Janet Garman shares what to know when buying baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies. There is a lot to consider before making an impulse decision. Those cute little balls of fluff are a lifetime commitment, at least the expected lifetime of the animal.” – Janet Garman Source: Backyard Poultry, March 29, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article on social media and in … [Read more...]
Guard donkeys, an experiment in the defense against wolves
Colorado ranchers and wildlife advocates are carefully watching Don Gittleson’s experiment with donkey as defenders. He would prefer to shoot the wolves which is illegal under federal and state law. The hope is the donkeys will make his herd a tougher target for local wolves. Source: CPR News, March 23, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Large breed dogs and llamas have been used for … [Read more...]
First cloned Przewelski horse preserves rare breed
The Przewelski horse was native to central Asia. Also known as the Mongolian wild horse, the cloning of Kurt, a stallion, will add diverse DNA to a small remaining population. Source: Wild Horse and Burro Diary, Fall 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Poor saddle fit, shoeing-related problems, even riders can cause horse lameness
Farrier Steve Kraus shared perspectives on how lameness, gait faults, shoeing problems, and even personality problems can occur from poor saddle fit. He also writes riders can cause some of the same issues, even in a correctly fitted saddle. Source: Paulick Report, April 8, 2022. Link. . . . <horses> should not carry more than 30 percent of the horse's body weight.” … [Read more...]
Why cats’ eyes glow in the dark
The same thing that makes their eyes glow helps cats see better in dim light, writes Braidee C. Foote, DVM. Domestic cats can see in conditions that are only 16 percent as bright as what people require. Eyeshine comes from a tapetum lucidum located in the back of the eye behind the retina. It is a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention: language influences care (video)
The language of care resources from the AVMA are featured in AAHA’s NEWStat. The first article includes a video with role plays of a heartworm client seeking a refill without a heartworm test. The second focuses on the language of care survey results and provides a downloadable ebook to help veterinary team members speak to pet owners in a way that helps them hear and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 11, 2022
Pet retailer’s guide to animal healthcare, OSHA resources required, wearable pet tech, pet industry advocacy, work force issues and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 7, 2022
Last week’s most read AHD posts How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== Feral pigs are biological time bombs. Can California stem their ‘exponential’ damage? Source: Los Angeles Times, April 1, … [Read more...]
Controlling parasites in sheep and goats
The development of dewormer resistance to nearly all three available anthelmintic classes is common in sheep and goats. Resistance has risen due to anthelmintics being used often, rotated too frequently, underdosed or using the cattle labelled dose. Sheep and goats metabolize the dewormer quicker than cattle, so their dosage is higher than cattle. Resistance makes control … [Read more...]
Kinesiology tape might improve horse propulsion, core strength
"Already recognized as having potential therapeutic benefits in human athletes, kinesiology tape might be more effective in horses than in people.” - Sophie Biau, PhD Source: The Horse, April 5, 2022. Link. Whether in horses or humans, scientists suspect kinesiology taping on the skin might stimulate the fascia—connective tissue surrounding the muscles—as well as the … [Read more...]
Allergy infographic provides step-by-step visual guide
Complimentary Sponsored Content To keep allergy-prone horses comfortable requires figuring out the causes of his reactions and working to avoid them. The infographic shared here is a step-by-step visual guide suitable for sharing in person, on social media and newsletters. Allergy avoidance is most likely less expensive than treating the allergy. In either case, cause … [Read more...]
Equine tongue wounds are more common than most people realize
It’s good to be aware of the many ways a horse can injure his tongue. Often, injuries are not discovered until some other issue requires a oral exam. Bleeding is the most immediate sign of a tongue injury, but you may not see a lot of blood. Bruce Connally, DVM, and Tia Nelson, DVM, share the ways tongue injuries happen, tongue anatomy and how to recognize tongue injury side … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 4, 2022
Women powering the pet industry, top social media marketing tips for small businesses, PIJAC gets a new name, Brian Garish’s rags to riches story and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
5 ways to combat your imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome has been discussed for years. Many think they're never good enough. This belief leads them down an unhealthy path towards inferiority complex and low confidence. The author shares ways to combat imposter syndrome and boost self-confidence. A recent study found that up to 82% of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their life.” Source: My Vet … [Read more...]
Pet owners unleashed: Veterinarians reflect on the pandemic’s darkest days
Two years have passed since the Covid pandemic began. Clinician’s Brief honors the strength and resilience of veterinarians through stories shared in their own words. Masks, curbside, impatience, uncertainty and perseverance are all expressed as veterinary teams found themselves in the unique role of being essential but without the same support structure afforded to human … [Read more...]
Traditional recruiting is broken. 6 ways to reimagine it.
The old way of recruiting with its lengthy recruiting cycles, delays in responding to candidates and impersonal communications is broken, writes Susan Peppercorn. She shares tips for how to reimagine hiring during this Great Resignation period. Source: Fast Company, April 4, 2022. Link. It all comes down to creating differentiation in your recruiting practices. When you … [Read more...]
Healthy pastures are the foundation for health herds
Complimentary Sponsored Content Providing abundant, quality grazing influences productivity in ways both obvious and subtle. Sound pasture management is as important as a good vaccine protocol or feed and mineral program. Yet it is often overlooked.” - Jeff Clark, Corteva Source: The Bullvine, March 2, 2022. Link. Nutrition to support body condition can come from a bale or … [Read more...]
Bovine respiratory disease remains a threat economically and to the herd itself
Bovine respiratory disease is still a serious threat to the economics of beef production accounting for $800 to 900 million in losses from death loss, treatment cost, and reduced production, writes Paul Beck. Better antibiotics, better genetics and better feeding practices help, but BRD seems to hit the best cattle in the later days of finishing, including those from … [Read more...]
How eggs get their color
Easter egg coloring is still popular. Coloring can be done a variety of ways including choosing different breeds of chickens. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 4, 2021. Link. Also see: Do hens need roosters to lay eggs? Hobby Farms, March 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Best temperatures for chicks, keeping them healthy and more
Baby chicks need heat without their mother hens, says Marissa Ames. Over the years we’ve shared various resources about baby chick care, stewardship and care. A few of those links are listed here. Much of the information is evergreen and applicable as people bring home chicks and ducklings this spring. Sources: It’s all about the heat, Backyard Poultry, February 26, … [Read more...]
Cat love bites. What they mean. Why they happen.
Cat love bites are the result of our demonstrative human nature run amok, writes Denise LeBeau. Often a leftover kitten play-aggression behavior, love bites can happen as play or as a consequence to overstimulation. Consider this article for communications with cat owners via social media, newsletters or when questioned face to face. . . . it’s called petting-induced … [Read more...]
Why some people think rats are the perfect pet, for fun and comfort
While short-lived, rats bred for companionship make good pets. Corey Bassett, DVM, says they are calm, do not tend to bite the hand that feeds them and seem to bond emotionally with cage mates and owners. Unlike Ben, the leader of a violent pack of killer rats in the 1972 movie, The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association recommends buying domesticated, socialized rats from … [Read more...]
Protocols without training aren’t enough
Having a well-written protocol is not sufficient for successful performance, writes Gonzola Ferreira. Highlighting the importance of training, she asserts a no training approach cannot be successful if economic losses occur because tasks are performed inefficiently or ineffectively, or if an employee suffers an accident due to a lack of training. This article is applicable … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 28, 2022
Member webinar to discuss using photos of customers’ pets, a DVM working to save pets in war-torn Kyiv, onboarding new staff, MetLife Pet Insurance’s new reward program, Boehringer Ingelheim invests in Televet, Inc as their preferred veterinary health technology platform in the U.S., inflation reasoning and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 28, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Stop asking how someone is doing and what to say instead
Saying, “How are you doing,” is a simple question but does anyone really want to know? Further, does the person asked wish to reveal a candid answer? Kristin Hendrix advocates a positive approach for responding and suggests we ask for people to share something positive. Source: Leadership Vitae, March 24, 2022. Link. Tell me something good.” … [Read more...]
How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you
Non-verbal communication skills are vehicles to success in this digital age. But, without a response, communication is not effective. While it is frustrating and sometimes disappointing, not getting a response doesn’t mean they’re ghosting you. Forty-seven percent of emails are opened or discarded based on their subject line alone. Rebecca Zucker shares key things to keep in … [Read more...]
Nose flaps helpful for low stress weaning
Cattle producers using nose flaps on calves at weaning say they are the least stressful way to wean calves. Inserted in the nostrils the flap hangs down over nose and mouth preventing the calf from nursing. Flaps do not restrict calves from eating grass or drinking water. The flaps are reusable as well, spreading the costs over multiple calf crops. Source: Angus Journal, … [Read more...]
Early lactation cows need personal space
“Any health challenge in early lactation is a concern,” says Trevor DeVries, PhD. He discusses the importance of space including: room to lie down feed bunk space of 30 inches per cow 120 to 150 square feet of bedding space water in multiple places with minimum of 4 inches of drinking space per cow Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, March 17, 2022. Link. Any setbacks at … [Read more...]
Poor sleep linked to $44 billion in lost productivity
The importance of high-quality sleep to the economy is evident. With about 155 million full- and part-time workers in the U.S. workforce, the 7 percent who report poor sleep over the prior month represents an estimated 11 million persons in the formal workforce who are executing their jobs with substandard levels of restfulness. Source: Gallup, March 18, 2022. Link. Story … [Read more...]