Andrea S. Kramer and Alton B. Harris share findings from research for their book, It’s Not You, It’s the Workplace < link >. Their conclusion? There’s no evidence that there is more conflict at the office between women than there is between men or between different genders. . . . one’s sex has little or no bearing on personality, cognition and leadership.” – authors … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2020
The young don’t hold a monopoly on career potential
Women get hit harder than men when it comes to age discrimination. Mika Brzezinski and Ginny Brzezinski discuss age bias and the challenges women encounter. They call for a change in narrative and to reimagine the possibilities of mid- to late-career reinvention. Source: LinkedIn, January 10, 2020. Link. Ageism and particularly gendered ageism may be illegal, but it is hard … [Read more...]
Become an unforgettable boss
Google knows that people don’t leave companies; they leave bosses. But unlike most companies who wait around hoping for the right bosses to come along, Google builds each Googler the boss of their dreams. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, May 24, 2017. Link. They coach, and they move obstacles out of the way, even if their people put those obstacles there in the first place. … [Read more...]
Engage discipline to handle internal and external impatient customers
SmartPulse surveys, while non-scientific, offer some insight into our behaviors. This summary shares results of how survey participants deal with impatient customers. Source: SmartBrief, September 10, 2019. Link. One of the biggest challenges participants face is unexpected interruptions. When someone calls or drops by with something important to them, it’s tempting to put … [Read more...]
Pet insurance remains polarizing for many
Addressing the fear and reluctance found in many veterinarians and staff members, Wendy Hauser, DVM, summarizes key elements of pet insurance. Pet insurance is property insurance, not an accident and health product. Veterinary teams are allowed to endorse the idea that pet health insurance is a helpful tool in helping the client provide care for their pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Jet lag survival guide
Jet lag is considered a temporary sleep disorder and isn’t serious, shares Emma Dell. But it can be seriously inconvenient or uncomfortable. The human body isn’t built to travel long distances quickly. It needs time to make the proper adjustments to simple biological timekeepers. Dell offers tips to deal with jet lag. Source: The Discoverer Blog. Link. The general rule of … [Read more...]
Conference over. Whew! Back to work.
It was difficult to remain in Kansas City while so many friends, colleagues and customers attended VMX. The energy of the new year, major announcements and new approaches to old ways are exhilarating and yet exhausting at the same time. The plethora of conversations, sessions, new products and programs can be intimidating for some animal health pros or a dull headache for … [Read more...]
Good news for pets: January edition
LeAnn Germinder shares some high spots from our industry and VMX. There is even recognition for the Kansas City Chiefs’ effort to earn a spot to compete for Super Bowl LIV. Source: Good News for Pets, January 2020. Link. Noted are the AVMA Media Award to Steve Dale, an interview with DWAA's Carol Bryant and the VMX2020 announcement of Embrace and VMX Virtual. … [Read more...]
Yes. Your cat will eat you. Well, your corpse, that is.
Fluffy may nip at you during playtime but, drop dead and she’s likely to take a bite out of your corpse. They’ll start with the arm tissue, according to a recent paper by researchers from Colorado Mesa University’s Forensic Investigation Research Station. Remote cameras caught two cats returning to their preferred corpses (which were there for research) routinely for 35 nights … [Read more...]
Orange tabby cats: fun facts
All orange cats are tabbies, but not all tabbies are orange. Denise LeBeau shares why tabbies are 80 percent male, what the “M” marking is for and their loud personality among other facts. Source: Catster, January 15, 2020. Link. Morris and Garfield are just a few of the iconic orange tabby cats that are part of our culture’s collective cat consciousness. Beyond the bright … [Read more...]
5 ways to start brushing dogs’ teeth
Among the 2019 Top 10 from DVM 360, was a handout on how to start brushing teeth. It linked to GIFs in an article that demonstrate the steps shown in the handout. In-home oral care is step number 1 for better oral health care. Check out these tools. Use them on social media, in newsletters and during examinations. Source: DVM 360, FIRSTLINE. Handout: Top 5 ways to start … [Read more...]
Yeast infections, causes and treatments
Groomers are often the first to discover yeast infections in pets. Columnist Jonathan David shares information about it with his groomer audience. He talks about skin issues, pododermatitis (toes and nails) and issues with the ears and ear canals. Yeast infections can creep up at just about anytime it seems.” – Jonathan David Source: Groomer to Groomer, December 2019, page … [Read more...]
Cholecalciferol poisoning in dogs and cats
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for Vitamin D3. It is commonly found in everyday household products, shares Justin Lee, DVM. Products with this compound include rodent poisons, multi-vitamins, even psoriasis cream. Cholecalciferol can be highly toxic when accidentally ingested by dogs and cats. Lee shares how they are affected, as well as clinical signs, diagnostics, … [Read more...]
New AVMA guidelines for animal euthanasia
The 2020 guidelines feature the latest research, information and member input to provide veterinarians with science-based and sound guidance for relieving the suffering and pain of animals to be euthanized. This new version is the 9th edition since 1963 and updates the 2013 version. Source: AVMA, January 15, 2020. Link. The guidelines are intended to support veterinarians, … [Read more...]
Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets?
Some people think that because pets have fur coats they can stand freezing temperatures better than humans. But, pets are just as susceptible to hypothermia and other cold injuries as humans. Here are resources that can be used on social media and in newsletters. Pet owner reminder example: Do not let your pet stay outside for an extended period of time and make sure to … [Read more...]
Veterinary Study Groups selects Airvet as telemedicine provider
A new strategic partnership with VSG and Airvet offers options for independent veterinary practices to incorporate new technologies and implement telemedicine to meet the ever-changing expectations of their clients, according to Steve Curvey, VSG COO. Airvet intends to create new efficiencies in a practice’s daily workflow, while providing continuity of care for clients, all … [Read more...]
Make in-home oral health a priority for every pet
Sponsored by Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. Like vaccines and flea, tick and heartworm prevention, pet oral care has been identified for decades as a critical component of healthy pet management. Animal health pros know the effort it takes to support elements of preventative medicine. A product from AHD Sponsor Addison Biological Laboratory provides veterinary … [Read more...]
How sales is changing
Mike Shultz describes the evolution in the way sellers sell, the way buyers buy and what is required of sales leadership and enablement teams. He describes how sellers need to provide decision support for buyers. As change agents, tomorrow’s sellers help lead customers to think and act differently. In this context, his article is applicable to veterinary teams and retail … [Read more...]
Stress-free air travel tips
Cramped, chilly or hot, noisy planes can make air travel a real hassle. Consumer Reports offers some no- or low-cost tips to consider for your upcoming trips. Animal health pros who travel infrequently may find something to make the travel to upcoming conventions less stressful. Source: Consumer Reports, February 2020. Link. See information on air pressure, seat choices, … [Read more...]
20 questions for 2020
A modern version of the classic game, 20 Questions, can help clarify key accountabilities for each position within an organization. Used properly, this new edition helps deliver return on investment for an organization’s most important asset – its people. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. Coupled with assessments, it helps hire the right person to fit the role (question 19) … [Read more...]
New Labor Dept rule clarifies ‘joint employer’ standard
Does your business use outsourced services such as cleaning, maintenance or temporary workers? The Labor Department issued a final rule that clarifies when a worker is employed by more than one company. Source: Associated Press, January 13, 2020. Link. Taking effect on March 16, 2020, the new rule provides a four-part test to determine whether a company is a “joint … [Read more...]
Accommodating cows and calves, one birth at a time
Academics summarize animal behavior research from a recent conference and suggest ways to apply it in everyday dairy operations. Dairy producers and veterinarians will find their focus on behavioral preferences of cows ahead of calving, pros and cons of group pens and adjusting weaning practices to optimize cow-calf relationships interesting and worth considering by … [Read more...]
New USDA process-verified program, meat label to focus on responsible poultry, livestock care
One Health Certified < link > is expected to help U.S. poultry and livestock producers demonstrate their commitment to responsible antibiotic management without compromising the health and welfare of their animals. The USDA process verified program < link > establishes verified animal-production practices in five core areas: disease prevention, veterinary care, … [Read more...]
NPPC says CBS’ 60 minutes missed critical pig farming data in report
60 Minutes aired an episode January 5 questioning the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry and singled out the pork industry. The report failed to include the critical information Liz Wagstrom, DVM, shared about modern pork production. Source: PORK, January 6, 2020. Link. During the interview, the 60 Minutes report did not discuss pork producers’ adoption of … [Read more...]
Colic comes in many forms
Depending on a colic’s cause, treatment steps and prognoses can vary widely, writes Alexandra Beckstett. She breaks down colic cases by type—non-strangulating, strangulating and inflammatory. Source: The Horse, January 2020. Link. (article excerpt). Flank-watching or -biting, pawing, trying to roll, an elevated heart rate, a lack of gut sounds or bowel movements. While … [Read more...]
Cats and laser pointers: adjusting the use
The problem with laser pointers is that they lack an endpoint. Nothing is ever physically caught. Even if the cat is “successful,” there's no reward. Such pointless play, says John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB, can cause some cats to develop a compulsive disorder. Cat owners will find this video valuable. Post it on social media or link to it in newsletters. Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
Feist dogs of war, aid in rodent control
This post is not for the faint-hearted. Feist dogs are commonly thought of today as rat terriers but can be any small to medium-size dog that has a loud, spirited and feisty demeanor. The United Kennel Club recognizes feists, but the American Kennel Club does not. Chris Bennett reports on the dogs’ intensity when Jason Reed’s brace of feists he calls the Mongrol Hoard are … [Read more...]
On dog parks and urban landscapes
Alissa Greenberg provides a historical and developmental view of dog parks, cities and dog owners. Nowhere does she represent the real health issues that dog parks can perpetuate. Animal health pros understand the intra-species and zoonotic risks. We are well-suited to add value and perspective to issues of animal disease and safety issues for both pets and people. Source: … [Read more...]
Fear-free poop sampling
Gathering a poop sample doesn’t have to be stressful for the pet owner, writes Marty Becker, DVM. He reminds us that fecal sampling is good medicine and shares a simple, mess-free method of collecting them. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, December 10, 2019. Link. Some pet owners question the need for frequent fecal testing, but it’s important to understand that dogs and cats … [Read more...]
The dangers of ice melts
Two ounces of ice melt containing sodium chloride could kill a four-pound dog, according to Accuweather < link >. The main ingredient in most ice melt products is either sodium chloride or calcium chloride. Both can irritate a dog's paws or be harmful to the animal if ingested. Ice melts pose a problem with both oral ingestion and dermal contact.” - Pet Poison … [Read more...]