s a lot to consider when searching for the right bed for an individual dog. She discusses weight, sleeping style, bedding materials, washability and sizing. Pet beds are a frequent last-minute purchase around the holidays. A dog bed that is properly matched to the dog’s size and … [Read more...]
11 free puppy handouts
Add these new (or new to you) handouts to your new-client packets or put them on your website or in social media: Parasite prevention: Is that client’s puppy bugged?Why puppies need vaccinesDental health: Protect your puppy’s pearl whitesFeeding: What’s for puppy’s dinner?Enrichment: Don’t let boredom ruin your puppy’s brainTop 5 tips for teething puppiesThe secret to … [Read more...]