Paws and Reflect: Transforming Pet Health with Nutrition for Obesity, GI, and Urinary Tract Wellness
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
Nutrition is truly the nucleus of everything we do as veterinary professionals. It has its challenges when making recommendations and directions. In this 1 hour medical program, veterinary professionals will gain practical insights into utilizing nutrition as a primary tool to manage obesity, gastrointestinal (GI), and urinary tract conditions in pets as we visit a veterinary clinic in Maine. Through real-life case studies, expert discussions, and interviews with veterinary support staff and doctors, the course emphasizes how a collaborative team approach, with an emphasis on nutritional therapy, can enhance patient outcomes. Sponsored by Blue Buffalo, the program delves into the roles of veterinarians, technicians, and client service representatives (CSRs) in implementing diet protocols to address common health issues. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for incorporating diet recommendations into clinical practice, fostering better client compliance, and improving patient health.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key features and benefits of therapeutic diets for obesity, GI disorders, and urinary tract conditions and apply these in clinical practice.
- Describe the diagnostic approach to acute and chronic diarrhea in dogs and cats, including the role of nutrition and the use of prebiotics and probiotics.
- Understand the impact of team-based care in reinforcing dietary recommendations to clients, including the roles of CSRs and veterinary technicians in educating pet owners.
- Develop strategies to improve client compliance with prescribed diets through effective communication and integration of in-hospital food options or online tools.
- Evaluate the role of nutrition in the management of obesity and arthritis in pets, particularly through the use of diets that target both weight management and joint support.
Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition)
Dr. Laura Gaylord, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), is a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®, with over 24 years of experience as a general practice/nutrition veterinarian in North Carolina. She currently works as veterinary nutritionist for her company, Whole Pet Provisions, offering nutrition consultations to pet owners, veterinarians and veterinary specialists. She also serves as an independent consultant to pet food and pet supplement companies.
Adam Christman, DVM, MBA
Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, is the Chief Veterinary Officer for dvm360®—an MJH Life Sciences Company™—who oversees content strategy and development and is the brand voice and personality for dvm360®’s multimedia channels. As a charismatic leader, he brings wit, humor, and authenticity to animal health care as the host of dvm360 Live!™ a new web-based talk show, The Vet Blast Podcast, continuing education webinars, and live media broadcasts.
Christman has also been in private practice and shelter medicine for 18 years and is currently a member and Treasurer of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. He received his DVM degree from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and his MBA from Aspen University.
Christman is a national thought leader, speaker and author on practice management, social media, and rehabilitation, and co-authored, Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? A Pet Owner’s Guide for Owners Who Are Terrified of IVDD—a book on dogs with disabilities. He has been featured in multiple publications and appeared on various multimedia shows throughout the country sharing his expertise and passion on all things veterinary medicine.
As an avid social media influencer for animal health care, he has almost 2 million followers on social media. He loves to engage with fellow pet parents and veterinary professionals across social media. Christman is an advocate of Pride VMC. He is also the proud dog dad to 4 dachshunds and believes no one should be deprived of the incredible human-animal bond.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
This activity is sponsored by Blue Buffalo.
