Increasing pet food prices have changed one aspect of pet food buying behavior for some pet owners. They are buying smaller packages of their preferred brands, saving money in the short term while missing out on bulk savings, according to NielsenIQ analysts. Source: Petfood Industry, September 8, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: For inventory managers the shift to smaller package … [Read more...]
Archives for September 2022
AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 17 (video)
The AKC offers 75 ways to be a responsible dog owner in this article that includes a video. Ideas range from initial pet selection to routine care and how to include various support networks in ensuring dogs are kept and maintained responsibly. Topics cover dog choice, ownership commitment, home preparation and house rules, establishing veterinary care, routine care, safety … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 12, 2022
Wearable tech trends for animals, inside aging dogs’ brains, premiumization of pet food continues to drive sales, dealing with cash shortages and funding, U.S. pet specialty businesses continue to see robust growth and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 12, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
You don’t have to be CEO to be a visionary leader
Commentary There are many layers of leadership in business and society. Animal health pros can lead by example when dealing with each other or with animal owners. Opportunities abound in smaller businesses to affect company direction, vision and help increase consistency among team members. In research for the HBR Leader’s Handbook, the authors identified three critical … [Read more...]
Employees, where are your manners?
Business etiquette is on the decline, according to those interviewed by writer Callum Borchers. He interviewed five business professionals who cite various reasons for the downturn, as well as potential negative consequences for poor manners. Potential hires, existing employees and hiring personnel share equal blame for the trend. Source: The Wall Street Journal, September … [Read more...]
YOU define your self-worth
Your job is one of the first aspects you share when introducing yourself. This ties our identities to what we do for a living. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, August 4, 2022. Link. Make sure you have a life outside of your job. INSIGHTS: Most people have multiple dimensions, and their career is just one of them. … [Read more...]
Oscar, blind, sees with his heart
Sometimes animal health pros need to stop and marvel at the animals we support and care for. A colleague shared this story and we’re sharing it with you. Sean Dietrich is a self-professed dog guy whose best friends all have fleas. He tells the story of meeting Oscar, a blind bluetick hound. You’ll enjoy it as much as we did. Source: Sean Dietrich, Facebook, September 11, … [Read more...]
988 – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicidal thoughts or actions can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Be aware of these resources. Call 988 immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. If you don’t want to talk on the phone, chat at 988lifeline.org Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a free, trained … [Read more...]
Walmart goes after the pet parent market with The Dodo partnership
Pet parent targeting continues to increase in the strategies of pet specialty retailers like Petco, Pet Smart, and Chewy who have learned that many pet owners seek to pamper their dogs and cats like beloved family members. Walmart is looking to expand its reach in the pet category with a collaboration with pet-centric media brand The Dodo, a division of Vox Media. In … [Read more...]
Chewy’s autoship sales hit all-time high in Q2
Commentary For almost 25 years, home delivery and autoship options have been available for veterinary hospitals. The recent Q2 report from Chewy shows the importance animal owners place on recurring shipments and online access to healthcare and food products. Avoiding a decision IS a decision . . . failing to decide IS also a decision.” Source: Pet Product News, September … [Read more...]
September is National Pet Health Insurance Month
National Pet Health Insurance Month is intended to promote the importance of health insurance for cats, dogs and other pets, debunk myths surrounding coverage and introduce pet insurance to those unfamiliar with it. Now is a good time to actively support pet insurance to help pet owners deal with inflationary trends. Recommending insurance in the interest of the pet is no … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 8, 2022
Last week’s most read post KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 1, 2022. Link. =================================== Leveling the parental-leave playing field Source: SHRM, June 6, 2022. Link. The lack of paternal leave-taking not only affects the well-being of new parents and … [Read more...]
Munching on meal worms
Some say plant-based meat alternatives have lost their hype. Meanwhile, scientists are working to develop another protein alternative using mealworms. Source: PORK, August 26, 2022. Link. Containing high amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and high-quality protein, insects can be considered both a nutritious and healthy food source, the article claims. Also … [Read more...]
What is the time, temperature needed to inactivate PRRSV, PEDV?
Using foggers in supply entry rooms for decontamination of fomites entering sow farms to mitigate risk is a common practice. However, recent research questions the efficacy of this method for pathogen inactivation, especially in complex situations where pathogens may be shielded by organic material or blind spots. In this study on time and temperature required for virus … [Read more...]
Choosing the right needle size to work cattle
Depending on the size of the animal, viscosity of the product and administration protocols, a variety of needles might be needed. Veterinarians at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share guidelines to help decide. Needle diameter, or gauge, varies depending on two factors: the size of the animal viscosity of the product Source: Drovers, September 2, … [Read more...]
Tips to minimize antibiotic use for mastitis
Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM, wants dairy producers to avoid immediately reaching for an antibiotic when mastitis flares up. She recommends taking a step back to analyze the situation. Antibiotic treatment of dry cows and of clinical mastitis cases accounted for greater than 75 percent of all antibiotic usage.” - Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 20, … [Read more...]
Ferrets provide rodent control in horse barns
Jagger and Slim Jim provide an unconventional form of rodent control at Amira Chichakly’s Saratoga barn. Source: Paulick Report, August 29, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Location, activities determine fall vaccine needs
Elizabeth Davis, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, presents the AAEP’s vaccine guidelines as fall approaches and horses get boosters or vaccines for the first time. She emphasizes the importance of core vaccines, plus evaluating risk-based inoculations based on lifestyle, geography, planned travel and more. Source: The Horse, August 25, 2022. Link. Consider all factors that keep horses … [Read more...]
Dynamics of gut microbiota development in the growing dog
As much as 70 percent of an individual dog’s immune system is in the gut and influenced by the microbiome. This review paper aims to provide an overview on the current knowledge of factors shaping the gut microbiota of young dogs. Evidence-based information is necessary to advise dog breeders and owners to promote a healthy microbiome and lifestyle in puppies*. Microorganisms … [Read more...]
Train dogs as if they were tigers
Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, asserts we should manage and train a dog as if it is a captive animal out of his element, because he is. She suggests pretending the dog is a tiger and to not expect dogs to know our human ways. Flipping that mental switch from dog to tiger makes owners smarter, kinder and more open to problem-solving. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 10, 2022. … [Read more...]
Meet the dog that learned to walk like a human
If you’re having a rough day or facing a tough challenge, don’t let either get to you. Instead, turn to Dexter the dog for inspiration. The Ouray, Colorado, Brittany Spaniel was hit by a car when he was a puppy. He lost one front leg and the other one was badly damaged. He moved with the help of a wheelchair for a while – until he didn’t. Source: CBS Evening News, July 8, … [Read more...]
2022 AAFP/EveryCat FIP Diagnosis Guidelines released
Feline infectious peritonitis is a viral disease that can affect any organ in the body, and it is caused by the feline coronavirus. In publishing these Guidelines, the AAFP and EveryCat aim to provide veterinarians with the essential information necessary to provide a FIP diagnosis in cats including characteristics and pathogenesis of FIP, as well as numerous diagnostic testing … [Read more...]
Test yourself on which dog shampoo to use
Knowing how and when various shampoo products for dogs are used can provide multimodal interventions and support therapies helpful for dermatologic treatments. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Help dogs lose weight
Nancy Kerns reminds us that when our dogs are overweight, it’s our fault. They don’t have any understanding of caloric intake and are dependent on us to access exercise. Therefore, their body weight and condition are completely up to us. Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 17, 2022. Link. Kern shares tips for owners to use to help dogs lose weight beginning with an accurate, … [Read more...]
Touring a veterinary hospital with Temple Grandin, PhD, Marty Becker, DVM (video)
Watch Temple Grandin, PhD, take an observational tour of a veterinary hospital with Fear Free founder Marty Becker, DVM. She describes what she sees, hears and experiences. Learn through Grandin’s firsthand observations to better see things from animals’ perspectives. . . . even small improvements can make a world of difference for cats and dogs.” Source: Fear Free, YouTube. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 5, 2022
Eco-friendly products from SuperZoo, Dolly Parton’s pet line, Bark’s pricing strategy, Petco launching fresh frozen pet foods, small business marketing ideas, veterinary hospitals facing staffing issues and more . . . Guide to IBPSA Flow Business conference is now available. Link. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Forget mentors. Build a circle of advisors.
Swap the term mentor for adviser, then build a circle of people with varying specialties who can support you throughout your career. Mimi Aboubaker shares her personal adviser scorecard which covers four categories that capture the most essential attributes you should consider in an adviser: Operating style: support type, engagement method and communication style … [Read more...]
The upside to dissatisfaction
Some people get addicted to the dramas and disappointments of life. It becomes part of their identities, says Gregg Vanourek. They use them to rile up their ego with outrage or grievance. It can give them a strange sort of satisfaction in the moment. But overall, they’re making themselves miserable for large swaths of their life. Last week Patrick T Malone’s post addressed … [Read more...]
Social workers finding a niche in veterinary field
Victoria Welland with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, reports on the emerging need for veterinary social work. The skills are applicable to pet owner grief, as well supporting veterinary staff with workplace stress and burnout. Source: CBC News via AVMA SmartBrief, September 2, 2022. Link. Our relationship to animals has evolved and now many people view their pets as … [Read more...]
Get to the point
And by the way, the point is the benefit that is important to your customer, not you.” Source: Vet Advantage, August 2022. Link. Avoid a data dump instead of an invitation to look at data is important to this practice. This behavior hopes something will resonate because the rep has no idea what is important in this practice INSIGHTS: In addition to reps, this applies to the … [Read more...]