Talking treats: A qualitative study to understand the importance of treats in the pet-caregiver relationship.

Treats are a prevalent aspect of pet care, frequently given by dog and cat caregivers for varying reasons. However, recommendations of reducing or eliminating treat feeding poses a common challenge, leading to potential non-adherence surrounding weight management practices. To explore caregivers' perceptions and experiences surrounding treat feeding, we conducted five online focus groups with 24 dog and cat caregivers, recruited via an infographic shared on social media using snowball sampling. NVivo12© was used to organize and analyze verbatim transcripts using inductive thematic analysis. Outcomes illustrated three major themes: 1) the role of treats as an important tool for caregivers; 2) considerations for treat selection and provision; and 3) caregivers' need for more and better information and support related to treats. Participants emphasized the importance of treats for managing behaviours, health-related activities, and enhancing the pet-caregiver relationship. Results suggest that the diverse and valued applications of treats, caregivers' satisfaction associated with treat-giving, and perceived lack of guidance surrounding treats may present challenges for caregivers in reducing treat feeding with their pets. Findings highlight opportunities to enhance the available resources that can empower both veterinary professionals and caregivers to make well-informed decisions and foster sustainable changes in treat feeding practices to support weight management and overall health. Such considerations can improve client compliance with veterinary recommendations, to promote companion animal health and well-being while fostering the human-animal bond.

Cat caregivers' perceptions, motivations, and behaviours for feeding treats: A cross sectional study.

There is an abundance of research focusing on the nutritional needs of the cat, though aspects surrounding treat feeding have received far less attention. Feeding practices have the potential to cause nutrient imbalances and adverse health outcomes, including obesity. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the perceptions, motivations, and behaviours surrounding treats, and factors that influence treat feeding by cat caregivers. A 56-question online survey was disseminated to cat caregivers (n = 337) predominantly from Canada and the USA to collect data regarding caregiver and cat demographics, the pet-caregiver relationship, perceptions surrounding treats, and feeding practices and behaviours. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the survey data. Caregivers had varying interpretations of the term 'treat' and how treats relate to the primary diet, and these perceptions appeared to influence the quantity of treats provided. Aspects relating to the human-animal bond were highlighted as an important factor in decisions and behaviours surrounding treat feeding in our results. Though the majority (224/337, 66%) of respondents indicated they monitor their pet's treat intake, using an eyeball estimate was the most frequent (139/337, 41%) method reported to measure treats. Multivariable logistic regression results revealed feeding jerky, bones, dental treats, and table scraps in select frequencies were predictive of caregivers perceiving their cat as overweight/obese. Results provide valuable new insights to cat caregiver feeding practices and perceptions of treats and can be used to inform veterinary nutrition support to caregivers. More research is warranted to further our understanding and ensure that cats receive optimal nutrition and care.

Reporting perceived capability, motivations, and barriers to reducing treat feeding amongst dog and cat caregivers.

Obesity remains a significant concern for dogs and cats, and reducing or eliminating treats is commonly recommended as a strategy for weight management. Caregivers can struggle with adherence to such dietary recommendations. Previous research suggests caregivers are reluctant to reduce treats but there is limited understanding of the underlying factors contributing to these behaviours and decisions. The objective of this study was to explore caregivers' motivations and barriers to reducing treat feeding, and their reported capability to do so. An online questionnaire including multiple choice and Likert scale questions was disseminated to dog and cat caregivers (n=1053) primarily from Canada and the USA from September to November 2021. Caregivers commonly expressed a wide range of motivations to reduce treat feeding with their pet, though barriers to reducing treat feeding were less defined. Changing their pet's routine was a reported barrier by more than 30% of respondents and was predictive of caregivers finding reducing treat giving to be difficult (OR=1.67, p=0.017). Results from multivariable logistic regression also revealed that caregivers who consider their companion animal to be obese as more likely to perceive reducing treats to be difficult. The results highlight the role of treats in the relationship and routine of caregivers' and their pets, and the importance of considering the individualised needs and circumstance of the caregiver and pet in veterinary discussions surrounding reducing treat feeding. Identifying these perspectives can improve self-efficacy with veterinary nutrition recommendations surrounding treats.

Dog caregivers' perceptions, motivations, and behaviours for feeding treats: A cross sectional study.

Treats are commonly fed by most dog caregivers and can constitute a significant proportion of a dog's diet, potentially contributing to obesity. Feeding aspects related to treats specifically, remain underexplored. An e-survey was voluntarily completed by 716 dog caregivers predominantly from Canada and the USA to identify and describe caregivers' perceptions, motivations, and behaviours surrounding treats, and factors that influence decisions about feeding treats. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze (1) measurement methods associated with monitoring treat intake, and (2) frequency of feeding different types of treats with perceiving dog as overweight/obese. Most caregivers considered the term 'treat' in a nutritional context, but respondents expressed mixed perceptions of how they consider treats in relation to their dog's primary diet. Alongside training and sports activities, aspects relating to the human-animal bond were highly reported to influence decisions surrounding treats. Most respondents were motivated to provide treats because it makes their pet happy, and to strengthen the bond with their dog, and nearly 40% of caregivers frequently feed treats to show love to their dog. Human food and table scraps were frequently fed by 30-40% of caregivers and feeding human food weekly was predictive of caregivers perceiving their dog to be overweight/obese (OR=2.24, p = 0.007). Caregivers estimated treats to account for a median of 15% of their dog's total diet, based on estimated quantity. Caregivers who reported using a measuring cup/scoop to measure their dog's treats were more likely to monitor their dog's treat intake (OR=3.38, p = 0.002). Most caregivers monitor their dog's body condition (60%) or consider their dog's recent activity level (43%) to decide on the amount of treats to feed; only 22% of caregivers reported veterinary advice to support their decisions on the amount of treats to feed. Findings from this research offer new insights to dog caregiver feeding habits and their perceptions of treats in relation to the canine diet. These results can be used to inform veterinary counselling strategies and caregiver education initiatives to promote animal health and well-being.

Teaching Accuracy through Repeated Gamified Echography Training (TARGET): Assessment of an Ultrasound Skill Simulator in Teaching Ultrasound-Guided Needle Placement, a Prospective Observational Study.

The increasing use of ultrasound in veterinary private practice and demand for skilled operators upon graduation has placed an increased burden on the ever-dwindling number of academic radiologists. Simulation-based medical education can help prepare for and consequently reduce this burden, allowing for the acquisition of clinical skills through deliberate practice in a safe, controlled, and low-stakes environment. Ultrasound-guided fine needle placement is the foundation for more advanced interventions such as ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates and centeses. A reusable novel ultrasound skill simulator consisting of metal targets wired to a circuit and suspended in ballistics gel was created to teach ultrasound-guided fine needle placement. Forty-seven second-year veterinary students watched an instructional video and performed two ultrasound-guided fine needle placement skill tests on the simulator with a period of practice between. Significant improvement in time to task completion (p = .0021) was noted after the period of practice. The majority of student feedback was positive with 89% (42/47) indicating they would use the simulator again to practice and that it should be incorporated into the curriculum, 74% (35/47) indicating their basic skills, knowledge, and confidence using ultrasound improved using the simulator, and 55% (26/47) indicating they could now teach this skill to a peer. The authors suggest further development of this model for ease of manufacture and increased variation in difficulty, and veterinary curriculum incorporation for basic ultrasound-guided fine needle placement training.

Randomized Trial Comparing Instructor-Delivered Feedback with Self-Assessment Using Video during Basic Skills Training.

Feedback has been shown to be one of the most powerful and effective influences on student achievement; however, the optimal method for providing feedback to trainees during veterinary skills training has yet to be determined. A prospective mixed-methods study was undertaken to evaluate student perceptions and performance outcomes with self-assessment using video- or instructor-delivered feedback during skills training using a model. Forty participants naïve to intravenous (IV) catheter placement were randomly assigned either to self-assessment using video or to instructor-directed feedback. A questionnaire probing participants' perceptions of their knowledge level and confidence in their skills was completed before and after the training, and an interview was done at study completion. Final skill performance was recorded using video capture to permit blind evaluations using a standard assessment tool. A quantitative evaluation of the performance and questionnaire scores, as well as a qualitative assessment of the interviews, was performed. Questionnaire scores were significantly higher in the post-study questionnaire for 12 of the 14 questions in both groups. Students assigned to the instructor-directed group had significantly higher scores than students in the self-directed group on the skill performance (p < .05). Self-reported confidence in knowledge and skill related to the IV catheterization technique improved with both self-directed feedback using video and instructor-directed feedback. Skill performance, however, was superior following instructor-directed feedback. Participants expressed positive experiences associated with use of the models for skills training, the value of the learning materials including the video, and guidance during learning.

Understanding Incoming Canadian and US Veterinary Students' Attitudes and Perceptions of Their Dietary Habits and Levels of Physical Activity.

As critical components of individual well-being, nutrition and physical activity have important physical and psychological implications. Veterinary students face demanding schedules and potentially high rates of psychological distress. Though veterinary students' strategies for healthy eating have been explored, factors influencing their ability to achieve a healthy diet are less understood. This study assesses incoming veterinary students' perceived attitudes to their dietary habits and physical activity levels. Incoming students (n = 322) at five Canadian and five randomly selected US veterinary schools completed a questionnaire inquiring about demographic information, dietary attitudes and habits, and activity levels. More than half (58%) of students perceived their diet to be moderately healthy. A desire to feel better and have more energy was the most reported (79%) motivating factor to modifying personal eating habits and was significantly associated with improved odds of having a perceived healthy diet (OR = 2.22, p < .024). A busy lifestyle was perceived as a barrier to changing current eating habits by 92% of respondents. Students reporting a desire to maintain their health (OR = 3.42, p < .001) and moderate (OR = 2.81, p < .003) or high (OR = 2.30, p < .044) routine physical activity levels were also more likely to perceive their diet as healthy. Findings show that incoming veterinary students' perceptions may influence their goals of achieving a healthy lifestyle. An understanding of incoming veterinary students' barriers and motivators could be applied in future research to assist students in achieving personalized goals.

An Exploratory Study of Veterinary Professionals' Self-Reported Support of Bereaved Clients Before, During, and After Companion Animal Euthanasia in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

Veterinary professionals are recognized as an important source of support for many veterinary clients, particularly during companion animal euthanasia and end-of-life care. While many veterinary professionals recognize the importance of their role, many also report feeling unsure about what methods of support are most effective. Furthermore, few evidence-based guidelines currently exist to inform veterinary professionals on the support of grieving clients. To begin bridging this gap, this study qualitatively explored how veterinary professionals currently report supporting grieving clients before, during, and after companion animal euthanasia. Findings suggest that veterinary participants in this study strive to be meaningful sources of support for grieving clients and employ an array of support practice to do so. However, opportunities exist for veterinary professionals to better explore clients' needs, expectations, and feelings as they relate to companion animal euthanasia, including offering more grief-related resources and access to professional counseling services.

Ontario Veterinary College First-Year Veterinary Students' Perceptions of Companion Animal Nutrition and Their Own Nutrition: Implications for a Veterinary Nutrition Curriculum.

Extant research shows veterinarians face increasing challenges in discussing nutrition with clients despite receiving professional nutrition education in the veterinary medical curriculum. This article's aim is to elicit student veterinarians' baseline nutrition-related perceptions and nutrition information-seeking behaviors at the time of entering veterinary school. Participants were newly enrolled veterinary students at the Ontario Veterinary College (n = 120). Focus group discussions (n = 19) informed the design of an online questionnaire capturing students' demographics and perceptions of their own and their pets' nutrition. Students reported being influenced by individual factors (e.g., time), social networks (e.g., family), and surrounding environment (e.g., cost, contradictory media messages). Overall, 58% of students considered themselves knowledgeable about pet nutrition when commencing veterinary school, with 71% prioritizing their pets' diets as much as their own. Students' confidence in finding pet nutrition information was correlated with perceived accessibility (r = .76, p = .001) and perceived quantity of information available on pet nutrition (r = .83, p = .001), but not quality of information (r = .13, p = .03). In general, students relied on and trusted veterinarians for nutrition advice. However, 94% of students mistrusted pet food companies' motivations. Our data support that students entering veterinary school have their own perceptions on pet nutrition that impact nutrition education, suggesting this as an important consideration in the design and delivery of a veterinary nutrition curriculum. Veterinary medical faculty should be encouraged to discuss baseline nutrition information and address any misconceptions to prepare students for future consultations with clients.

A cross-sectional study of pet owners' attitudes and intentions towards nutritional guidance received from veterinarians.

BACKGROUND: Beliefs of pet owners strongly influence their decision-making surrounding their pets' diet. Thus, nutritional guidance is an essential component of veterinary practice and integral to managing rising rates of pet obesity. This study examined pet owners' trust of, perceived effectiveness of, and intentions to follow nutritional guidance received from their veterinarian in managing their pets' diet. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1402 dog and cat owners in the USA and Canada was conducted using an online questionnaire tool. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Clients are concerned about the effectiveness of veterinary nutrition recommendations. Cat owners were more likely than dog owners to consider the nutritional guidance they receive from veterinarians effective for their pets' diet (1.75, P=0.04). Length of pet ownership, feeding dry diets and frequency of veterinary visits were all positively associated with owners considering veterinary nutritional guidance to be effective in managing pets' diet. CONCLUSION: Identifying these perspectives can aid in developing strategies to provide nutrition support to pet owners to improve their perceptions of, self-efficacy with, and compliance with veterinary nutrition recommendations.

Corrigendum: The Complex Relationship Between Veterinarian Mental Health and Client Satisfaction.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00092.].

Readability and content of online pet obesity information.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the readability of pet obesity information, document the presence and absence of types of pet obesity information, and perform comparisons between dog and cat obesity information content on websites. SAMPLE: 68 websites containing pet obesity content. PROCEDURES: Websites were systematically retrieved with a search engine and predefined search terms and phrases. For each website, pet obesity information was scored by use of 2 established readability tools: the simple measure of gobbledygook (SMOG) index and Flesch-Kincaid (FK) readability test. A directed content analysis was conducted with a codebook that assessed the presence or absence of 103 variables across 5 main topics related to pet obesity on each website. RESULTS: The mean reading grade levels determined with the SMOG index and FK readability test were 16.61 and 9.07, respectively. Instructions for weight measurement and body condition scoring were found infrequently, as were nonmodifiable risk factors. There was a greater focus on addressing obesity through dietary changes than through increasing physical activity. Few websites recommended regular follow-up appointments with veterinarians. Weight management information and the emphasis on owners' commitment to achieve their pet's weight loss targets differed among dog- and cat-focused websites. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that pet obesity information on the studied websites was largely inaccessible to pet owners owing to the associated high reading grade levels. Readers of that information would benefit from clarification of information gaps along with provision of guidance regarding navigating online information and counseling on the importance of nutritional and dietary reassessments for individual pets performed by veterinarians.

Association of demographic, career, and lifestyle factors with resilience and association of resilience with mental health outcomes in veterinarians in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of demographic, career, and lifestyle factors with resilience and the association of resilience with mental health outcomes in Canadian veterinarians. SAMPLE: 1,130 veterinarians in clinical practice across Canada. PROCEDURES: An online questionnaire was used to collect participant data and included 5 validated psychometric scales to evaluate resilience (through the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale [CD-RISC]), perceived stress (through the Perceived Stress Scale), emotional distress (through the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), burnout (through the Maslach Burnout Inventory), and secondary traumatic stress (through the Professional Quality of Life Scale). A multivariable linear regression model was used to investigate associations between CD-RISC scores and demographic, career, and lifestyle characteristics. Univariable linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between resilience scores and other mental health outcomes. RESULTS: The strongest positive association was between CD-RISC score and overall health. The level of satisfaction with support from friends and workplace resources had positive associations with the CD-RISC score. The presence of mental illness had the strongest negative association with the CD-RISC score. Being married, working in a small animal practice, or having an associate role were negatively associated with the CD-RISC score. The CD-RISC score had negative associations with scores for perceived stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Models provided evidence for the role of resilience in protecting against negative mental health outcomes in veterinarians. Both personal and workplace factors were associated with resilience, presenting opportunities for intervention at each of these levels.

Exploring pet owners' experiences and self-reported satisfaction and grief following companion animal euthanasia.

BACKGROUND: While euthanasia is a common feature of veterinary practice, research has yet to adequately explore the experiences, perception and wishes of pet owners, including their satisfaction and grief following companion animal euthanasia. METHODS: An online questionnaire was conducted with pet owners who had experienced euthanasia within the last 10 years to explore the relationship between pet owners' experiences and their resulting satisfaction and grief following companion animal euthanasia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: Overall, participants (N=2354) reported high levels of satisfaction with their euthanasia experience. Their experience with the administration practices (i.e., payment and paperwork), emotional support, follow-up care and care for their pet's remains was found to be associated with overall satisfaction. Participants' grief was associated with the number of euthanasia previously experienced, the type of human-animal bond, if the euthanasia was emergent and the emotional support they received. CONCLUSION: Findings contribute to existing research and shed light on some of the most important practices associated with companion animal euthanasia. Several practical recommendations are made, including developing standard operating procedures for companion animal euthanasia; exploring owners' previous experiences, expectations and emotions; the importance of reassurance; and access to grief resources and services.

Exploring veterinarians' use of practices aimed at understanding and providing emotional support to clients during companion animal euthanasia in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: During companion animal euthanasia, support of clients is equally important as the medical care of the companion animal and requires a clear and developed understanding of clients' feelings, needs and expectations. Yet, veterinarians may not be fully exploring such topics. METHODS: A 65-item online questionnaire was developed and distributed to veterinarians (n=368) in Ontario to explore veterinarians' use of practices aimed at understanding and providing support during companion animal euthanasia. Measures included veterinarians' use of previously identified communication and support practices, empathy, years in practice and amount of time scheduled for euthanasia appointments. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. RESULTS: Veterinarians reported consistently providing emotional support but inconsistently implementing practices that may assist in enhancing their understanding of clients' expectations, previous or emotional experiences. Veterinarians' empathy scores, years in practice and the amount of time scheduled for euthanasia were positively associated with use of these practices. CONCLUSION: Providing adequate time (ideally >30 min) for euthanasia appointments may assist in efforts to understand clients' experiences, expectations and emotions, and provide support. Combining empathy, hands-on and self-care training in veterinary curriculum may also be valuable in improving the comfort level and skill of veterinarians in providing compassionate care.

The Complex Relationship Between Veterinarian Mental Health and Client Satisfaction.

A relatively high risk of poor mental health has been described among Canadian veterinarians, but no published studies have explored the impact that veterinarian mental health may have on veterinary clients and patients. In order to investigate the association between veterinarian mental health and veterinary client satisfaction, veterinarians were randomly sampled and recruited throughout southwestern Ontario, Canada, from November, 2017, through January, 2019. Sixty participating veterinarians completed an enrollment survey that included psychometric scales measuring resilience, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, emotional distress, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction. Nine hundred and ninety-five companion animal clients of these veterinarians were recruited in-clinic over 2-3 days and completed a post-appointment survey including the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. The associations between clients' satisfaction scores (as the outcome variable) and each of the veterinarians' mental health measures (as the explanatory variables) were assessed using separate, multilevel, multivariable linear regression models. The associations between client satisfaction and veterinarian mental health measures were non-linear and complex; in several of the models, relatively higher client satisfaction was unexpectedly associated with poor veterinarian mental health states, while lower client satisfaction was associated with mental health scores suggesting wellness. Given that client satisfaction may impact client adherence to medical recommendations, client loyalty, and business income, the association with veterinarian mental health may have broad implications and warrants further investigation.

A survey of veterinarian mental health and resilience in Ontario, Canada.

Our goal was to help address a lack of mental health research on Canadian veterinarians through estimation of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, burnout, and resilience in veterinarians in Ontario. We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey that investigated demographics, mental health, self-reported overall health, and satisfaction with sources of support. Validated, psychometric scales were used to measure depression, anxiety, burnout, compassion fatigue, and resilience. The mental health indices of participating veterinarians were in line with those of veterinarians in other regions, and reflective of poorer mental health compared to the general population. The scores for females tended towards poorer mental health relative to males. Reported levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress were of particular concern. These results can be used to support evidence-based interventions to help veterinarians and veterinary students build their resilience so that they may better thrive in the face of occupational stresses.

Enquête sur la santé mentale et la résilience des vétérinaires en Ontario, Canada. Notre objectif était d'aider à résoudre un manque de recherche en santé mentale chez les vétérinaires canadiens par une estimation de la prévalence de dépression, anxiété, fatigue de compassion, épuisement, et résilience chez les vétérinaires en Ontario. Nous avons mené une étude transversale en utilisant un sondage en ligne qui examinait les données démographiques, la santé mentale, l'état de santé général auto-rapporté, et la satisfaction avec les sources de soutien. Des échelles psychométriques validées furent utilisées pour mesurer la dépression, l'anxiété, l'épuisement, la fatigue de compassion, et la résilience. Les indicateurs de santé mentale des vétérinaires participants étaient conformes avec ceux de vétérinaires dans d'autres régions, et révélateurs d'une moins bonne santé mentale comparativement à la population générale. Les pointages pour les femmes tendaient vers une moins bonne santé mentale relativement aux hommes. Les niveaux rapportés d'épuisement et de stress traumatique secondaire étaient particulièrement inquiétants. Ces résultats peuvent être utilisés pour soutenir des interventions factuelles afin d'aider les vétérinaires et les étudiants vétérinaires à développer leur résilience afin qu'ils soient en mesure de mieux se développer vis-à-vis les stress occupationnels.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Prevalence of mental health outcomes among Canadian veterinarians.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of perceived stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, resilience, and suicidal ideation among Canadian veterinarians and compare results with those for other populations. SAMPLE: 1,403 veterinarians across Canada. PROCEDURES: The study represented a cross-sectional online survey. The questionnaire incorporated validated psychometric instruments to measure perceived stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, and resilience as well as questions regarding suicidal ideation. Means and relative proportions in categories of severity were compared between genders as well as with normative data for the general population and results for veterinarians in the United Kingdom. RESULTS: Approximately 10% of Canadian veterinarians (n = 1,403) completed the survey. Relative to the general population, survey participants had significantly higher mean scores for subscales of burnout and compassion fatigue, anxiety, and depression and significantly lower mean resilience. Relative to males, females had significantly higher mean scores for perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression and significantly lower mean resilience. Participants also had higher mean scores for anxiety and depression relative to results for United Kingdom veterinarians. The 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation for participants was 26.2%, which was substantially higher than the estimated prevalence for the general international population (2.1% to 10.0%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that the mental health of Canadian veterinarians was poor, compared with the mental health of the general population. These results should serve as a call to action for tools and educational programs directed at supporting veterinarian mental wellness in Canada, with special attention paid to the disparate needs of the genders.

The Perceived Importance, Emphasis, and Confidence in Veterinary Nutrition Education of First-Year Canadian and US Veterinary Students.

Veterinarians play a critical role in providing nutrition consultation and supporting clients to adopt healthy dietary habits for their pets; thus applicable, informative nutrition education in veterinary schools is essential. The aim of this study was to explore incoming veterinary students' perceived importance, emphasis, and confidence in the veterinary nutrition education they will receive. First-year veterinary students at all 5 Canadian and 5 randomly selected US veterinary schools were invited to complete a 31-item questionnaire. Response rate was 34.6% (n = 326). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were performed. While most students (92%) considered nutrition education to be an important component of veterinary training, 64% felt it will not be a subject of great emphasis. Veterinary students at schools with a board-certified veterinary nutrition faculty were more likely to perceive higher emphasis on nutrition education (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, academic self-efficacy was a positive predictor of students' perceived confidence in how well they anticipate their nutrition education that will prepare them for their clinical roles (p = 0.003). Examining the perceptions of veterinary students entering veterinary school is an important aspect to consider in the design and delivery of a veterinary nutrition curriculum and maybe equally important for students entering other professional health programs.

Impacts of the process and decision-making around companion animal euthanasia on veterinary wellbeing.

A qualitative study using group and individual interviews involving 10 veterinary hospitals in Wellington County, Ontario, explored how the practices involved in euthanasia-related care impacts the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. Thematic analysis indicated two major outcomes: the goal and desire of veterinary professionals was to facilitate a 'good death' for the companion animal and navigating the euthanasia decision process was more challenging than the actual event of performing euthanasia. When successful in achieving a 'good death' and navigating euthanasia decisions, participants reported feeling that their own sense of wellbeing and the veterinary client's sense of wellbeing were improved. When unsuccessful, participants reported experiencing a reduced sense of wellbeing, reduced job satisfaction, increased emotional strain and feeling that the client was also detrimentally impacted. For many participants, navigating euthanasia decision-making consultations was seen as a greater challenge and a greater contributor to a reduced sense of wellbeing than the act of euthanasia itself. These findings suggest that there is a need for greater attention and support for veterinary professionals, particularly when navigating euthanasia decision-making consultations. Additional training and resources on navigating euthanasia consultations may assist in improving the wellbeing for veterinary professionals and the companion animals and owners under their care.