Includes Commercial Content Owning and keeping horses healthy requires a significant commitment beyond time to train and ride. Alayne Blickle shares the importance of an integrated, multitiered insect control plan to combat flies, mosquitoes, midges and other insects that create nuisance and health issues for horses and their owners. Source: The Horse. Link. A successful … [Read more...]
Physics of how cats almost always land on their feet
Felines exploit the physical laws of classical mechanics: by placing their front paws close to their body, they reduce their moment of inertia, writes Manon Bischoff. He also shares the physics scientists used to explain acceleration and velocity as the falling distances change for cats who are built to contort and land on their feet. Source: Scientific American, July 24, … [Read more...]
Zoetis names 10 pet shelters receiving Apoquel® grants
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis For Shelters is a program that connects animal shelters with animal care through savings on Zoetis’ products to help save more pets. Acknowledging the 10th anniversary of Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet), a grant program was announced in May for shelters that met eligibility criteria, including an annual intake of at least 100 dogs and … [Read more...]
SUPERZOO’s new logo represents business with fun
We are delighted to unveil SUPERZOO’s new logo, which perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of the event and our dedication to continually elevate the pet retail experience.” - Mike Karsting, WPA Source: Pet Business, August 15, 2023. Link. SUPERZOO is underway August 15th through 18th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. … [Read more...]
Animal rights groups bring in more than $800M annually
Nearly one-third of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger, according to reports from the Animal Agriculture Alliance.* The major animal rights extremist groups like PETA are effective fundraisers and acquire millions of dollars annually to support lobbying efforts, public relations campaigns and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 14 , 2023
Animal actors idled by Hollywood strike, pet expense inflation growth, cost-cutting strategies during slow economy, overcoming small business challenges and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Tale of two work-life preferences
Referring to a recent Gallup survey, Julia Lyons-Ryle opines on balancing expectations and communication for two categories of workers, the splitters and the blenders. Splitters prefer a clear separation between work and life, while blenders would rather blend work and life throughout the waking hours. Managers need to set clear expectations with employees so the working world … [Read more...]
Understanding the role of the practice manager
Carolyn Becker CVPM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CVT, brings her own experiences to this overview of the complexities of being a veterinary practice manager. She asserts the role of a practice manager varies wildly between hospitals, and from day to day. Plus, any task that does not clearly fall to someone else usually lands on the practice manager’s shoulders Balancing the needs of the … [Read more...]
Climate connections
Across our planet, animals and the diseases they carry are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz, writes Zoya Teirstein. She shares concerns about a warming planet, pathogens and diseases. Source: AP, Grist, July 18, 2023. Link. Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz. And they’re not alone: Ticks, … [Read more...]
Speaking of feral hogs. Watch this!
A trucker shared his experience with a large sounder of feral hogs south of Altus, Oklahoma! Drivers beware. Source: KWTV - NEWS 9 via Facebook, August 8, 2023. Link. (0:19) … [Read more...]
Summer bugs cost farmers and ranchers
Bug populations reach their high points this time of year. Cassandra Olds, PhD, shares the economic costs of various pests, current control methods, pesticide resistance and reminds us that sanitation is key. Summer flies, grubs, bots, deer flies, ticks, plus mosquitoes can create all sorts of problems for livestock producers. Source: Successful Farming, July 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Heat, humidity kill hundreds of U.S. cattle during world’s hottest month
Hundreds of cattle died from extreme heat and humidity in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska in late July. Kansas State University updated an online weather tool, Kansas Mesonet, in June to use National Weather Service forecasts to predict comfort levels for cattle a week ahead of time because day-of weather warnings are too late. They just couldn't handle the extra stress of the heat … [Read more...]
Genomic study links whorls and behavior in horses
Scientists have found a possible genetic link between whorls and behavior in Quarter Horses. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares findings from a study of the association between facial hair whorl characteristics and behavioral responses to a fearful stimulus in horses. Source: The Horse, April 3, 2023. Link. It has been reported that horses with whorls above the eye line are … [Read more...]
Does cuddling lead to better-behaved dogs?
Scientists refute the notion that all canine moms provide the appropriate nurturing needed to produce healthy and well-adjusted puppies. Stanley Coren, PhD, shares research showing the differences in pups from dams that spent a lot of time touching, manipulating and caring for their pups compared to others that were more inattentive. . . . a puppy with a high frequency of … [Read more...]
Bug spray with DEET is NOT safe for dogs (video)
When dogs are exposed to DEET whether it is through their skin or if they ingest it by licking their fur or licking where you’ve applied the spray, it can cause wobbly walking, shakes, seizure, diarrhea and vomiting.” - Cristine Hayes, DVM, DABT, DABVT Source: News19, August 3, 2023. Link. DEET is so dangerous for pets, the ASPCA recommends removing pets from the area when … [Read more...]
In 1975, a cat co-authored a physics paper
August 8th was International Cat Day. Cat owners around the globe celebrated the often puzzling furry felines. Jack H. Hetherington, PhD, had a cat in 1975 that became a coauthor to a renowned physics paper. Editing the final draft it was discovered he had used “we” instead of “I”. Unwilling to go back and replace the plural voice in the document, he did the next best thing. He … [Read more...]
Super Zoo schedule set for August 15th through 18th
North America’s largest pet retail event in Orlando, Florida, will draw as many as 20,000 attendees and more than 1,100 exhibitors. Produced by the World Pet Association, it is a comprehensive marketplace to debut products, reveal bestsellers, as well as management and e-commerce solutions for pet retailers. Source: World Pet Association. Link. Includes video (0:46) With … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 7, 2023
Postbiotics making inroads in pet foods and supplements, AI use by European pet techs, bonus programs for small business, approves new label regulations for pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Viticus Group announces time-sensitive WVC Annual Conference early registration price
Complimentary Commercial Content Early registrants for the 2024 WVC Annual Conference can take advantage of a limited time $96 registration price. Registration sales open on September 6th. The 96th WVC Annual Conference will be held February 18th through February 21st, 2024 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Source: Viticus, WVC press release, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 20th AHD Bulletin – 6 signs YOU are the bully at work. Link. 12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes. Link. Goal setting made easy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
New antibiotic regulation shines a light on the need for veterinarians
It has been almost 60 days since USDA’s GFI #263 rule on over-the-counter antibiotics was implemented. The key elements are establishing a VCPR and obtaining a prescription. Courtney Love interviewed two veterinarians to see how the rules change has impacted their practices noting the need for rural veterinarians. Source: Successful Farming, July 28, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Addressing relentless licking by dogs
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, addresses excessive licking in dogs in this article worthy of sharing with dog owners whose pets are always using their tongues. A dog’s relentless licking is most frequently related to pain, illness, or injury, but it also could be his way of exploring the world or just telling you he cares about you.” - Debra M. Eldredge, DVM Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Texas study finds alarming rate of heartworm in cats
A study conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas revealed the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats. The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the region to detect the presence of heartworm infection. Using multiple analysis tools the results were alarming: 18 percent of the shelter cats tested … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to launch Bright Minds UK award at London Vet Show
The first Bright Minds UK award this year will be awarded at the 2023 London Vet Show. This distinguished honor recognizes the brightest minds, wellness champions and game changers in veterinary medicine, shared Catherine Haskins. In partnership with the London Vet Show, VetCT and IDEXX, the prestigious award will celebrate innovation in the field of veterinary … [Read more...]
Pet treat sales in 2022 fueled by inflation, not volume
Packaged Facts analysis shows the pet treat market is slowing despite the popularity of treats. The group projects the pet treat market will continue to grow over the next five years capitalizing on key opportunities including: value-positioned treats treats for cats treats featuring alternative proteins U.S. retail sales of pet treats reached $11 billion in … [Read more...]
Furniture pros pick furniture cats are less likely to scratch
Despite well placed scratching posts, many cats are clever about finding alternatives to them, writes Catherine Holm. Curious, she engaged furniture professionals to identify the most durable furniture materials for cat owners’ homes. Consider sharing this article with cat owners on social media and in newsletters. Other articles exist in the AHD archives*, including … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 31, 2023
Target, CoComelon launch pet-centered toys and videos for toddlers, Chewy’s Katy Nelson, DVM, profit tips for small business owners, business insurance basics, shifting to digital payments and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Taking a vacation improves your well-being. Here’s how.
The bottom line is that employees and employers benefit mentally, physically and spiritually from vacation. Making sure your people and you regularly take time off is key to creating a more sustainable workplace with healthier, happier employees, writes Rebecca Zucker. . . . every year more than half of Americans give up paid time off . . .” Source: Harvard Business Review, … [Read more...]
Weight stigma infiltrates work
There's an economic cost to not being thin and it is present at every stage of the employment cycle, writes Erica Pandey. She says studies show weight discrimination affects women more than men. Discrimination based on body size is largely left out of diversity and inclusion training, and overlooked in employment law, although she says some policy changes have begun. For an … [Read more...]
Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™
Complimentary Content Covetrus announced the expansion of GreatPetCare July 20th. Access to GreatPetCare is offered for free to veterinarians and their clients in the U.S. to help enable vet practices' ability to realize workflow efficiencies, improve outcomes and enhance animal owners’ experiences. . . . 64 percent of pet parents consider veterinarian-recommended … [Read more...]