Most dog owners unintentionally do certain things that can hurt their pets, writes Marcelle Chastain, who discussed the topic with veterinarians. Here are the top five things: Feeding human food Reinforcing separation anxiety Letting the dog take control Placing food bowls out of a dog’s reach Too much or too little exercise Source: Inside Pets World, … [Read more...]
2019 PAW Report offers great insight
Seventy one percent of cat owners in the United Kingdom (UK) would like to change at least one of their cat’s behaviors, according to the 2019 Annual Paw Report <Link>. Based on surveys of UK residents, the report has useful insights for us all. Per the report, there is a decline in juvenile pets receiving vaccinations, and, perhaps less surprisingly, a large portion of … [Read more...]
Learn collaboration from Songland
We can learn something from television now and then. The new show, Songland, demonstrates how collaboration by amateurs and experts can take an idea for a song and turn it into a hit. When encouraged to collaborate, employees can take companies to chart-topping success. Source: Purpose Unlimited, October 8, 2019. Link. “A culture of collaboration engages employees. They … [Read more...]
The advice half of working women need to hear
Ursula Mead’s company, InHerSight, recently polled website users about whether they had ever negotiated their salary < link >. Almost half of the 1,041 respondents said no. Self-advocacy is difficult for many people, but for women in the workplace, it’s particularly complicated. That’s why more women need support from their peers. Source: Fast Company, October 4, 2019. … [Read more...]
The state of ransomware attacks (infographic)
You can be held hostage any day by a ransomware attack. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to ransomware. There are different and evolving types of ransomware attacks, often beginning with something as simple as a malicious link in an email. Use this information to better understand the potential threats and see some tips on how to protect your network. Source: … [Read more...]
Americans are unprepared for Real ID. There’s less than one year to prepare
Come October 2020, U.S. travelers will require a Real ID or approved passport to board domestic flights. All Americans traveling by air will need a Real ID to board a flight within the U.S. on and after Oct. 1, 2020. Exceptions include citizens under the age of 18, who are traveling with a compliant companion who is 18 years old or older, those who only need their ID for … [Read more...]
Hoof abscesses from A to Z
Hoof abscesses are an inevitable consequence of owning horses. When one shows up, swift and proper attention helps the horse fully recover. The most important aspect of treating any abscess is draining it.” – Grant Myhre, DVM Source: Equine Journal, September 2019, page 44. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with horse owners on social media and in newsletters. … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion on the veterinary shortage
In the October 17 Bridge Club conversation, Mark Cushing, Animal Policy Group founder and Jim Lloyd, DVM, PhD, former University of Florida dean, will share new data and lead an insights-filled discussion about the near-term future of supply and demand, and what the profession can do answer the need. Source: The Bridge Club. Registration < link > Thursday, October 17, … [Read more...]
Interruptions tops the list of time management challenges
The clear winner in time management challenges is the dreaded interruption, shares Mike Figliuolo. Once someone breaks your concentration, it takes 5 to 15 minutes to get back on track. Source: SmartBrief, August 7, 2019. Link. If you don’t protect your time, no one else will do it for you. Reader poll question (nonscientific, n=240,000) What is the biggest challenge … [Read more...]
October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month
National Animal Safety and Protection Month reminds us of the responsibilities that come with ALL domesticated animals and pets. It us an opportunity to provide tips and tools to animal owners so they can be better prepared in the event of an emergency, illness or weather event. New smart home technologies can help keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals safe. Source: … [Read more...]
Enjoy the funny wildlife photo contest
Help the judges pick the choosing your Affinity Photo People's Choice Award from the finalists of The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2019. Click the link below to make your choice from the 40 finalists’ photos. And have a laugh too! < click here to vote > Source: The Comedy Wildlife Rewards. Link. … [Read more...]
AKC expands safe grooming certification program
The American Kennel Club recognizes the health and safety of pets when outside of their owner’s care remains a genuine concern for pet owners. Supporting continuing education for groomers, the AKC has expanded its AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program < link > with a Safety in the Salon Recertification Course. . . . recertification gives grooming professionals an … [Read more...]
25 top feline-friendly cities
Real estate technology company, Redfin and pet insurance carrier, Trupanion recently announced the 25 most feline-friendly cities of 2019. The list includes cities in 18 states. Here are the top 5 cat-friendly cities: Corvallis, Oregon Spokane, Washington Orlando, Florida Bellingham, Washington Tulsa, Oklahoma Source: DVM 360, September 23, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Lenders offer varying options to help clients pay
When veterinary care challenges animal owners’ ability to pay, third party lenders have products to bridge the gap between an owners’ cash on hand and veterinary fees. Brendan Howard compares third-party loans and credit card options to veterinary clients. Source: VETTED, February 8, 2019. Link. Also see: A nay-sayer’s guide to pet insurance and third-party payment plans, … [Read more...]
Know the risks of mixing chickens, ducks, rabbits and goats
Animals have been kept in mixed flocks for centuries. Being aware of inherent risks or problems in mixed-animal operations is the best way to avoid problems before they occur. It is also the best way to fix problems if they happen. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 16, 2019. Link. Parasites and bacteria are easily transferred between barnyard species. Contaminated … [Read more...]
House plants cats love
Many cat owners claim their cat “never goes outside.” This author offers a fun idea for cat owners with green thumbs whose cats are stuck indoors: Cultivate safe house plants that cats enjoy. This article is good for social media, newsletters and for office visit discussions about lifestyle. Source: Tuft’s Catnip, September 2019. Link. Consider these plants for indoor cats … [Read more...]
5 questions for the first day of work (infographic)
One of the most important, yet toughest things to do while moving into a new job or role is letting go of assumptions. This makes it extremely important to ask the right questions and be open to unlearn and relearn even seemingly trivial things. Source: HBR Ascend, September 12, 2019. Link. Every workplace has its own culture—how things are done, what is valued, and how … [Read more...]
Embarrassment is fuel. Use it.
Anthony Moore says most people are living on someone else’s terms. They live to avoid fear, risk and embarrassment. He offers ideas to stop being afraid of looking stupid and consistently live the life you want. Source: The Ascent, May 20, 2019. Link. Just because you fail doesn’t make you a failure. So much of this life is process; getting a little better/smarter every … [Read more...]
Eating healthy for busy pros
Laura Baltodona, DVM, describes the challenges busy professionals face getting proper nutrition . Whether practitioner, veterinary technician, sales representative or office worker, animal health pros may spend more time ensuring their pets’ eat than themselves. Batodona says the key for healthy eating is: 1) set an intention and 2) know it doesn’t need to be fancy. Despite … [Read more...]
A good bed can improve dogs’ health and well-being
Providing pets with a high-quality bed or blanket can be a crucial building block for health and well-being. The most important benefits of beds and blankets are: They improve sleep quality They speak to dogs’ nesting instincts They offer security on-the-go Source: Animal Wellness, September 6, 2019. Link. When choosing a bed for a pet, how the pet sleeps helps … [Read more...]
8 tips to help get your video game plan on
Eighty percent of Internet traffic comes from people streaming videos. As video has exploded, so have the tools to create and share them. Have you got your video game plan down? Falcon.io’s Maxwell Gollin shares pro tips on eight video formats. Source: Falcon.io. August 13, 2019. Link. With live video, "build anticipation by leading into something you’ll … [Read more...]
Cows really do benefit the planet!
People still think it’s cows that are causing climate change, writes Amanda Radke. She offers resources to help continue to offset the false 2006 claim made by the United Nations and marketing claims made by makers of of plant-food products. Source: BEEF, August 31, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: More ammunition for meat vs. meatless diet debates. … [Read more...]
Brace for a “polar coaster” this winter
According to the 2020 Farmers’ Almanac, this winter will be filled with so many ups and downs, it may be a “polar coaster.” Our extended forecast is calling for yet another freezing, frigid, and frosty winter for two-thirds of the country" – Philom Peter Geiger, Farmer’s Almanac Editor Source: Prevention, August 26, 2019. Link. People on the East Coast will endure the worst … [Read more...]
Ding! Dong! . . . calming frenzied, front door behaviors
Most dogs overreact to the ding-dong sound, writes Annie Phenix. Someone at the door can be really exciting or really scary for them. Phenix offers tips for training alternative, less disruptive behaviors when dogs hear the ding-dong sound. Dogs need our guidance. They do not arrive understanding the ways of their human families. Source: Dogster, July 31, 2019. Link. Here … [Read more...]
Catios, rabbitats create safe outdoor spaces
Animal welfare experts recommend that cats and rabbits remain indoors where they are safe from predators, accidental escape, and extreme weather. Heather Lewis shares options to create safe outdoor spaces for cats and rabbits. The old language of cages, kennels and coops had to be replaced by new nouns of course. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, August 19, 2019. Link. When … [Read more...]
When ticks quest, researchers count
How do scientists actually track tick numbers? They use linen squares and lint rollers to capture ticks during three quests in their life cycle. Ticks only leave the underbrush on special occasions. “When they’re ready to look for a host, they go on top, and actively look,” David Allen said. This behavior is known as questing. Source: Atlas Obscura, August 28, 2019. Link. . … [Read more...]
35 tips to make email soar
Email communication with clients is as important to the small veterinary practice as it is to a corporation. It allows regular interaction, client education and promotion of services. Ann Gynn’s list of 35 email mistakes offers meaningful tips to get the most from your email marketing efforts. Source: Content Marketing Institute, August 13, 2019. Link. Taking advantage of … [Read more...]
Interactive map highlights lesser-known endangered animals by state
Natasha Daly highlights lesser-known endangered species across America in an interactive state-by-state map. According the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than half of the species listed as endangered in the U.S. live on private property. . . . it's only been through the help of people [that we’ve] been able to bring them back.” – Christina Meister, U.S. Fish and Wildlife … [Read more...]
Stressed? Pet it away.
Washington State University scientists conducted the first study that shows a reduction in cortisol levels during a real-life interaction rather than in a laboratory setting. Students in our study that interacted with cats and dogs had a significant reduction in cortisol, a major stress hormone." Source: Salon, August 14, 2019 via AAHA NEWStat. Link. What we wanted to learn … [Read more...]
Kitten lady talks on Fresh Air
We introduced animal health pros to Hannah Shaw, the kitten lady, in a recent post < link >. In this interview with Fresh Air’s Terry Gross, Shaw talks about the challenges of fostering kittens younger than eight weeks old, the lack of nursery care for neonates at shelter facilities and the importance of finding the mother before rescuing. Shaw discusses her experiences … [Read more...]