New training initiative to focus on better communication skillsAugust 29, 2019The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and CareCredit are working together to help veterinarians develop advanced communication skills to improve the quality of care for pets and their families. Launching in 2020, the Advanced Clinician-Client Dynamics training initiative comprises workshops and courses to help veterinarians identify and address medical topics and concerns between clinicians, other veterinary team members, and clients early by recognizing pet owners' perspectives and goals. The goal of the three-year strategic partnership is to help participants use their knowledge to build greater trust with the pet owner, with the intended result of acceptance and follow through on medical recommendations, follow-up visits, and pursuit of advanced medical care for improved outcomes for the pet and family. By effectively connecting with team members and pet owners, veterinarians can work toward decreasing job-related stress and avoid burnout. "Traditionally, residency programs have focused on training for technical skills," says current ACVIM president-elect and incoming chief executive officer, Linda Fineman, DVM, DACVIM (oncology). "Along with a shifting demographic in our college, with many more ACVIM specialists working in private practice, there is greater recognition of the importance of professional skills in achieving better medical and business outcomes." The training initiative …
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Kitten classes: The cat's meowAugust 28, 2019Some would argue (and I’m one of them) that kitten socialization classes are the most unrecognized program out there for cats. In fact, by running them, clinics may even save cat lives by increasing feline veterinary visits.
Tips to help prep clients and pets for road tripsAugust 28, 2019Family road trips are fun, but making sure a pet is comfortable and safe is a big part of that. With summer winding down, families will be hitting the road to make the most of what's left of the season. To help keep stress levels down for pets and owners alike, advise clients to do a little prep work ahead of time. "Preparing for the journey is just as important as knowing what pet-friendly amenities and accommodations are available at your destination," says Jennifer Freeman, DVM, PetSmart's resident veterinarian and pet care expert. "Be sure to pack plenty of food, water, and a few familiar objects like their bed, blanket, or toys. I also recommend pet parents take their pet to the veterinarian prior to the trip to ensure their pet is up for travel." Here are some travel tips you can offer pet owners: Get a dog safety harness for the car to help keep the pet in place in case of an abrupt stop. Most harnesses clip into the car's seat belt system so they're easy to use Protect car seats with a bench seat cover, allowing the pet to stretch and relax for a comfortable ride while …
BluePearl,UT collaborate on field learning for veterinary social workersAugust 28, 2019BluePearl and the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Veterinary Medicine are partnering up to train social workers for careers in specialty and emergency veterinary medicine. As part of UT's Postgraduate Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program (VSWCP), students will gain hands-on experience in veterinary hospitals across the U.S., with a focus on four key areas: the link between human and animal violence; animal-related grief and bereavement; animal-assisted interactions; and compassion fatigue and conflict management. Students must complete a keystone project requiring at least 250 hours of field learning. The collaboration makes BluePearl the first private practice in the country to offer field placements for students enrolled in this program. "This exciting collaboration serves two functions," explains Lori C. Harbert, LCSW program manager, veterinary social work at BluePearl. "Students will benefit from having access to advanced training, working closely with veterinarians and clients in a large, 24/7 specialty and emergency pet hospital, and BluePearl associates will benefit by having some level of in-house support and wellness training. "Bringing in these students doesn't solve all the industry's problems, but it certainly says to BluePearl staff that we care about you, and says to the veterinary social work community that you matter, you …
Fear Free launches shelter programAugust 27, 2019Rescued animals can now enjoy a less anxious shelter experience thanks to a new Fear Free initiative. The Fear Free Shelter Program is a free computer training course designed to help staff members and volunteers of animal shelters, rescue groups, and other animal welfare organizations to create a Fear Free experience for pets from intake to adoption and beyond. In addition, it provides resources adopters and foster homes can use to promote the emotional well-being of the pets in their care and ease the transition to a new environment. "We created the Fear Free Shelter Program to improve the experiences of animals by educating shelter personnel about the emotional needs of dogs and cats," says VPN columnist Marty Becker, DVM, founder and CEO of Fear Free. "This program will empower them to apply key concepts, strategies, and techniques designed to reduce the negative emotional states that are commonly experienced by shelter animals, including fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration." Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, is lead author of the Fear Free Shelter Program. She is also co-instructor of courses in shelter medicine and animal behavior at both the University of Florida and the University of Georgia. Three board-certified veterinary behaviorists with …
VCA launches 35 cancer centers across North AmericaAugust 26, 2019Pets diagnosed with cancer will now have greater access to advanced, collaborative pet cancer care. VCA Animal Hospitals says it is launching 35 VCA Pet CancerCare Centers across North America, which will be staffed by multidisciplinary oncology teams that will design individualized treatment plans using the latest in medical health-care technology. Canadian centers are also slated for Laval and Brossard near Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Newmarket, Oakville, and Scarborough in Ontario; Victoria in British Columbia; and Calgary, Alberta. "At VCA Pet CancerCare Centers, we are leading cancer care into a hopeful new era with longer lifespans and improved quality of life," says Zack Wright, DVM, DACVIM/Oncology, director of oncology at VCA Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas, Texas. "Our dedicated oncologists across the network are committed to working with primary care veterinarians to make advanced cancer care accessible to pet owners, with the goal always being extended, high quality of life for our patients." By introducing these cancer centers, VCA hopes to provide greater accessibility of world-class treatment to help improve the quality of life for pets, as well as to cultivate open lines of communication and collaboration between oncologists, primary care veterinarians, and pet owners. According to a VCA survey, 58 …
Canned or dry food: What's better for cats?August 22, 2019Is feeding canned or dry food better for cats?
Owners spending more than ever on their petsAugust 22, 2019When it comes to the health and well-being of a pet, Americans are not afraid to shell out the big bucks when necessary.
Royal Canin's celebrity partnership supports feline veterinary healthAugust 22, 2019Americans love their cats, but taking them to the veterinarian is a different story.
Veterinary behaviorists question "scruffing"August 20, 2019Animal care professionals may want to reconsider the way they handle their feline patients.
