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...]
Decoding dog gas: When is it a problem?
A small amount of stomach gurgling, burping or even farting is normal for most dogs, but excessive dog gas may signal a problem. Excessive gas may be caused by a less-than-ideal diet or could be signs of issues like inflammatory bowel disease or intestinal parasites. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 10, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Dogs, special brownies and more
“What to do if your dog eats marijuana,” by Jennifer Bailey, DVM, addresses a growing issue in homes with pets. Whether edibles, weed or vape cartridges, many of these familiar options are also attractive to dogs. Marijuana was ranked 9th in top Toxin Trends <Link>. Consider this article for social media posts and newsletters to keep pet owners informed of the safety … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 9, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 2, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from March 2nd AHD Bulletin – Vet Watch Insight Report. 8.5 percent YTD practice revenue growth, other improvements. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 10 most popular articles of 2022 from HBR’s Working Knowledge … [Read more...]
A cup is a terrible way to measure how much we feed a dog
There are too many variables to effectively use volume as an accurate measurement of how much a dog gets to eat. Reminding us that dog food labels are challenging for pet owners to interpret, if not misleading, Nancy Kerns addresses feeding enough or too much. Kerns’ frequent articles about pet food make good posts for animal health pros to share with pet owners … [Read more...]
Does spaying or neutering change behavior?
Don’t think spaying or neutering a dog is going to prevent or solve all his or her behaviors that you find problematic, writes Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. Statistical analysis of a huge population of spayed and neutered dogs says that it won’t. Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 21, 2022. Link. Also see: The latest on age and gonadectomy, AHD, March 29, 2022. … [Read more...]
Dogs may benefit from shoes during weather extremes
Dog shoes can protect dogs’ feet during weather extremes. Proper sizing is important as well as a break-in period to avoid chafing. Wearing shoes does change a dog’s ground reaction forces and pressure distribution. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 5, 2022
Top five most read posts from December 2022 - Middle managers are exhausted. Top teams need to listen. Link. Find happiness at work instead of quiet quitting. Link. What a cat friendly veterinary experience looks like. Link. The top pet products of 2022. Link. Thank you! Link. ================================================= Quiz: Surgical … [Read more...]
Force-free, fear-free nail trimming techniques for dogs
Nail trimming can be stressful for pets and their owners. The longer they wait, the more likely an untoward experience will occur. The resources below offer good guidance on conditioning pets to healthful nail care at home, where it care can be easily managed with proper education, training and patience. . . . the ability to trim a dog’s nails should be a prerequisite to being … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – The top pet products of 2022. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 8, 2022. Link. ====================================================== When coyotes attacked, a dog killed 8 of them, saving a flock of sheep Source: The Washington Post, December 9, 2022. Link. John Weirwille sprang out of bed early … [Read more...]
Beware of rock salt and other ice melting products
As winter snow and ice season advances, we use more ice-melt to clear streets, driveways and sidewalks. C.J. Puotinen cautions pet owners about potential ill effects from these products. It is good content to share on social media and in newsletters this time of year. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center classifies all ice-melting products as chemical irritants and warns … [Read more...]
Tail docking . . . the debate continues
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares information about tail docking and its pros and cons. Tail docking is generally done only to meet breed standards for some purebred dogs. AAHA and the AVMA have issued statements that oppose tail docking: AAHA statement, updated June 2021. Link. AVMA statement. Link. Article, 2008. Link. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November 4, 2022. … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
The meaning of dog stares
Without reading its body language, knowing why a dog is staring is difficult, according to Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA. She shares her take on what adoring, happy, communication and hard stares mean. Whatever stare a dog is giving you, it means something, so pay attention!” Source: Whole Dog Journal, September 26, 2022. Link. Also see: Why dogs stare at you when pooping, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2022
Last month’s AHD posts September 2022 archives. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 7, 2022. Link. Research: Men are worse allies than they think Source: Harvard Business Review, October 7, 2022. Link. Despite the new DEI focus on allyship education and programming, research shows that women and other … [Read more...]
Socializing new puppies? Manage the right amount of playtime
A puppy’s critical socialization period runs from eight weeks to about 14 weeks, writes Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-K. She asserts puppy owners shouldn’t put off this vital piece of development during this period. Failure to socialize a puppy well during this period can result in significant future behavioral challenges.” Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 12, 2022. Link. Well run … [Read more...]
The meaning behind different dog sounds
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, says there are generally six types of sounds dogs use to vocally communicate with humans or with other canines. She shares ideas about what the dog sounds might mean and how to decipher the different noises dogs make. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 20, 2011. Link. Barks, growls, howls, whines, whimpers, even dog purring . . . dog sounds have … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 15, 2022
Last week’s most read posts - Five metrics veterinary practices should track. Link. Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 8, 2022. Link. Top recommended veterinary products Source: DVM 360®. Link. 748 companion animal … [Read more...]
Train dogs as if they were tigers
Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, asserts we should manage and train a dog as if it is a captive animal out of his element, because he is. She suggests pretending the dog is a tiger and to not expect dogs to know our human ways. Flipping that mental switch from dog to tiger makes owners smarter, kinder and more open to problem-solving. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 10, 2022. … [Read more...]
Help dogs lose weight
Nancy Kerns reminds us that when our dogs are overweight, it’s our fault. They don’t have any understanding of caloric intake and are dependent on us to access exercise. Therefore, their body weight and condition are completely up to us. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 17, 2022. Link. Kern shares tips for owners to use to help dogs lose weight beginning with an accurate, … [Read more...]
Dog food myth-busting
Nancy Kerns addresses the seven most common dog food myths and misconceptions. Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2021. Link. . . . read the fine print on the labels. Which nutritional adequacy standard does each candidate meet? How much fat and protein do they contain? What ingredients are they made of?” Also see: Do dogs have taste buds? Pet MD. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 25, 2022
Last week’s most read post Confronting your biases (video). Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 18, 2022. Link. =================================== Help bring the dairy farm into the classroom Source: Discover Dairy. Link. The Adopt-a-Cow opportunity for this year closes on September 15th so there’s still time to let … [Read more...]