Roosters can challenge chicken raisers. Beyond the crowing at odd hours, there’s the normal dominance behavior that translates to “rooster attack” for us humans. Beaks, flopping wings and spurs may be used when a rooster sees a person as an intruder. To a rooster, one who runs away, walks away, or hides is the loser. These behaviors are acts of surrender to him. Teaching … [Read more...]
Equine fact, equine myth
Not all information is created equal. Crowdsourced internet answers are now available with a simple spoken question, “Alexa, will my horse get enough water by eating snow?” The most frequent horse care myth topics include nutrition, cold weather and colic, writes Natalie Voss. She turned to the University of Kentucky Extension service for this fact vs. myth article. Source: … [Read more...]
The latest from VetFolio
New course options are available for purchase or registration: The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. Link. Dr. Kathleen Cooney guides a ten-module course, participants explore topics including pre–euthanasia and anesthesia protocols, euthanasia techniques, pharmacology and physiology, caregiver considerations, challenging situations, team support, and more. … [Read more...]
People foods OK for cats and dogs
Elizabeth Scott, Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott collaborated to write two articles about which people foods are okay for cats and dogs. Share these on social media, websites and in e-newsletters. Source: Modern Cat and Modern Dog, October 2018. Links below: 11 people foods for cats. Link. Get snack-tastic! Creative, healthy treats for cats. 10 people foods for dogs. … [Read more...]
Good manners make a difference in life and your career. Thank you!
Manners are the lubricating oil of any organization — or any society, for that matter. Good manners are not phony or forced. They are a habit that has been developed and nurtured so that they are an automatic response. The key to a good relationship at work can be as simple as saying “please” and “thank you”. . . Source: Star-Tribune, October 27, 2018. Link. Interpersonal … [Read more...]
Put your phone down (includes video)
Emerging research shows that even the simple presence of a cell phone, much less its glowing screen and constant beeps, interrupts our ability to connect. Though it may seem awkward and uncomfortable, our collective response to these behaviors will establish new norms of modern courtesy. Source: Ascend. Link. Consider setting rules for phone use during meetings. Agree to … [Read more...]
AQHA launches a new young-adult leadership development program
The American Quarter Horse Foundation announced a new program, AQHLead, designed for young adults, ages 19 to 34, to help support their development as young leaders in the equine industry. AQHLead grants of $5,000 will be awarded to 10 applicants for the inaugural class to offset participation costs. Participants will be partnered with a mentor from the American Quarter Horse … [Read more...]
AAHA expands accreditation to practice networks
Practice network accreditation refers to the accreditation of a single parent company that owns practices within a practice network. To achieve practice network accreditation, the company must have 90% of its practices accredited or pre-accredited by AAHA, with a goal of having 100% of its practices accredited. PetWell Partners was the first company to receive practice … [Read more...]
Be choosy about dog chews
Dog owners are constantly searching for safe chew items that satisfy their dogs’ instincts, keep their homes and possessions safe, and last longer than five minutes. That can be a tough order, especially with big dogs. The number of chew choices today are mind boggling—and not all of them are safe Source: Dogster, June 6, 2018. Link. There are no 100 percent totally safe dog … [Read more...]
Know what to expect when a cat is expecting
Whether it’s a deliberate mating or an accidental encounter, a cat guardian needs to know what to expect when their cat’s expecting. Mother Nature dictates the kittens will put in an appearance once they’re ready and not before, usually in 63 to 68 days. Cat-owning clients will appreciate this week-by-week view of feline pregnancy. Consider it for social media posts, … [Read more...]
VetFolio – Feline vaccination certificate course
VetFolio and Boehringer Ingelheim have teamed up to provide a certificate course open now for free access from November 7 - 28, 2018. This course reviews past vaccination guidelines, their purpose and how to continue creating better care for felines. The speaker covers an analysis of scientific results from prior vaccinations studies and looks at progressive solutions for … [Read more...]
Coffee breaks don’t boost productivity after all
Citing the results of her own research on productivity at work, Charlotte Fritz says the findings on microbreaks is counterintuitive but real. Nearly across the board, microbreaks that were not job-related, such as getting a glass of water, calling a relative, or going to the bathroom, didn’t seem to have any significant relationship to people’s reported energy (what we called … [Read more...]
Sorry for the delayed response
You will find this satirical look at our communication challenges amusing. Whether purposefully or accidentally, the challenges of delayed responses will remain. You’ll recognize some of Susanna Wolff’s examples. After reading this, review previous posts and consider options to improve email and text communications. Source: The New Yorker, March 16, 2017. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Vet professionals more likely to be hurt on the job than firefighters
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in the veterinary services profession were the second most likely to have nonfatal injuries in 2016, behind nursing and residential care workers and ahead of truss makers, police officers, and firefighters. About 12 percent of people in the veterinary services profession reported work-related injuries or illnesses—four times … [Read more...]
10 Excel functions everyone should know
The title says it all. Take a look to see if you can add to your spreadsheet skills. Harness just a few of these ten items, and you can transform your typical work day. Source: Harvard Business Review, October 10, 2018. Link. Whether you want to help justify data-driven business decisions at a high level, or simply get home to your family earlier, mastering the right Excel … [Read more...]
Fall leaves can be toxic to horses
As fall colors paint the countryside, remember that falling leaves can pose a potentially deadly threat to horses. Dr. Tania Cubitt reviews trees whose leaves are dangerous in this article sponsored by Standlee Forage. Source: Horse Network, October 10, 2018. Link. Do not dispose of your raked leaves into your pasture Also see: Red maple leaves dangerous for horses, Animal … [Read more...]
Cool stuff seen at World Dairy Expo 2018
The 52nd World Dairy Expo ended October 5. By all accounts, it was successful and full of promise. The Progressive Dairyman team assembled a collection of cool stuff from their experiences there. Some of these advancements may interest dairy clients and veterinary teams that service dairies. Source: Progressive Dairyman, October 9, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Read what fall vegetables are good for dogs
Melvin Peña reviews common fall vegetables and discusses their value and potential side effects when dogs eat them. Consider using this article in social media posts and seasonal e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, October 3, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Giant mosquitoes flourish in post-hurricane flood waters
Reports of giant mosquito sightings add to the confusion of dealing with post-hurricane damage,. Mosquito biologist Michael Reiskind explains why these gallinippers, often three times larger than normal mosquitoes, are showing up in the receding flood waters. Source: The Conversation, October 11, 2018. Link. The gallinippers belong to a genus of mosquitoes that specialize … [Read more...]
Go ahead. Talk to yourself; its normal and good for you
Our AHD team members are remote. We occasionally reference times when we catch ourselves talking to ourselves out loud. Talking to yourself is normal and is good for your mental health. That is, if you have the right conversations, writes Wendy Rose Gould. If we speak out loud, it forces us to slow down our thoughts and process them differently because we engage the language … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during the holidays with these tips
Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
Reclaim the lost art of handwritten thank-you notes
Bruce Weinstein shares three benefits of making a habit of hand writing thank you notes and a how-to guide too: Gratitude wows You’ll remain top of mind Monotasking is mindfulness in action Adding the practice of handwritten thank-you notes will take you to next-level success and help you make an even bigger difference in the lives of people you care … [Read more...]
19 veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and our animal health industry. Certification is provided by VHMA’s voluntary certification program that provides assurance of professional quality services. The exam is offered electronically to qualified CVPM candidates across North America. Source: VHMA, September … [Read more...]
Don’t wash farm-fresh eggs
While Salmonella infections are rare from any egg, Ana Hotaling sought expert advice about the safety of farm-fresh eggs compared to supermarket eggs with regard to Salmonella. That advice is summarized in these safety practices for those who raise their own chickens: Keep your coop clean Collect eggs frequently Do not wash your eggs Throw away cracked … [Read more...]
Help customers handle bulls safely
Bulls represent only two percent of the cattle population, yet they are responsible for more than half of farmworker fatalities and are considered the most dangerous of all domestic animals. Source: North Carolina Cooperative Extension, 2018: Link. Recognizing aggressive bull behavior and always being aware of their presence are important factors that can help keep farm … [Read more...]
Gait, lying down behavior and other factors influence dairy cattle lameness
It’s more than showing up with a limp. Lameness in dairy cattle costs productivity and economic losses. It affects other animal welfare factors including body condition, hock condition, and leg hygiene. Lameness may also influence resting and lying down behaviors as they seek comfort. Source: National Institutes of Health, November 2017. Link Gait changes and other behaviors … [Read more...]
Natural cat litters are gaining popularity
Among product segments that retailers dominate, the $3 billion litter category is projected to grow theee percent over the next five years. Clay litter sales remain strong, but new litters made from corn, grasses, coconut, hemp and even lavender are making their way into a growing natural, ecofriendly list of litter options. . . . consumers are leaning toward a natural litter, … [Read more...]
Talking about dogs and dreams
Like humans, dogs dream. Dog dreams likely summarize the day’s events and allow dogs the opportunity to process what they learn. I don’t think anyone can say for sure what dogs dream about but we can be fairly certain that they do dream,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. Source: Dogster, September 18, 2018. Link. What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things,” … [Read more...]