Lifelong learning is the enduring pursuit of knowledge and skills to improve our personal and professional development. Today’s Veterinary Nurse provides continuous learning by offering innovative nursing care education along with information to refresh and update skills learned in school. For example, veterinary nurses know the reasons for administering insulin. Yet, it is important to stay up to date on types of insulin for cats and dogs, how to prepare the types of insulin, and communication tips. The article What Veterinary Nurses Need to Know About Insulin covers these important needs. Veterinary teams also know the importance of keeping up on the latest medical discoveries. Don’t Fear the Research: Leverage the Learning provides an overview of research studies, what veterinary nurses should look for, and how to keep up with relevant research. This issue aims to keep us all on the cusp of new information while refreshing everyday skills.
What We’re Reading
A member of our Editorial Advisory Board shares a recent open access publication, including their key takeaways and its practical conclusion.
Caregiver Perspectives on the Value of Dogs and Their Effects on Children in Private and Public Spaces
Duncan-Sutherland N, Hunt M, Shepherd M, Kool B. J Vet Behav.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2025.01.002
WHAT WAS INVESTIGATED? This study looked at the perspective of 256 child caregivers regarding dog–child interactions in public and private spaces in New Zealand through an anonymous online survey and in-person focus groups.
WHAT WAS DISCUSSED?
- Dogs are viewed as valued members of the family, and most families feel it is very important for children to be around animals.
- Many caregivers reported incidents that provoked fear, emotional distress, and/or direct injury to children resulting from known family dogs; off-leash, stray, or roaming dogs; or aggression between dogs.
- Respondents who had experienced negative interactions with dogs were more likely to show increased protective behaviors over children.
TAKE-HOME POINTS
It is incumbent upon veterinary team members to provide education to clients on keeping kids and dogs safe, including normal behaviors in both species, local regulations and leash laws, and reporting of bites. Providing safe places for families to talk about incidents between kids and dogs without judgment or blame is critical to help families and their pets.
— Amanda Eick Schwarzwalder, RVT, KPA CTP, VTS (Behavior), CVPM
More from the NAVC
Congratulations to the 2025 Rippie Scholarship Winners!
The Dr. Earl H. Rippie Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship has been a pillar of the NAVC’s dedication to recognizing and uplifting veterinary nurses who have made a positive impact on the profession and their community. Winners are announced annually at VMX, and we are proud to share the 2025 winners: Pam Kirby, RVT, VTS (Ophthalmology); Heidi Reuss-Lamky, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia, Surgery); and Carolyn Cartwright, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia). Visit go.navc.com/4jdz4Jo to apply for the 2026 scholarship.