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WebVet.com Answers Pet Owners' Need for One Trusted, Veterinarian-Approved Resource
CHICAGO - Search "pet health" on the Internet and more than 16 million sites and references pop up. With so much online clutter, it's no wonder a recent survey found three out of four pet owners would find a singular site for pet health and wellness information valuable. A new online platform that redefines how pet owners approach pet care has been launched with WebVet (www.webvet.com), the first whole-pet resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information, as well as lifestyle trends and pet-centric news from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters.
The survey, sponsored by WebVet, also revealed that pet owners visit anywhere from two to five sites or more before they find the right online pet health information, and nearly one-quarter of all pet owners feel they cannot find what they need at all. "In fact, nearly half of all pet owners told us they are skeptical of the quality of existing online pet sources," said Bill Zaccheo, chief executive officer of WebVet. "WebVet gives pet owners access to credible information that for the first time encompasses both the physical and emotional needs of their pets."
Trusted Experts In Pet Health and Pet Topics
WebVet does not diagnose health issues, dispense advice, or editorialize; rather, it is a neutral resource providing news, information and fact-based education from credible expert sources and partners. WebVet's Veterinary Advisory Council is composed of some of the most highly respected veterinarians in the industry, including Jan Trumpeter, DVM, deputy executive director, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Mike Cavanaugh, director, veterinary specialty team, Pfizer Animal Health, among others.
WebVet works hand-in-hand with the nation's leading veterinarians to serve as a supplemental resource to help inform and educate pet owners. Unlike any other online pet resource,
at least once a year all content on the site - both medical and general interest - is rigorously reviewed and updated by a veterinary member of WebVet's Editorial Review Board and then granted a "seal of approval" from the WebVet Veterinary Advisory Council.
"Without a doubt the veterinarian is the most trusted authority for pet owners, but the reality is that owners turn to the Internet on a daily basis for health and wellness information," said Hope Schultz, co-founder, president and chief operating officer of WebVet. "Owners are confused about where to go and whom to trust, and that's why WebVet's expert resources make it easier to be a better pet parent."
WebVet is supported by diverse partnerships with some of country's most respected pet industry organizations, such as the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), Sittercity, the Zoological Education Network, the Winn Foundation and Pfizer Animal Health. In addition, WebVet maintains a roster of dedicated, award-winning writers to research and report relevant pet news and human interest stories on an ongoing basis.
"Because WebVet offers one trusted and reliable place for pet owners to gather information about health care for pets, it is a tremendous asset to both consumers and veterinarians," said Georgette Wilson, DVM, manager, Veterinary Operations for Pfizer Animal Health. "A well-informed pet owner can be very helpful to veterinarians when making decisions regarding the best course of action for their pets' health."
Beyond Conventional Pet Care
WebVet is the first online resource for dogs, cats, birds and small pets (rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and more) that provides a unique "whole pet" platform that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of pets. "We want pet owners to have the resources they need to fully embrace and engage in their pet's health and wellness as they would their own," added Schultz. "WebVet is the first resource that truly focuses on a pet's body, mind and soul, combining one's own personal knowledge of what their pet needs with their veterinarian's knowledge relative to their physical health."
Beyond arming owners with accurate, credible medical content and health and wellness information, WebVet keeps pet lovers at the forefront of new developments relevant to their pets' daily lives. On WebVet, pet owners will find:
Health and Wellness Education - With a roster of 25 dedicated writers and a network of more than 80,000 veterinarians via partnerships with some of the nation's most respected animal health and industry organizations, WebVet offers the most comprehensive, credible and unbiased resource for pet health and wellness information.
Everyday Life Features - WebVet provides pet owners with original content and access to the latest pet-related lifestyle trends. WebVet covers everything from global developments and local pet services to inspirational human interest stories and diet and exercise routines. WebVet also dives deeply into emerging trends, such as holistic care, offering a wide array of articles ranging from alternative medicine and treatments to how to create a non-toxic living environment.
Community - WebVet offers a community atmosphere with places for pet owners to connect with one another through opt-in WebVet Mail newsletters, tagged content and shared commentary. Forums allow users to join support groups as well as share experiences and knowledge that is relevant to their pet's health and well-being. In addition, WebVet counseling experts provide the latest information on a cross-section of topics, including animal law, pet loss and merging families.
WebVet is dedicated to providing pet owners with everything they need to be the best pet parents possible. In response to pet owner feedback, shortly after its launch, WebVet will integrate "Pet 311," a wellness and prevention hotline providing pet owners with the most current information available regarding seasonal and other timely health topics.
"Pet owners are deeply involved in all aspects of their pets' lives," said Janice Trumpeter, DVM, deputy executive director, American Animal Hospital Association. "WebVet provides an informative and credible resource outside of the veterinarian's office that educates pet owners about raising a healthy and happy pet."
As part of its mission, WebVet is committed to giving back to animal welfare and will create programs to actively engage users to participate in a variety of fundraising initiatives that will benefit both pets and those who love and support them.
For more information about this new online resource, pet owners and lovers can visit www.webvet.com.
About WebVet® WebVet® is the most comprehensive and credible online resource for pet health and wellness information and education. It is the first Web site dedicated to a whole-pet approach, which emphasizes both the emotional and physical needs of pets. WebVet, LLC is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Los Angeles and New York City. Visit http://www.webvet.com for more information.
When you just can't beat that cold and head to the doctor, the person in the white coat might ask if anyone else in your household is sick. Yet questioning the health of your tailed, winged, or scaled companion is doubtful. But should they?
Dr. Yvette Johnson is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine who studies how infectious diseases spread between humans and animals. "Pet owners should always remember that the health of their pet can impact the health of their family," she explains. This is why it is critical that your pet be up to date on all its vaccines, heartworm treatments, as well as flea and tick preventatives.
Most veterinarians and researchers believe there is little risk of pets transmitting diseases to their owners and vice versa.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that, "although dogs can pass germs to people, you are not likely to get sick from touching or owning dogs." Dr. Johnson agrees and says, "I think the media tends to make things look frightening, and I don't think this is anything people need to be scared about."
However, she does mention that toddlers crawling around on the floor and putting everything they see in their mouth are at an increased risk. "That age group is certainly more prone to getting a parasite from their dog or cat," explains Dr. Johnson. Other segments of the population at increased risk are those with an underlying health problem, such as immuno-compromised individuals.
Despite the fact that most veterinarians and researchers believe there is little risk of pets transmitting diseases to their owners and vice versa, there have been some very interesting documented cases of household pets carrying the same strain of bacteria that was causing an infection in their owner. For example, two cases of urinary tract infections in women have been associated with shedding of the same organism by their pet.
However, the spread of infectious disease is never a one-way street. "In some cases reported in the literature, people have infected their pets with MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus) and it has later been transmitted back to the people," she says.
Because of this Dr. Johnson explains that, "people who tend to have repeat infections that don't seem to be cured with the appropriate treatment may want to have their pet screened to make sure they are not the reservoir for the disease."
Dr. Johnson recently finished a trial with horses and their owners to see if there was a correlation between both of them carrying Methicillin Resistant strains of Staph bacteria. It turns out there was. Now she has expanded the project to include dogs, cats, and their owners.
When asked what the most prevalent diseases that spread from pet to human are, Dr. Johnson says, "I'd probably say that one of the most common is ringworm, especially in cats." But she goes on to say that, "It's hard to say what bacteria and viruses are passed from pet to human, and it's much more likely that it has happened and we just have not noticed."
For more information on zoonotic diseases contact your veterinarian, and remember that washing your hands after playing with your pet or handling its food and treats is one of the best preventative measures you can take.
Pfizer's new prescription-only Convenia® eliminates difficulty owners have giving pills to pets for weeks
Pfizer Animal Health has announced the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has approved Convenia® (cefovecin
sodium), the first and only antibiotic for dogs and cats available in
a single veterinarian-administered injectable dose.
Convenia provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment in a
single dose for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats
– the No. 1 reason pets are prescribed antibiotics.1 By relieving pet
owners of the often impractical responsibility of giving pills to
their pets several times a day for weeks at a time, Convenia
ensures the antibiotic course of treatment is completed on time,
giving the pet the best chance for treatment success.
Convenia provides up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment in a
single dose for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats.
“We understand how difficult it can be for owners to give their
pets the right pills at the right time.With career and family responsibilities,
many people simply aren’t around at appropriate intervals
once, twice or even more times a day despite their best intentions,”
said George Fennell, Vice President, Companion Animal Division,
Pfizer Animal Health. “With Convenia, the pet gets the dose it
needs right in the veterinarian’s office – so owners don’t have to
worry about when and how to give pills to their pets.”
The third in a string of new companion animal products in 15
months – following the approvals of the first canine obesity medication
and the first veterinary drug to control vomiting in dogs,
both in early 2007 – Convenia represents yet another first from
Pfizer Animal Health. Convenia is now available at veterinary
practices nationwide.
‘Pilling’ is a Challenging Responsibility for Pet Owners
Antibiotics currently in use for dogs and cats, while generally
effective, can be challenging for owners to give due to the need for
daily or twice daily oral doses over several weeks. Besides busy
lifestyles that often don’t allow owners to be physically present to
give their pets oral medications at the right times, owners often
forget to give pills and they prematurely end therapy when their
pets start to look or act better.
Some pet owners report that pets resist “pilling” or other orally
administered medications. Research shows that 30 percent of
dog owners have trouble pilling their dogs, while cat owners rank
pilling as one of the most stressful activities involved with caring
for their cats.2
When doses are not given on time or when they are missed or
stopped prematurely, pets do not receive optimal treatment and risk
treatment failure, deterioration of health, and additional veterinary
visits. Veterinarians report that non-compliance is the major cause
of treatment failures and/or relapses in antibiotic therapy.3
“The approval of Convenia, the first in its class, marks a significant
milestone in the effective administration of antibiotics for
companion animals,” said Amy Trettien, DVM, Pfizer Animal
Health. “For the first time, we may be able to see what 100
percent antibiotic compliance looks like.”
Full Course of Antibiotic Treatment
Skin infections, which are caused by a variety of bacterial
pathogens, are the No. 1 reason dogs and cats receive antibiotic
treatment.1 In dogs, skin infections are typically a response to an
allergy or parasite infestations that result in scratching, licking and
biting behavior that can weaken skin and make it susceptible to
bacterial infections. In cats, skin infections are typically in
response to wounds or bites that become infected.
In U.S. clinical trials with 26 veterinary clinics, Convenia was
proven to be statistically equivalent to a 14-day course of antibiotics
with a veterinary-labeled, multi-day oral cephalosporin
antibiotic. Study results showed that, in most cases, a single dose
of Convenia was effective against naturally occurring skin
infections in dogs and cats. Treatment outcomes for both dogs and
cats were as effective as the oral antibiotic used in the study. In
most cases, only a single injection was necessary. Only 14 percent
of treated canines required a second dose of Convenia to complete
treatment.
Convenia is well tolerated, and its safety has been demonstrated
in adult dogs and cats as well as in puppies and kittens. The
most common side effects seen with Convenia are similar to those
seen with other antibiotics: vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite
and lethargy. More than 4 million doses of Convenia have been
administered to pets globally since 2006.
For full prescribing information about Convenia, visit
www.convenia.com.
About Pfizer Animal Health Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), the world’s largest research-based
pharmaceutical company, also is a world leader in discovering and
developing innovative animal vaccines and prescription
medicines. Pfizer Animal Health is dedicated to helping companion
animals live longer and healthier lives and to the safety and
productivity of the world’s food supply by enhancing the health of
livestock and poultry. For additional information on Pfizer’s
portfolio of animal health products, go to www.PfizerAH.com.
1. Confidential PAH Market Research/2003/*US Diary Study Wave 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and MDI data
2. Convenia Pilling Study, Jan. 2008 by Forward Research
3. Pfizer Animal Health Market Research, 2005
The colors and patterns of cats are fascinating. How they are achieved, and what makes them that way, can be confusing. Simply, it's genetics. But the intricacies of genetics can be very confusing. Our latest feature is answers to your questions about common genetics issues that will help you to unravel and understand the complexities of genetics.
Hilary Helmrich, former President of the Winn Feline Foundation and a CFA Allbreed judge, will answer your questions on basic genetics issues.
Question: Where can I learn about basic cat colors and feline health genetics?
Answer: There are two excellent articles on the CatGENES web site:
To submit your genetics question, please email CFA. Ms. Helmrich is unable to answer questions privately, however selected questions and their answers will appear here on a regular basis.
AVMA Animal Tracks will include discussions on pet health and veterinary medicine
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
recently announced the launch of its first podcast, the
Association’s latest effort to inform the public about issues related
to pet health, public health and veterinary medicine.
AVMA Animal Tracks will feature AVMA staff interviewing
veterinary experts from around the country and discussing topics
such as pet health and safety tips, the threat of diseases that can
spread from animals to humans and the surprising variety of roles
veterinarians play in ensuring animal and human health across
the globe.
The first podcast, featuring Dr. Kim May, assistant director of
professional and public affairs at the AVMA, discusses summer
pet safety tips. It can be found on the AVMA Web site at
www.avma.org/rss/animaltracks/animaltracks.xml.
AVMA Animal Tracks will be available to download from the
AVMAWeb site and through an RSS feed. The podcasts will also
be available through Apple’s iTunes. Those with iTunes, which
can be downloaded for free at www.apple.com/itunes/overview,
can subscribe to AVMA Animal Tracks and receive new episodes
as soon as they become available through a portable media
player such as an iPod. While there will be no set schedule for
releasing new podcasts, they should become available on at least
a weekly basis, according to J.B. Hancock, AVMA communications
director.
For more information on AVMA Animal Tracks, please
contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations assistant, at
847-285-687 (office), 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@
avma.org.
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest
veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than
76,000 member veterinarians engaged in a wide variety of professional
activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the
science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship
to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at
www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal
care and to access up-to-date information on the association's
issues, policies and activities.
Animal Reflexology And Other Natural Therapies: A workshop with Jackie
Segers November 1st and 2nd 2008, 11.00am- 4.00pm Pacific Institute of
Reflexology, 535 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. Ph. (604) 875-8818 or
1(800) 688-9748 or email chrisshirley@pacificreflexology.com
Natural therapies once thought to be only for humans are now becoming
increasingly popular with our companion animals. Stress is the most common
cause of all illness and disease in pets and humans alike. Natural
therapies are minimally invasive way to reduce stress and encourage the
body¹s own healing ability. This workshop covers reflexology, acupressure,
holistic pulsing and energy balancing techniques to maintain good health
and to assist during times of ill health especially recovery from trauma
or surgery. They work well alongside veterinarian care but are not
designed as a replacement.
The workshop is for all pet owners and people involved or interested in
animal bodywork or animal care. Participants can bring their companion
animals (by arrangement with the teacher and Pacific Institute of
Reflexology, as this will need to be scheduled). All animals can benefit
from these natural therapies.
Students will receive a comprehensive manual and a certificate.
Course Cost: $170+GST (if registered two weeks prior) $190+GST (within two
weeks)
Cat Writers' Association member Jackie Segers is a certified reflexologist who studied at the
American Academy of Reflexology in Los Angeles with Bill Flocco. She is a
Reiki Master/Teacher and craniosacral therapy practitioner. Jackie lives
in Auckland, New Zealand. She is the author of Reflexology for Cats, the
first practical book on paw, ear and face reflexology. This book also
features acupressure, Bach flowers, craniosacral therapy, holistic pulsing
and Reiki. Reflexology for Cats was released in New Zealand by David
Bateman in October 2007 and in Australia in April 2008.
CHICAGO - Search "pet health" on the Internet and more than 16 million sites and references pop up. With so much online clutter, it's no wonder a recent survey found three out of four pet owners would find a singular site for pet health and wellness information valuable. A new online platform that redefines how pet owners approach pet care has been launched with WebVet (www.webvet.com), the first whole-pet resource that brings together, in one trusted place, veterinarian-approved pet health and wellness information, as well as lifestyle trends and pet-centric news from leading animal health experts and award-winning reporters.
