August has come to a scorching end here in Indiana, but we are all thankful that a three day weekend is in store. Both Dr. Jim and I are hoping that you are planning a very restful, long weekend. To those of you manning the animal ERs...thank you so much for your dedication!
As we roll out of the summer and into Fall, what are your media plans for the next few months? Are you thinking ahead for the holidays? Have you created an editorial calendar for your blog or website?
Animals, Veterinarians and VNN Members in the News
The American Animal Hospital Association made headlines this past week as they released their announcement about anesthesia and pet dental services. Their new standard of care for dental patients maintains that all pets must have anesthesia and be intubated when any dental service is performed. As you can imagine, this has caused some ripples and concern among individuals and businesses that promote non-anesthesia pet dental scalings. VNN member, Dr. Lori Huston has a nice blog on the topic and we have started a discussion over at Linked In.
We have several resources at MyVNN.com, including a pretty powerful video, that can help you should you be asked about this new standard or if you are looking to weigh in on the topic.
Concern in Maryland as 20 cases of canine influenza have been reported in Montgomery County. Your clients and community may be concerned when they hear about this, so remember that a media savvy veterinarian will focus on calming public fears and focusing on the facts pertinent to your local area. We can help with our Canine Influenza message points.
VNN member and Certified Veterinary Journalist, Dr. Patrick Mahaney is a popular blogger. His recent article on the massive die off of dolphins along our East Coast is a good read and a great example of watching national events and developing YOUR take on the story for YOUR audience.
Have you seen a story that you think needs to be shared?? Email a link to me and I will make sure it goes into our social media. From your own blogs to local stories of interest, what is making news in your area may also be beneficial for your fellow VNN members across the country.
New and Upcoming at VNN
This weekend, we will release our latest video story on the serious feline dental condition known as Tooth Resorption. This is certainly a disease that you are all seeing in your practices, but many cat owners are unaware of just how prevalent or how PAINFUL the condition is for the pet. This video, and accompanying print column, will help you educate your clients and encourage them to come in for regular dental examinations for their pets. Watch for this to go live this Labor Day Weekend.
This story also goes along well with AAHA's announcement. We focus on how important it is for the VETERINARIAN to make oral health assessments and treatement plans for those affected felines.
Congratulations to Dr. Heidi Lobprise of Virbac! She is the most recent recipient of the Certified Veterinary Journalist credentials from the American Society of Veterinary Journalists!
.
Media Outreach and Tweetable Moments
Use these ideas to plan your upcoming marketing and media outreach
Tweetable Moments:
Experts say the BEST and SAFEST way to clean your pets teeth is to let a veterinarian anesthetize your pet. Clean teeth mean longer lives!
"Non-anesthesia" dentals for pets can actually be dangerous and scary. Let us help you understand how best to care for your pet's teeth
Purina ONE has a small recall this week..do you feed the Beyond Chicken and Whole Barley diet. 3.5# bags have been recalled.
Canine influenza or "dog flu" is a concern, but we do have vaccines. We can help you decide if your pup is at risk and needs vaccinated
September is Happy Cat Month! Why not keep your feline friend purring and content with a check up from your favorite veterinarian?
Media Outreach
September is not a very active month for animal related observances, but you can find a few by using your imagination.
First, September is Happy Cat Month. Like I mentioned previously, use the month to highlight all things feline. Discuss retroviruses, the need for proper dental care, kidney disease in cats, etc etc. This can be a great opportunity to reach out and educate some folks that Cats Are Overlooked for Veterinary Care.
The end of September always brings World Rabies Day. It's not a bad idea to look at national and local stories about potential rabid animals (and pets) and reach out to the local media with a story. You can use VNN resources on rabies (like this story here) to perfect your blog and to send off notes to the local news affiliates.
Also, human medicine observes September as Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. This might be an interesting way to connect with your community (and the local media) by pointing out how our pets can be affected with these diseases too.
At VNN, we are here, 24/, to help you with your media needs. Please don't hesitate to contact us whenever you need help!
Sincerely,
Thomas Dock Managing Editor 317-281-8658 (mobile) [email protected] Dr. Jim Humphries President and Founder 719-495-2100 (VNN Main Office) 719-963-6852 (mobile) [email protected]