BluePearl recently released its 2021 Pet Health Trends Report. One key takeaway from it is that marijuana toxicity cases have quickly risen to be the second leading cause of animal toxicity, behind chocolate. Marijuana toxicity cases remain constant as more states move toward legalization and/or decriminalization.
We have a responsibility to utilize our medical data for the betterment of pets and pet owners,” – Nicholas R. Nelson, DVM, MBA, president, BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital
Source: DVM 360, February 24, 2022. Link. The report analyzed data from 1.29 million pet visits representing 850,000 pets at its network of hospitals.
In addition to toxicity data, other key findings from the report include:
- The mix of names for both dogs and cats did not differ significantly from 2020, but a new name made the list of dog names: Coco
- Vomiting was the most common ER diagnosis for pets, followed by diarrhea and dog bite wounds
- The number of overweight dogs treated at BluePearl over the last 8 years has increased by 24 percent In 2021, 52 percent of dogs and 42 percent of cats treated at BluePearl were overweight
- Since the beginning of the pandemic, BluePearl has seen a 22 percent decline in pet blood donations
INSIGHTS: Data and findings from trend reports like this one have inestimable value when animal health pros adjust to and act on trends. Whether a single practitioner, corporate hospital staff member or industry marketing and sales representative, reports like this are excellent resources to support conversations and education to improve animal well-being and safety.
Thank you Blue Pearl!