Dogs love the sound of your voice, especially when you say certain words. Source: Daily Paws, January 15, 2021. Link. From the study, dogs liked these words best: Walkies, dinner/food/eat, treat, get it, fetch. 7 pet-friendly home design tips Source: Animal Wellness, January 21, 2021. Link. The author shares seven pet-friendly home design tips from … [Read more...]
The cat’s microbiome
Researchers are learning more about the feline microbiome, says Ingrid King, former veterinary hospital manager, certified veterinary journalist and author. She shares a few tips to help keep it healthy. A cat’s gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of organisms that can be affected by many factors says King. One of the biggest threats comes from antibiotics which … [Read more...]
5 ways to promote kidney health in dogs or cats
Some foods, herbs and supplements can benefit dogs and cats in need of extra kidney support. Barbara Royal, DVM, CVA, shares five ways to use them: Prioritize hydration and circulation Feed appropriate food Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support Keep micronutrients in balance Don’t forget about the microbiome Source: Animal Wellness, January 15, … [Read more...]
Take care of dogs during winter
Winter’s weather increase the risk for dogs to experience hypothermia and frostbite just as we do. Different breeds tolerate winter better than others, but age and overall health are important factors, too. Snow and ice can cause problems for some dogs. However, ice melts on pavement and sidewalks have own toxicity issues. Here are three resources to help address winter safety … [Read more...]
Feral cat colonies, catnip and cat training
We found three articles of interest involving cats. The discussion of feral cat colonies while dated may prompt some thinking. While the catnip and training articles are worthy of sharing with cat owners on social media or in newsletters. Take a look . . .then you can decide. Source: How to care for a feral cat colony, Animal Wellness, July 2013. Link. Source: What Does … [Read more...]
Speaking of herd immunity
The media has been full of references about herd immunity and its companion individual immunity. The two are inextricably linked, as Ellen Crawford writes. Her article is a good reminder and worth reviewing as it contains horse, human and cattle references. The three objectives of vaccination are to: Induce protection against disease Reduce susceptibility of an … [Read more...]
Content for dog owners
Animal owners are full of questions. If you don’t believe it, monitor one of The Bridge Club Pets sessions or videos < link >. Our industry supports more than 150 publications targeting animal owners, all of which compete for their eyes and their dollars. The scope of social media has progressed considerably beyond Dr. Google. We share the following information for dog … [Read more...]
Let them eat dirt
Eat dirt? That was an insult once upon a time. Fast forward to Emily Stein, PhD, who shares how a diverse diet, regular dental care and a little bit of dirt can help a dog’s gut microbiome thrive. She offers: Microbes from the mouth survive the stomach to impact gut function and gut health Growing friendly bacteria in the mouth leads to increased levels of friendly … [Read more...]
Telemedicine content missing new VVCA references
Commentary More content appears nearly every week on telemedicine. In animal health there is an organization, albeit relatively new, that has been organized to help define virtual care in animal health and frequently not referenced in published content. That organization is the Veterinary Virtual Care Association < link > whose mission is to elevate the standard of … [Read more...]
For cat owners
Cat owners are passionate about all things cat. The number of media items on a monthly basis aimed at cat enthusiasts can be intimidating. It is always fascinating to curate some of these articles that interest animal health pros, including those suitable for sharing in client communications. We assembled a selection you can easily use. Source: Why do cats purr? Animal … [Read more...]
Articles to help dog owners
Meeting the needs and curiosities of dog owners is part of what B-to-C publications seek to provide. Not all the material gets read thoroughly, so we assembled recent articles that can help dog owners better understand their canine pals. Source: How to satisfy your working dog’s instincts, Animal Wellness, July 6, 2020. Link. Satisfying a working dog’s instincts begins with … [Read more...]
Cat toys, catnip, cat eyes and moving with a cat
We continue to review articles targeted to animal owners. This helps ensure animal health pros know what various publications are telling animal owners and also to provide solid information to use in communications and social media. This selection of cat articles is worth your review. Source: Cat toys: How to keep them clean, when to throw them out, Catster, March 23, … [Read more...]
Pet separation anxiety likely after pandemic pause
The pandemic WFH pause has some silver linings. For pet-owning families, pets and people became much more attuned to each other’s behaviors and idiosyncrasies. Animal health pros have been proactive in assessing the potential for pet separation anxiety issues as family members return to work and summer activities leaving pets alone at home. Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, shares ways … [Read more...]
Spring cleaning is for pets, too
Cleaning and disinfecting have been on everyone’s mind during the pandemic. Tonya Wilhelm provides tips to clean up pet spaces and accessories. Pet owners will appreciate the guidance. Source: Animal Wellness, March 29, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media posts and newsletters. … [Read more...]
Feral-to-friendly tips for transitioning a cat
Bringing a feral, or community cat, into a home involves committing to a gradual socialization process, writes Sally Bahner. It’s important to understand that there’s no guarantee you’ll end up with a cuddly lap cat. Bahner shares six steps for making friends with a stray. Source: Animal Wellness, May 4, 2020. Link. In many cases, feral cats can be socialized and transformed … [Read more...]
Dog personality strongly linked to human personality
The human-animal bond works both ways. People and dogs have shared a relationship for at least 15,000 years, so it is no surprise that dog personality has been affected, say researchers. Conversely, the benefits of the human-animal bond are frequently expressed as dogs helping people. Paula Fitzsimmons shares how dogs and humans benefit. Source: PetMD, Link. Dogs and people … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs really watch TV
Newer TV technologies are more likely to make couch potatoes out of dogs. They react to light and sound with older technologies but truly watch given the speed of the newer digital screens. Dog owners will appreciate this information. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Source: Animal Wellness, April 13, 2020. Link. Three things that effect television watching for … [Read more...]
Feed pets for optimal dental health
One of the most important ways to improve dental health is to feed dogs and cats the correct diet writes Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT. She reviews the effects diets have on dental health and addressing some erroneous beliefs. Contrary to popular belief, the consumption of dry food does not provide enough mechanical abrasion to prevent the development of plaque and dental … [Read more...]
Collar or harness — which is best?
Andrea Gronwald provides a comprehensive discussion of collars and harnesses. She shares how, when and why to use them. Pet owners will appreciate the guidance. Share this on social media and in newsletters with assurances that fashionable designs of each style are available. 😉 Source: Animal Wellness, April 2, 2020. Link. . . . collars are best used for identification … [Read more...]
Safety reminder about home appliances and animals in the home
We’re home more now. Chris Doscher reminds us that appliances can pose risks for pets in the home. Putting some simple precautions in place will ensure they stay safe. Including family members in the safety checks is also important. Source: Animal Wellness, March 4, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good reminder to share on social media or in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Using massage to relieve pet anxiety
Regan Macaulay shares how she believes massage works to ease anxiety in pets. She shares massage strokes that can be used on a pet in the comfort at home to help relieve anxiety. Importantly, she urges pet owners to contact their veterinarian before using massage. Source: Animal Wellness, February 25, 2020. Link. Massage therapy stimulates the release of oxytocin, serotonin … [Read more...]
Dental tools for dogs
Dental month promotions are over, but oral health care and plaque control efforts remain a daily habit. Emily Watson writes about various dental tools and products available to help pet owners stay current with oral care. Her approach to using a dental toy as a reward is unique and worth sharing. From our idea files During a recent discussion with an industry colleague … [Read more...]
Can dogs savor their food?
Beyond taste bud comparisons, Tavor White shares science references on dogs and savoring flavor. According to Alexandra Horowitz, dogs have 300 million olfactory receptor cells compared to five million in humans. Add that the part of their brain that analyzes smells is approximately 40 times bigger than ours and a dog’s sense of smell is up to one million times greater than … [Read more...]
Dog allergies linked to male dogs
Doctors have discovered that up to 30 percent of dog-allergic patients are only sensitized to one specific protein made in the prostate of male dogs. In other words, pet owners with allergies might be able to tolerate female dogs or male dogs that have been neutered. Source: Animal Wellness, February 3, 2020. Link. Also see: Allergic to dogs? It may only be the males, … [Read more...]
Health problems can cause behavior changes in dogs
Carol Osborne, DVM, says a change in a dog’s normal behavior is a red flag. Most people assume that unusual behavior is caused by stress, boredom or some other external situation. However, it could also signal a medical condition. She discusses behavior aberrations and conditions that could be underlying causes. Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, January 26, 2020. Link The … [Read more...]
Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets?
Some people think that because pets have fur coats they can stand freezing temperatures better than humans. But, pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and other cold injuries as humans. Here are resources that can be used on social media and in newsletters. Pet owner reminder example: Do not let your pet stay outside for an extended period of time and make sure to … [Read more...]
8 best pet movies of 2019
Liza Brooke recommends eight pet movies for families and friends to watch during the holidays. She offers a wide selection of pet movies released in 2019 that span live-action dramas to hilarious animated films. Here’s her list: A Dog’s Way Home The Secret Life of Pets 2 The Queen’s Corgi A Dog’s Journey The Biggest Little Farm Spy Cat The Art of Racing … [Read more...]
Popular cat podcast goes into second season
Let’s Talk About Cats podcast < link > hosted by Mary Phillips-Sandy and produced by Lizzie Jacobs is entering its second season. Described as a fun educational program, it covers everything from kitty lifestyle issues to the enormous power of the human-feline bond. Veterinary and retail teams may wish to monitor the global discussion, topics and solutions. Source: … [Read more...]
5 important questions when choosing supplements for cats and dogs
Bill Bookout reminds us that supplements are either nutritional or health-related. He recommends reading product labels for answers to these questions: Are the product claims too good to be true? Does the product have a lot number? Are ingredients and amounts clearly listed? Is there contact information if I have questions? Does the supplement have the NASC … [Read more...]
Spayed, neutered dogs more likely to become overweight or obese
New research published in PLOS ONE < link > found that de-sexing large-breed dogs increases their risk of becoming obese and/or suffering from non-traumatic orthopedic injuries. Using data from the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, researchers found that spayed or neutered dogs were 50 to 100 percent more likely to become overweight or obese. The … [Read more...]