Sponsored Content Social media usage cuts across all demographic groups, be they generational, racial, gender-based or other. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance has partnered with Promoboxx* to help practices capitalize on opportunities social media offers to promote practices and consistently engage with clients. The Promoboxx platform is currently provided at no … [Read more...]
Next up in the “Top 5 in 15” Fear Free veterinary webinar series
The "Top 5 in 15" webinar series kicked off in October, featuring a unique, fast-paced webinar designed to equip veterinary and veterinary technician students with essential knowledge and actionable skills in just 15 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. The free webinars will provide exclusive insights and strategies used by industry professionals. To register and learn … [Read more...]
Help livestock and farm customers get funds they deserve
When natural or man-made disasters strike, USDA programs can help rebuild herds, infrastructure, buildings and crops. However, they can be hard to access for average producers. Enter Crop Disaster Recovery, a grant acquisition firm that helps farmers obtain funding from disaster recovery programs and grants through USDA. Source: FarmFutures, September 25, 2024. Link. “We … [Read more...]
A fresh perspective on horse expenses
Complimentary, includes Commercial Content A recent study completed by Synchrony noted horse owners spend three to four times more than they initially estimated. Karen Hopper Usher provides a realistic overview of horse costs, where the expenses are derived and the importance of planning for expected and unexpected expenses. Source: The Horse. Link. In addition to … [Read more...]
Top dog and cat names of 2024
The AKC and JustAnswer share top names of dogs and cats, respectively, in the articles shared here. Luna is the most popular cat name and female dog name in the U.S., while Milo beat out 2023’s Max for male dogs. Sources: AKC top dog names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. JustAnswer, America’s most popular cat names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Where North Americans shop online
U.S. consumers made 94.3 percent of the $1.170 trillion in online purchases by North American shoppers in 2023. Studying the Top 50, Digital 360 says incumbents face significant challenges from store-based retailers selling online, as well as marketplaces. Sales for the Top 50 online shopping sites grew by 10.4 percent in 2023. Source: Digital 360, October 22, 2024. … [Read more...]
Coughing dogs: the why and how to prevent it
Complimentary Sponsored Content As holiday boarding season approaches, Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, is presenting a webinar for pet care professionals at boarding facilities, doggie day cares and groomers on how to prevent respiratory illness in dogs at their locations. She’ll also discuss what causes canine respiratory disease complex in dogs and … [Read more...]
More Gen Xers and Baby Boomers returning to school more than ever before
An increasing number of college students aren't kids anymore; they're older, writes Professor Lisa Chilcote Bacco. She shares how teaching and guiding this cohort requires a different approach that optimizes the life experiences of the older students. Bacco describes crystalized knowledge as a "superpower" that older students use in the classroom. It is a vast mental library … [Read more...]
The A to Z Startup Guide. Navigating the complexities of the animal health market.
Complimentary Commercial Content Stephens and Associates (aka S&A) invited me to review their startup guide. I found it to be a good resource for entrepreneurs and investors looking to positively impact the animal health industry. Given that many current animal health businesses struggle to plan beyond three years and the continuing perceived market demands for … [Read more...]
Modern hyper-convenience adding difficulty, driving need for digital detox?
Commentary Two articles address our ever-expanding challenges and dependency on digital devices and their deep integration into our lives. We’re sharing these pieces that cover the benefits and the growing consequences of digital dependency. Modern hyper-convenience is a kind of deal with the devil . . . instinctually seductive. . . while it surreptitiously depletes us.” - … [Read more...]
Bird flu mutating and reassorting with seasonal flu could create a pandemic-causing virus
Commentary It is NOT time to panic. Experts are studying the potential for H5N1 to mutate and reassort with seasonal influenza. They indicate humans and pigs could both serve as mixing vessels for a bird flu–seasonal flu hybrid. The article by Tanya Lewis provides a situation analysis, food for thought and reinforces the importance of: seasonal flu vaccination for … [Read more...]
Insights into the reasons pet owners surrender their pets to shelters
Updates to the AAHA website make the newly published 2024 AAHA Community Care Guidelines for Small Animal Practice more accessible to veterinarians and animal health pros. A community approach can begin to improve healthcare access by mobilizing all available resources within it. Emily Singler shares efforts to quantify why pet owners surrender pets to shelters and the … [Read more...]
Post election, 2024 Veterinary Medicine Legislative Review
Join the Bridge Club November 6, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. for a discussion of some of the issues represented in legislative bills presented this year. The Zoom discussion is provided at no charge and will feature: Mark Cushing, Founder of the Animal Policy Group Loren Breen, Director of Policy, Research & Government Relations at Animal Policy Group Katie Jarl, … [Read more...]
NAVC, blendVet expands Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging education
With the first DEIB Certificate Program launching this week in VetFolio, the NAVC will offer five RACE programs free to VetFolio subscribers, with the option for non-subscribers to purchase the courses. Since 2023, NAVC and blendVet have been working closely to create programs that inspire future veterinary professionals and promote DEIB in the veterinary industry. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA issues grants to support rural veterinary care
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded more than two dozen grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation. The six EET grants provide up to $250,000 to develop specialized training and educational programs over three years, while the 19 RPE grants provide … [Read more...]
First case of H5N1 in swine found in Oregon backyard farm
No concern about the safety of the nation’s pork supply but a reminder of what can happen when livestock and poultry share water sources, housing and equipment. Source: National Hog Farmer, October 30, 2024. Link. USDA and ODA remind all farmers that strong biosecurity is critical to eradicating this virus and to protecting the health of farmworkers, farmers and their … [Read more...]
Comparing professional and at-home laser therapy for horses
Includes Commercial Content Laser therapy is now recognized for its therapeutic benefits in veterinary medicine. Research supports its use in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and accelerating tissue repair and healing. In this article, the authors compare professional and at-home therapy approaches. Source: Equine Wellness, October 21, 2024. Link. For most equine … [Read more...]
How veterinary practices can accommodate growing payment options
Complimentary Commercial Content Businesses that cannot meet the demand for modern payment methods risk missing out on revenue by not supporting consumers' preferred payment methods. Research predicts half of cashless transactions will be made with debit and credit cards by 2028, followed by instant payments and credit transfers. Rudimentary features offered by legacy … [Read more...]
WSU veterinary chaplain is one of few
There are few university veterinary chaplains, but Scott Cambell is the nondenominational chaplain at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His role reflects a growing recognition of the grief associated with a pet’s death and the toll veterinary care can take on people in the profession. He visits with clients, attends euthanasia proceedings and … [Read more...]
FDA: Aspirin use in dairy cattle and other food animals is now prohibited
Citing HPAI infections in dairies, drug residue risks and concerns about protocol drift, the FDA has reversed its stance on using aspirin, which was never approved for use in cattle. Protocol drift is a real thing . . . there are approved drugs with labeled indications, those should be our first line of treatment.” - Alison Vander Plaats, DVM Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, October … [Read more...]
Horse Week is happening now
Complimentary Sponsored Content Horse Week is a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to horses. It takes place October 20–26, 2024. Films range from documentary features to quick training tips and include a lineup of brand new exclusives and award-winning favorites. Source: RIDE TV. Link. … [Read more...]
Elanco’s Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody shows improved survival rates for puppies
Complimentary Commercial Content Data collected over the first year of CPMA availability shows improvements in survival rates for puppies battling the deadly virus, enhanced operational efficiency and high satisfaction within veterinary clinics. Our recent real-world data shows that the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is giving puppies and veterinary clinic staff a … [Read more...]
Pet industry adapts to economic challenges, new trends
The pet industry has become accustomed to steady, consistent growth at high levels throughout the range of products and services offered. Richard Kestenbaum says that's over. There will still be growth, but it will be more choppy and more selective. Certain product classes will grow. Others will shrink. Certain marketing channels will be an opportunity. Others not. Consumers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 17, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 10, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 10th AHD Bulletin – How to stop making excuses. Link. Larval therapy decreases layup time for coffin bone infection. Link. Oak mites join chiggers, mosquitos . . . big annoyance for pets, humans. Link. Explaining why cats chatter. Link. … [Read more...]
Russian scientists claim world’s first anti-aging pet food
Russian researchers have developed a pet food said to support longevity and combat age-related issues in pets. “The pet food is comprised of a combination of geroprotective substances such as epigallocatechin gallate, silymarin, curcumin, resveratrol and naringenin. Geroprotectors act by regulating some signaling pathways and molecular markers associated with aging and life … [Read more...]
How to use dog food toppers
Includes Commercial Content It seems every trip to the pet retailer reveals an ever-expanding inventory of pet food toppers. It is challenging to understand how to use them effectively to enhance dogs’ diets and not disrupt their basic nutritional needs. Toppers can enhance a dog’s meals, offering additional flavor, variety and nutritional benefits. Renee Streeter, DVM, … [Read more...]
Vet Techs play critical role in pet healthcare
Commentary Celebrating veterinary technicians during National Veterinary Technician Week is important for individual and team morale. Handshakes, pizza lunches and bagels aside, animal-owning clients need help understanding the roles these experienced and educated animal healthcare professionals provide in a clinic or telehealth setting. Consider sharing the ASPCA® Pet … [Read more...]
Dogs may be entering a new wave of domestication
Commentary Brian Hare says, “In just a generation, we humans have abruptly changed the rules on our dogs.” Maybe . . . maybe not. Yet his assertions are worthy of thought and, as animal health pros, our influence. Humans need to breed and train more puppies like service animals.” Source: The Atlantic via Microsoft Start, October 14, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: There is little … [Read more...]
The rise of the small animal pet market
Commentary The popularity of small pets continues to grow. In pet retail, this growth opens up many opportunities to cater to these feathered, furred and scaled animals, writes Lindsay Beaton. However, for veterinary and pet services businesses, specialty pets may prove challenging. Regardless, the metrics are worthy of review. They may generate some questions about … [Read more...]
Digitail announces CE course series on Technology for Veterinary Professionals
Complimentary Content The new Digitail Academy is a series of free RACE and CVPM CE-approved webinars designed to help veterinary professionals sharpen their tech skills, enhance patient care, and run financially healthy practices. The series offers a chance to learn from top industry leaders, gain insights into the latest tech trends, and take actionable steps toward … [Read more...]