Pet parents more dedicated than everJune 11, 2019A new survey is showcasing everything pet owners are willing to do for their animal companions, including foregoing work and social commitments to ensure their well-being. Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Fuzzy Pet Health, the poll found nearly a quarter of the 2,000 participants have missed work to care for a sick pet, and withheld this information from their boss. Sixty-five percent said it was because they did not think their boss would count it as a valid reason for time off. "Time constraints are among one of the biggest hurdles for pet parents. But they don't want to cut corners when it comes to their pets' wellness," says Jess Trimble, DVM, Fuzzy Pet Health chief veterinary officer. "As a society, we've outsourced so much of the services important to making our life tick, it's time veterinary care delivered for the modern world." The survey also found: 39 percent have taken a day off to care for their pet, while a further 27 percent have worked from home to do so Three in 10 owners have canceled on their human friends to spend time with their pets 76 percent of pet owners panic when their pet swallows something …
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UW-Stout to host conference on animal health nutraceuticalsJune 10, 2019The University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stout is hosting a world conference on the use of nutraceuticals in companion animal health care. Sponsored by Vets Plus, the International Conference on Animal Health Nutraceuticals–2019 (ICAHN 2019) takes place from July 17 to 19. "Veterinarians already use probiotics to address digestive ailments and omega-3 fatty acids to improve issues with the skin, coat, and joints," says Vets Plus founder and chief executive office, Raj Lall. "And nutraceuticals are widely used in joint health programs and to address the needs of senior pets. But the number of compounds in current use is small compared to the number we know to have therapeutic benefits. This conference is intended to increase both the profile and practitioner knowledge about this branch of veterinary science." Discussions will feature experts in academia, veterinary practitioners, and internationally published nutritional scientists. Speakers and topics include: An overview of nutraceuticals in animal health and disease (presented by Ramesh Gupta, DVM, MVSc, PhD); Therapeutic uses of cannabinoids in companion animals (presented by Gary Richter, MS, DVM, CVC, CVA); and Future direction and trends in nutraceutical research (presented by W. Thomas Shier, PhD) "Nutraceuticals are being used in virtually every veterinary practice and their …
Survey finds man's best friend is more like familyJune 6, 2019They've always been your best friend, but now a new nationwide survey has found owners largely consider dogs to be part of the family. Sponsored by SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey asked 1,500 dog owners about their pet parent habits and behaviors. The survey found: 98 percent of dog owners consider their dogs to be members of the family; 50 percent of dog owners say their dog sleeps in a family member's bed, while an additional 32 percent have their dogs sleep in a family member's bedroom; and 60 percent of Northeast dog owners saying they cuddle their pet at night, compared to 49 percent of respondents from other regions. According to SpotOn Virtual Smart Fence, the survey's results indicate there are opportunities for businesses and public spaces to meet the needs of the growing population of dog owners: 48 percent rely on parks and recreation for outdoor activities with their dog; 71 percent of dog owners in the New York metropolitan area note they have access to amenities such as dog parks, outdoor areas, and dog-friendly stores and eateries; 86 percent of dog owners feel welcome at the homes of friends and family with their pets; 37 …
Banfield launches telehealth service for on-demand veterinarian supportJune 5, 2019Banfield Pet Hospital is offering its Optimum Wellness Plan clients a new way to discuss their pet's health with a veterinarian. The company has launched a telehealth service on its app called Vet Chat, which offers clients on-demand access to pet care advice and support from a veterinarian anytime and anywhere. "At Banfield, we never take for granted being entrusted with the care of a beloved pet is to be invited into the emotional center of a person's life," says company president, Brian Garish. "To us, that means not only being with you throughout your pet's life—from puppyhood through the golden years––it also means being there during those unexpected, sometimes anxiety-ridden moments between visits. "Vet Chat marks the next chapter in the future of pet care, and we're thrilled to offer a service benefitting our clients, their pets, and our veterinary teams." In a pet owner telehealth survey, Banfield found 39 percent of respondents admit they sometimes struggle to decide when to call the veterinarian and nearly four in 10 say they prefer to consult the internet first. Ninety percent of veterinarians say they worry pet owners may unknowingly put their pet at more risk by taking bad advice …
Midmark acquires Mason CompanyJune 5, 2019Midmark has acquired animal boarding and containment solutions, Mason Company. Located in Ohio and founded in 1892, Mason utilizes designs and materials to ensure its products are Fear Free certified, promoting quiet and calming environments through consideration of workflow and the acute senses of animal patients. "We are extremely excited to welcome Mason to the Midmark family," says the company's president and chief executive officer, John Baumann. "The expertise Mason brings to Midmark enhances our position to design better care environments for our customers. It also strengthens Midmark's position as a leader of the animal health space that continues to bring our customers innovative solutions and new ideas as they strive to improve the quality of care." The acquisition allows Midmark to be in on early discussions of new construction, pairing its stainless steel and proprietary offerings with Mason's designs to help create comfortable accommodations for long-term boarding of companion animals. "Being involved in the early stages of a project gives us the ideal platform to deliver solutions to our customers by bringing clinical spaces, comprehensive technologies, and workflows into harmony," adds Midmark chief commercial officer, Jon Wells.
Nationwide members paid $119 million to treat their dogs and catsMarch 21, 2019Nationwide members spent $119 million in 2018 to treat their dogs and cats. The pet health insurance company analyzed its database of more than 725,000 insured pets to determine the top 10 most common conditions that prompted veterinary visits. "Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common, yet problematic medical conditions," says Nationwide vice president and chief veterinary officer, Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA. "Early detection can be key. The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian." The following conditions affect dogs and cats the most, according to Nationwide: Dogs 1) skin allergies 2) ear infection 3) noncancerous skin mass 4) diarrhea/intestinal upset 5) skin infection 6) vomiting/upset stomach 7) arthritis 8) dental disease 9) anal gland inflammation 10) bladder urinary tract disease Cats 1) bladder/urinary tract disease 2) dental disease 3) chronic kidney disease 4) vomiting/upset stomach 5) diarrhea/intestinal upset 6) excessive thyroid hormone 7) upper respiratory infection 8) skin allergies 9) diabetes 10) heart valve malfunction
AAHA releases 2019 Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and CatsMarch 7, 2019The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has updated its dental care guidelines with the goal of decreasing oral pain and improving the quality of life for dogs and cats. While not always apparent to pet owners, by the age of three, dogs and cats have some level of periodontal disease. Updated from the 2013 edition, the 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats are designed to help veterinary professionals expand their current client education efforts, so pet owners understand periodontal disease can be avoided through regular dental checkups and proper home care. The new guidelines also help veterinary practitioners address the fear of anesthesia among pet owners, as it is the most common reason for declining dental procedures. "Regular dental care is one of the most powerful ways we can improve the quality of life of our patients," said AAHA chief executive officer, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (emeritus). "AAHA continues to support the use of general anesthesia in dental procedures to promote appropriate diagnostic capabilities and decrease patient stress, injury, and risk of aspiration. Because home care is crucial in the support of a healthy, pain-free mouth, client communication and education remain central to these guidelines." Detailed …
Being raised with pets may make you a howling successNovember 16, 2018A survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital says there is a correlation between pets and professional achievements.
Help clients who travel hire the best professional pet sitterJune 6, 2018As more than 88 million Americans prepare for family vacations this summer, educational association Pet Sitters International (PSI) reminds pet owners to use caution when deciding who will watch their animals, recommending they forgo hiring hesitant friends and neighbors to fill this role and instead seek professional pet sitters, trained to handle potential emergencies. "When it comes to finding pet care, don't prioritize convenience over quality," said Beth Stultz, PSI vice-president. "Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn't mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider. Pet owners should take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional." Professional pet sitters come to clients' homes, which limits interruption to pets' routines and eliminates the stress and danger of exposing them to new, unfamiliar environments. Additionally, many professionals provide services for owners traveling with animals, offering pet-care services at hotels for clients who need to leave their animals and participate in non-pet friendly events or activities. PSI advises pet owners to schedule a consultation …
US pet owners spent nearly $3B on grooming services in 2017May 3, 2018Data released by market research firm Packaged Facts shows that U.S. pet owners spent nearly $3 billion on animal grooming/spa services and products in 2017. The firm, which is partnered with the nonprofit American Pet Products Association, links the expenditure to the increasing trend of pets being considered as family members, citing that 76 percent of those surveyed said it was "important to keep their pets clean and fresh-smelling." "Treating pets as family members has been a significant trend in the pet market for the past decade, with the vast majority of pet owners today considering their pets to be part of the family," said David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts. "With more pet owners keeping their pets close by both at home and on the go, it is driving them to seek out grooming services and products that will allow them to keep their pets clean and well kept. As a result, the movement towards treating pets as family members is undoubtedly one of the overriding factors impacting sales in the grooming market, both services and products." The data was published in a report titled "Pet Grooming, Skin & Coat, and Spa Products, and Services in the …
