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 …
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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.
Canine parvovirus treatment may be in the worksAugust 19, 2019Veterinarians may soon have access to an antibody effective in the treatment of canine parvovirus (CPV).
Hill's nutrition facility to focus on small dogsAugust 19, 2019Small and miniature dog breeds are set to receive the star treatment at Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s “Small Paws” center in Topeka, Kan.
Moreno Valley, Calif., top heartworm city for AugustAugust 16, 2019Moreno Valley, Calif., is the number one city for heartworms in August, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports.
Research updates on diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathyAugust 15, 2019As veterinarians, our mission to identify curable conditions is everlasting, but like many of our human colleagues, we too may be overlooking the most logical etiology of all—food.
