Weekly companion animal news: January 25, 2021

Groups draft ‘Global Principles of Veterinary Collegiality’

The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations and World Small Animal Veterinary Association have drawn up a set of guidelines outlining how veterinary professionals should conduct themselves among their peers. The “Global Principles of Veterinary Collegiality” were drafted following the WSAVA World Congress in July 2019, when veterinary leaders from around the world expressed concern at the additional stress caused to veterinarians by poor communication and collegiality within teams and among colleagues. They highlighted the additional pressures this places on members of a profession already challenged by well-being and mental health issues.

CAPC recommends proactive veterinary client outreach to adjust for pandemic delays

The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends veterinarians and clinical teams proactively reach out to clients and move up 2021 appointment reminders to prevent lapses in critical parasite diagnostic testing and preventive dispensing. The pandemic led to delays in veterinary visits in March and April. For those whose care was delayed, veterinary appointment and software reminder systems will automatically schedule 2021 annual exams later in the year. This could create scheduling difficulties and lapses in accurate scheduling for critical parasite testing and preventive prescriptions. To avoid this situation, CAPC says veterinarians should consider adjusting those patients’ reminders back to spring of 2021.

Pet owners keep pets, continue to spend during pandemic: survey

Eighty-two percent of the pet owners surveyed by the American Pet Products Association said their pet ownership hasn’t changed or been affected by COVID-19, according to the latest COVID Pulse Study from the APPA. This is similar to the previous survey, in which 83% said their pet ownership hasn’t been changed. Among Baby Boomers, the number is 92%. Sixty-four percent of pet owners said their pet spending has remained the same during the past month, with pet owners continuing to purchase pet food and supplies regularly. Current data does show an increase in the percentage of respondents who are concerned about their finances (61%, up from 55% in September), as well as those who say the pandemic has significantly affected their household financially. But that doesn’t translate to any notable changes in pet product purchasing behavior at this point.

Cat owners still feel underserved by the pet industry, survey shows

A new survey shows cat owners continue to feel their pets are often overlooked by the pet industry. “Traditionally and still too often, pet product manufacturers, retailers and marketers tend to give cats short shrift, including in the minds of cat owners,” said David Sprinkle, research director for Packaged Facts, which conducted the survey. Fifty-one percent of cat owners in the survey agreed that general merchandise stores that sell pet products either strongly or somewhat offer preference to dogs. Slightly lower numbers were reported for customers’ opinions of pet treat companies, specialty stores and veterinarians. Still, there is some promise: “Last year, many of the new products introduced at Global Pet Expo 2020 were cat-focused…and during 2020 Petco unleashed a slew of promotional emails with feline-focused headlines,” Packaged Facts officials said.

Why cats are crazy for catnip: study

A new study shows the chemicals in catnip activate cats’ opioid systems much like heroin and morphine do in people, Science magazine reports. Additionally, the study concludes that rubbing the plants protects cats against mosquito bites. “This study essentially has revealed a new potential mosquito repellent,” said Emory University biologist Jacobus de Roode, who wasn’t involved in the study. Most scientists and pet owners assumed the only reason cats roll around in catnip was for the euphoric experience, said Iwate University biologist Masao Miyazaki, who conducted the study. “Our findings suggest instead that rolling is rather a functional behavior.”

Montana veterinarian reports spike in marijuana ingestion by dogs

A Montana veterinarian said his practice is seeing marijuana toxicity in animals with alarming frequency, KRTV reports. “Right now, we’re seeing kind of an epidemic since Christmas,” said Dr. Mike Norton of Best Friends Animal Hospital, in Great Falls. “Usually, I see about three or four a year; now I’m seeing three or four a week.” He said this is a trend in states that legalize marijuana, which Montana did for recreational use on January 1. Most affected dogs ingest the drug in edible form, but curious animals might eat discarded joints.

AVMA offers safety posters and vaccine education tools for practices

The AVMA provides downloadable resources to instruct and educate clients about clinic procedures during the pandemic. The association also offers social media tools to inform clients about safety procedures before they come, as well as a back-office poster to encourage vaccine acceptance among members of the veterinary team.

Five strategies to establish a gold standard for curbside care

An Idaho veterinary hospital manager in dvm360 offers five strategies for practices to improve their curbside service. The five strategies from Mary Lopez, hospital manager at Hendricks Veterinary Hospital, are: 1) Use digital forms instead of paper forms to reduce check-in times; 2) Collect medical history before appointments; 3) Standardize arrival procedures to easily locate clients in their cars; 4) Create a secure payment system; 5) Enhance client communication.

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