Weekly Companion Animal News: October 14, 2024
Walmart opens five more pet services centers
Walmart announced it is opening five new Walmart Pet Services centers in Georgia and Arizona over the next month. The centers offer routine veterinary care and grooming, in collaboration with PetIQ. Walmart plans to introduce the model to more communities in the future.
VHMA announces certification program for management professionals
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association launched a new certification program for veterinary management professionals – the Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM) – which is intended to certify qualified management professionals focused on fundamental administrative office tasks, including team leadership roles.
Nationwide IV fluid shortage feared
Concerns have been raised about a potential nationwide shortage following Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage to one of Baxter International’s critical manufacturing plants. The company said it would temporarily close production at its North Cove, North Carolina-based facility.
Elanco receives FDA approval for Credelio Quattro
Elanco Animal Health announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets), a canine oral parasiticide with protection against six types of parasites—fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Credelio Quattro is a single, monthly chewable tablet for dogs eight weeks of age or older and is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
Midwestern Pet Foods donates 24,000 meals for pets
Evansville, Indiana-based Midwestern Pet Foods has donated 24,000 pet food meals to charities in the Southeast after the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The donations were made in cooperation with two distributor partners — Phillips Pet Food & Supplies and Southeast Pet Distributors. In 2024 alone, MPF has donated more than 100,000 meals for pets in need nationwide.
Hill’s sponsors National Veterinary Technician Week Oct. 13-19
“Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives,” is the theme for National Veterinary Technician Week, Oct. 13-19. As the NVTW exclusive sponsor, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is providing funding for social media and public relations outreach, and its field representatives will personally deliver NVTW posters and other merchandise to their clients across the United States.
Zoetis, Arthritis Foundation partner to raise awareness of osteoarthritis pain in pets
Zoetis and the Arthritis Foundation announced a two-year partnership to address osteoarthritis (OA) pain. Zoetis will participate as the National Presenting Sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run in 2024 and 2025, as well as Walk to Cure Arthritis events in 2025 and 2026, and provide educational resources for pet owners about how to recognize the symptoms of OA pain in their dogs and cats.
Misunderstandings about pet health are widespread
According to a survey by dog food company Ollie: 60% of dogs are overweight, but three in five owners think they are an ideal weight; more than a quarter of pup parents believe treats should make up at least half of their dog’s daily intake, when they should only make up 10%; and 70% of pup parents weren’t aware that being able to easily feel their dog’s ribs is an indicator of a healthy weight.
