Opinion Pet food content consistently asserts the changing landscape of pet nutrition and how pet owners are seeking diets that parallel their own nutrition choices. Beyond brands, ingredients, kibble versus frozen, and fresh versus processed are among the considerations. Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ proper nutrition Too many dogs and cats are obese … [Read more...]
Archives for November 2022
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 14, 2022
Chasing customer loyalty, pet food trends driving growth, cost cutting for pet owners, pet services over $9 billion now, upcoming webinars and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Association of Shelter Veterinarians announces academic journal
Achieving a long-time goal, the ASV has launched the Journal of Shelter Medicine & Community Animal Health. The publication is the first academic journal devoted to shelter and community medicine and is a rolling admission online, gold open access journal. It will provide evidence-based research affecting the welfare of animals in shelters and communities for veterinarians … [Read more...]
How to become a better listener or how to stop talking so much
There is psychology behind why some people talk too much, says Brian Smith. For those prone to be talkers, he shares things to do to give others time to express themselves. Be mindful Stay curious Avoid speaking over others Learn to like the lull Keep pen and paper handy Source: Fast Company, October 9, 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: listener, … [Read more...]
5 ways to demonstrate leadership
Repeat after me. “Leadership is not a job title. Leadership is the skill to influence people to a common course of action.” Dan Hopmans shares five ways you can demonstrate your leadership. Source: Massaro Consulting, April 5, 2019. Link. Managing expectations shows your ability to see the big picture, that you understand the outside forces and complexities of even simple … [Read more...]
The power of one act of kindness
Long checkout lines, two kids and a full cart . . . the lady in front of me saw I had only two items, my dog on a leash and cash in hand. Smiling, she offered to let me go ahead of her, wishing me a good day. Researchers who synthesized results from 88 experimental studies suggest our acts of kindness and generosity, online or offline, can have meaningful ripple effects in … [Read more...]
Vet Watch trends. Do these concern you?
Commentary The latest Vet Watch trend tracking begs attention. Note the metric showing a reduction in the number of clients. It is an area where practices and the animal health pros who serve them can focus actionably. Returning clients and their pets to an active status requires individual communication supported by client base communications. Start with your own staff, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 10, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 3, 2022. Link. 50 therapist-approved tips to stave off holiday stress Source: PARADE, December 6, 2021. Link. For many, the holiday season is particularly difficult. The pressure to show up a certain … [Read more...]
Selecting the RIGHT replacement heifers (audio recording)
Selecting replacement heifers is expensive and time-consuming, writes Lindsey Sawin. Knowing the breeding objectives for a producer’s herd may be the most challenging part of the process. Sawin shares some parameters and tools commercial cattlemen can use to select the right females for their operation including: EPD: expected progeny differences CED: calving ease … [Read more...]
Pigs may help treat, prevent diseases in humans
2019 Png vectors byLovepik.com Scientists at the National Swine Resource and Research Center at the University of Missouri have become the go-to source for genetically modified pigs. The animals are used by researchers across the U.S. to study various diseases that affect humans. The work is categorized as translational medicine where therapies and treatments … [Read more...]
Training pack goats
Goats are almost the most ideally suited animal for packing, says Jaclyn Krymowski. Their moderate frame size and cloven hooves mean they can access rugged places horses and mules can’t. Plus, they have a natural walking pace like people. As browsers, they leave less environmental impact behind them. Source: Backyard Goats, October 5, 2022. Link. Pack goats are not limited … [Read more...]
Horse owners’ survival guide for fall and winter
It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom until March, asserts this author. She shares resources to help horse owners and their horses get through winter . The article contains links to relevant ideas and activities: 15 steps to ride in an hour. Link. A winter spa day when its too cold for bath. Link. Curing winter boredom with barn aisle exercises. Link. Source: … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of orthobiologics in horses
Orthobiologics* appear to be key tools in improving equine health and welfare, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, summarizing a presentation at the September Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. All orthobiologics use the body’s natural physiologic processes to reduce inflammation and facilitate the repair of injured tissues. Oke shares key concepts … [Read more...]
Hay type, net position affect force on horses’ necks
Researchers studying the use of hay nets concluded horses must exert a lot of force to pull and eat hay from them. This could have detrimental effects on neck muscles, as well as on horses’ dental health in the long run, they said. Source: Paulick Report, November 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
HPAI wipes out 49 million birds in backyard and commercial flocks
Biosecurity is critical to avoid highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks. While infected migratory waterfowl and their droppings are frequently blamed as the cause, human-mediated spread remains significant requiring continuous biosecurity vigilance. Fully committing to biosecurity is crucial to shut down HPAI in the layer industry.” In March 2022, Carol Cardona, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Rabbit body language and behavior
Melissa Witherell, DVM, shares a glossary of terms for rabbit behavior and body language. We wondered if we could construct a short story to share how a rabbit owner might explain their bunny’s behaviors. We’ll use Rosey as the bunny’s name. Rosey had been in her rabbit hutch for several days with only feed and water interactions from the neighbor who cared for her while we … [Read more...]
Tail docking . . . the debate continues
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares information about tail docking and its pros and cons. Tail docking is generally done only to meet breed standards for some purebred dogs. AAHA and the AVMA have issued statements that oppose tail docking: AAHA statement, updated June 2021. Link. AVMA statement. Link. Article, 2008. Link. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November 4, 2022. … [Read more...]
Home alone, but for how long?
Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, takes issue with the time-accepted rule that cats will be okay alone for 24 hours. There is an increasing understanding today about the social needs of even seemingly aloof cats, she says. Cats cope with whatever their environment is, but it’s not optimal to have no dedicated play and social time within even just one 24-hour period.” Source: Tufts … [Read more...]
Dog, cat owners and veterinarians differ on pet obesity
A survey of dog and cat owners by the Association for Pet Obesity shows the challenges of pet obesity and owner education although most owners see obesity as a disease. Veterinary clinics remained the most frequent choice for pet dietary recommendations among pet owners at 41.4 percent Dog and cat owners second-most frequent choice for the best source of pet food advice … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?
Contains Commercial Content* Dawn dishwashing liquid may not be the best option to use for bathing your pets. Two experts offer advice about using Dawn soap to clean dogs. We noted the following: Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice in rare circumstances but is not recommended as a regular shampoo. Dawn is great for degreasing if your pet is exposed to oil or … [Read more...]
Turtles in demand as pets, leading to a spike in poaching
Swimming in two plastic bins inside a brightly lit and sterile quarantine room at a Rhode Island zoo, 16 quarter-sized turtle hatchlings represent a growing worry for conservationist Lou Perrotti. Source: Idaho State Journal, November 9, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
They don’t know what they don’t know
Writing for a groomer audience, Cliff Faver, DVM, reinforces the primary reasons for pet owner education: to get the best results. . . . if you recommend the client brush their dog, then educate them, show them the correct way and provide the right tools and products for success . . . it is good to revisit everything at the next appointment in case they have questions or … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
Pet friendly locations offer help so dogs aren’t home alone
Taking dogs out and about helps improve their mental stimulation. A growing number of retail locations offer pet friendly access to myriad new sights and smells for dogs. The author reminds pet owners to call stores for their policies and to do a reality check. If dogs aren’t good in crowds, or aren’t the most well-behaved on a leash, a few training classes are in order before … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 07, 2022
Pet spending at the veterinary clinic, growth in death care business for pets, David Frei shares concerns for pandemic puppies, pet care industry’s role in senior care, keeping employees happy, tips for small business finance in 2023 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 07, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How technology can make work harder
Citing the smorgasbord of software needed to do any task these days, Hope King uses terms like toggling tax and digital dexterity to explain how tech advancements have come at mental and sometimes emotional costs along with declining productivity among knowledge workers. Source: AXIOS, November 7, 2022. Link. One Harvard Business Review study suggests workers are switching … [Read more...]
9 ways men can (and should) help close the gender gap (video)
Stav Ziv shares ways men can become better allies to women in the workplace. Her assertions are based on a conversation and a book by Joanne Lipman. It’s hard to notice all the ways gender impacts work if you’re not the one experiencing them, she says. Men need to see this as their issue, too . . . women aren’t going to solve the gender gap problem on their own.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Thank you notes help you and the recipient
Sending a thank-you note expresses gratitude for a person's time and effort. Source: AXIOS, October 30, 2022. Link. Thank you notes are appropriate for many business occasions and should not be limited to just interviews.” INSIGHTS: While email thanks are okay, a handwritten note will help you stand out. … [Read more...]
A complete guide to U.S. vet tech associations
There are an estimated 120,000 veterinary technicians in the U.S. Galaxy Vets has assembled a list of associations that promote vet technician education, accreditation, fund scholarships, lobby for benefits and more. This article outlines labor statistics, wages and association benefits. Veterinary technicians and technologists, collectively known in the industry as Vet Techs, … [Read more...]