Pet obesity in the U.S. increased in 2017, affecting 60% of cats and 56% of dogs, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). APOP's tenth annual survey revealed opinions of pet owners and veterinary professionals on several pet food issues such as the benefits of corn, dry versus canned foods, whether or not pet food has improved, and the best sources of pet dietary recommendations.

A new article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) asks if U.S. veterinary technician programs are measuring up to standards and Dr. Ernie Ward discusses the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI); the Michigan State Senate votes to eliminate breed-specific legislation (BSL) statewide; a new study evaluates canine artificial intelligence (A.I.) and may bring us one step closer to realistic robot dogs.

A new publication from India examines the future of Veterinary Nanotechnology; Walmart is interested in buying Humana Insurance & its associated Healthcare, providers, signaling an uptick in the pharmacy:insurance;healthcare provider integration. Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward speculates on future veterinary effects, including the expansion of Amazon. Elanco partners to create the Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool (COAST) Arthritis Tool.

Nanotechnology article: http://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue2/PartC/6-1-85-412.pdf

Big Box Veterinary Telemedicine and Expansion into In-Store Veterinary Clinics Continues, Smucker Buys Ainsworth and Rachael Ray Nutrish Pet Foods for $1.7 Billion USD, NIH Asks for Help With Lab Animal Protections
 

The Honest Kitchen offends some pet owners by proclaiming "No Ingredients from China on its pet food label; Facebook's "ugly truth" memo leaked; and a simple test you can use to see what the world sees about you on Facebook; dachshunds in England set new world record.

Social Media Safety for Veterinary Professionals: What Facebook Knows about Veterinary Professionals and Our Clients. Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward reviews the current Facebook/Cambridge Analytica controversy, how veterinarians and veterinary technicians (vet techs) can determine what personal information Facebook is selling advertisers, whether or not you should be Facebook friends with clients and coworkers, concerns about Facebook Secret Groups, the importance of creating website blogs and owning and controlling your online content, and simple steps everyone should take to protect their personal and business social media.

Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward discusses how to evaluate and edit your Facebook privacy settings for ads and applications. What personal information does Facebook collect, how can you select what personal data is shared with others, and what will result from the Cambridge Analytica controversy? Should veterinarians, veterinary clinics, and veterinary technicians continue to post on Facebook? These issues and more are covered in this edition of Off Label Veterinary News?

In veterinary news, Walmart announces it will open 20 VetIQ clinics in 20 U.S. stores over the next 90 days; USA Today reports that veterinarians are now the top female dominated profession in terms of growth from 2000 to 2016; American Pet Products Association (AAPA) releases its 2017 pet spending report, and it far exceeds expectations.

This week in veterinary news, United Airlines almost loses another dog, Mission Rabies publishes study evaluating impact rabies awareness classes have in Malawi, and the USDA withdraws organic animal welfare rule despite overwhelming support from consumer and organic farm groups.
 

The recent death of a dog traveling on United Airlines has prompted closer scrutiny on pet travel in the United States by veterinary professionals. Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward shares his thoughts on some potential changes that may occur as a result of the recent airline accidents and mishaps and how veterinarians can better help pets when traveling.