Includes commercial content For ourselves and our pets hydration is as crucial in winter as it is in summer. Decreasing indoor humidity during furnace season requires dogs to drink more water, says Luke Pidgeon. Dehydration always results in a loss of electrolytes. Warning signs include panting, dry nose, loss of appetite, reduced energy levels, lethargy and thick … [Read more...]
Petfood industry, a lot on its mind going into New Year
Health and wellness, e-commerce and sustainability were identified as top of mind by Lindsay Beaton. We noted the mention of prevention in the treats and supplements category. Source: PETFOOD Industry, January 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 8, 2024
State of pet nutrition, embracing uncertainty, productivity killers, employee bonus programs for small business and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 8, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Strategies to help cows conquer the cold
Cattle are cold hardy due to their large body mass, propensity to naturally increase their metabolic rate and ability to add insulation through hair growth and fat deposition under their skin, says Jon Pretz, PhD. He shares management measures that can help cows cope and stay productive through cold conditions. Each of these are good reminders to share with producers in … [Read more...]
Benefits, risks of chew treats
The AHD team has vigilantly shared content about treats and chews, especially when it comes to the calories these mostly non-essential products add to an already overweight pet population <Link>. Discussing chews specifically, Laura Gaylord DVM, DACVIM, and Donna Raditic DVM, DACVIM, CVA, share an overview of the three types of chews and potential benefits and risks when … [Read more...]
Prevention top of mind for new year for AVMA president, Steve Dale (podcast)
Rena Carlson, DVM, and Steve Dale, CABC, talk about resolving to be more comprehensive about pet preventative care including diet, oral care, vaccination, parasite control, behavior training and lifestyle enrichment. The discussion includes the growth of reptiles, small mammals and opinions about telemedicine sources. The podcast is good for sharing on social media or linked … [Read more...]
2024 Pork Industry outlook: Finding opportunity through challenges
Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
Progressive Cattle’s Top 10 online articles from 2023
Commentary Readership metrics indicate what cattle producers could use help with from animal health pros. We can’t get so caught up in running the road, making calls and pitching services that we lose touch with our customers’ interests. The economic importance of cow longevity and depreciation topped the list that includes hydroponic forages, timing for weaning, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 11, 2023
Fromm family’s Danielle Opetz, Pet care accessibility, longevity drugs to extend dog lives, small business insurance, APPA’s acquisition of online education and conferencing platform, small business sales trends and more . . . Resources to remember: IBPSA Infectious Disease Cleaning Standards Thrive Master Group for facility owners and general managers via Zoom, … [Read more...]
Respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in dogs are linked (video)
ICYMI. The link between respiratory and gastrointestinal illness in dogs has been well documented, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. She says treating respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases at the same time works. Long-term studies of dogs undergoing airway surgery and medical treatment of gastrointestinal disease show improvement with interventions.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Which U.S. pet owners spent the most on pet food in 2022?
Baby boomer pet owners spent the most on pet food, but Gen X was close behind, and their level of pet food spending rose the most from 2021 to 2022. Source: PETFOODIndustry, December 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Wallet share is growing in Chewy’s autoship customer segment. Yes, wallet share!
Commentary The paradox of pet owner spending remains perplexing. However, Chewy’s successes show the convenience of sourcing a wide range of inventory online and a growing comfort with the services. On one hand, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say inflation has made it more difficult to pay a surprise vet bill and they’re nervous about rising prices of vet costs, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
An expert’s view on calming products for horses
Horse owners can choose from several types of products formulated to help calm horses. Animal behaviorist Bonnie Beaver, DVM, DACVB, DACAW, discusses feed supplements, pheromones and aromatherapies marketed to promote calmness in horses. She emphasizes the need for caution and veterinarian counsel. Source: EQUUS, July 12, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Cold weather nutrition for hard-working dogs
Includes Commercial Content One thing often overlooked in the gun dog care equation is cold-weather nutrition. Working farm dogs experience similar needs. Top-quality dog food plays an important role in fueling performance and in fueling warmth and can’t be understated during cold weather. Seth Bynum, DVM, shares perspectives on the Purina Body Condition System to help … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 4, 2023
Rover purchased by Blackstone, pet brain surgery may be an area of development, mind mapping, Veterinarians without Borders expands brand to include North America, actress Linda Blair’s efforts to save dogs, customer lifecycle automation, separation anxiety in pets and people, Purina’s grants for more human-animal bond research and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 30, 2023
Recent posts from AHD’s weekly Bulletins – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 2023 archives. Link. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 2023 archives. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ============================================ Merriam-Webster's word of the year . . . Authentic Source: BBC, November 27, … [Read more...]
Reasons why cats eat grass
Eating grass is a common behavior in cats and doesn’t mean they are sick, writes Jamie Lovejoy, DVM. She shares some science-based theories held by veterinary professionals as to why cats eat grass. Owners can also buy cat grass, Lovejoy notes. Source: Pet MD, November 3, 2023. Link. Also see: How and why to grow cat grass, Rover. Link. Many retailers now offer cat grass … [Read more...]
Study: More Americans seeking preventive care. Can animal health capitalize on the trend?
Commentary Animal health pros are familiar with the transitions from treatment to prevention that occurred in dentistry <Link>. Driven in part by advancements in technology, a modern general practice dentist is heavily focused on healthy oral care and preventing dental decay. A Health Affairs study indicates human patients are seeking similar care from their primary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 9, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 9th AHD Bulletin – Age-specific products for senior companion animals. Link. Better cat visits. Carriers and caregivers are the key. Link. The value of teamwork. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
AAHA publishes guidelines for the management of allergic skin diseases in dogs and cats
Managing allergic skin diseases in dogs and cats can be challenging. It requires a multimodal therapeutic approach and frequent, ongoing communication with the pet’s family members and caregivers. AAHA’s first-of-a-kind guidelines offer detailed diagnosis and treatment plans to help guide veterinary teams creating better patient outcomes and client satisfaction. Treating the … [Read more...]
Holiday food safety guide for pets
Its time again for the annual reminders about holiday treats and cuisine that simply should not be fed to pets. Also with all the hustle and confusion of guests and gatherings, being mindful of table or counter surfing is also important. From a DVM’s perspective, almost everything on the holiday menu can be irresistible and sometimes dangerous to our <pets>” - Rebecca … [Read more...]
35 dog, cat foods now in Mid America recall; 7 infections
ICYMI. Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, expanded its October 30 voluntary recall to include additional pet food products with Best By Dates before 10/31/24, made at its Mount Pleasant facility, due to the products’ potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We noted some Member’s Mark products marketed by … [Read more...]
U.S. birds affected by HPAI outbreak surpasses 60 million
The numbers are hard to ignore. If we estimate each bird lost weighed an average of three pounds, then 90,000 tons of poultry have been lost in our food chain. Put another way, it is over 2.2 million refrigerated truckloads of poultry that won’t be available for consumption. Source: Feedstuffs, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Condition of surplus dairy calves during marketing
Surplus dairy calves are sold soon after birth and often marketed through a third party before entering veal or dairy beef production. A portion of these mostly male calves failed transfer of passive immunity and exhibited clinical signs of disease on arrival at calf-raising facilities. Researchers sought to better understand elements of calf health and morbidity during the … [Read more...]
New beef-on-dairy resources available from Iowa Beef Center
Usurping the traditional information about feeding mostly Holstein, dairy-bred calves, a new web resource now focuses on the growing beef-on-dairy segment. It will offer producers and animal health pros current research and information about beef on dairy cross cattle. Source: BEEF, November 1, 2023. Link. Beef-on-dairy is such a new space, and we are constantly learning … [Read more...]
Despite grumblers, finger-pointers and naysayers, the beef industry is solid and growing
Nevil Speer offers a look at the fed cattle market over the past four decades to reveal that the trends over time are positive and clear. Beef IS winning in the marketplace. Consumers are voting in favor of beef and the result is the fed market is stronger than ever” – Nevil Speer Source: Drovers, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Age-specific products for senior companion animals
Commercial Content included Animal health pros will want to understand what is being presented to pet owners and retailers to evaluate and address aging pets. Glenn Polyn shares an analysis of the most common health issues facing elderly pets and an overview of products. . . . it is not unusual for a pet retailer to take on the responsibility of offering guidance to pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 2, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 26, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the October 26th AHD Bulletin – The customer experience is the sales experience. Link. Body language. Link. How to know when it’s time to switch jobs. Link. Placekeeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [Read more...]