Holidays bring risks of allergic reactions in dogs. Whether environmental, dietary, from new chemicals, a new product or accidental ingestion of a guest’s medications, knowing the signs of an allergic reaction is important. Kate Basedow, LVT, discusses allergic reactions from mild to severe in this article. Consider it for newsletters, holiday communications and social media … [Read more...]
Reinforcing the 12-month flea prevention message
Holiday spending may affect flea preventative compliance as pet owners juggle budgets to buy gifts and meet holiday expectations. Whether or not pets are guests during holiday gatherings, pet owner visitors can carry larvae and eggs on their clothing from address to address. Animal health pros understand that visible fleas are just the tip of the iceberg when dealing with a … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat
Thanksgiving weekend is infamous in the veterinary world for causing a spike in pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. Kate Basedow, LVT, reminds dog owners to use moderation and lists of Thanksgiving foods dog can share, to coach guest and restrict access to the cornucopia of foods available. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 29, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: While pet owners … [Read more...]
How long is kennel cough contagious?
There is no black-and-white answer to how long kennel cough is contagious, writes Debra M. Eldredge, DVM. She advises pet owners to keep the dog out of his activities for a week after the last cough. Kennel cough, now called CRDC, can be caused by various bacteria and viruses. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be spread via droplets, dog-to-dog and coughs that mist … [Read more...]
Food-moving behavior by dogs discussed
Joan Merriam’s article is interesting. She shares various theories to explain why dogs move their kibble and it ends up all over the floor and in various areas of the house. Among them are instinct, looking for comfort, and resource-guarding. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 3, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 26, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 26th AHD Bulletin – The story no one talks about: the cost to produce food. Link. Changing weather patterns call for a change in deworming habits. Link. Conservation advocacy soars in ‘24 Bird Photographer competition. Link. USDA network … [Read more...]
Let’s review. Dog park safety tips
Dog parks come in many shapes, sizes and terrain. Ashley Bates shares 11 tips to ensure pets and people have good experiences using these spaces. This article is good content for social media posts, newsletters and to share with your own commentary with local media. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 5, 2024. Link. Before you go to dog parks know the rules. Some of them … [Read more...]
What owners are learning about gapapentin for dogs
Whole Dog Journal republished a pain management and gabapentin article from 2021 this week. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares how gabapentin is used in dogs noting veterinarians are prescribing this it in record numbers, which we shared in a May 2024 post <Link>. Source: Whole Dog Journal, March 25, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: While this information may seem outdated or … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 17, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 11, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the July 11th AHD Bulletin – Meeting customer expectations starts with employees. Link. Updated fluid therapy guidelines from AAHA. Link. Addressing common nutrition misperceptions. Link. ================================== The rise of pet product … [Read more...]
Addressing common nutrition misperceptions
Discussing pet diets is fraught with challenges created by common myths, misconceptions and marketing jargon. These include an excessive focus on the concept of natural ingredients, the effects of processing on pet food and the assumption that cost directly represents quality. Ultimately, the cornerstones of feeding pets are safety and nutritional balance, and these concepts … [Read more...]
A poor guide to dog allergy medications
Commentary In the article linked here, Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares what medications can be given to a dog to relieve allergy symptoms. The article is a red flag for our team because it empowers pet owners to use the information to medicate their dogs outside of the veterinary-client relationship. Given the many possible reasons for allergies, the article fails to … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
Can French Bulldogs swim?
Dispelling the myth that all dogs can swim, John Strassburger shares why certain breeds need help in the water. Not all dogs have the coordination or the physique to swim. He shares advice on teaching a dog to swim beginning with a life jacket. We also noted the reference affirming dogs don’t do the doggie paddle. Source: Whole Dog Journal, March 11, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
How to get a dog to listen when it’s distracted
Some dogs become highly distracted as soon as they step into the real world. It is a common problem for dogs of all ages and an important behavior for all dog owners to cultivate. Consider this article when coaching an owner, for social media or newsletters. To get a dog to come when distracted outdoors, it needs to be able to reliably ignore distractions indoors, … [Read more...]
How to help dogs get along
Multiple dogs in a household or daycare often require approaches to minimize exposure to stressors that can result in interdog aggression. Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, shares a lot of information that may be challenging for the typical dog owner to comprehend. The tips and approaches she offers can be used to help pet owners deal with dog-versus-dog interactions in their homes … [Read more...]
Lenticular sclerosis or cataracts?
The eyes of aging dogs often show a blueish haze as old lens fibers degenerate and new fibers are laid down. Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, explains the importance of distinguishing between lenticular sclerosis and the advancing blindness caused by cataracts. Her article is good content for social media and newsletters as some dogs live longer than previous generations. Source: … [Read more...]
Comparing wearable tech for canines
Includes Commercial Content There are so many functions and features available in various combinations of wearable tech for dogs that it’s hard to know what’s what, writes Stephanie Coleman. Her team organized a table to help you compare products and establish the priority features dog owners may need or want in a smart dog collar. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 25, … [Read more...]
Oral health opportunities for groomers and pet care pros
Commentary with references to sponsored content Oral health is one example of where groomers can have a significant positive impact, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT VTS. We agree. In addition to groomers, boarding and daycare personnel have increased access to pets and pet owners to educate and reinforce the importance of regular oral care. Many progressive pet care pros now … [Read more...]
How to register a dog as an emotional support animal
An emotional support animal is any critter that provides comfort, companionship and relief for a person who has an emotional or mental condition. Emotional support animals are not registered in any database, no specific training is required and are not the same as service dogs. Emotional support dog certification must come from a human licensed mental health … [Read more...]
Dental chews for dogs: worth the hype
Contains Commercial References Kate Basedow, LVT, shares some of the benefits daily dental chews offer dogs but also warns about the Kcal content. She says scientific studies have shown giving a dog a dental chew every day can help: Decrease plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup Decrease gingivitis Improve bad breath Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 24, 2023. … [Read more...]
How much should a dog drink?
Healthy dogs need to drink about an ounce per pound of their body weight daily, but many factors can affect their consumption, writes Eileen Fatcheric, DVM. Regardless, the chart shown here is a good resource to share with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or with local reporters, especially during hot periods. It’s also helpful for owners when their dogs’ diets are … [Read more...]
Predictability is key to calming anxious dogs
As school begins, dogs all over are dealing with changes in household activities breaking the patterns dogs are wired to find. When dogs can predict what's next, they become calmer and less anxious. Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, shares advice on creating patterns to help dogs whose anxieties may otherwise increase. Owners can take advantage of this, and identify, strengthen, and … [Read more...]
Addressing relentless licking by dogs
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, addresses excessive licking in dogs in this article worthy of sharing with dog owners whose pets are always using their tongues. A dog’s relentless licking is most frequently related to pain, illness, or injury, but it also could be his way of exploring the world or just telling you he cares about you.” - Debra M. Eldredge, DVM Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Does dog food expire?
Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when it is not used up within four to six weeks. While dog foods don’t technically expire, foods past their “best by” or “use by” label dates are not as nutritious and are more likely to become moldy or otherwise compromised, writes Cindy Foley. The “use by” or “best by” dates are important enough to be considered as … [Read more...]
Best to know what dog owners are reading about metronidazole
Commentary The Whole Dog Journal headline reads, “Metronidazole Works Like Magic in Dogs.” While the information Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares about diarrhea and how veterinarians approach resolution is informative, publishing this information in a pet owner publication may be an editorial faux pas. Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We cannot … [Read more...]
A few drops of blue-green algae can kill a dog
Blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They often begin to affect a dog almost immediately. Symptoms usually develop within 30 to 60 minutes. Many dogs get sick on the way home usually with vomiting and diarrhea. Note: The National Centers for Environmental Information provides an online Harmful Algae BoomS Observing System that … [Read more...]
How to keep a dog from eating everything he sees
Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares tips on training and muzzling while allowing dogs to investigate, but avoiding possible toxins and other things that might harm the animal. Source: Whole Dog Journal, April 21, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media and newsletters. … [Read more...]
Dewclaws. Leave ‘em or remove ‘em?
Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, says the best answer to the dewclaw question is, “sometimes.” She shares the anatomy, pros, cons and the general opinions of breeders and dog owners based on the activities the dog will be expected to perform. Source: Whole Dog Journal, February 1, 2023. Link. All dogs are born with front dewclaws while hind dewclaws are absent in most dogs. The … [Read more...]
How much food to feed a dog
“How much do I feed my dog?,” is one of the most common questions animal health pros hear from new and seasoned dog owners. John Strassburger reminds dog owners that food volumes are different for every dog. He offers some calorie guidance and suggestions. Bottom line, dog owners will read this so animal health pros need to be aware of the guidance. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]