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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger

The Veterinary Hospitals Association (VHA) has entered into a partnership agreement with 

—an industry leader in veterinary client engagement software—to provide all VHA members with unique access to improved, simplified client communication solutions.

, the intuitive, user-friendly platform will help simplify daily tasks and save time for both pet owners and veterinary teams to ensure patient care remains the top priority.

"PetDesk is a strong solutions provider for veterinary clinics," says Jeff Benson, VHA executive director in the release. "In a time when veterinary clinics need processes streamlined and client communication simplified, PetDesk is a trusted partner in meeting those needs while offering superior customer service and pricing to our members."

PetDesk also offers veterinary practices a powerful suite of tools to enhance communication flow, reminders, appointment requests, and more while mitigating stress for the front office staff. Additionally, the digital platform renders a 5-star rated mobile app that connects pet owners with their pet care providers to stay updated on their pet’s current health.

"As many clinics are now reopening or exploring hybrid models of operation post-pandemic, the key to unlocking the right care for our pets is to ensure that both the relationship and therefore communication between pet parents and clinics, is the best it can be,” says Taylor Cavanah, CEO and cofounder of PetDesk in the release.

“PetDesk is excited to partner with VHA, and we look forward to all the great things we can accomplish together," adds Cavanah.

All VHA members new to PetDesk will receive exclusive sign-on offers, and members who currently utilize PetDesk’s client communication solutions will also receive additional incentives.

Articles

This collaboration will grant all VHA members with exclusive access to improved client communication solutions, simplify daily tasks, and beyond. 


VHA announces partnership with PetDesk 

Many clients remain unaware of the hallmark signs surrounding feline heartworm disease such as rapid and difficult breathing, intermittent vomiting, and lethargy. To help keep you updated and informed on this challenging condition, we've selected 3 articles that provide various tips and tricks for detecting, diagnosing, and treating infected cats. 

From tips for educating clients about the proven measures and methods of treating feline heart disease to why the condition is overlooked in feline patients compared to canine patients—there's something for everyone. Happy reading! 

Matters of the heart: Educating clients about feline heartworm disease prevention

: Learn the methods for detecting and diagnosing feline heartworm disease, plus a few communication pearls to help educate your clients about the perils of this condition and the many proven preventatives and solutions available. 

Embracing routine testing for heartworm in cats

: Though the risk of developing heartworm disease runs high in both dogs and cats, it's often overlooked in felines. Discover why and explore the prevalence of feline heartworm disease, the importance of testing cats, and beyond.

: Brian Calabro, DVM, covers the clinical differences of heartworm disease in both cats and dogs, plus the common difficulties associated with diagnosing and treating felines suffering from this condition. 

Hone your skillset by brushing up on the latest methods for detecting, diagnosing, and treating felines presenting with heartworm disease. 

3 must-reads on feline heartworm disease

Rescue Disinfectants decrease the risk of an outbreak and the non-toxic solution is safe for animals, staff, and clients (Photo courtesy of Virox Technologies).

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

 (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals entering the United States animal shelters are exposed to high-risk outbreaks caused by pathogens like canine parvovirus.

To help prevent these conditions, Shelters United has collaborated with Virox Technologies—the creator of Rescue

Disinfectants—to grant thousands of US animal welfare organizations access to these responsible, effective cleaning and disinfection solutions. 

Additionally, this partnership also offers Shelters United members discounted access to Rescue Disinfectants and its educational resources to ultimately help prevent animals from developing illnesses within these facilities.

“We are excited to be a new partner of Shelters United. Shelters, rescues, and S/N clinics do such vital work for the communities they serve. We want to help them keep animals healthy and safe.” says Lee Nesbitt, executive vice president of commercial markets at Virox Technologies, in a company 

“Rescue Disinfectants’ ability to disinfect up to 10x faster than other disinfectants along with its non‐irritating formulation means that staff and volunteers can focus more of their attention on treating the animals in their care,” adds Nesbitt.

According to the release, Rescue Disinfectants is powered by patented Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® technology and provides a one-step, efficient process for disinfecting in less than half the contact time of other disinfectants. This innovative, non-toxic solution is also safe for animals, staff, and clients by proactively reducing the chance of an outbreak, thus preserving the integrity of animal health facilities.

“It is companies like Virox that Shelters United is proud to partner with,“ says Mal Schwartz, founder of Shelters United and president of the Institute for Nonprofit Excellence. “Partners like Virox who align with the mission of Shelters United and in turn, the missions of our 900+ member nonprofit animal welfare organizations who are on the front lines of saving lives and adopting out healthy, happy pets.”

To learn more about Virox Technologies’ sanitary solutions, go 

This partnership provides all Shelters United animal welfare organizations with discounted access to the elite cleaning and disinfection solutions, Rescue DisinfectantsTM, which will help reduce the chance of outbreaks and more. 

Shelters United and Virox Technologies team up to offer discounts on safe disinfectants

During these hotter months, more veterinary clinics are treating pets for heatstroke. Clients are flocking outdoors and carrying their animal companions with them on spontaneous beach trips and long picnics. When exposed to prolonged heat, a pet's body temperature can rise to dangerous levels.

To curtail this threat and to help educate owners about the serious consequences of overheating Covetrus—a global animal-health technology, and service company, provided dvm360

 with 3 safeguards for keeping your patients, cool, safe, and comfortable during the warmer months.

Encourage clients to monitor the daily forecast, heat index, temperatures both inside buildings and outside the home, and the temperatures inside vehicles. If they have second thoughts about whether they should bring their animal outside, advise them to always play it safe and keep them inside.

2. Different pets have individual temperature needs

The heat affects pets differently. It’s important to remind your clients that animals come in a variety of breeds, shapes, sizes, and of course, fur. Not only do you need to be wary of temperature levels, but you must also teach them about conditions that work best for their pet's breed and individual needs. Here are some important heat-related facts to share with your clients:

Darker-coated animals absorb more heat than those with lighter coats.

Animals with double coats have a natural layer of insulation to protect them against heat.

Animals with matted double coats struggle to stay cool. Do not cut the mats away or shave their coat; instead, comb them out as much as possible.

Remind your clients that it’s OK to sacrifice a little fun for their pet’s safety. In addition, provide them with a few tips and tricks for keeping their pets hydrated and cool indoors during the summer including:

Using fans, misters, air conditioning, etc. 

Warn your clients that hot pavement could be potentially painful for their pets. As a rule of thumb, if the pavement is too hot for their hand, it's definitely too hot for their paw pads. 

Odds are, animals are not going to want to run around when the air is hot and humid. Advise clients to opt for indoor activities to keep the pet entertained and completely cool.

Following these measures not only guarantees the pet's utmost well-being but keeps the stress off both the owner and the veterinary team as well. 

Check out these tips for educating your clients about the dangers of overheated pets, plus strategies for keeping furry companions cool during warmer months.

3 ways to help your patients beat the heat

With its vast farmland and goats, the Mount Laurel Animal Hospital (MLAH) team was looking for a unique and fun way to engage with the community while concurrently educating them about the beloved animals they care for daily. Thus, the idea of offering goat yoga was born. 

Robert Mankowski, VMD, co-owner of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital, explains the ins and outs of goat yoga, how to get involved, plus how fun community events like these help to raise awareness about animal health.

Videos

Dr Robert Mankowski, co-owner of Mount Laurel Animal Hospital explains how offering goat yoga classes is providing the local community a fun and interactive way to learn about animal health. 

NJ animal hospital connects with community through goat yoga

From marketing strategies to cat myths debunked, this week covers all the bases in keeping you updated on the hottest topics in veterinary medicine. 

Here's a quick glance at this week's headlines:

A social media expert provides ways to drive more millennial pet owners to your practice through adopting a customer-centric approach, enhancing social media content, and much more. 

An animal behaviorist discusses the many myths and misconceptions pet owners have about cats, plus why providing a more enriching environment can help defuse problem behaviors.

Shelter United and Virox Technologies teamed up to provide effective cleaning and disinfection solutions to thousands of animal welfare organizations across the United States.

VetVet launches a new NYC-based digital platform designed to aid pet owners in finding a veterinary practice that best fits their pet's needs.

A recent partnership between the International Veterinary Student Association (IVSA) and Vetstream grants veterinary students discounted or free access to Vetlexicon and all Vetlexicon learn modules.

Stay updated with dvm360.com for more coverage of the veterinary industry.

Here's an inside look at this week's headlines. 

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IDEXX: Contributing to something bigger