Hill's recalls canned dog food due to high Vitamin D levelsFebruary 4, 2019Hill's Pet Nutrition is recalling some of its canned dog food over concerns of elevated levels of Vitamin D. The announcement comes after Hill's received a complaint about a dog exhibiting signs of excessive Vitamin D. An investigation by the company confirmed elevated levels of Vitamin D due to a supplier error. The affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores, as well as veterinary clinics and e-commerce. No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are part of the recall. Vitamin D is essential for dogs; however, it can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss when ingested in high levels. In a statement, Hill's says, "We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high-quality products. Hill's has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients." For a list of the recalled canned dog food, click here. Pet owners with dogs who have consumed …
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Not planning an exit strategy? You shouldFebruary 4, 2019The average baby boomer today is approximately 63 years of age, and in seven years, all of them will be over the age of 60. Obviously, this has implications on the number of veterinary practice owners exiting their business. Baby boomers are unique. Unlike generation Xers who value time, traditionalists who value community/family, and millennials who value individuality, baby boomers value success. They are also known for their 60-hour work week. These two attributes—working hard and being successful—should also play a role in how baby boomers approach their exit strategy. The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) estimates 50 per cent of business exits are involuntary, meaning they are unplanned and/or unexpected. If you are fortunate, you will experience an unplanned exit because you received an offer for your practice you did not expect; if you do receive an offer, we would advise you not accept the first offer without seeking professional advice. Why's that? Well, it is likely neither the only offer available nor is it likely to be the best offer. The reality, however, is most involuntary exits are due to death, disability, divorce, or disputes. Avoiding regret and preparing for an unexpected exit Engaging in an exit planning …
Five reasons clients will love your dental experienceFebruary 4, 2019What if clients loved their pets' dental experiences at your veterinary hospital? As most dogs and cats have periodontal disease by age three, you will speak with clients multiple times about dental treatments over their pets' lifetimes. Creating a positive experience for the first dental procedure can set you up for success when you need to present future care. Here are five strategies for creating stellar client satisfaction through your dental services. 1) Tackle paperwork in advance. Don't wait until the morning of procedures to get signatures. Clients may have experienced road rage while driving to your clinic, chased the cat for 45 minutes trying to get it into the carrier, and were late for work. Instead, have clients sign treatment plans and anesthetic consent forms on the day of diagnosis when they book procedures. At my recent seminar in Reno, Nev., a technician testified this tactic reduced a 20-minute surgical admission to seven minutes. A backup plan is to use text and email together. Two days before the procedure, text the client to confirm the admission appointment: "See you tomorrow at 8 a.m. for <pet name's> dental admission. No food after 10 p.m. Water is OK. We emailed …
Feline medicine scholarship now availableFebruary 4, 2019A new scholarship by Winn Feline Foundation and the AAFP, created to support future veterinarians and advance feline medicine, is now available.
New York Pet Fashion Show includes its first wheelchair pit bullFebruary 1, 2019A New York fashion event for pets will include its first-ever wheelchair pit bull. Rescue dog Effie Brown has been selected to represent all handicapped dogs at the New York Pet Fashion Show in her Walkin’ Wheels Wheelchair.
Dogs with bigger brains have higher cognitive capacitiesFebruary 1, 2019Larger-brain breeds have better short-term memory and self-control than smaller dogs, says a new study.
Couple alleges clinic killed their cat with incorrect doseJanuary 31, 2019A couple is suing a Queens-based veterinary clinic for allegedly prescribing a high dose of medication to a cat by mistake, causing it to pass away.
Foreign body ingestion in pets especially high during the Super BowlJanuary 31, 2019A pet insurance provider is encouraging veterinarians to remind owners to be mindful of what their pets are consuming during Super Bowl celebrations.
ASPCA honors a veterinarian for the first timeJanuary 29, 2019For the first time, a veterinarian has been honored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for their efforts to provide critical care for animal cruelty victims.
Bridge Club recognizes two veterinary leadersJanuary 29, 2019Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP, chief executive officer of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and Julia Stephanus, founder and president of Avviare, received a lifetime Bridge Club membership from the video-based professional community.