In the midst of the COVID-19 disruption lies opportunity. With door traffic slow, staff can be redirected to conduct outreach. With more pet owners homebound and accessible by phone, addressing overlooked pet care tasks could produce great results. Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell shares tips from veterinarians about often overlooked pet care tasks. From flea, tick and heartworm … [Read more...]
Search Results for: tick
AVMA cautions outdoor enthusiasts about risks to their animals
The AVMA recognizes the need to increase awareness among other outdoor enthusiasts so that they are aware of the risks their pets face during outdoor adventures and what precautions they should take. The association offers excellent resources to guide animal owners to reduce risks to pets and competing animals. Source: AVMA. Link. Disease prevention quick tips … [Read more...]
CDC to retail industry: dust off preparedness plans NOW
Whether it is COVID-19 or something else, proactive preparedness is important for businesses and communities. CDC recently highlighted four key preparedness areas for businesses and employers to consider during a conference call convened by the National Retail Federation: Continuity Protecting the workforce Customers Community Source: National Retail … [Read more...]
Talking money with animal owners (video option)
Veterinary team members frequently anticipate client objections to treatment recommendations before the conversation gets started, writes Wendy Hauser, DVM. She offers proactive recommendations to help handle money discussions, including team training. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, February 2020. Link. A disconnect can arise between pet owners and veterinary teams … [Read more...]
JAVMA, February 1 edition
It is always interesting to see what is being studied in our animal health industry. We noted the following: Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus). Link. Tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia, according to the author. The cat recovered likely much to the chagrin of wild birds, small mammals and some small pets in his … [Read more...]
Yes. Your cat will eat you. Well, your corpse, that is.
Fluffy may nip at you during playtime but, drop dead and she’s likely to take a bite out of your corpse. They’ll start with the arm tissue, according to a recent paper by researchers from Colorado Mesa University’s Forensic Investigation Research Station. Remote cameras caught two cats returning to their preferred corpses (which were there for research) routinely for 35 nights … [Read more...]
Make in-home oral health a priority for every pet
Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
Justin Bieber reveals he’s battling Lyme disease
Celebrity status often makes disease risks seem more real. Bieber’s struggle with Lyme may help animal health pros discuss the need for tick control on animals as well as around premises. Never say never! 😉 Source: CNN, January 9, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
What 20 years of work can do to your body (includes slide show)
A lifelike, full-size model named Emma demonstrate ailments that show the dark side of where we’re headed if work comforts continue to go unchecked. While aimed at computer use and seating, its no secret that smartphone use puts a strain on our stature, as does poor driving posture. Source: Fast Company, January 6, 2020. Link. Unless we make radical changes to our working … [Read more...]
Best hiking dog breeds and activities to share
Media advertising and images consistently weave in images of pets. Articles from an outdoor company share information about dog breeds suited for hiking and ideas about where to go play together. We noted there was no reference to disease protection or injury prevention in either article. Source: Best Dog Breeds for Hiking, The Outdoor Wear, December 11, 2019. … [Read more...]
Things veterinarians want every cat owner to know
Sophia Mitrokostas shares an excellent list of topics veterinarians want cat owners to know. Beyond seeing what the DVMs interviewed prioritized, this article and list are worth sharing with new cat owners. Source: INSIDER, November 15, 2019. Link. Caring for cats and kittens isn't always straightforward. Veterinarians shared key things every cat owner should know: One … [Read more...]
More cold weather tips for dogs and dog owners
Melissa Kauffman addresses keeping dogs comfortable during cold weather. Three of her tips prompted us to post the article: Don’t let dog nails get too long during winter Bathe your dog regularly during cold weather Use flea-and-tick protection during cold weather Source: Dogster, November 21, 2019. Link. While there are some dangers for dogs with winter, using … [Read more...]
Found in AAHA NEWStat
We found several articles worthy of sharing in recent AAHA NEWStat posts. Some selections are sponsored while others are original and collaborative content. Post-surgical rechecks made simple with virtual care, sponsored content by BabelVet. AAHA NEWStat, November 1, 2019. Link. A logical, comprehensive staging tool for canine osteoarthritis, sponsored content by Elanco … [Read more...]
How many dogs does it take to change a lightbulb?
Tick or Treat? Brandy Arnold shares an old dog joke. As each breed answers the question, you’ll crack a smile. Source: Dogington Post, February 2012, Link. … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion on the veterinary shortage
In the October 17 Bridge Club conversation, Mark Cushing, Animal Policy Group founder and Jim Lloyd, DVM, PhD, former University of Florida dean, will share new data and lead an insights-filled discussion about the near-term future of supply and demand, and what the profession can do answer the need. Source: The Bridge Club. Registration < link > Thursday, October 17, … [Read more...]
Burdock plants and cows don’t mix
Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material. One of the more challenging problems is burdock slivers, according to Heather Smith Thomas. A tenacious and invasive weed, burdock is readily spread to new areas by burrs stuck to animals or clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an … [Read more...]
Protect horses from lyme disease
Fall brings a fervent tick quest < link > that reinforces the need to limit horse exposure to ticks. There is no lyme vaccine approved for use in horses. However, some veterinarians have vaccinated horses with canine vaccine < link >. Laurie Bonner shares ways to reduce horse exposure to ticks including daily removal, pasture care and using tick repellent on … [Read more...]
More helping – less selling = success
I have just alienated every sales manager out there. But, our industry needs less selling and more helping. Your customer is trying to decide whether to buy or not. HELP THEM. Stop regurgitating features and benefits in the hope that something sticks. Source: Veterinary Advantage – Companion Edition, August 14, 2019. Link. For too many distributor representatives, objections … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club LIVE at NAVC E-Summit, plus Feline Health Week
E-Summit speakers, organizers and attendees are invited to join Bridge Club members for networking and discussion, accompanied by a nightcap at Rieger Distillery. The meet-up will take place Tuesday, September 17, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. CDT. To register < click here >. The Bridge Club will recognize Feline Health Week September 23 through 27. Virtual events are … [Read more...]
Zoonotic diseases drive One Health approach
Seventy five percent of emerging infectious diseases of people are zoonotic, or originated with animals according to the CDC. John Maday reminds us that these diseases can pose a health risk to farm workers through animal contact, and potentially to the public overall, either through contact with animals or disease vectors such as mosquitos or ticks, or through contaminated … [Read more...]
Differing views create Lyme wars
Endemic or not in any geography is no longer easy to define. It seems the medical community is at odds with its approach to diagnosis and treatment. Parallel to the human discussion is the ongoing debate about vaccinating dogs. These two articles are helpful resources for making decisions about Lyme prevention, treatment as well as addressing animal owner questions. One thing … [Read more...]
3 Vs drive U.S. chicken purchases
Versatility, value and variety are just a few of the categories that chicken ticks the box for in consumers’ eyes, according to new research presented at the 2019 Chicken Marketing Summit. Of course, taste is important for chicken and all meat buyers. However, it was less important to consumers of plant-based products. Lots of interesting protein stats, plus protein industry … [Read more...]
Lyme disease, an unlikely bioweapon
Recent public communications fueled talk of lyme disease being a bioweapon that escaped or was placed into ticks. Ticks can indeed carry infectious agents that could be used as biological weapons but there has been no release of the Lyme disease agent or any other onto American soil, accidental or otherwise, by the military, writes Sam R. Telford III, ScD. Source: The … [Read more...]
Avoid stings and bites
We live in world that is highly aware of the risks from mosquitoes and ticks. For pets and humans alike, preventing bites and stings is the best and safest approach. There are a lot of options in products for humans and their companion animals. Consumer Reports offers ratings on products for humans. While CAPC has provided a list of preventatives for dogs and cats along with … [Read more...]
Amazon goes to the dogs
More than 7,000 dogs are registered to come to work at Amazon’s offices in Seattle. That’s 1,000 more than last year. They’re supported by Amazon policy, on-site dog parks, doggy day-cares and a multitude of pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. Dogs can even get flank steak or venison for lunch. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 21, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe on July 4th
Independence Day is one week from today. It’s a fun holiday, but the noisy festivities can really scare pets. Noisy fireworks can cause pets to run away, holiday food can be harmful and the heat can bring trouble. The AVMA has assembled common-sense tips to help prepare for the holiday and and to keep everyone and their pets as safe as possible. Source: AVMA. Link. Safety … [Read more...]
9 ways to tell if a cat is in pain
Cats are instinctively driven to hide suffering, so it can be hard to tell when they're in pain writes JaneA Kelley. She lists subtle signs to help identify a sick cat. The article is good for social media posts and e-newsletters. Source: Catster, May 22, 2019. Link. Kelly lists these 9 common signs of a sick cat: A sick cat may exhibit changes in behavior … [Read more...]
June Conversations at The Bridge Club
The Bridge Club announces its June lineup of virtual community conversation topics: 7:00 pm CDT, June 5, 2019. Can veterinarians and breeders work together? - featuring Marty Greer, DVM, and Debra Hamilton, breeder. < click here to register > 7:00 pm CDT, June 12, 2019. The real ‘ins and outs’ of implementing Fear Free – a candid discussion with Jennifer Merlo, … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs act as sentinels to human risk for Lyme disease
New research from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) quantifies the association between canine seroprevalence for the disease-causing bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, and human incidence of Lyme disease, the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the U.S. The overall association shows that human incidence increases as dog seroprevalence increases. Source: Infection … [Read more...]
Considerations for adjusting equine vaccinations
A horse’s circumstances can change enough during a year that his vaccination program needs changing. Some instances that call for a review or of a vaccine routine include: Location Increased interaction with other horses Advancing age Source: EQUUS, March 2018. Link. INSIGHTS: Risks can come from other animals that frequent a location. Raccoons, skunks, … [Read more...]