Weekly companion animal news: April 26, 2021

Petco will release guide to help employers create pet-friendly workplaces

Petco says employers should consider adopting pet-friendly workplace policies when employees return to work. The company says it will introduce a new toolkit and playbook this summer to help employers transition their workplace into a welcoming environment for pets. The guide will include potential offerings for employers to consider, like pet insurance, Petco’s subscription care service and onsite pet services.

Dogs detect COVID-19 with 96% accuracy in new study

University of Pennsylvania researchers have added another study to the growing pile showing that dogs are very good at detecting COVID-19, the Miami Herald reports. In the study, nine dogs were able to identify positive coronavirus samples with an average 96% accuracy after three weeks of training. The researchers say this is a good way to detect asymptomatic carriers, and it’s cheaper than traditional testing practices. The dogs were less successful avoiding false negatives, but the researchers said that was likely because of strict study criteria.

Consumer Product Safety Commission says Peleton treadmill poses risk to kids and pets

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued an “urgent warning” telling people with small children and pets to immediately stop using the Peloton Tread Plus treadmill because of a potentially fatal risk to children and pets, CNET reports. “In light of multiple reports of children becoming entrapped, pinned, and pulled under the rear roller of the product, CPSC urges consumers with children at home to stop using the product immediately,” the agency said. It said pets are also at risk. CPSC said it was aware of 39 accidents, including one death. Peleton said that while there have been 39 incidents—including 23 involving children, one involving a pet and 15 with unspecified objects—the CPSC’s warning is “inaccurate and misleading.”

Studies could provide clear picture of antibiotic use in U.S. cats and dogs

Two studies are underway that could help researchers get a clear idea of how antibiotics are being used in cats and dogs across the country. Researchers at the University of Minnesota are recruiting practices for a point-prevalence survey, which involves collecting one day of data from many practices, including antibiotic prescribing rates. And researchers at North Carolina State University are designing a method to analyze relevant data in electronic medical records. Together, the projects could create the first comprehensive picture of antibiotic use in American pets, the VIN News Service reports.

Sustainability a growing trend in the pet industry

Petco’s recent announcement that it’s increasing its supply of sustainable products comes as consumers and manufacturers show increasing interest in these products. The U.S. sustainability market is expected to reach $150 billion in sales this year, according to NielsenIQ. Other companies aside from Petco that are building up their sustainability efforts include Nestle Purina, which last August said it reached its 2020 goal of achieving zero waste for disposal across all manufacturing operations and its corporate headquarters. Companies are trying to raise their operational standards, build out new facilities and introduce new products, all with an eye toward sustainability, Pet Product News reports.

Group advocates for education and legislation on cannabis in veterinary medicine

Fellow NAVC publication Today’s Veterinary Practice speaks with Dr. Gary Richter, a founding member and copresident of the Veterinary Cannabis Society. The group was formed after disputes in California over veterinarians’ ability to discuss cannabis with clients. The group’s goals are threefold: Educate veterinarians and pet owners about how cannabis can be used safely and effectively in animals; promote sensible legislation on a state-by-state basis to allow veterinarians to recommend cannabis; and work with industry members to provide guidelines on how products for animals need to be produced, labeled and marketed to ensure safety.

Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging becomes supporting sponsor of VHMA

The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association announced that Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging is the association’s newest supporting sponsor. “VHMA is excited to welcome Hallmarq as a sponsor and [we] are confident that our members, their practices and patients will benefit from increased access to advanced imaging that is accessible and affordable,” said Christine Shupe, VHMA’s executive director.

New SoundByte: Bravecto

Bravecto (fluralaner) long-lasting chews offer puppies 6 months of age and older 12-week protection against fleas and ticks. According to manufacturer Merck Animal Health, the fast-acting chew starts killing fleas within two hours of dosing and reaches 100% efficacy in 12 hours. For dogs 8 weeks of age and older, Merck offers Bravecto one-month chews. More information is in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.