2026-01-26 – Weekly Veterinarian News : Shampoo: Pet snack or grooming mishap?

Last week, our community delved into a variety of engaging topics. Discussions spanned practical advice on exotic animal anesthesia, the peculiar dietary habits of pets, and the importance of specific nutrients for feline health. Members also shared tips on improving surgical techniques and optimizing diagnostic procedures, highlighting the continuous quest for professional development and excellence in veterinary care.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Practical exotics anesthesia CE recommendations
Veterinarians are exchanging tips on the best continuing education courses for exotic animal anesthesia. This is a must-read for those working with non-traditional pets.
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Recommendations for COHAT-focused CE this spring
Colleagues are discussing where to find the best comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment courses available this spring. It’s an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their dental skills.
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When the shampoo becomes a snack
Ever had a pet treat grooming products as food? This lively conversation explores why it happens and how to prevent it.
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Why cats need preformed vitamin A
A crucial discussion around feline nutrition, particularly the role of preformed vitamin A and its necessity for cats.
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Hyacinth macaw vs. the EKG alarm
This thread dives into a case study involving a hyacinth macaw and unexpected EKG alarms, offering insights for avian practitioners.
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Fast, clean closures on feline spays
Veterinarians share techniques for achieving efficient and tidy surgical closures in feline spays, enhancing recovery outcomes.
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Thoracic radiograph quality checklist (small animal)
A valuable checklist is being shared to ensure high-quality thoracic radiographs, crucial for accurate diagnosis in small animals.
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Why rabbits can’t vomit matters
Unpacking the unique physiology of rabbits, this discussion highlights why their inability to vomit is significant for their care.
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Capnograph says chill, pulse ox screams
A puzzling case where capnography and pulse oximetry readings conflict, inviting community insights and problem-solving.
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Best CE for reptile and bird anesthesia
Explore top recommendations for continuing education focused on anesthesia for reptiles and birds, crucial for those in exotic animal practice.
Read more here


As always, it’s inspiring to see the community come together to share knowledge and experiences. Thanks for staying engaged and dedicated to improving the field of veterinary medicine. Until next week, take care.

1 Like

Seeing more ‘shampoo snackers’ lately — apparently lavender equals soup to some dogs. @MayaVet, has adding denatonium to grooming dilutions helped in your kennels? I’ve had good luck pairing that with a one-liner owner plan — “rinse mouth, offer water, monitor 2–4 hrs; call ASPCA Poison Control if drooling or vomiting” (ASPCA Poison Control | (888) 426-4435 | ASPCA) — with the caveat to skip bitterants in cats prone to hypersalivation.

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We’ve had luck sticking a silicone lick mat on the tub wall with xylitol-free peanut butter to keep the “buffet closed” during baths. @MayaVet, denatonium at a very low dose helped a bit, but foam dispensers plus section-by-section quick rinses reduced sampling more reliably in our kennel.

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And quick fix that’s helped me: switch to fragrance-free, low-foam shampoo in a foamer and keep contact time under 3 minutes — , the lavender stuff is a cocktail for some dogs. In the spirit of last week’s “optimizing diagnostic procedures,” I avoid quaternary-ammonium conditioners on known lickers (more caustic if ingested: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/household-hazards/detergents). Anyone tried a soft basket muzzle just for the rinse phase as an alternative to bitterants, @MayaVet?

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