Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health
Findings from the fourth edition of Merck's wellbeing study indicate the stigma around mental health issues has lessened, more people who need it are seeking help, and more resources are available to create psychologically safe workplaces. Topics covered by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study IV included well-being, burnout, and mental health; the role of … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
Survey: Producers still need parasite education.
Parasite prevention plans are important year-round and require continual reinforcement, assessments and planning. Results of a national survey of beef producers and beef veterinarians exposed gaps in knowledge and, maybe more importantly, a lack of urgency. We noted references resembling the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” mindsets instead of best planning and … [Read more...]
Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare
A recently completed study by Canadian veterinary researchers considered how to improve the lives of animals in agricultural systems. Using dairy cattle, dairy veterinarians and veterinary students, the study focused on minimizing negative experiences, according to study authors who set out to see where veterinarians influence the promotion of positive welfare experiences for … [Read more...]
AVMA, AAEP release veterinary team, client relationship resource for equine practitioners
The newly released Effective Equine Care Guide outlines and describes complementary behaviors veterinary teams and clients can expect from one another to drive mutual trust and respect by building an inclusive environment for the best care of horses. Setting clear expectations on both sides, the single-page guide outlines matching expectations for veterinary teams and … [Read more...]
Home alone? Tips to keep dogs entertained when everyone is gone.
Separation anxiety is a common dilemma for dog owners. Amber L. Drake shares tips to keep dogs busy and mentally stimulated while home alone. Consider including the article in newsletters or social media posts along with behavior management services or products you recommend when appropriate. Source: LoveToKnow, September 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet owner handout emphasizes the importance of pet oral health
Reinforcing the importance of home care and oral exams by veterinarians, this handout is built as a take-home to reinforce discussions in the veterinary hospital or for use in newsletters or social media. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2024. Link. The handout refers to different types of oral care products for at-home use and refers to the VOHC lists of approved … [Read more...]
AAFP announces new chronic pain educational toolkit
Developed by individuals at the forefront of treating pain in domestic cats, the AAFP Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit provides veterinary professionals with an easy-to-access and easy-to-use resource for understanding, diagnosing and managing chronic pain in cats. It adds to existing resources and provides guidance on improving the quality of life for cats with chronic … [Read more...]
13 things dogs hate that humans do (video)
Inconsistencies, forcing dogs into uncomfortable situations, changing food too quickly and ignoring dogs’ health needs are included in the items in this informative video. Use video content like this to engage pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Add assertive comments or pet care reminders from your own hospital or pet services business. For example: “Puppy classes … [Read more...]
Environments cats find friendly
A cat’s behavioral responses are directly related to its emotions. A cat-friendly environment minimizes the cat’s protective emotions and improves the experience for the cat, the caregiver, and the team, writes Kelly St. Denis MSc, DVM, DABVP, who focuses on the veterinary hospital in this article. The information is also applicable to boarding, daycare and pet services … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 4, 2024
Petflation outpacing national inflation rate, Door Dash to deliver pet supplies, nurturing vendor relationships for growth, little things that count, AI in small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 4, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Survey: The best 3 things to say when offering support
About 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 76 were surveyed to find the expressions of support they most appreciate hearing. Three simple phrases topped the list of words they like to hear: “I’m proud of you,” “You’ve got this,” and “I believe in you.” Source: Nice News, March 2, 2024. Link. Also see: Empathy – the secret sauce, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Overcome the stigma and move forward when older and unemployed
Ofer Sharone, J.D., PhD, shares the stigma of unemployment for educated professionals in the middle or end of their careers. He discusses the perceptions employers have regarding the length of unemployment, being seen as over-qualified and age-biased. Source: Yahoo! Finance, February 17, 2024. Link. Assumptions that drive age bias have been rebutted by research . . . we … [Read more...]
Longevity’s secret
Many people don't put thought and intent into optimizing the one thing most do more than anything else . . . work. Source: AXIOS, February 22, 2024. Link. Worldwide sixty-two percent of employees are indifferent to their work lives. Eighteen percent are downright miserable. INSIGHT: Note the quote from Hal Buell obituary, “I had the greatest job in the whole … [Read more...]
9 pet companies listed as fastest-growing U.S. private companies by region
Inc. magazine’s 2024 Regionals list honors the fastest-growing privately held U.S. companies by region over a two-year period which includes emerging veterinary hospitals, pet franchises, pet insurance and other product manufacturers. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Fire doesn’t discriminate. Neither do these vets.
Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients
ICYMI. Ordering online is rapidly becoming an expectation. Already, convenience is table stakes. Malinda Larkin shares takeaways from survey results presented by Brakke Consulting. The survey looked at consumer preferences and behaviors in pet medicine purchasing, customer satisfaction with different channels and service expectations, and the competitive landscape versus major … [Read more...]
Decontamination guidelines for dogs developed by Texas A&M VET
A newly developed set of protocols from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team aims to educate disaster management teams across the country about the kinds and quantities of resources needed to clean external contaminants, such as toxic chemicals, off dogs. Providing information about other common pet species … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
Employee Appreciation Day is March 1st
Employee appreciation is directly tied to job satisfaction. Various sources indicate more than one-third of employees say personal recognition would encourage them to be more productive. The articles here share various ideas to celebrate employees. It is crucial to avoid giving the impression that your expressions of employee appreciation are merely perfunctory gestures … [Read more...]
Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, debate the role of the veterinary team when it comes to pet owner education and discuss if pet insurance is an obligation. Their consensus: Pet insurance is not an obligation. Educating pet owners on the lifetime costs of veterinary pet care is important. Source: Veterinary Breakroom, Clinician’s Brief. February 2024. … [Read more...]
Veterinarians launch pet treats and chews certification program
In an industry where pet owners seek the best for their furry companions, VetEvaluated aims to be a trusted authority, offering a rigorous certification process that involves expert evaluation by experienced veterinarians. Current certification is available for consumable pet treats and chews at this time. VetEvaluated Certification assessments cover: Digestibility … [Read more...]
Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Assistant Scribe programs launched to enhance pet care
The American Healthcare Documentation Professionals Group introduces the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Assistant Scribe online training programs. They are designed prepare learners for careers in veterinary medicine. Participants will gain insights about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets … [Read more...]
The role of technology in reducing stress for cats in veterinary medicine
Innovative solutions are emerging to minimize stress and create a more comfortable experience for cats during veterinary visits writes Craig Wallace. He shares the potential of incorporating telemedicine, AI, calming interventions, and other innovative solutions. With these, veterinary professionals can create a more compassionate and stress-free environment for cats, … [Read more...]
Chatfields and Joseph J. Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, share updates on using hemp, CBD for pets
Commercial Content included It seems everyone is talking about hemp and CBD for pets and there are several considerations for veterinarians. Studies are showing CBD and CBDA can be helpful in certain conditions common to pets and potentially with livestock. Topics include pain, stress, anxiety, inflammation, itching plus dosing and quality issues with so many sources of … [Read more...]
Social studies for dairy calves
The best way to house dairy calves has been a recurring discussion topic over the last decade or so among dairy producers. With industry standards changing faster than ever, the idea of paired housing has been getting more consideration. Not a new topic, a post from 2016 referenced a Journal of Dairy Science study on paired housing benefits <Link>. In this article, … [Read more...]
Help producers transition to beef on dairy with these tips
CattleFax predicts U.S. beef-on-dairy cattle numbers will reach between 4 million and 5 million head as early as 2026. That translates to roughly 15 percent of the cattle harvested annually. Mitch Hockett, PhD, says veterinarians can help producers establish the value of beef-on-dairy calves and continue that long-term in the industry. Hockett outlined four key steps and … [Read more...]
Shifting feeding time may influence calving labor
The time of day when females are fed can influence when they go into labor. Writing about elements of calving, Kacie McCarthy, PhD, said producers can shift their feeding time to between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., two to three weeks before calving and females will give birth more often during the daytime. She writes several studies have shown this can shift calving time to between … [Read more...]
Seeing more pets with marijuana/THC intoxication?
The legalization of marijuana in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico for medicinal or recreational use has given more pets access to THC-containing products. It can happen to any pet owner as we referenced in a recent post <Link>. Tina Wismer DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, shares current information to help veterinary teams deal with THC intoxication … [Read more...]