Like shade and fresh water, salt is essential for horses, especially in hot weather. Salt is lost via their sweat and if it’s not replenished, an electrolyte imbalance may develop, leading to low blood pressure or even neurological or cardiovascular problems. This is good to use in social media, newsletters and discussions with horse owners. Source: EQUUS, July 25, 2019. … [Read more...]
Select the perfect horse shampoo
Fair and show season is well underway. Add challenging weather and it is likely that horses may experience skin issues. Eliza R. L. McGraw offers savvy considerations for horse shampoos and bathing. The article is a good resource for use in social media, newsletters and with horse owners seeking the best product for their animals. Source: EQUUS, April 25, 2005. Link. … [Read more...]
How fireflies glow and why (includes video)
Professor Clyde Sorenson is an expert who does research on, and teaches about, the ecology and biology of insects. He and other entomologists have identified 170 or more species of the bioluminescent beetles commonly known as lightning bugs or fireflies. Fireflies produce light in special organs in their abdomens by combining a chemical called luciferin, enzymes called … [Read more...]
Decade-long study highlights the merits of 4-H for personal youth development
Amanda Radke summarizes key takeaways fom a 10-year study conducted by Tufts University evaluating the effectiveness of various youth programs. The study revealed that 4-H youth are: four times more likely to give back to their communities two times more likely to make healthier choices two times more likely to participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering … [Read more...]
Mares and the challenges of heat cycles
David Ramey, DVM offers two articles to address heat in mares. Part 1 describes how the heat cycle works. Part 2 discusses many of the different treatments that people use to try to keep their mare’s heat cycle under control. Folks try to keep mares from coming into heat in any number of ways, some of which work, and many of which don’t . . .but still get used. Source: Help! … [Read more...]
Prepare for chicken emergencies
Persons who own chickens inevitably have chicken emergencies. Unexpected illness or injury is part of raising chickens.. Ana Hotling offers five preparatory steps to help minimize owner panic so that the bird gets the best treatment. Have a hospital pen Designate a quiet space Have a vet’s phone number; one who is ready to help with chickens Keep disposable … [Read more...]
AVMA offers bee information to DVMs
Beekeepers have faced many challenges with disease pressure, habitat loss, and colony collapse. Veterinarians are needed to assist beekeepers with hive management, as well as disease identification, prevention, and treatment. The AVMA has provided information about the specifics < link > in the VFD and how it applies to veterinarians. The AVMA was involved in providing … [Read more...]
USDA scientists, researchers reveal 320 new inventions in 2018
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently discussed the latest Technology Transfer Report <Link >. He reported 320 new inventions from USDA laboratories in fiscal 2018, along with 471 licenses, 120 patent applications and 67 actual patents. Feedstuffs’ Jacqui Fatka shares the new developments and the potential economic impact. Source: Feedstuffs, July 3, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t sweat the small talk
There are two kinds of people in this world, writes Dr. Pat Aitcheson. The first go by the Irish principle of strangers being friends they haven’t met yet. And the second live by Sartre’s principle that hell is other people. Unfortunately for the latter, they also have to socialise at least occasionally. Aitcheson offers tips for making conversation better: Assume … [Read more...]
Mess up . . . fess up. Avoid shifting blame.
In a recent SmartPulse poll, 32 percent of respondents admitted to blame shifting in the face of an error. The author offers advice about taking responsibility. None of us likes to make mistakes let alone claim responsibility for them. Source: SmartBrief, June 11, 2019. Link. Many mistakes have multiple parties contributing. No one wants to take the blame for someone else’s … [Read more...]
Never say this to your team
Barbara Davidson tells us what good managers ask to coach their employees to greater productivity. She says businesses who use coaching techniques towards their employees have been able to boost worker engagement and productivity by around 12 percent and offers 11 specific things managers should say for success. Source: Headway Capital, May 13, 2019. Link. “Just switching … [Read more...]
Help dogs swim safely
These tips from the American Kennel Club will remind dog owners about swimming safety for their dogs. Consider this content for social media, e-newsletters, blogs and websites. Source: AKC, April 24, 2015. Link. When teaching your dog to swim, start in a shallow area where you can stand close to him. Start slowly. Let him get accustomed to having wet feet. Praise him when he … [Read more...]
Dogs’ sleeping positions may reflect their character
Marcelle Chastain says dogs’ sleeping positions hide several aspects of their personality, behavior and health. She shares what some postures indicate: Side-sleeper: generally comfortable living in their current surrounding environment Snugly fox: the most defensive position, they’re trying to feel warmth and safeguard their vital organs Superman: makes it easier for … [Read more...]
A list of small, mid-sized and large dogs that don’t shed
Non-shedding dogs have gained popularity. But all dogs leave dander. This author has compiled information and a list of dogs that shed less than others. Animal health pros working with prospective dog owners will find this list helpful if less hair is one of the criteria for choosing a new pet. Source: PetHelpful, May 29, 2019. Link. The good news is that there are dogs … [Read more...]
Oxygen delivered to dogs via face masks effective
Researchers enrolled 20 health dogs of mixed sex and breed in a randomized crossover study to compare face-mask oxygen supplementation to flow-by oxygen supplementation. The latter proved more effective. Source: Taylor & Francis Online/New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 67, 2019. Link. “Oxygen supplementation delivered using a face mask was more effective at … [Read more...]
Keep pets away to prevent foodborne illness
Animal waste tainting fresh produce is one of the major causes of foodborne ailments. So, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own growers are increasingly guarded about tolerating pets near their edibles. Home gardeners should be cautious, too, writes Dean Fosdick. Source: Associated Press, April 30, 2019. Link. Whether human, dog, cat, cow or deer — all animals can be the … [Read more...]
Leg “crud;” skin conditions on horses’ legs
Christine Barakat writes about equine leg crud with help from Melinda Freckleton, DVM. The questions they review can help horse owners hone in on what might be causing scabs and crusting. Several different skin conditions can lead to scabbing and crusting on a horse’s lower limbs. Source: EQUUS, September 3, 2017. Link. … [Read more...]
Wound cleaning. Get the hose!
David Ramey, DVM, was surprised that there have actually been a number of studies completed on irrigating wounds with tap water. He provides a fun review of why grabbing the garden hose in the stable is good medicine. Source: Horse Network, July 3, 2019. Link. Ramey says he loves it when science supports what most people do anyway. If you’re dealing with a fresh wound, I’d … [Read more...]
8 tips to expand your reach with Instagram
With the rising use of Stories on Facebook and Instagram, these tips about how to create effective Instagram Stories and Stories ads may help hone your strategy for the greatest return. Facebook reports, “1 in 2 people surveyed say they have visited a website, and 31% have gone to a story to buy a product/service as a result of seeing it first in Stories. This is good reasoning … [Read more...]
Road trip! What about the cat?
Traveling with cats requires more planning than without, but cats can be fun travel mates. The author shares these planning tips: Find a pet-friendly hotel Make reservations by phone Inspect your hotel Make the cat feel at home Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this content for newsletters, blog posts and social media. Be sure to add information … [Read more...]
Tips to keep cats off counters
Most people don’t like their pet jumping on surfaces where food is prepared. The Animal Humane Society ( link ) has some tips: Make counters undesirable Keep your cat confined during mealtime Never yell at your cat Do reward your cat for appropriate behavior Don’t make perfection the enemy of progress Source: Tufts Catnip, July 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: This … [Read more...]
Horses helping seniors
Human-animal bond research continues to expose the power of animals interacting with humans and vice versa. The Connected Horse program in California is stretching the approach for seniors with dementia, including Alzheimer’s. The program also recognizes the needs of caregivers and uses older horses past their prime. The combination appears effective and is the focus of … [Read more...]
Snakebite dos and donts for dogs
Non-poisonous snakes, like the garter snake, don’t have fangs. They have rows of teeth and they do not produce toxic venom, says Travis Arndt, DVM. This distinction is crucial when it comes to snake bites on dogs. . . . if you or your dog are bitten by a non-poisonous snake, you won’t see the two puncture wounds that you would see from a venomous snake. A non-poisonous bite … [Read more...]
Dogs absorb our emotions
A new study shows owners who experience long-term stress and anxiety can pass it on to their dogs. Dogs are quite good at understanding humans. They’re definitely better at understanding us than we are at understanding them.” - Lina Roth, Zoologist Source: National Geographic, June 6, 2019. Link. Roth found no evidence that anxious dogs created nervous owners. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Good writing makes you more employable, no matter the role
It’s never too late to learn what makes great writing, says Jaleh Bisharat. If your writing needs work, he offers reasons to improve along with seven tips on being a better writer: Good writing correlates with crisp thinking Clear, persuasive communication is the underpinning of a successful professional If you’re a good writer, there will always be work for you to … [Read more...]
How to keep chickens cool in summer
Chickens are better adapted to handle cold temperatures than heat. Kathy Shea Mormino shares ways to keep your flock safe during hot weather months. Source: Hobby Farms, June 11, 2019. Link. Leave birds undisturbed to the extent possible. They’re decreasing their activity levels to stay cool, so don’t let children or pets bother them on hot days. … [Read more...]
Feral parrots may pose problems later
During the research for a paper in the Journal of Ornithology < link >, Stephen Pruett-Jones, Jennifer Uehling and Jason Tallant found that of the 190 parrot species < link > that have been imported to the U.S. since the 1950s and 1960s, 56 have been spotted in the wild 43 states. Twenty-five of those species have established breeding populations. The monk … [Read more...]
Evaluating pain in cats
Natalie Stilwell, DVM, summarizes a recent Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery article < link > reviewing the latest advancements in acute pain assessment in the cat. She reviews various scales to assess feline pain which is often masked by the individual cat. Source: DVM360 Magazine, April 12, 2019. Link. Stillwell discusses pain scoring instruments including: … [Read more...]
HeHelp owners, employees pick the best treats
There is a lot of pet junk food on the market. Regardless of how much pet owners research main diets, treats can have a detrimental effect on pets. Tavor White shares five things to look for when choosing pet treats: Made with pristine, all-natural ingredients Monitored for quality and safety Sustainably and ethically sourced Created with a conscience … [Read more...]
Dirty dogs need people to solve their problems
Canine house soiling has many potential causes, including medical conditions and behavior problems. Accurate assessment is critical, as the prognosis for control or resolution is typically good once the underlying cause is identified according to Ellen Lindell, VMD, DACVB. She shares information about diagnostics, behaviors, treatments and training. Clients are often … [Read more...]