Companion News for August 6

Federal agencies warn pet owners not to buy pig ear dog treats

The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control last week issued a warning to dog owners advising them not to buy pig ear dog treats, nor to feed their dogs the ones they already have, CBS reported. The warning comes amid a salmonella outbreak that by August 1 had expanded to 33 states, sickening 127 people and hospitalizing 26. Tests have identified “many different strains in salmonella pig ears from various brands and suppliers,” a CDC statement said. Treats that have already been purchased are also at risk: “Handling these treats could make people sick; eating the treats could make dogs sick,” the CDC said.

AAHA names VetSuccess as Preferred Provider for practice analytics

The American Animal Hospital Association named VetSuccess an “AAHA Preferred Provider,” recommending the company’s data and analytics services for accredited hospitals. “Part of AAHA’s mission is to help our members run successful businesses and that requires excellent analytics in today’s competitive world,” AAHA’s CEO, Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, said in an announcement. The association recommends several VetSuccess products, including the Practice Overview Report, Preventive Care Snapshot, and the Retriever email program.

Zoetis announces Itchy Pet Awareness Month in August

Zoetis is launching Itchy Pet Awareness Month in August to encourage pet owners and veterinarians to discuss “itch behavior” and to raise awareness about pet skin health. According to Zoetis’ announcement, the top four reasons pet owners bring their dogs to the vet are skin-related issues: skin allergies, ear infections, skin lumps and bumps, and skin infections. Since symptoms of underlying conditions can be difficult for pet owners to detect, Zoetis set up a website where dog owners can take an “itch quiz” to help them figure out what the issue might be.

Nationwide invests in VitusVet, building on previous relationship

Nationwide pet health insurance company is making a strategic investment in VitusVet, a mobile telehealth app for pet owners and veterinarians. The company will also serve on the VitusVet board of directors. This investment, which is separate from Nationwide’s venture capital fund, builds on a partnership the two companies established three years ago, in which Nationwide’s pet insurance customers were granted exclusive access to VitusVet’s claims submission function. App users are also able to access their pets’ medical records, receive medication reminders and grant access to family, friends and veterinarians. Veterinarians can use the app on their end to streamline practice management.

Health innovation can’t grow in KC with wet lab space in such short supply, biotech firms say

Startup pet care companies are finding they can share wet lab space with others to save money, which is crucial when companies are just starting out. These spaces have sterilization equipment, freezers, centrifuges and other supplies important for clinical trials. Elias Animal Health, based outside Kansas City, is trying this strategy as it works to develop cancer treatments for pets. “We’re doing a lot of cell culture work, which requires wet lab space, but there are a limited number of incubator or accelerator facilities that provide it,” Elias CEO Tammie Wahaus told Kansas City-based Startland.

North Carolina counties deploy mobile pet shelters during disasters

Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, about half of North Carolina’s 100 counties have used grants and local money to buy pet equipment trailers that can help provide care for stranded pets during emergencies, the Virginian-Pilot reports. For $16,000, officials can purchase a trailer with the necessary equipment to care for pets; for $35,000, they can purchase a climate-controlled trailer where pets can live. These trailers are part of the plans each county must have to manage pets during disasters. Hundreds of animals were housed during Hurricane Florence last year, more than during any other storm ever in the state, said Wendy Pulley, an official with the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management.

Mars Petcare opens new U.S. pet-friendly headquarters

Mars Petcare’s new central office outside Nashville is pet-friendly, and that was a big priority, a company executive told Petfood Industry. Being pet-friendly doesn’t just exemplify the company’s commitment to pets, said Mark Johnson, a Mars regional president. It’s also a way to reward employees and recruit potential new hires, especially millennials, he said. The building includes a dog park, watering stations in break areas and a leash system that uses different colors to identify which dogs are comfortable being petted.

Fear Free partners with WSAVA to expand training worldwide

Veterinary associations in Armenia, Kenya and 14 other countries will receive free registration for members to be trained as Fear Free-certified veterinary professionals. The offer is part of a partnership between Fear Free and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Three price levels are available for groups associated with WSAVA: Sixteen developing regions are eligible for complimentary registration, while dozens of other countries are eligible for discounts of 50% or 20%, Today’s Veterinary Business reports. The goal of the training is to help veterinary teams reduce fear and anxiety in their patients.