How does nutrition contribute to the prevention of dental diseases in pets? Why are kibble size and added nutrients essential for their oral health? Watch our latest quick, digestible video snippet prepared by and featuring board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Allison Wara as she gives us the scoop on the impact of nutrition on dental disease prevention. She explains how kibble can be crucial in reducing plaque and limiting tartar formation. She also emphasizes the importance of added...

How does copper concentration in pet food impact canine health? What’s driving the growing concern about copper-associated hepatopathies in dogs? Watch our latest quick, digestible video snippet prepared by and featuring board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Allison Wara as she gives us the scoop on copper as an essential mineral with numerous benefits, delves into the ongoing debate about dietary copper requirements, and highlights key factors influencing canine hepatic copper...

What should veterinarians keep in mind when testing pets for food allergies? What is the most effective method for diagnosing these allergies? Watch our latest quick, digestible video snippet prepared by and featuring board-certified veterinary nutritionist Dr. Allison Wara as she gives us the scoop on the most common food allergens in dogs and cats, discusses available testing options, and highlights the optimal approach to diagnosis. Dr. Wara has also prepared a summary card (a.k.a. a cheat...

While insulin has been a mainstay in the treatment of feline diabetes for decades, new treatments and creative monitoring options have increased our ability to provide individualized care. In this presentation, we will explore an expanding range of therapeutic options—from nutrition to insulin to the newer SGLT2 inhibitors. Throughout the session, we will examine how these options support the concept of Spectrum of Care. Contest alert! Meow is your chance to win! Watch our first edition of...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON MATERNALLY DERIVED ANTIBODY INTERFERENCE IN KITTENS Maternally derived antibody (MDA) interference can complicate kitten vaccination schedules, making it a key concern for veterinarians and cat owners. In this edition of the KITTY INSIDER, Dr. Kelly St. Denis explores the complexities of MDA interference in kittens. She shares valuable insights on how MDA can impact vaccine efficacy and provides practical strategies for optimizing vaccination protocols. From...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON IN-CLINIC AND AT-HOME EVALUATION OF DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE Cats are experts at hiding illness, and osteoarthritis pain is no exception, which makes diagnosing this condition especially challenging for veterinarians and caregivers. In this month’s KITTY INSIDER, Dr. Kelly St. Denis discusses degenerative joint disease (DJD) in senior cats, sharing essential ways for evaluating and managing osteoarthritis and joint pain in the clinic and at home. She highlights the...

This NutriQUIZ focuses on nutrition and allergies, and explores 3 key concepts: True food allergies, atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions. Creating an effective nutritional approach requires an understanding of the dietary strategies and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

The availability and use of dietary supplements for pets have skyrocketed, ranging from vitamins and minerals to herbal extracts, probiotics and cannabinoids. These supplements promise benefits such as improved health, enhanced immune function and cognition, and reduced anxiety. However, unlike pharmaceuticals, supplements lack regulatory oversight by agencies such as Health Canada or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This lack of regulation means the safety and efficacy of these...

Periodontal disease is one of the most common health concerns in companion animal practice. Studies have estimated that 70%–90% of small animal patients have some form of periodontal disease. Even if periodontal disease is mild, a lack of diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis can cause local and systemic disease. A variety of commercial products claim to prevent and treat periodontal disease, however many products do not undergo rigorous testing to prove these claims. This quiz will focus...

Looking to strengthen your feeding recommendations to make mealtimes calmer and more stimulating for young pets? In this video from our Top Tips for RVTs series, Jessica Benoit, RVT, VTS (Behaviour), shares essential strategies to support stress-free feeding for puppies and kittens. She highlights the importance of setting up calm feeding spaces to help young pets feel safe and relaxed. Jessica also explores simple food enrichment ideas to share with new pet owners to engage natural behaviours...

Looking to sharpen your dermatology skills and improve case interpretation? In this video from our Top Tips for RVTs series, Jennie Tait, AHT, RVT, VTS (Dermatology), explores the importance of recognizing lesion distribution patterns in dermatology cases. She explains how a thorough history, close patient observation, and diagnostics can help differentiate similar-looking skin conditions. Jennie breaks down the significance of symmetric versus asymmetric lesions, highlighting key patterns...

Looking to make conversations about money and value easier with clients? In this video from our series Top tips for RVTs, Becky Taylor, RVT, MA, shares five tips to help veterinary professionals talk about money and value with clients. She emphasizes that value goes beyond price—it’s about how clients feel during their visit. True value comes from showing genuine interest, actively listening, and making clients feel like part of the patient care team.

Harmful algal blooms, particularly those caused by blue-green algae, remain a significant global threat, exacerbated by rising temperatures and nutrient contamination. These blooms can result in severe health issues and fatalities among various species, including humans, pets, and wildlife, primarily through contact with contaminated water. Companion animals, especially dogs, play a crucial role in monitoring exposure to harmful algal blooms, as they frequently exhibit signs of illness,...

The association between co-morbid conditions and antibiotic use in veterinary dentistry can significantly influence decision-making for patient care. While dental procedures are common in veterinary practice, underlying health issues—such as cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, or endocrine disorders—often dictate whether antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infections. Adopting tailored approaches in veterinary practices ensures more responsible antibiotic use, leading to better health outcomes...

By adopting strategies to improve communication with clients regarding care options and case management through shared decision-making, veterinary teams can foster stronger client involvement, boost satisfaction, and optimize patient outcomes. This collaborative approach not only enhances patient care but also facilitates personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, leading to improved health outcomes for patients and stronger client-veterinarian relationships. Perk up with your monthly shot...