he human-animal bond is the very foundation of veterinary medicine—it’s the reason pet parents prioritize their animals’ health, creating the need for veterinary care. Conversely, veterinarians play a pivotal role in preserving and strengthening that bond, and this is especially important in families with children. 

The arrival of a child in a home with a dog can be a turning point, as it can strain even the strongest of bonds between a pet parent and pet. When kids enter the picture, the dynamics in a household shift, sometimes creating stress for dogs, resentment for parents and, ultimately, a strain on the human-animal bond.

As a result, we often hear the heartbreaking phrase: “I need to rehome my dog.” Helping to prevent this outcome is not just about saving the dog from being surrendered; it’s about reducing dog bite incidents and ensuring a happy and safe home for the whole family (dogs included). 

While proper preparation and education can foster a stronger human-animal bond, without guidance, this transition can lead to behavioral challenges, stress for the dog and safety concerns for the child. In fact, dog bites disproportionately affect young children, and these incidents are often preventable.

Dog bites are emotionally devastating for families and dogs alike. When a bite occurs, the blame often falls squarely on the dog, but this oversimplifies the situation. Most bites happen when a dog’s early signals of discomfort, such as yawing, lip licking, growling or walking away, are ignored. These signals are not signs of aggression but pleas for space and understanding.

For the dog, the aftermath of a bite can be tragic. They are often labeled dangerous and may be rehomed, surrendered or even euthanized, regardless of the circumstances. Prevention is the key to avoiding these outcomes. And that’s where we come in! By teaching pet parents how to recognize and respect their dog’s boundaries, veterinarians can play a direct role in preventing these tragic situations, preserving the welfare of both dogs and families.

As many of us know all too well, taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health—and this applies to dogs as well. For dogs, the emotional toll of stress, punishment or isolation due to miscommunication can lead to anxiety and even aggression over time. By educating parents, we are supporting the welfare and, in turn, mental health of their dogs, which not only helps prevent surrender and dog bites, but also improves the relationship between dogs and their families—and this means better care for the dog.

You can start by discussing how to prepare their dog for the baby’s arrival. Suggest that parents expose their dog to baby-related sounds and items ahead of time to help desensitize them. Encourage them to adjust the dog’s schedule gradually before the baby arrives, mirroring what the new routine might look like. Additionally, recommend creating a designated area where the dog can retreat to relax, away from the noise and activity of a newborn. These steps help ease the transition and set the dog up for success. 

Keep the conversation going! As children grow, their interactions with dogs change—and not always for the better. Parents should learn to identify signs of stress or discomfort in their dog, such as lip licking, yawning, turning away or displaying whale eye. These subtle cues can be missed without proper education.

Teaching children to respect a dog’s boundaries is equally important. For example, kids should avoid hugging, climbing on or startling the dog. Supervision is non-negotiable, as every interaction between dogs and young children should be closely monitored to ensure safety for all.

I know what you are thinking: I don’t have time to do this! This is where your support staff comes in. Have one of your technicians help you shoulder this responsibility. Keep in mind that providing families with the right tools can make a world of difference.

Share educational materials such as body language charts and stress signal guides that families can display at home. Referring clients to certified positive-reinforcement trainers who specialize in families with kids is another invaluable resource. Additionally, recommending children’s books that teach children to understand dog body language in a fun, approachable way can be a powerful tool for bridging communication gaps between dogs and kids.

As veterinarians, we are more than medical professionals—we are advocates for the wellbeing of both pets and their families. By taking a proactive approach to canine welfare in homes with children, we can prevent avoidable tragedies, keep dogs in their forever homes, and strengthen the bond between pets and their people.

hat’s the secret to a successful animal hospital? The latest technology and equipment? A dedicated team of top talent? Loyal clients? A prime location? A beautiful building and space?

Realistically, each of these are contributors to a general practice seeing prosperity. However, there is a foundational common thread that separates the good practices from the great ones: a floorplan, layout, and design created for the unique demands of animal care and the team.

The top practices understand that a “cookie-cutter” design and layout rarely align perfectly with their particular needs. Workplace satisfaction, patient experience, and quality of care all stem from whether a space accommodates the building users’ needs and expectations. The following are a few pivotal themes that have accompanied the most successful practices.

For example, when staff are moving clients from the front-of-house reception area to the back-of-house treatment rooms and surgical suites, they should be able to do so efficiently with minimal disruptions while maintaining the safety and comfort of staff and clients alike.

Thoughtfully created floor plans also consider adjacencies. Keeping spaces separate—like the entrance and exit, waiting rooms, exam rooms, surgery suites, recovery rooms, isolation rooms, boarding areas, etc.—helps maintain a calm and organized environment, prevent cross-contamination and keep those workflow patterns free of congestion.

This approach incorporates natural light, calming colors, odor control, soundproofing and proper acoustics, climate control, separate waiting areas for dogs and cats, and pet-friendly amenities throughout the building. Individual or even outdoor exam rooms with direct entry/exit access add privacy and lower patient stress by decreasing their time spent in the lobby or waiting room.

The most successful animal hospitals are created with animal perception and common anxiety-inducing triggers in mind. Doing so can mitigate traumatic experiences for both pets and their owners and make treatment easier for staff.

If a practice has modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, they can typically handle a wide range of medical needs—meaning it isn’t necessary to send patients elsewhere for non-specialty treatment. Incorporating up-to-date equipment into a practice also helps minimize the risk of infections during procedures and provides staff with the tools they need to deliver high-quality care.

Another key to keeping a practice on the leading edge is prioritizing the surgical suite. These rooms must be designed to rigorous standards and protocols, not to mention the ever-evolving equipment advancements. Details like minimizing horizontal surfaces to help eliminate dust or dirt collection, adding advanced HVAC systems for optimal air quality and sterility, utilizing positive pressurized airflow to avoid the transferring of germs and implementing epoxy flooring with an integral cove base for easy clean-up are essential for this area. A surgical suite may only be one room, but dedicated spaces for prepping, operating and post-operative care are important to account for, too, and play a major role in supporting workflow.

Durable and easy-to-clean materials like non-porous surfaces, antimicrobial finishes, and seamless flooring are imperative in maintaining hygiene standards and helping prevent the spread of infections. Robust, high-quality materials like tile, FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) or epoxy promote the facility’s longevity and can reduce overall maintenance costs from frequently replacing finishes.

In practice, this can look like well-equipped break rooms, office space, changing areas, onsite kitchens, and outdoor patios for team members to step away and decompress. Purposefully designing these areas with ergonomic furniture, biophilic elements and materials, thoughtful amenities, large windows, and direct access to outdoor spaces all contribute to creating a comfortable environment and positive culture. Top practices take care of their people, and they design supportive spaces to help mediate these stressors.

There is no universal design that works for every practice. The key to a thriving animal hospital is creating a layout and design that works in tandem with a team’s individual needs and challenges. Although a general approach may initially appear more cost-effective and like an easier route, it can lead to inefficiencies, negative staff morale, and a less-than-ideal experience for pets and their owners.

Ultimately, the design choices you make during the conception of your space will have a long-term effect. By taking the above observations into consideration, your practice becomes empowered to make that effect a positive one.

Creating a culture of adaptability and accountability starts with removing any “killers” from the existing culture. Now, this doesn’t mean firing everyone; although some may need to be terminated, it does mean addressing the issues causing a poor culture and providing education and support to help team members change. Consider the following to change the culture of your practice:

• Clarify the mission: Is the mission statement aligned with what is actually going on?
• Clarify values and expected behaviors: Define expected behaviors.
• Clarify strategic priorities: Communicate the big picture and involve the team.
• Engage the team in defining goals: Implement SMART goals.
• Clarify and track key practice indicators: Use open book management.
• Maintain a system for priorities and goals: Utilize a coach, remove barriers and provide support.
• Manage communications, habits and routines: Implement transparent, genuine, two-way communication.
• Motivate and provide feedback and recognition: Celebrate progress and communicate.

As the saying goes, “Culture trumps strategy.” In other words, no matter what the strategies, SOPs, rules, or even statements on your website say, the culture says how the team behaves.

The team’s response to a client call near closing time is a classic example of culture trumping strategy. The website indicates that office hours are until 5 p.m., but after 4:30 p.m., calls go directly to an answering machine. The culture “kills” the strategy. In this situation, who is held accountable? Will the team adapt to a new SOP for client phone calls? Chances are, no, not if the culture remains the same. Culture change is therefore crucial if the team is going to adapt and be held accountable.

Adaptability is the ability of your team to change work processes due to challenges. The challenges may be the economy, patient care innovations, client service or client behavior, changes in the employment landscape, digital innovations, practice financials and more.

Think back to 2020, when the pandemic changed how the industry did business. How well did curbside service go? How many of you jumped into telemedicine? Who restructured duties to allow work-from-home for some team positions? That was just in one year—now think about these next few years!

The wrong culture can squash adaptability—just say, “But this is the way we’ve always done it,” and watch the resistance to change grow larger. Why is change so hard? The reasons vary for each of your team members; however, it is essential to look for any of these reasons:

• Personal issues about change (perhaps due to previous jobs or relationships)
• Concerned about the locus of control
• Fear of losing their job or losing job status due to task changes
• Feeling overloaded or unprepared
• Feeling unappreciated (and therefore, the business does not deserve any extra effort)
• Lack of support and commitment from the practice owners
• Past history of poor change initiatives in the business (chasing fads or problems with the process)
• Lack of awareness of why change is needed

Aside from personal issues, all the other reasons fall within the scope of influence by leadership. How the leaders (practice owners and managers) implement a change process can result in success or failure.

For example, when you told your team that you were implementing curbside service, where did resistance come from? Was the team aware of the reason why they had to change? This was probably obvious with the pandemic, so what other reasons caused some resistance? Lack of preparedness? Feeling unappreciated for all the extra effort required for the change? A lot of resistance goes back to the culture and leadership.

A few key individuals complaining about the change in the breakroom can quickly bring down the rest of the team. Poor communication about the process adds fuel to the fire of complaints, and the lack of an organized process adds another log to the fire. Culture and leadership are crucial components of getting a team to adapt to a change—either something temporary (for example, working a shift when there is a call-off or providing curbside care) or something long-term (for example, adding a new doctor or offering virtual care).

To help with the change process, leaders can create a supportive environment by:

• Clearly identifying the need for change (transparency)
• Sharing information with the team
• Setting priorities, goals and milestones
• Allowing feelings to be expressed during meetings and discussing concerns
• Involving the team in designing the plan and implementing the change
• Rewarding and praising the team for their efforts and contributions

The main ingredient in these actions is communication, more communication, and even more communication. Failure to communicate creates a void, and most of us have heard the quote that a void is filled with rumors, poison and misrepresentation. Don’t feed culture “killers” by failing to communicate. You need a team that has a good culture and is adaptable. And you also need a team culture that welcomes accountability.

Accountability means everyone on the team accepts responsibility for their job performance and behavior and expects the same from others. When a team lacks accountability, they are not productive, and what work they do perform is poor quality. This, in turn, creates a high turnover of clients and team members. So, how do you develop a culture of accountability and overcome these problems? Here are a few tips:

• Communicate clear expectations (what they are to do, how to do it, when to do it (i.e., SOPs))
• Provide feedback and coaching and address any obstacles or objections (training, performance improvement plans, real-time feedback, etc.)
• Establish consequences and stick to them (what happens with poor behavior or job performance)
• Acknowledge positive behavior or performance improvement

Notice the importance of communication in each of the bullet points. Without consistent communication…you guessed it, there is a void, and we all know what starts to fill the void. In the case of accountability, there is gossiping, finger-pointing, blaming and excuses. When one person can get away with it, the culture worsens as another person behaves the same way.

For example, someone neglected to sterilize the instruments. “We were really busy last night” is the excuse. The subsequent failure to complete a task brings about finger-pointing and a similar excuse.

Another example is tolerating team members arriving late for their shift or a meeting. Soon, everyone accepts the excuse or the behavior, and the culture (“this is how we do things around here”) has killed any chance of holding others accountable.

Creating a culture of accountability depends on those in leadership positions (practice owner, practice manager, shift supervisor or team leader). Of course, there are times when the culture kills any chance of holding others accountable, but sometimes the weakest link in the accountability chain is leadership. This can be a tough pill to swallow—it isn’t always the millennials or “kids today” at fault.

Achieving this “nirvana” of adaptability and accountability is necessary for the practice’s future success. As Peter Drucker said, “Within five years, if you’re in the same business you are in now, you’re going to be out of business.” Where were you five years ago? Has patient care and client service changed? If not, is it because your culture is preventing it? Where does the business need to be in the next five years, and do you have a team culture that will enable you to get there?

Times are changing. Veterinary medical care, client service and the work environment are changing. A culture of adaptability and accountability will ensure that your team can handle any challenge that comes their way—no matter the size and scope of the change. Do you trust your team to handle the next need to pivot? If not, it is time to work on your culture and position the team for success.

rom middle school through college, I worked at a summer camp’s Nature Center, teaching lessons to children about various exotic pets,” shares Dr. Steven Edwards, owner of Veterinary Relief and Behavior, LLC. “This sparked my interest not only in working with animals professionally, but in the teaching aspect of working with people. I think this is one of the reasons why I love veterinary behavior so much. I get to teach clients about their pets’ behavior.”

Dr. Edwards initially became interested in focusing on behavior when he found out about the animal behavior club at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, where he attended veterinary school.

“I loved the idea of how much we could learn from dogs and cats simply by observing their behavior,” he says. “This prompted me to explore a behavior externship during my clinical year with Dr. Siracusa at the University of Pennsylvania’s Behavior Clinic.”

“At first I was mostly doing general practice relief, with veterinary behavior consultations as a side job,” Dr. Edwards shares. “I still do some general practice, but at this point, it’s developed into a full-time veterinary behavior consulting business, with almost 4,000 hours of case experience.”

A typical day for Dr. Edwards starts with a new-patient consult, where he reviews the patient’s medical records from their primary care veterinarian, reads through the behavior questionnaire that the client filled out, and then drives to the client’s home. On average, the behavior consult is two-and-a-half to three hours in length.

Dr. Edwards says that the behavior consults are multifaceted: “First, they’re an interactive learning experience for the client—showing them videos and pictures of behavior, and then helping them observe and correctly interpret body language in their dog or cat, in real-time, in their home,” he explains. “I love teaching my clients to understand their pets’ communications.

“Second, I really enjoy the detective work of arriving at a behavioral diagnosis, and helping the client understand the emotion that drives their pet’s behavior,” Dr. Edwards continues. “It’s also extremely rewarding to change the lives of my patients and clients. Seeing a fearful dog who is afraid of the world start to want to explore outside, or seeing a timid cat start to develop the confidence to begin engaging with people, is really special.”

Dr. Edwards’ hope for the future is to see a greater appreciation of the emotional health of our four-legged patients, which oftentimes takes a backseat to their physical health.

“While it’s starting to change, the ‘just get it done’ mentality is still prevalent,” he explains. “I hope that in the coming years, hospitals—and clients—will realize that veterinary visits don’t have to be scary.

“I am encouraged by the interest in behavior that I see in the younger generation of veterinarians. I hope that discussions on pets’ behavior will become a normalized part of the veterinary appointment,” Dr. Edwards concludes.

2. Reduced Stress for the Dog: A properly trained dog that is comfortable wearing a muzzle will experience less anxiety during veterinary visits. When introduced correctly, a muzzle becomes just another part of the routine, rather than a trigger for fear.
3. Better Outcomes for Veterinary Care: Muzzles allow for safer, more efficient exams, diagnostics and treatments without the need for excessive restraint or sedation, leading to better medical outcomes.
4. Use in the Community: A dog that is comfortable wearing a muzzle can safely engage in activities such as public outings, grooming sessions or training classes without risk, particularly for dogs with behavioral concerns. Some areas, unfortunately, may even require certain breeds to wear muzzles in public.
5. Safety for the Pet: For pets that like to pick up and ingest objects in the yard, wearing a muzzle while in those environments can prevent the ingestion of potential hazards. Muzzles can also be utilized occasionally as pets recover from illness or injury—provided they are only worn in small increments.

Step 1) Choose the Right Muzzle: Select a well-fitted basket muzzle, which allows dogs to pant, drink and take treats while ensuring safety. Clients can choose from readily available muzzles or opt for custom-made ones designed for their dog’s specific needs. Some brands even offer colorful designs to reduce stigma. Avoid restrictive nylon muzzles, as these should only be used for short-term restraint, not for training or extended wear.

Step 2) Create Initial Positive Associations: Start by simply showing the muzzle and rewarding the dog with treats for looking at or sniffing it. Never force the muzzle onto the dog—let them explore it at their own pace.

Step 3) Introduce Treats Through the Muzzle: Start by offering treats on or in the muzzle, allowing the dog to willingly approach the muzzle and take the treats. Spreading peanut butter or soft treats inside the muzzle will encourage a dog to voluntarily put their nose in. Repeat this multiple times to reinforce a positive experience.

Step 4) Gradually Increase Wear Time: Once the dog is comfortable with the steps above, gently secure the muzzle for a few seconds while offering treats. Slowly build up the duration, always keeping sessions short and positive.

Step 5) Incorporate Movement and Play: Have the dog wear the muzzle while engaging in fun activities like walks, playtime or training sessions. This will ensure they associate the muzzle with positive experiences rather than just vet visits.

Step 6) Practice Handling Exercises: While the dog is muzzled, practice gentle touch and handling to simulate a veterinary exam. Reward calm behavior to reinforce that wearing a muzzle is a normal and safe experience.

1. Normalize Muzzle Use:
   • Display educational materials in the clinic about the benefits of muzzle training.
   • Create posts for your social media channels and/or website highlighting the importance and benefits of muzzle training.
   • Offer staff training on how to introduce muzzles calmly and positively.
   • Work with clients to progress their at-home muzzle training to incorporate positive clinic visits with a muzzle.
2. Use High-Value Rewards:
   • Keep a variety of treats on hand to reward dogs for wearing a muzzle in the clinic.
   • Choose high-value options such as squeeze cheese, peanut butter, liver paste or other soft treats or spreads that can easily be given through a muzzle.
   • Allow the dog to approach and explore the muzzle rather than immediately placing it on them, which can be encouraged with treats.
3. Minimize Stressors:
   • Use pheromone sprays, calming music and gentle handling techniques to create a low-stress environment.
   • Allow owners to bring their own muzzle from home if the dog is already comfortable with it.
   • Have the client place the muzzle on the dog prior to entering the clinic or exam room.
   • Reward and praise the dog often for wearing the muzzle.
4. Encourage Owners to Assist with the Training:
   • Send clients home with written resources or videos on muzzle training and muzzle selection.
   • Develop a muzzle-training program tailored to your clinic for dogs of all ages.
   • Encourage them to bring their dog in for brief, positive visits where the dog wears the muzzle without undergoing any procedures.

Even with proper education and positive reinforcement, some pet owners may still hesitate to muzzle-train their dogs due to stigma or the misconception that muzzles are only for aggressive dogs. Here are a few ways to proactively address these concerns, help shift their perspective and encourage compliance:

1. Address the concerns head-on (e.g., “Just like a seatbelt, a muzzle is a safety tool, not a punishment.”), as this can help change perceptions.
2. Provide real-life examples of how muzzle training has benefited dogs in various situations (e.g., a nervous dog at the groomer or a senior dog needing frequent medical care).
3. Provide “case studies” or personal experiences, such as written testimonials or stories of successful training experiences with other pets and their people to make the experience more relatable and impactful.
4. Demonstrate muzzle training during a routine visit, or show videos of quick, positive training sessions with employee-owned pets or other clients and their pets (with permission, of course).

Muzzle training should be just as fundamental as leash training or socialization. When introduced properly, a muzzle is not a sign of an aggressive or “bad” dog, but rather a tool that promotes safer, lower-stress veterinary visits and public outings.

By actively educating clients, using positive reinforcement and normalizing muzzle use in our clinics, we can help pets, owners and veterinary teams alike. The more we advocate for proactive muzzle training, the better prepared dogs will be—leading to safer, smoother and more compassionate veterinary experiences for everyone involved.

he FDA’s recent approval of the first allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for humans marks one of the most striking achievements in medicine, and specifically regenerative medicine, over the past decade. This milestone highlights the power of stem cells in targeting the underlying drivers—not just treating the symptoms—of severe, inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases.

Until recently, veterinary practitioners have watched these advances from the sidelines, but now, ready-to-use stem cells for companion animals are poised for approval, meaning these groundbreaking solutions will soon be offered by veterinary practices.

Although these therapies showed promise, they were time-consuming, costly, technically demanding, delayed patient treatment and had to be done on a case-by-case basis. These challenges limited how widely such treatments could be adopted, especially in smaller practices.

Today, an alternative approach uses stem cells sourced from FDA-qualified healthy donor animals. One therapeutic platform in development sources stem cells from the uterine tissue of animals collected through a routine spay procedure. Once collected, these tissues are processed under strict FDA-regulated conditions to ensure the highest purity, stability, potency and quality, then stored frozen.

Ready-to-use therapies are easily stored and administered in the clinic. Much like other new revolutionary products such as the monoclonal antibody for canine parvovirus, stem cells come pre-packaged and frozen, making it easy to offer innovative therapies that align with modern, minimally invasive, in-clinic, same-day treatments.

Systemic administration and action of MSCs is especially important for diseases affecting multiple tissues. For example, feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is known to cause severe, painful, inflammatory oral lesions, but also esophageal and systemic inflammation, both of which can dramatically impact quality of life.² A single intravenous injection of stem cells can target immune dysregulation throughout the body, dampening symptoms such as inflammation, but also healing tissues at multiple sites.^3,4

Stem cells, in contrast, function as immune-balancing factories within the body. Signals from diseased tissues are like magnets, drawing stem cells to the site of tissue injury. There, they secrete compounds that restore balance across multiple immune pathways.⁶

This custom-tailored, widespread action can yield long-term effects, including reduced inflammation, normalized tissue function, and slowed or even reversed disease progression—all through a biologically normal healing process that doesn’t affect non-diseased tissues and organs.⁷ And, since MSCs are living cells designed to support natural healing, they have well-established safety across multiple species, with few reports of relevant side effects.^8,9

As the veterinary field waits for regulatory approval of these therapies, now is the time for preparing clinics and pet parents for the future of veterinary care. Through ongoing educational opportunities, alongside client outreach via practice websites, emails and in-person consultation during office visits, veterinarians can position themselves at the forefront of this exciting paradigm shift in veterinary medicine.

Ready-to-use stem cell therapies represent a promising leap forward in treating a multitude of diseases in companion animals. By addressing the fundamental immune imbalances behind common conditions, these treatments offer a path to more meaningful outcomes, supporting longevity, quality of life and the human-animal bond. Thanks to their off-the-shelf and easy-to-use format, MSC therapies will offer a convenient, long-term solution, changing the trajectory of many diseases in pets.

The dawn of a new era is here, allowing veterinarians to shift pet owners’ hopes and expectations toward long-term, holistic, life-altering therapy.

1. Black L, Gaynor J, Gahring D, et al. Effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem and regenerative cells on lameness in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints: a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, controlled trial. Vet Ther. 2007;8(4):272-284.
2. Kouki MI, Papadimitriou SA, Psalla D, et al. Chronic gingivostomatitis with esophagitis in cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2017;31(6):1673-1679.
3. Soltero-Rivera M, Hart S, Blandino A, et al. Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy for feline chronic gingivostomatitis: Long term experience. Front Vet Sci. 2023;10:1171922.
4. Taechangam N, Williams V, Hughes M, et al. Pilot efficacy of allogeneic uterine-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS). Presented at: North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference; September 21-24, 2023; Kona, Hawaii.
5. Orlowsky EW, Kraus VB. The role of innate immunity in osteoarthritis: when our first line of defense goes on the offensive. J Rheumatol. 2015;42(3):363-371.
6. Meirelles SM, Fontes AM, Covas DT, Caplan AI. Mechanisms involved in the therapeutic properties of mesenchymal stem cells. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2009;20(5-6):419-427.
7. Voga M, Adamic N, Vengust M, Majdic G. Stem cells in veterinary medicine—current state and treatment options. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:278.
8. Wang Y, Yi H, Song Y. The safety of MSC therapy over the past 15 years: a meta-analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2021;12(1):545.
9. Webb TL, Webb CB. Scoping review of the use of mesenchymal stem and stromal cell products in cats, Part 1: current logistics and safety. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024;262(S1):S16-S23.
10. Kriston-Pal E, Haracska L, Cooper P, et al. A regenerative approach to canine osteoarthritis using allogeneic, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. safety results of a long-term follow-up. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:510.
11. Cabon Q, Febre M, Gomez N, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of single or repeated intra-articular injection of allogeneic neonatal mesenchymal stromal cells for managing pain and lameness in moderate to severe canine osteoarthritis without anti-inflammatory pharmacological support: pilot clinical study. Front Vet Sci. 2019;6:10.

eterinary professionals face daily physical demands, from lifting and restraining patients to crouching, kneeling and static standing. These activities strain the body, leading to musculoskeletal pain, spinal injuries and cognitive fatigue. When improper posture takes hold, the consequences extend beyond physical discomfort, resulting in long-term damage to the body and hindrance to professional performance. Proper standing posture plays a crucial role in reducing these risks. Without it, veterinary professionals jeopardize their health and wellbeing.

The neck and shoulders also suffer under poor posture. Prolonged neck strain from forward head posture (FHP) causes inflammation and tension, which, in turn, lead to cognitive issues such as brain fog, decreased mental clarity and difficulty concentrating. These cognitive impairments hinder decision-making and productivity, which are key to the effective functioning of veterinary professionals.

Furthermore, without proper blood flow, the brain receives less oxygen, leading to cognitive fatigue, reduced alertness and difficulty concentrating. When the head is forward-tilted, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders further restricts blood flow to the brain, compounding the issue and causing inflammation. Therefore, maintaining proper posture engages the calf muscles, supporting overall wellbeing and optimal performance in any profession where standing is required.

This imbalance not only places excess strain on the upper body, but also compromises spinal stability, making it more susceptible to misalignment. Misalignment increases pressure on the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae. Prolonged misalignment leads to various spinal disc injuries, further exacerbating pain and instability.

By maintaining proper posture and engaging the core muscles, veterinary professionals prevent overloading the upper body and ensure the spine remains aligned. A neutral spine not only prevents injury, but also supports the long-term health of the spinal discs and joints, helping to maintain overall wellbeing.

The foundation of good posture and recovery for veterinary professionals begins with ergonomics. Proper alignment reduces muscle strain and allows the body to move freely, especially during long hours on your feet. For newer veterinary professionals who may not yet experience musculoskeletal problems, focusing on proper posture now prevents future strain and maintains long-term health.

Recovery from musculoskeletal injuries is also an essential part of maintaining overall health. Once sway is controlled and posture is optimized, light recovery movements are crucial for relieving tightness and improving flexibility. Gentle stretches focusing on the shoulders, hips, and lower back release tension and enhance range of motion.

Strengthening the core is critical for recovering from past injuries and building long-term resilience. Core exercises, like planks and leg raises, target the muscles needed to stabilize the spine and improve posture. A strong core reduces the load on other muscle groups, preventing overuse and fatigue. Consistent core strengthening maintains posture and spinal health.

Additionally, practicing proper lifting techniques is vital for reducing strain when lifting animals or equipment. Bending at the hips, using the legs to lift, and engaging the core all protect the spine and minimize the risk of injury.

Incorporating recovery practices and regular stretching into daily routines helps maintain flexibility, reduces the risk of injury and sustains a healthy, active body. This holistic approach supports both immediate health needs and long-term productivity, ensuring a strong foundation for the demanding nature of veterinary work.

When veterinary professionals prioritize their health through posture, they experience fewer injuries, improved mental clarity and a longer, more productive career in veterinary medicine.