Watery eyes, runny noses and scratchy throats are symptoms of environmental allergies, as well as pet allergies. About twice as many people are allergic to cats as dogs. A truly hypoallergenic cat does not exist, even though some breeds are thought to be. Cat allergies are caused by a reaction to a protein in cat dander, urine and saliva. The author shares steps to lessen … [Read more...]
Veterinary Virtual Care Association formed
To help the profession navigate how to implement virtual care into practices, Veterinary Virtual Care Association, a new nonprofit organization has been formed. This global association is dedicated to developing best practices for delivering virtual care for animals, defining quality standards and protocols for practicing virtual care, sharing experiences among practice teams, … [Read more...]
Car noises you should never ignore
“Did you check the tires?” was a frequently asked question when we jumped into the car to go somewhere. Jill Trotta shares five car noises we should never ignore and what to do about them. Source: BottomLine Inc. Link. INSIGHTS: Newer automobiles warn you when things are not working correctly. But our ears, eyes, nose and touch sensations remain very important to keep our … [Read more...]
Milk replacers versus fresh milk. A value discussion.
Someone recently said that milk replacers are more nutritionally consistent than fresh milk. Ioannis Mavromichalis, PhD, takes on the statement and discusses the value of fresh milk and milk replacer use in calf supplementation. Source: Feed Strategy, April 20, 2020. Link. . . . the notion that cow’s milk is unsuitable because it is too variable in composition simply makes … [Read more...]
Debunking 4 common horse-feeding misconceptions
Clair Thunes, PhD, acknowledges that knowing what and how to feed a horse can be confusing with the options available these days. She says to read and follow the manufacturers’ labels. . . . be sure to measure feeds by weight, not volume.” – Clari Thunes, PhD Source: Horse and Rider, April 8, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Thunes offers concise counsel that horse owners will … [Read more...]
Blastomycosis. There are fungi among us.
Scott Weese, DVM, reviews study results on the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, its prevalence and how dogs may speed up the process of diagnosis in humans. Source: WormsandGerms Blog. April 20, 2020. Link. Blasto lives in two forms, therefore dimorphic, says Weese. In the environment it lives in the form of a mold, and its exposure to this form that can result in … [Read more...]
Earth Day turns 50
Happy 50th birthday Earth Day The 50th anniversary of Earth Day was yesterday. The first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day, as was the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency … [Read more...]
Avian egg size trivia quiz
This click-bait quiz is fun. Check out the answer. Which bird lays the largest egg relative to its body size? Eagle? Kiwi? Ostrich? Emu? The ostrich is the largest bird in the world and it lays the largest egg of any bird species. If you look at egg size relative to the size of the bird that lays it, however, a different feathered, flightless creature comes … [Read more...]
Deciding who should stay and who should go
Michell Evans shares ideas with groomers for culling a client list. She addresses groomer safety, pet owner dependability and using waiting lists. Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2020, page 48. Link. Consider implementing a weight limit. Large dogs take a toll on equipment, utilities and supplies. A waiting list is a useful method of telling people no without really … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs really watch TV
Newer TV technologies are more likely to make couch potatoes out of dogs. They react to light and sound with older technologies but truly watch given the speed of the newer digital screens. Dog owners will appreciate this information. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Source: Animal Wellness, April 13, 2020. Link. Three things that effect television watching for … [Read more...]
Look out for misuse of ivermectin
What happens in a petri dish does not indicate efficacy or safety when used off label in humans warns, the FDA in reference to an Antiviral Research article. Animal health professionals should be on the lookout for the potential misuse of a human- and animal-prescribed antiparasitic drug thought to be a possible treatment for COVID-19. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April … [Read more...]
Check the tone of your message before hitting send
Did you just send THAT? When we are working remotely and stress levels are high, it’s easy to miscommunicate. Even well-intentioned messages can be misconstrued. The authors share tips for avoiding digital misnomers. Source: Harvard Business Review, March 27, 2020. Link. Most digital miscommunication happens because we don’t have access to the non-verbal cues, including … [Read more...]
Getting outside from inside and more
Explore is a unique multimedia curator and home of the world’s largest live nature network. In addition to more than 250 original films and 30,000 photographs, there are countless live feeds. We can see puppies in a whelping room in Maryland, cat rescues in Los Angeles and eagles on their nest in northeast Iowa. You will find these feeds interesting, a welcome distraction or … [Read more...]
10,000 steps a day is B.S., say experts
Social distancing efforts restrict some from hitting their daily steps goals. New research shows you can walk less and still rake in the health benefits. Here’s the information, so you can determine what’s right for you. Source: Prevention, April 3, 2020. Link. 7,500 is the lowest number of steps with the highest level of health benefits, making it an ideal daily goal. Any … [Read more...]
Nubian goats, America’s favorite dairy breed (includes video)
Small ruminants are gaining in popularity with commercial producers and hobbyists. Goats are favorites for 4-H projects, as well. Nubian goat milk is especially suited to cheese production. Nubians are also considered a good meat goat. Tamsin Cooper shares the history and profiles today’s Nubian dual-purpose goats. Source: Backyard Goats, April 4, 2020. Link. Most Nubians … [Read more...]
Collar or harness — which is best?
Andrea Gronwald provides a comprehensive discussion of collars and harnesses. She shares how, when and why to use them. Pet owners will appreciate the guidance. Share this on social media and in newsletters with assurances that fashionable designs of each style are available. 😉 Source: Animal Wellness, April 2, 2020. Link. . . . collars are best used for identification … [Read more...]
Puppy socialization when sheltered in place
Socialization for new puppies and for newly adopted dogs is critical to help them adapt to their surroundings. Mary Schwager shares ideas for exposing puppies and dogs to new things, even while social distancing. Source: Dogster, April 3, 2020. Link. When you help a dog through difficult things using clear criteria and communication, they learn to trust and believe in you. … [Read more...]
Before I die
Most of us don’t think about death, except in times of crisis and we are living in one of those times. The Covid-19 pandemic is a reminder that we can die at any time. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. It’s hard to not think about death when we are bombarded with daily updates of the coronavirus death toll. But what better time for each of us to consider what we are doing … [Read more...]
Calculus was invented during a school break
Unless you hated advanced mathematics, Cal Newport’s post about a productive school break is good news. He shares the history of a 23-year-old Isaac Newton retreating from school in 1666 due to the black plague. It was during that break that Newton invented calculus. Who knows what kids and parents at home might create together? Source: Cal Newton, March 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Electric fencing benefits goat keeping
Along with baby chicks and rabbits, some farm stores offer goats during Easter. Traditional fencing has its challenges. Electric netting fencing is a good option for keeping goats in and predators out. Source: Backyard Goats, August 23, 2019. Link. Potential owners often ask about goat fencing. Goats can be impressive escape artists. Give a goat a mountain and it will most … [Read more...]
Addressing coprophagia
Dogs eat poop for a variety of reasons, most of which signal an underlying issue. Dog owners with poop eaters devour information and tips to stop this disgusting behavior. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, discusses the whys of coprophagia and ways to stop the behavior. Source: PetMD. Link. Also see: Why do dogs eat poop? Animal Health Digest, August 31, 2016. … [Read more...]
Safety reminder about home appliances and animals in the home
We’re home more now. Chris Doscher reminds us that appliances can pose risks for pets in the home. Putting some simple precautions in place will ensure they stay safe. Including family members in the safety checks is also important. Source: Animal Wellness, March 4, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is a good reminder to share on social media or in newsletters. … [Read more...]
Make uncomfortable the norm
It seems as if we’re stuck inside the movie, Contagion, and are far from seeing the credits roll. Take heart in that what’s happening in the world now is not a new movie, but a re-release. Our challenge comes in how we approach life when the movie is over. Because life is changing quickly and will change again. Source: Purpose Unlimited, Link. Life is a continuous … [Read more...]
Scary Times Success Manual can help you now
Transforming current anxieties and fear into strategic growth, progress, and achievement is the objective for this manual from Dan Sullivan. The 10 strategies he shares can support your creative thinking, communications, and actions as you navigate the months ahead. Feel free to share widely at his request. We believe there is something in his 10 strategies for … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Make Your Teams More Effective
Transformational coach Kerri Balliet offers three steps to improve your coach-approach leadership and increase employee efficiency. Ask 'why' as many times as it takes to get to a root reason behind a behavior or action. Be a non-judgmental coach, to support their teams' insights without judgment and shame. Teach your players to look for patterns. Source: Target … [Read more...]
New releases on EQUUS film channel
Got a horse person home from school? The EQUUS film channel offers lots of films covering many topics for horse people - after chores are done. You will need to subscribe after a 7-day trial period. Link. Source: Horse Network. March 20, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
6 Reasons for Hair Loss in Cats
With few exceptions, alopecia is a symptom of a disease or condition in cats. Kellie B. Gormly talked with veterinarians and shares common reasons cats lose their hair. Cat owners will appreciate information like this during the social distancing period. Share it on social media and in newsletters. Source: Catster, March 3, 2020. Link. Common reasons for hair loss in cats … [Read more...]
Monitoring blood glucose in patients
There is no single method or combination tests shown to have significant clinical benefits, writes Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM). He stresses the importance of a monitoring program that is practical and tailored to meet individual patient needs and owner abilities, circumstances and treatment goals. Source: Clinician’s Brief, November 2019. Link. Reliance on a … [Read more...]
Cone of shame study raises welfare implications
Nearly 80 percent of pet owners reported a poorer quality of life in their companion animals while an Elizabethan collar was worn. The effects were captured in a range of welfare domains including nutrition, environment, health, behavior and mental state. Client awareness education was recommended. Source: Vet Candy, February 29, 2020. Link. Owner thoughts were captured on … [Read more...]
FDA amends definition of biologic products
The public has wondered for some time why seemingly outrageous pricing for insulin and other critical medications has been tolerated. In a move that may bring some relief, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has amended its definition of a biologic product. While it may seem like a bureaucratic move with little relevancy, it is a needed transitional step resulting from … [Read more...]