Economist Darrell Peel presents how the U.S. beef cow herd numbers are shrinking year to date and how weather, drought and agriculture practices have contributed to beef cow slaughter trends. The current level of beef cow slaughter suggests a culling rate more than 13 percent this year and a potential beef cow herd decline of one million head or more.” Source: BEEF, June 13, … [Read more...]
Boehringer-Ingelheim shares music track designed to help relieve stress in horses
Complimentary Commercial Content This is a music track, but not just any music track. It’s specially designed to help relieve stress in horses. The Relax Trax audio is also available for download at https://equinerelaxtrax.buzzsprout.co... Source: Boehringer Ingelheim US: Equine Health, You Tube, June 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Chill protocol manages aggressive and fearful dogs
When a dog needs to be seen for veterinary care, reducing fear, anxiety and aggressive behavior facilitates a safer visit for the dog, owner and veterinary team. The Chill Protocol described by Renata S. Costa, DVM, MPhil, MANZCVS, GradDipEd, DACVAA, can be prescribed to healthy patients that are known to be aggressive, fearful or anxious during hospital visits. Source: … [Read more...]
Identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs
Victoria Arnold shares information about identifying and caring for tick bites on dogs. The article includes links to Companion Animal Parasite Council and other helpful resources. Tick bites should not make your dog itch.” Source: Dogster, June 3, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters to reinforce tick risk education efforts. … [Read more...]
Colic. What a pain in the gut!
Sponsored Content Colic is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in horses whose specialized digestive tract is easily thrown out of balance. Experts say 4 percent to 10 percent of all horses will experience at least one episode of colic in their lifetime. While most cases are resolved on the farm with medical treatment, approximately 10 percent to 15 percent of cases … [Read more...]
Keeping fit with pets
Adam Christman, DVM, shares the chat room with Drs. Jen and Jason Chatfield to discuss pet obesity and ways to keep pets in shape. Exercise and activities are not a one size fits all for every pet or human . . . work up to it!” NOTE: This episode is certified to provide 1 hr of PACCC CEU’s! The unique code CE code is delivered during the episode. Pet lovers can get more … [Read more...]
Rawhide. Good? Bad? What’s the alternative?
Veterinary team members are often asked if rawhide chews are ok for their dogs. Austin Cannon shares the pros and cons as well as some alternatives to rawhide. . . . dogs can find themselves sick and in pain if they eat too much rawhide or ingest pieces that are too big . . .” Source: Daily Paws, June 3, 2022. Link. The primary fear with rawhide is that dogs might bite off a … [Read more...]
10 commandments of dog ownership
This list of 10 provides dog owners the basic needs for a dog to live a happy and healthy life. Lists like this have been published many times. Still, it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership. Consider this article for social media, newsletters and new pet packs. Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
17-year-old Mr. Happy Face wins World’s Ugliest Dog competition
The World’s Ugliest Dog promotes the adoption of dogs, even ones with perpetually protruding tongues and missing fur. Mr. Happy Face was the hands down winner in the contest June 24 in Petaluma, California. Source: New York Times, June 25, 2022. Link. Also see: Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Link. The dog and his owner, Jeneda Benally, won $1,500 and a trip to New York City to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 27, 2022
Petco’s rural market test, new products set to debut at SuperZoo, the impact of wage increases on small and medium enterprises, Seresto® flea-and-tick collar concerns, three generations of raising guide dogs, Mars Petcare supports Hilton’s expanding pet friendly locations, and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 27, 2022. Link. IBPSA Flow Business Conference pricing set to … [Read more...]
AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities turns 50 years old
The roles of veterinary technicians have been evolving since the 1960’s. Katie Burns shares the history and evolution of vet tech education and governance. The whys and hows shared provide good context for today’s animal health pros. Founded in 1972, the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities that will celebrate its 50th anniversary in July. The … [Read more...]
Pet food inflation hits new high, with many reasons why
For the total pet care sector, inflation reached 8.1 percent year over year in May 2022 and is at 6.7 percent year to date. Fuel price increases are an obvious contributor, but Debbie Phillips-Donaldson shares other competitive factors creating imbalances in the supply chain. Source: Petfood Industry, June 15, 2022. Link. <Petfood> is having to compete with renewable … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 23, 2022
Last week’s most read posts IRS increases mileage rate for remainder of 2022. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Link. =================================== New grant will help veterinary students learn how to practice using a ‘spectrum of care’ model Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2022. Link. The … [Read more...]
Detection of multiple lineages of PRRSV in breeding and growing swine farms
We’ve heard a lot about viral variants since the fall of 2019. Swine researchers and veterinarians continue to work toward better understanding of swine diseases and methods of mitigating disease risks. In this study, the researchers sought to understand the potential long-term impact of multiple prevailing PRRSV variants on pig performance. Their study demonstrated the … [Read more...]
Vaccine guide is helpful for newbies and pros
This recent post by University of Florida Extension offers a good overview of how vaccines work, the types of vaccines available and how to handle and administer them. It can serve as a training guide for new employees, be a refresher for pros, be sent as a follow-up to customers and used as an educational aid for new cattle owners. 4-Hers and FFAers working with calves will … [Read more...]
USDA offers payments to eligible cattle owners affected by extreme heat
The USDA Livestock Indemnity Program will pay eligible livestock owners for deaths exceeding normal mortality caused by eligible loss conditions which can include extreme heat. Documentation is required. Source: Kansas Livestock Association, June 12, 2022. Link. Producers must file a notice of loss within 30 days of the loss becoming apparent and file an application for … [Read more...]
Kansas cattle lost to heat, humidity, a rare natural disaster
More than 2,000 cattle died in Kansas from heat stress triggered by extreme heat and humidity the weekend of June 11th. While unfortunate for producers, the event has sparked controversy and non-confirmed video coverage. Veterinarians are working diligently to put this event into its proper perspective. Sometimes the conditions get so extreme, it doesn’t matter how hard … [Read more...]
Petco begins serving rural pets and farm animals
Petco launched a community-driven test concept to address the health and wellness needs of pets and farm animals in rural communities. The grand opening of the first location was in Floresville, Texas, last Friday. The Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply centers will be new, standalone retail facilities located at the heart of small towns and rural communities. The company … [Read more...]
10 benefits of magnesium for horses
While magnesium is an essential mineral for horses’ health, they can experience magnesium deficiency and toxicity. Emily Fought shares its benefits, but advocates horse owners consult with equine nutritionists to ensure individual horses get the right amount. Source: Cowgirl, May 19, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Probiotics and prebiotics – why they’re important for dogs and cats
Contains Commercial References A balanced microbiome not only helps beyond a properly functioning digestive tract. It is also connected to good immunity, skin and coat wellness, and even brain and cognitive health. Probiotics and prebiotics can help achieve and maintain that balance. Research shows that at least 70% of the immune response resides in the digestive tract.” - … [Read more...]
New, on-farm pregnancy test kit from Idexx Laboratories
Complimentary Commercial Content With results available in 5 to 20 minutes, the Alertys OnFarm Pregnancy Test from Idexx Laboratories can be used cowside to determine pregnancy as early as 28 days post-breeding or 70 days post-calving. The new test gives producers time savings and convenience because they can preg test whenever they want." Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Pet supplements evolving to accompany nutrition plans
The pet supplement category was benchmarked at $800 million in 2020 and some expect it to grow to more than $1 billion by 2025. At the same time, there is increased confusion about what a supplement is. Toppers, treats, pills and powders all get lumped into the category. Daniel Schaeffer, Native Pet, believes the category is evolving to an around-the-bowl nutrition category … [Read more...]
Still time to enter your goofy pet photos in the Comedy Pet photography contest
The annual Animal Friends Comedy Pet photography awards competition is open to entries through July 1. Organizers say photo submissions are running ahead of last year. They share a few of the entries as examples. Source: Treehugger, June 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 20, 2022
Dealing with canine anxiety, doggy ice cream, using NFTs* and video in small business, sensible security measures and more . . . Note the new Fear Free Boarding & Daycare Certification Program; techniques that will help reduce stress and increase calm and safety for both pets and staff.” Source: IBPSA, June 20, 2022. Link. The IBPSA Flow Business Conference registration … [Read more...]
How to recognize and tame your cognitive distortions
Opinion Some of the distortions described by Peter Grinspoon, MD, may hit close to home for some animal health pros. As you read his assertions, consider something as simple as prejudging an animal owner’s ability to pay, a topic we’ve hashed over for decades. Grinspoon says cognitive distortions are internal mental filters or biases that increase our misery, fuel our … [Read more...]
Integrity is forever
We live in a world where integrity isn’t talked about nearly enough. We live in a world where “the end justifies the means” has become an acceptable school of thought for far too many. Source: Forbes, November 28, 2012. Link. Success will come and go, but integrity is forever.” INSIGHTS: Although it’s 10 years old, this article couldn’t be better timed. … [Read more...]
It is not clear if apple cider vinegar is good for dogs
Sharing published consumer information with animal health pros who may not know it exists remains one of the primary objectives of AHD’s curation efforts.” – Kirk Augustine Owners often attempt to treat dogs’ potential problems with home remedies, ideas from social media groups, websites or consumer publication articles before going to the veterinary clinic. Knowing what … [Read more...]
Fairfax Financial’s interests in Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group to sell to JAB Holding Company in a transformational strategic partnership
“While we have sold our pet insurance business to JAB, we will invest $200 million in their JCP V to become their partners. We expect JAB to soon become leaders in pet healthcare and pet insurance globally. We wish them much success," said Prem Watsa, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Fairfax. This new partnership bodes well for meeting the needs of pet owners on a global … [Read more...]
Building a business case for asynchronous telehealth
Opinion This article about human healthcare advances in telehealth applications adds context to veterinary teams’ efforts to define, implement and manage its role in sound animal care. Note Brent Oliver’s, MD, comments about nurse practitioners handling asynchronous telehealth visits, reducing ER visits, client comfort, increased touch points and high rate of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 16, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Chewy behind Amazon, ahead of Walmart in automatic reorders. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, June 9, 2022. Link. =================================== Before chickens were nuggets, they were revered Source: The New York Times, June 7, 2022. Link. The real chicken mystery has nothing to do … [Read more...]