In a study conducted by Tufts, grain-free diets were compared to diets with grain. While 73 percent of manufacturers producing dry cat food in the United States now have at least one grain-free product, there’s little evidence of differential benefits or a reduction in allergies. . . . food allergies are relatively rare in pets, particularly from grains. Rather, the source of … [Read more...]
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Many common household cleaning products are NOT SAFE for dogs
Please take time to review this information! The articles reference popular cleaners that contain toxic ingredients. Studies show the dangerous effects of some common cleaning products on dogs. These include data on pets which showed that Fido and Fluffy are not immune to chemicals and that many cleaning products are not pet safe. There are many, many cleaning products on … [Read more...]
Feed sows in late gestation to enhance colostrum
Getting colostrum into piglets in the first 24 hours is critical to their health and survival. Larger litter sizes place more emphasis on ensuring adequate volumes of colostrum get to each piglet. Few studies have considered the effects of sow late gestation nutrient intake on colostrum production and composition. Other factors play into piglet success, but optimizing nutrition … [Read more...]
Poultry flocks must increase 3-fold to meet cage-free pledges
Maro Ibarbaru shares several challenges the poultry industry must meet to accomplish the transitions to cage-free production. Beyond the economic challenges, there are concerns about animal welfare, higher mortality, disease and parasite control as well as poor feed conversion. Source: Egg Industry, June 2019. Link. For management to properly handle the potential health … [Read more...]
Feline fundus disease (photo gallery)
The ocular fundus is the back of the eye opposite the pupil and includes the portion of the white of the eye (sclera) that is in the back of the eye, the retina, the membrane between the retina and the sclera (the choroid), and the optic disk. In cats, abnormalities can affect the fundus including inherited disease, acquired disease, infectious disease, manifestations of … [Read more...]
Tips to keep cats off counters
Most people don’t like their pet jumping on surfaces where food is prepared. The Animal Humane Society ( link ) has some tips: Make counters undesirable Keep your cat confined during mealtime Never yell at your cat Do reward your cat for appropriate behavior Don’t make perfection the enemy of progress Source: Tufts Catnip, July 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: This … [Read more...]
Answers to questions about cats scratching
Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, discusses the what, when, how and why of cat scratching. In many households, she shares, people don’t understand that scratching is natural behavior that needs to occur. She discusses carpets, scratching post orientation and texture so the cat finds an outlet and something to scratch. Source: Catster, June 13, 2019. Link. Scratching is a behavior cats … [Read more...]
Purina research shows promise for those allergic to cats
By taking advantage of natural allergen-antibody interactions, Purina researchers discovered how to safely neutralize Fel d1, a major cat allergen, in hair and dander. This was done by incorporating an egg product containing anti-Fel d1 antibodies into a cat's diet. Their research, published in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease and featured at the Purina Institute website … [Read more...]
Snakebite dos and donts for dogs
Non-poisonous snakes, like the garter snake, don’t have fangs. They have rows of teeth and they do not produce toxic venom, says Travis Arndt, DVM. This distinction is crucial when it comes to snake bites on dogs. . . . if you or your dog are bitten by a non-poisonous snake, you won’t see the two puncture wounds that you would see from a venomous snake. A non-poisonous bite … [Read more...]
Dogs absorb our emotions
A new study shows owners who experience long-term stress and anxiety can pass it on to their dogs. Dogs are quite good at understanding humans. They’re definitely better at understanding us than we are at understanding them.” - Lina Roth, Zoologist Source: National Geographic, June 6, 2019. Link. Roth found no evidence that anxious dogs created nervous owners. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Good writing makes you more employable, no matter the role
It’s never too late to learn what makes great writing, says Jaleh Bisharat. If your writing needs work, he offers reasons to improve along with seven tips on being a better writer: Good writing correlates with crisp thinking Clear, persuasive communication is the underpinning of a successful professional If you’re a good writer, there will always be work for you to … [Read more...]
Opinion – Getting work done while being human – part 4
The fourth installment of this series looks at how children play. Colin Johnson-Zapier suggests we follow the lead of preschoolers to improve our productivity. We added information on adult play and more perspectives on the ever-fleeting work-life balance topic. 5 valuable productivity lessons that preschoolers can teach you, Fast Company, June 14, 2019. Link. Follow our … [Read more...]
Bad moods, venting and yelling
The hurrier I go the behinder I get!” – White Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Our VUCA world < link > routinely challenges us. As frustration mounts, so do the tendencies to express our feelings outwardly or bottle them inside. This collection of articles speaks to managing through challenging times. 9 Mental-health experts on the strategies they use to … [Read more...]
New route for successful pain relief in piglets funded by National Pork Board
Painful processing procedures in piglets such as tail docking, castration and teeth clipping are emerging animal welfare concerns. KSU researchers proposed using transmammary delivery of NSAIDs to aid piglets during processing. The results were published in The Journal of Animal Science < link >. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 17, 2019. Link. <The> findings … [Read more...]
How to keep chickens cool in summer
Chickens are better adapted to handle cold temperatures than heat. Kathy Shea Mormino shares ways to keep your flock safe during hot weather months. Source: Hobby Farms, June 11, 2019. Link. Leave birds undisturbed to the extent possible. They’re decreasing their activity levels to stay cool, so don’t let children or pets bother them on hot days. … [Read more...]
Feral parrots may pose problems later
During the research for a paper in the Journal of Ornithology < link >, Stephen Pruett-Jones, Jennifer Uehling and Jason Tallant found that of the 190 parrot species < link > that have been imported to the U.S. since the 1950s and 1960s, 56 have been spotted in the wild 43 states. Twenty-five of those species have established breeding populations. The monk … [Read more...]
HeHelp owners, employees pick the best treats
There is a lot of pet junk food on the market. Regardless of how much pet owners research main diets, treats can have a detrimental effect on pets. Tavor White shares five things to look for when choosing pet treats: Made with pristine, all-natural ingredients Monitored for quality and safety Sustainably and ethically sourced Created with a conscience … [Read more...]
Dirty dogs need people to solve their problems
Canine house soiling has many potential causes, including medical conditions and behavior problems. Accurate assessment is critical, as the prognosis for control or resolution is typically good once the underlying cause is identified according to Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB. She shares information about diagnostics, behaviors, treatments and training. Clients are often … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – 5 resources needed for summer travel with pets
The staff at Global VetLink summarizes helpful tips to ensure animal owners’ travel plans go smoothly this summer. Know if the state you’re traveling to has changed their 7001 form rules Brush up on your regulatory knowledge Look up state movement requirements before traveling with animals Find movement requirements for international health certificates Keep … [Read more...]
Pygmy rabbits, back from extinction
Who knew? North America’s smallest rabbits, the state and federally endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits in Washington now number in the hundreds, but they remain far from a resilient and healthy population. Their story will interest many animal health pros who value biodiversity. Source: Atlas Obscura, June 7, 2019. Link. Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits are far better off … [Read more...]
4 summer dangers for cats
We all like to get outside during summer. Erica Dermer explains that cat owners often like to include their cats without thinking about common outdoor dangers. Summer danger lurks around every corner, from UV rays to heatstroke to reptiles and insects that bite and sting, along with other animals carrying parasites. This is a good article to reference in social media, blogs, … [Read more...]
Cats are obligate carnivores
In this age of fake meat and vegetable obsessions, animal owners are selecting pet foods that reflect their own preferences. While some of this choice dynamic is clearly beneficial for food quality assurances, cats are an anomaly when it comes to animal protein. Domestic cats are true obligate carnivores who must eat meat in order to receive certain vital compounds for their … [Read more...]
A guide to dog muzzles
If an owner is relying on a dog muzzle in the absence of any other training – they are failing. These devices are not magic, they will not solve a behavioral problem and they aren’t a cop-out for a poorly trained dog. They simply limit damage while you rehabilitate your dog, says John Woods. He adds muzzles can be brilliant for reactive dogs, as they can help to: Limit … [Read more...]
The relationship between cattle and wildlife
Often, ranchers and environmentalists are at odds with each other; each having a set of conservationist viewpoints that don’t necessarily match up, writes Amanda Radke. She explains why ruminant animals and wildlife can co-exist and thrive in the same environment. Source: BEEF, May 31, 2019. Link. The agricultural community has much to gain by taking pride in our … [Read more...]
Protect horses from eye injuries
Protecting horses from injuries and illness will also help keep his eyes safe, writes Karen Elizabeth Baril. She reviews potential eye hazards, signs of eye troubles and equine eye emergencies. Equine eye injuries always warrant a call to your veterinarian - Alyssa Warneke, DVM Source: EQUUS, April 1, 2019. Link. Basil shares some of the most common equine eye injuries: … [Read more...]
Equine beauty products, Pop quiz!
Some horse owners may spend more on their horses’ hair-care products than their own. Take this quiz to help them spend their money more wisely and still have a comely, clean horse. Source: EQUUS, May 15, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: The quiz covers 4 areas that salespersons can use to position the products in their portfolios: Suds and cleaning power How brightening … [Read more...]
Understanding those chatty chickens
Chickens are extremely chatty. Most chicken owners will be able to identify certain calls, however the motivations behind some chicken noises is less clear. Tamsin Cooper helps decipher intention and emotion in chicken language. Source: Backyard Poultry, June 3, 2019. Link. Chickens are highly social beings. They rely on body language and vocal calls to communicate … [Read more...]
Rabbits, herbs and gastro-intestinal stasis
Brittany May focuses on four garden herbs rabbits may encounter and the rabbits' delicate and unique digestive system. The best food for rabbits is high-quality pellets, hay, vegetables and herbs. Source: Countryside Magazine, February 13, 2019. Link. . . . if you notice your rabbit acting like he is in pain, lethargic, or not eating and drinking, or notice a change in his … [Read more...]
Discover more urinary tract stones with these tips (includes image slides)
Positive and negative contrast studies can provide additional, often valuable, information to aid in diagnostic evaluation of the urinary tract. Daniel VanderHart, DVM, DACVR, leaves no stone unturned as he discusses the various types of calculi and the use of radiography and ultrasonography. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Link. Radiography and ultrasonography … [Read more...]
Reverse sneezing in dogs can signal a problem
Writer Elizabeth Vecsi says reverse sneezing isn’t really sneezing. Officially termed pharyngeal gag reflex or paroxysmal respiration, reverse sneezing in dogs is a condition where a dog will extend his neck and begin making gasping sounds as though she can’t catch her breath. Seeing a dog honk, snort or gasp for breath is alarming for dog owners. Source: Dogster, May 23, … [Read more...]