WWW. PET VETMAGAZINE .COM
VOL. 3 ED. 2 • FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
5
SIMPLE WAYS TO
GET MORE PAWS
THROUGH YOUR DOOR
dr. JANE
GOODALL For the People, For the Planet, For the Animals
UNEXPECTED
TREATS
FOR THE PATIENT WITH THE PICKY
PALATE
February / March 2020
A Practical Guide for Pet Health Professionals
CONTENTS 4
Veterinarian Life Advice
6
PetVet Advisory Board
8
Love, Veterinary Style
10
5 Simple Ways to Get More Paws Through Your Door
16 DOGA: 3 Top Benefits of Practicing
Yoga with Dogs
22 Is Veterinary Rehabilitation the
Right Path for You?
UNEXPECTED
TREATS
14
FOR THE PATIENT WITH THE PICKY
PALATE
30 Vets & Breeders: A Strong
Relationship to Nourish
32 PetVet 10: Ten Things to Do
This Month
ON THE COVER WWW. PET VETMAGAZINE .COM
VOL. 3 ED. 2 • FEBRUARY / MARCH 2020
5
SIMPLE WAYS TO
GET MORE PAWS
THROUGH YOUR DOOR
dr. JANE
26 DOCTOR
JANE GOODALL
GOODALL For the People, For the Planet, For the Animals
FOR THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PLANET
UNEXPECTED
TREATS
FOR THE ANIMALS
FOR THE PATIENT WITH THE PICKY
PALATE
PetVetMag DR. JANE GOODALL PHOTOGRAPH BY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE / PUBLIC DOMAIN
2
@PetVet_Magazine
Copyright Februrary 2020. PetVet Magazine is published bimonthly by Barkleigh Productions, Inc, 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. Postmaster: Send change of address to Pet Vet Magazine c/o Barkleigh Productions, Inc., 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 970 West Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg PA 17055. (717) 691–3388 FAX (717) 691–3381 Email: info@barkleigh.com
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VETERINARIAN LIFE ADVICE
CONTACT Inquiries info@barkleigh.com (717) 691-3388 Editorial rebecca@barkleigh.com (717) 691-3388 (ext. 225) Advertising james@barkleigh.com (717) 691-3388 (ext. 224)
STAFF Publisher Barkleigh Productions, Inc. President Todd Shelly Vice President Gwen Shelly Chief Operations Officer Adam Lohr Executive Editor Rebecca Shipman
U O Y CAN DO At the end of the day, there’s a very good chance you will surprise yourself!”
Marta Sanchez-Emden Owner of Animal Health and Rehab Center, Miami, FL.
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Art Director Laura Pennington Senior Graphic Designer Jenn Barraclough Junior Designer Jenny Thomas Web Master Luke Dumberth Director of Marketing & Client Relations James Severs Administrative / Marketing Assistant Karin Grottola Marketing Coordinator Alyx Robertson Social Media / PR Coordinator Evan Gummo
ADVISORY BOARD
Meet our EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD!
PetVet’s advisory board is here to help ensure quality content to motivate & educate Veterinarians and their staff.
Courtney Campbell DVM
Jenifer Chatfield DVM, DACZM
“My passions ultimately drove me towards becoming a veterinarian, but when I was growing up I briefly flirted with the idea of becoming a magician. As a veterinarian, the ability to save lives, keep animals healthy, and strengthen the human–animal bond makes me realize there’s nothing more magical than that.”
Alberto Fernandez DVM, DACVECC "The human race will not be possible without the animal kingdom. It is our duty to take care of those that provide to us and to me it is an honor to do so."
Lisa Powell DVM, DACVECC
“People should be so lucky as to get to be a veterinarian. The broad-based education empowers us to be successful in multiple fields and affords us the opportunity to choose how we spend our professional time.”
Julie Legred CVT “I have had the privilege of working with a variety of animals in my career and my passion has allowed me to be involved in teaching veterinary students, interns, residents and other veterinarians. I continue to enjoy going to work every day to help critically ill dogs and cats, and love the client interactions as well. I am proud to be a part of this advisory board to help teach and spread my love for this profession to others in the veterinary community.”
Jill López DVM, MBA
A Practical Guide for Pet Health Professionals
“Do something every day to make an animal’s life better.”
“I have worked in many areas of veterinary medicine and veterinary technology over the last thirty five years, and it is amazing how far our profession has grown and paved the way for the betterment of animals' lives and happiness, as well as improving public health issues. It is an honor for me to be a part of this advisory board to offer additional education and opportunities to grow in our profession.”
S Q UA R E LO G O
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A Practical Gui
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WHY IT MATTERS
T veterinarian By Jill López DVM, MBA
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hey became study buddies in their first year of vet school at Tuskegee, and they soon became fast friends. Dr. Franny Tyler, a Georgian native, found Dr. Will Draper to be her rock when times were tough and her jester when they weren’t. Through vet school, these two spent morning, noon and night together studying for class, and later, prepping for national boards. They shared their first—and Dr. Franny notes “awkward”—kiss at a party in their junior year. However, they both decided that they didn’t want to chance losing their friendship and didn’t pursue a relationship. After graduation, they went their separate ways—she to an internship at UGA and he to a practice in Washington DC, but pledged to keep in touch. Fortunately, things didn’t end there. Despite the miles that separated these two, they were meant to be. And three years after graduation, they tied the knot in front of friends and family. Today, they are a classic example of modern success, with a supportive marriage, three thriving practices, a brief stint on reality TV (Nat Geo Wild’s Love and Vets) and four beautiful children (David, 21; Tyler, 19; Gabrielle, 17 and Olivia, 15).
PETVET MAGAZINE
WHY IT
works
Dr. Will says, “We do have opposite personalities—I am the risk taker and she’s the voice of reason. Being friends first is our secret to our happy marriage, but making our family a priority is the secret to happiness.”
WHY IT
matters
Morning time is Dr. Franny’s proclaimed special time when she can show her family how much they mean to her. “Above all else, our family comes first,” she says. When criticized online after shown on Love & Vets, making her teenaged kids lunch for school, Dr. Franny stood her ground. “This may sound strange to some folks but I rejoice in making my kids homemade lunches. I get to put some “love” into their dishes, plus I can make sure they are eating healthy homemade treats.”
www.rememberapet.org
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CLIENT SERVICES
5
WAYs to get
By Melissa Connolly
T
he good news is that our industry is booming right now—pet–focused businesses hit nearly 70 billion dollars in revenue last year, with pet veterinary services claiming $13.5 billion of that. For livestock veterinary service providers, the market made a whopping $27.5 billion1. Those numbers are impressive and all, but how do you get more clients on the books and paws through the doors? Luckily, opportunity is everywhere!
1. Get Social This is something you can start today! If you don't have any social media accounts set up, get it done right now—it only takes a few minutes to get a Facebook or Instagram profile up and running. We're lucky to work in one of the easiest industries to market to the public. Who doesn't love looking at photos of cute animals? Pet photos and videos go viral every day. Have a particularly cute puppy, bunny or cat in for a check–up? Get their owner’s permission and take some well–lit photos of them enjoying the first-class service you provide. Pop your logo as a watermark on the photo, then post them on your Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or Twitter with a few sentences about them. People love sharing cute (or funny) animal photos and videos online. There's a huge audience for more 'exotic' pets too. So if you get a visit from a particularly friendly snake, turtle or capybara, take a video and share, share, share. Not only will the owners love all the attention their beloved pets are getting, you'll get a serious amount of free advertising for your clinic. 1. https://www.vmdtoday.com/news/united-states-leads-global-veterinary-services-market-growth
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2. Update Your Website In the modern world, having a stylish, responsive and regularly updated website is pretty much non–negotiable. Your website is your 24/7 salesperson. If you take online bookings, it's your 24/7 receptionist, too. It's where people learn about your services and why you're the best choice for their pet. When someone's searching for vet clinics in their area at 3 a.m. in an emergency, they need to have your contact details and address at a moment's notice. Your website shows the world how you approach your job, how you view your own services and how seriously you take your customers' needs. An outdated website says you don't care. If your website isn't mobile–responsive, you're not accessible to the majority of people who now use their phones and tablets to browse the internet. Not only does it show potential customers you don't care, a neglected website also performs badly on Google. Google actively penalizes websites that aren't updated regularly and aren’t mobile–responsive. Why does that matter? People looking for your services on Google won't be able to find you. Depending on when you last updated your site, a simple refresh might do the job—or you might need a complete overhaul. If your website has been updated recently, you can keep on top of new additions by adding an event calendar or creating a blog...which brings us nicely onto our next point.
3. Start a Blog Blogs are a great addition to your website for two reasons: 1. They show you off as the expert you are. 2. They help Google realize how awesome your website is and you’ll rank higher on their search results. Good blogs aren't sales pieces. They aren't written to sell appointments. They should be focused on sharing your expertise, telling entertaining stories about your experiences and providing practical information. Nowadays, when someone has a problem, what's the first thing they do? They Google it. When you blog regularly with helpful, original content, Google will recommend you to people that are searching for the subjects you're writing about. Good blog posts offer helpful information that people enjoy reading. When someone enjoys reading your content, they'll think of you the next time their pet needs medical care. If you don't have a blog section on your website already, you should get one as soon as possible.
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4. Treats All ARound Going to the vet is a scary experience for a lot of pets (and plenty of owners too), so why not give them a reward at the end of the visit? Branded promotional products aren't just for big corporations! A cost–effective option is a small branded bag of healthy treats with a thank you message attached. There are so many products out there that can be branded with your clinic's logo— stickers are always a popular choice with kids, and pens are a staple of the branded merch world. You could even make some cloth bandannas for your animal patients to wear! A simple, small gift can mean the world to a customer and help to make them (and their pets) feel taken care of. If you're attending a local event, bring some of your branded gifts to hand out—and make sure they all have a business card attached with your number and website address included.
5. Highlight Happy Customers Word of mouth is everything in this industry. The great thing about being online is being able to promote your business with great reviews to a wider audience.
When you get a good review, promote it everywhere. Use it on your website. Publish it on your social media profiles. One of the most effective ways to sway a potential customer to choose you over your competitor is showcasing glowing reviews from your current customers.
Bonus Tip! Publicly Support an Animal–Related Organization You started your business because you have a passion for helping animals, so supporting a local (or national) animal care, animal rights or animal-related organization is a great way to show your customers you care. You can get as involved as you like—whether it’s volunteering for a day or simply sharing social media posts to help a local groomer or animal shelter. Not only will it help their cause, it might also open new partnership opportunities for you. Our industry is steadily growing and it’s a great time to embrace the opportunities ahead to grow your business. By implementing these tips, you’ll be making serious headway in promoting your practice and getting new paws through your door!
Melissa Connolly is the founder of Zoomies - the home of the BrandZoom, your vet brand and website in 1 month or less. She’s a brand strategist who’s worked with leading brands like FedEx and Snyder’s-Lance, but her passion has always centered around pets. With Zoomies, she works with animal clinic owners and their teams to create custom online solutions to help grow their businesses long-term.
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BUSINESS TRENDS RICE CAKES (PLAIN)
UNEXPECTED TREATS
VEGEMITE
FOR THE PATIENT WITH THE PICKY PALATE By Steve Dale, CABC
C
ertainly, dogs and cats have their own individual taste preferences just as we do. Some of our foods you may never guess pets crave. Who knew, for example, that many cats have a thing for olives, or that dogs (and not necessarily Australian Cattle Dogs) love Vegemite, an Australian food spread made from leftover brewers’ yeast extract with various vegetables and spices. Most Americans disdain Vegemite but many dogs love the stuff. (WITHOUT XYLITOL) Of course, we all know that with bits of turkey dog or hot dog, an exam can go really well. And that some cats might ask for more vaccinations as long as the tuna or salmon continues to be delivered. Mini This page includes other safe food marshmallows items which many dogs and Braunschweiger cats may surprisingly crave.
BLUEBERRIES
PEANUT BUTTER
ANCHOVY PASTE
SARDINES
BABY FOOD
CHEEZ WHIZ
(withoUt onion)
/ EASY CHEESE
BANANAS
CHEERIOS
MARSHMALLOW cREME 14
BONITO FISH FLAKES
CHURRO PASTE
OLIVES (NO PITS)
GREEN BEANS
PEAS Contributing to this story was Dr, Marty Becker, creator of the Fear Free initiative. He knows many veterinary professionals use these foods to minimize fear, anxiety and stress of veterinary visits.
Steve Dale, CABC (Certified Animal Behavior Consultant) is the author of a popular blog, www.stevedalepetworld.com. He is the host of two national radio shows, and is heard on WGN Radio, Chicago. His many TV appearances include Oprah to National Geographic Explorer, and is a contributor on syndicated “HouseSmarts TV.” Steve edited “Decoding Your Dog,” authored by American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and has contributed to many books and publications. Steve speaks around the world at animal behavior and veterinary conferences and serves on the Boards of the Winn Feline Foundation and Human Animal Bond Association. His many awards and honors include the AVMA Humane Award, and he was inducted into the Dog Writer’s Association Hall of Fame.
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LOOKING TO BUILD OR EXPAND?
SHOR-LINE QUALITY COMBINES BEAUTY WITH DURABILITY
ADD A GROOMING ROOM
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LIFESTYLE
By Malissa Conti-Diener, CA, MMT
3 TOP BENEFITS OF
PRACTICING YOGA WITH DOGS
A
s pet care professionals, we bend our bodies in awkward positions, overuse our joints and muscles, and stand in the same spot for long periods of time—just to name a few of the demands we put on our bodies daily in the name of caring for pets. One way to help you to relax, unwind and give some relief to your tired, over-worked body is the practice of yoga. Yoga is truly one the best exercises you can do for your body and also your mind. Studies have proven that there are a multitude of health benefits through the practice of yoga, including stretching, breathing, meditation and strengthening of your entire body. Scientists are now proving that the practice of yoga is able to help with lowering blood pressure, easing pain, aiding with
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depression and re-setting your mental attitude. But, have you heard of Doga? Doga is a form of yoga that is done with your dog…or with friends’ or clients’ dogs. The concept was created by Suzi Teitelman, a Jacksonville yoga teacher. Although the dogs may not have the ability to do all the yoga poses, they can still benefit from the aspects of the practice. You can also incorporate pet massage to help soothe and calm the both of you. Be sure and try to work with your dog when they are calm and want to be touched; never force anything with yourself or your animals. And it is always best to practice on an empty stomach. Give yourself a few hours after a meal to begin your practice for both you and your pet. Yoga is a wonderful way to help with digestive issues by stimulating the intestines with increased blood flow and movement of the core muscles. Dogs have long since mastered their own form of yoga (enter the “downward dog” pose). They know instinctively to stretch when they get up. They even know to shake out their muscles after resting or exercise. Their bodies naturally do these things to keep their muscles supple and joints well lubricated. Having a group Doga practice is a fun way to
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proven, but here are three top benefits you and the pets you practice with will receive through Doga:
1. Relaxation: Breathing exercises
socialize—for yourself and the dogs, too! There are even yoga classes that incorporate yoga with local rescues, and have dogs, puppies and cats and kittens wandering and participating in the class. It is a great way to get some exercise for you and your pup, and it can be much more fun than doing yoga by yourself. And, if you are working with a pet that needs more balance, Doga is great place to start. The actual practice of yoga with animals has not yet been scientifically
& learning to relax are the foundations of Doga. Close your eyes. Nice slow, deep inhales through your nose; drawing in the belly and straightening the spine. Slow deliberate exhales through your mouth, softly blowing away any negative thoughts and stress. Relax your shoulders, loosen your jawline, drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth and let it rest. Release your shoulders away from your ears, melt your thighs into your mat or blanket. Place your hands on your thighs in a relaxed pose. Feel your body become grounded. Set your intent for this time together with your pet. This is paramount for relaxation in hyperactive dogs and people. Through
gentle breathing, relaxing of the muscles, stretching and slow, deliberate pet massage techniques, you can reduce your anxiety levels along with your pet’s. This will help calm the mind and put the body at ease. Like any practice, this will take time. Give yourself a specific time each day to work with the animal so that they can begin to understand “this is time for calm”. Give them cues like taking out a yoga mat or blankets and sit quietly and let them come to you. Over time your pet will begin to look forward to these tranquil moments together.
2. Bonding: This is the key element in Doga; building trust and a bond with your pet. Your pets will begin to expect this amazing time together, will read your body cues and connect with you on a deeper level. There are some poses you can do together; like
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adho mukha shvanasana, or downward dog pose, and others that you will be able to pose and also massage your pet at the same time; such as Padmassana, or Lotus Pose. The easiest way to start is with your back against a wall and your legs stretched out in front of you. Now spread your legs as wide as possible, just as far as feels comfortable without over–stretching. Move away from the wall to lean back onto your hands and then lean forward slightly, placing your hands on the floor in front of you. Keep your weight focused on your sitting bones and hips. Breathe deeply as you return to an upright position.
You can add a bolster or folded blanket under you if it is hard to sit on the floor. Extend your legs away from you, stretching your heels out and turning your toes up towards the ceiling and let your hands rest on your thighs. Continue to breathe, lengthening your spine while keeping your pelvis firmly grounded on the floor.
Most of your poses will be in Asana, or seated poses, so that you can touch your pet while continuing to breathe, focusing on your intent and exchanging positive restorative energy between you and your pet. Doga really requires a deep level of trust and deep focus from both pet owner and pet; you work together as a team and connect on a heart-centered level. Touch is a huge factor in giving your brain a way to relax. Through tender, slow stroking of your dog’s body with the grain of the hair growth, you will both reap the tender rewards of touch through this bonding exercise. Slowly rotate their shoulder, knee and ankle joints in clockwise rhythms. Press lightly between toes, and massage foot joints. Take a moment to apply the same movements to your body as well. Yoga is all about balance. You have two sides to your body and so does your pet, so be sure you do each movement on each side to bring about full balance to the body.
3. Health Benefits: There are so many positive health benefits for you and your pet in practicing Doga. First and foremost is the release of endorphins; basically making you and your pet feel great. If your pet or you have sore joints from arthritis or general
joint pain, this will help lubricate the joints, open up the neuropathways and allow your body to push out lactic acid and relax the muscles. Shoulders, knees, elbows, neck and hips all can be stretched slowly and strengthened through this practice.
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These practices will aid in building the Synovial fluid in the joints. When our bodies are stressed, pushed to their limits and not well stretched out, our joints lack the proper amount of synovial fluids to do their job. Yoga helps restore this balance and harmony to your body’s system—for both you and your pet. You will burn calories and so will your pet. You may even sweat while trying to hold your poses. Your concentration will improve, as well as your core muscle strength. You will begin to feel your muscles lengthen and see that you and your pet move with more ease. You will also lessen brain fog, improve lung function and increase your blood flow which improves circulation. Skin issues may lessen, and you and your pet will have an overall healthy glow about you. No matter the technical terms, yoga is just more fun to do with your pet. Body, mind, spirit all connect when practicing yoga, especially with an animal. They are so full of positive energy and want to share it with us. Time spent with a pet exercising, breathing, massaging and connecting on a higher level can heal our souls—both human and animal alike.
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Malissa Diener is a Holistic Pet Groomer, author, speaker and educator. She is an active yoga practitioner. Malissa strives to show the power of deep connections can be created with animals for their betterment and ours. You can usually find her writing and teaching on all things holistic and animals. You can find more out about Malissa at www.GetGroomified.com or www.TheOilyGroomer.com
PETVET MAGAZINE
INDUSTRY NEWS
IS VETERINARY REHABILITATION HE IGHT T R By Elycia Degenhardt, BA, CVT
T
oday’s pet owners want veterinary care that mirrors the best practices in human medicine, and veterinary professionals are responding by offering services previously associated with human care that benefit pets and meet client expectations. One area that reflects this trend is physical therapy and veterinary rehabilitation. Originally developed for equine, and later, canine athletes, rehabilitation and physical therapy are increasingly being recognized and used as an important part of whole-health care for family pets. From the 2–year–old Labrador with a knee injury to the 12–year–old mix who is struggling up the stairs, veterinary rehabilitation offers assistance in regaining strength, improving mobility, and ultimately aims to provide the patient with a happier, healthier life.
A certified rehabilitation veterinarian is trained to utilize a number of skills and tools to assess a patient’s pain, mobility and muscle distribution, and to work toward improved function and comfort. A rehabilitation practice may have specialized equipment such as therapeutic laser or ultrasound, and some offer hydrotherapy with an underwater treadmill or pool. Additionally, some veterinarians certified in rehabilitation may also be certified to practice acupuncture (or work with one who is). Many therapies, however, do not require any particular equipment or facilities. Passive range of motion, massage, therapeutic exercise, trigger point therapy and kinesiology taping are some of the effective treatments a rehabilitation veterinarian can offer in a standard clinic environment.
Veterinary rehabilitation can be used as part of a multi–modal approach to treating a variety of canine conditions including acute soft tissue injury, neurologic decrease in mobility and function, and pain due to chronic issues such as joint dysplasia or osteoarthritis. Additionally, physical therapy performed by a veterinarian certified in rehabilitation supports recovery from surgical procedures such as cruciate or fracture repairs, amputation and spinal surgery. A study published by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in 2015 found dogs who received therapy from a veterinarian certified in rehabilitation were 1.9 times more likely to achieve full function eight weeks after their TPLO procedures than dogs simply restricted to leash walks and rest at home1. A quicker and more complete recovery
1. Romano LS, Cook JL. Safety and functional outcomes associated with short–term rehabilitation therapy in the post-operative management of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Can Vet J. 2015;56(9):942–946. 22
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Specific exercises designed to maintain or rebuild strength can minimize the effects of aging and keep pets comfortable in their golden years. provides greater patient comfort and client satisfaction, making veterinary rehabilitation a worthwhile addition to orthopedic surgery protocols. Pets without a specific injury can also benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation. As animals age, they are often affected with osteoarthritis and experience decreased mobility. A rehabilitation veterinarian can identify where a patient is experiencing pain and measure muscle atrophy and distribution to develop a treatment plan for senior pets. Specific exercises designed to maintain or rebuild strength can minimize the effects of aging and keep pets comfortable in their golden years. Regardless of the condition being treated, typically the patient’s primary veterinarian will issue a referral to a rehabilitation veterinarian. For the duration of the patient’s treatment plan, both veterinarians will work closely with one another and with any specialists involved, ensuring pain management is addressed with prescriptions, if indicated, and that no single method of treatment interferes with care the patient is receiving at another practice. Pet owners also play a crucial role in ensuring the success of rehabilitation therapy. During an appointment, the veterinarian will determine what kind of physical therapy is needed, and frequently these therapies need to be repeated at least daily to be most effective. While some facilities offer inpatient rehabilitation for postoperative patients, home care is often the easiest and most cost-effective option, especially for patients with long-term needs. A rehabilitation veterinarian teaches pet owners how to perform basic physical therapy at home, which may involve stretches, exercises
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and massage. The patient’s progress is then monitored with regular visits and reevaluations at the rehabilitation clinic. Another way the home environment impacts the progress of rehabilitation is diet. Veterinarians certified in rehabilitation are required to be knowledgeable regarding weight management strategies, as many pets struggle with obesity which may result in or exacerbate musculoskeletal issues. In fact, physical therapy is sometimes used in cases where obesity is the primary complaint. Low-impact exercises provided and supervised by a rehabilitation veterinarian can be an effective part of helping patients who are overweight safely increase their activity level without placing excessive strain on joints. Through diet and exercise, a rehabilitation veterinarian works with the patient’s owners and primary veterinarian to help the patient reach or maintain a healthy body condition score. Pursuing a career in rehabilitation medicine offers veterinary professionals an opportunity to support pets and their owners by providing individualized care and creative solutions in a variety of situations. As Dr. Lara Day, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and owner of Veterinary Rehabilitation Center of Wisconsin, explains, “I enjoy the challenge of finding the best treatment plan for the pet and the family. I love that by practicing rehabilitation I really get to build relationships with my clients and patients as I see them one–on–one on a regular basis. I see post-surgery patients of all ages, plus puppies with congenital abnormalities, and geriatrics with multiple issues. Rehabilitation also includes conditioning of canine athletes, so I get to work with healthy dogs at the
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top of their sport. Canine rehabilitation is a fulfilling veterinary career that is appreciated by veterinary surgeons, neurologists, general practitioners, and pet owners.” Licensed veterinarians or physical therapists may pursue certification in canine veterinary rehabilitation. Certified veterinary technicians can obtain a rehabilitation certification, but must operate under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian certified in rehabilitation therapy. Certification courses vary in length and structure and may include online and in–person modules, in addition to an internship/externship. According to the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, facilities offering canine certification include Canine Rehabilitation Institute, University of Tennessee, and Healing Oasis Wellness Center. A veterinarian can become board certified in rehabilitation through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, a process that requires a 3–year residency and an examination. For more information, visit the website of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, www.rehabvets.org Elycia Degenhardt is a certified veterinary technician working at an AAHA accredited general practice in Wisconsin. She joined the veterinary profession after four years as a high school teacher and remains passionate about education. Elycia earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Madison College and continues to learn new things every day through her career and life experiences.
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PETVET PROFILE
DOCTOR
JANE GOODALL FOR THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PLANET
FOR THE ANIMALS
By Steve Dale
A
t 85, Dr. Jane Goodall is as observant as ever. She instantly sees that my tie has little gorillas on it, a souvenir from our trip to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She also observes that I’m writing a story for a veterinary publication. She notes her familiarity with the so–called ‘Gorilla Doctors’ or Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, who actually treat mountain and Grauer’s gorillas. “Veterinarians are very important; you know, I so appreciate what they do,” she starts. “Not only for our pets, but now in the wild as well.” Happily, these days, the non–profit Gorilla Doctors are rarely called in to remove snares, but gorillas do get sick (sometimes as a result of close contact to humans due to ecotourism) or injured. And the ‘gorilla docs’ are notified instantly by guides that take tourists to see the gorillas. Goodall says that those gorilla tourist dollars, which are re–invested
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back to protect the great apes, combined with the veterinary care, are responsible for the success of the species. They’re the only great ape increasing in numbers, albeit very slowly. All others are losing numbers and imperiled. Goodall is a fan of ecotourism, if managed properly. “Unfortunately, it can get out of hand, destroying the very nature people travel so far to see,” she says. I told Goodall that the hottest thing going on now in veterinary medicine is an initiative called Fear Free, which she hadn’t heard of. When I explained the concept, she said that the idea resonates—considering animal emotions are something she once fought for. It’s hard to think of Goodall as a controversial figure, but when she first began her observational notes on chimpanzee behavior at Gombe National Park in Tanzania in the early 1960’s, she was criticized by her colleagues for naming her subjects, recording individual personality traits and documenting emotions. “I was told to give the chimps numbers, not names,” she says. “Scientists then were outraged that I actually recorded and wrote about individual personalities and emotions because, according to them, personalities and emotions were restricted only
to humans. As a child, I learned from my dog and other dogs in the neighborhood; they all have their own personalities.” Goodall pauses and laughs, “Of course anyone with pet cats and dogs have known this for a very long time.” Goodall persevered, adding that, if she knew dogs expressed and felt various emotions—similar to our own—the same must be true for our closest relatives. Goodall smiles and holds up plush animals she had laid out on the sofa next to her. “This is why I travel with Ratty (a plush rat). Even rats have feelings,” she says, as she holds up Ratty. “And cows (she now holds up a plush cow); it’s horrible how we sometimes treat cows, as if they have no feelings, but they do. And pigs (now holding up her plush pig); they’re as smart as dogs.” Goodall says that by the time she received her PhD at Cambridge, her work was publicized by National Geographic, and chimps she had named, like David Greybeard, Mr. McGregor and Goliath, were known to TV audiences. At that time, this further outraged the scientific community. “I was told that I was doing everything wrong,” she says. “Their feeling was that I couldn’t write or talk about animal emotions because they don’t exist.”
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PHOTO BY JANE GOODALL INSTITUTE
“If we make ethical choices together— millions of us—it will matter. We can all make a difference.” - Jane Goodall Of course, fast forward to today, based on neurochemistry found in their brains, we know animals do feel real emotions. And, all great apes have nearly identical brain chemistry to ours. Goodall supports the notion of Fear Free. “I do know there are ways of alleviating fear in animals,” she says. “Why wouldn’t we help to fix it?” Today, Goodall travels non-stop, over 300 days annually across the globe, as an advocate for protecting the planet. And, there’s talk of her earning a Nobel Peace Prize because she’s making the world a better place, for humans and animals—for the entire planet. In Gombe, the Jane Goodall Institute has afforded people improved healthcare and education, and offered various tools to get out of poverty, all in ways
which they suggest. “So now cutting down the forests is no longer necessary to improve their lives,” she says. “They now understand that saving the forests isn’t only saving chimpanzees and other wildlife, it will also save future generations of their people. So they’ve become partners with the environment. Where there were barren hills around Gombe, now trees have come back.” This program is a model, which now has been replicated in six other African countries. She adds that we must carry hope to the next generation. That’s one reason why she launched her Roots and Shoots program for children, starting with 12 students in Tanzania in 1991. Today there are Roots and Shoots programs in 50 nations,
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and by now, many thousands of young people have completed the program. “The idea is that whether you live in China or the U.S. or in Africa, we are all the same,” she says. “True, we live in different environments, our cultures may be different and our religions may be different—but we all share two fundamental facts. We are all human. And we all live on the same planet. Each Roots and Shoots program chooses three projects of their own choice; one to help animals, one to help people and another to help the environment. I think we have around 2,000 groups across China alone.” She continues, “I am confident that young people are rising to the challenge. They must. It’s our future. They realize what’s happening. They can’t ignore climate change, and how forests are disappearing, and how our oceans are filled with plastics. They are our hope for tomorrow. “Every single day, every single one of us lives—every one of us makes an impact on the planet,” she continues. “We have a choice about what that impact will be. And consider even the little choices, like what we buy. Did it harm animals? Will it harm the environment? Is it cheap because of child slave labor? If we make ethical choices together—millions of us—it will matter. We can all make a difference.” Officially, Jane Goodall is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. She has touched millions of lives, but that’s not enough, as the world clearly remains a dangerous place, and our planet itself is at risk as a result of climate change. She agrees that the Nobel Prize would allow her to reach even millions more. Still, even Goodall must take a breath every now and then. I asked her what makes her happiest. “The serenity of being out in a forest,” she says. “And spending time with a dog,” she pauses, as I note that we evolved with dogs. “That’s right, and dogs are very special and so are those who care for them.”
BEST PRACTICES
VETS AND Breeders
to Nourish By Lazhar Ichir
V
eterinarians and breeders often have a healthy relationship. Yet, there is a lot more a vet practice can do to accommodate local dog breeders and kennels. On a business level, a dog breeder is an ideal customer for a veterinary practice; a single person that owns several dogs, and produces a few more each year. But how exactly can a vet strengthen that relationship?
Identify The Breeder’s Profile Not all breeders are created equal, obviously. Some have a single litter every few years. Others have a much more extensive breeding roster and have multiple litters each year. Always try to ask the breeder what their plans are, and how you can help them get there by focusing on the dogs’ health (adults and newborns). Oftentimes, breeders are so focused on their passion, their breed and their craft, that they do need a very objective point of view to keep them on track.
Focus On the Breed A primordial way for veterinarians to help breeders
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is by keeping them updated on the health conditions potentially affecting their favorite breed. A responsible dog breeder should already have an idea of what medical conditions plague their preferred breed, but you should step in to refresh their knowledge and bring depth and nuance to the table. If your customer is a breeder of a modern hybrid dog breed, perhaps prepare some bespoke research and email it to them when you have a minute. While some breeds have plenty of literature available, others possibly require a more expert eye. And that’s where you can step in!
Remove The Breeder’s Pain Points Having spoken to hundreds of dog breeders worldwide, I have never met one who is comfortable with every aspect of running and managing a kennel. Veterinarians can be part of an ambitious breeder’s support system by offering at–home visits to monitor a new litter’s puppies, and offer specific examinations and advice to champion dogs before shows and trials. Professional dog breeders are busy and all over the place. They clean the kennel areas. They feed their dogs. They
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Referrals Can Multiply Themselves The significant upside of maintaining a solid relationship between your veterinary practice and a given dog breeder is the amount of repeat and new business you will get. An active breeder has dogs that need you, and then new litters every year that also need you. And, if the breeder has a local clientele, they can quickly turn into your customers too. The snowball effect is immense, but to get there, you either need no competition around or a special bond with the breeder. Most breeders, if not all, prepare a puppy pack or puppy starter kit for their customers. In these, they put toys, paperwork, towels and a few tidbits. If they add your card with an incentive for them to book that very first consultation, you’ve suddenly gained several customers (as many as the litter had whelps). While a regular dog owner’s word-ofmouth will generate business, an active breeder will undoubtedly match that tenfold throughout your relationship.
Make the Breeder Feel Special Being a fantastic veterinarian is definitely required to make a breeder feel like a special client—but you need something else to “WOW” a breeder! Flattering their dogs is a good starting point, but it’s not enough either. A sure way to get to a professional show breeder’s heart is, for instance, to place a couple of photos of their top champion in the practice’s lobby. Add wording such as, “We are proud to be the veterinarians of Champion XYZ!” and you will keep that breeder forever. If your breeder doesn’t have any highlighted dogs in the family, a simple package with samples of pet food and great supplements here and there
should work wonders too! The goal for these gestures is not the buy your customers’ loyalty. Instead, it is to show them the respect they deserve. By performing actions like these, you are telling the breeder that you acknowledge that they chose you over other practices, and you genuinely appreciate that.
Become a Breeder’s Partner In veterinary medicine, knowledge changes regularly. Dog breeders tend to learn about the breed using literature when they get started. In fact, they will then absorb so much knowledge ranging from details about the breed standard to genetic concepts, but once they enter their cruising mode as breeders, they will generally focus a lot more on pedigrees, competitors’ bloodlines, dog showing and handling. After a few years, their veterinary knowledge will dwindle, and you are the one person that can update it regularly. Beyond prevention, diagnosis and treatment of canine diseases, disorders and injuries, your role here is to be a partner in their adventure. Especially with working and sporting breeds, your counseling is valuable to the longevity of their activities. Nutrition and dieting, exercising and conditioning; many
topics are too often only superficially covered during short consultations. Provide a detailed booklet and consultations covering the well–being of their nursing bitches as well as the ways for them to keep a pregnancy smooth. If they own great studs, break down the easiest levers to a male dog’s motility and back it up with the latest research papers on it. The breeder should be left to feel like you are just a phone call away, and not just a paid consultation away. While all of this is extra work, the rewards are clear and generous. Your practice will retain its dog breeders and grow its client base thanks to referrals. By becoming a partner to breeders you hold dear, you will improve their dogs’ well–being, their kennel’s results, and you will all come out of this relationship happier. It is a win–win–win relationship and you should proactively nurture it! Lazhar Ichir is the founder of Breeding Business (breedingbusiness.com), the educational platform for responsible dog breeders worldwide. They strive to make breeders more ethical and knowledgeable, one article at a time! 100 for
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meet prospects. They build their online reputation. They sometimes work another job. They welcome people for viewings of their facilities. And so on. Striking a retainer deal or discounted price for routine visits is a sure way of increasing your retention rate amongst breeders.
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PETVET TOp 10
Ten things to DO 2 It’s time to have a
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with yourself. Take a candid look at your spending in 2019 and let this be the year that you make and keep a budget. Try the YNAB (You Need a Budegt) app!
LOVE IS IN THE AIR! This is just what Leigh D’Angelo was thinking when she co-created Dig, the Dog Person’s Dating App. Join today at DigDates.com.
3
GREAT NEWS FOR CATS
EVERYWHERE
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JOIN A TEAM!
there’s a new way to tour your house! From the people that brought us Roomba, now there’s a robo mop. It can clean hard floors with cleaning pads and water. Check it out at irobot.com.
HAVE YOU TRIED
5
4
Researchers at Northwestern University found that athletes have healthier brains than non-athletes. Check meetup.com for community soccer teams or join your local YMCA and play some B-ball with fellow members.
BARRE? This ballet–derived workout focuses on small, pulsing movements with emphasis on form, alignment and core engagement, sometimes using the aid of a ballet bar and other equipment.
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this month
6 8
See how many you can do!
TRYING TO EAT HEALTHY can take a lot of time, especially when it comes to cooking meals. That’s why we love rice cookers. These small appliances can make your life easier by allowing you to cook healthy sides like brown rice, quinoa and couscous. Rice cookers are also very versatile—you can even steam vegetables and make hearty stews with them.
GOT ITCHY HANDS? Try this: Place one peeled small cucumber in a blender and blend to liquify. Add in 1 tablespoon of witch hazel and mix well. Apply to clean hands and rub thoroughly. Rinse off, pat dry and use your favorite moisturizer.
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7 CHIA SEEDS are one of those super foods getting talked about so much, and they’re actually pretty awesome, especially if you’re a vegan or vegetarian. These seeds have the highest concentration of Omega–3 fatty acids, which are fats vital for our brain health. Add almond milk to a mason jar, toss in some chia seeds and honey, and chill overnight for a delicious and healthy treat.
10 SAVE THE PLANET,
DISCONNECT
ONE DRINK at a time.
YOURSELF!!
Instead of using plastic water bottles, try a practical pitcher. We love the pitcher filter duo by Soma ($39: drinksoma.com) because it is cute, eco–friendly, and has plant–based filters.
That means putting down your phone. If you are super addicted to your phone, try micro-steps and start by turning off your phone at 10pm, then try 9pm, and see how low you can go. Studies suggest that disconnecting yourself will help you sleep better and have a better outlook on life.
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Helping Pet Pros Take the
BEST CARE of your BEST FRIEND “THE GROOMING INDUSTRY’S TRADE MAGAZINE” WWW. GROOMER TOGROOM ER
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2 leading trade magazines for the pet professional in your life with all the content to assist them in keeping your pet healthy, happy and beautiful.
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