Heat and humidity are hard on cattle, especially when hauling them, says Sandy Stuttgen. She provides charts on loading capacity and the heat index as handy reference tools. Their well-being especially suffers during humid days followed by evenings that do not drop below 70°F, as under those conditions, cattle will not have a chance to recover before the next hot, humid day … [Read more...]
Understanding the cat
Ilona Rodan, DVM, offers animal health pros the opportunity to learn to recognize and prevent feline stressors surrounding veterinary visits. Regardless of practice type, these measures improve patient experiences, client acceptance of veterinary services and reduce injury rates. For some, this may be a review. For veterinary teams, the information is a valuable resource to … [Read more...]
Let’s talk parasites
A consistent message about parasite prevention is important, and clear information is crucial, writes Kara Burns MS, MEd, LVT, VTS. She reminds us the importance of team skill training and a clear, consistent message on various parasite topics. To communicate effectively, veterinary team members must understand the connection between what they want to say and how they want to … [Read more...]
Therapy dogs love their jobs
Nicole Audrey discusses a new study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science <link> that finds therapy dogs get as much joy from their jobs as they give. This is a win-win-win. The handler enjoys showing the dog off and volunteering, the [patient] enjoys the dog and the dog likes doing it. Source: Better, May 30, 2018. Link. Therapy dogs are happy because they are … [Read more...]
When, how and why to use a crate for dogs
Embrace the crate. It can be the best thing for a relationship with a dog, writes Laura Vorreyer. She reminds us that proper crating is not cruel and to avoid using the crate as punishment. This information is valuable to any dog owner. Source: Modern Dog. Link. The crate should be big enough for your dog to turn around in but NOT big enough for them to think the back … [Read more...]
Veterinarians are important to beekeeping
Gillian Kruskall, DVM, writes about the veterinarian’s role in beekeeping since te VFD regulations require site inspections to establish VCPRs. When a beekeeper contacts you, Kruskall’s article will help veterinary teams “bee” ready. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, July 2018. Link. Each state has a number of certified state apiary inspectors who are highly skilled at … [Read more...]
Take control of learning at work
There is great demand for employees who demonstrate high levels of “learnability,” the desire and ability to quickly grow and adapt one’s skill set to remain employable throughout their working life, writes Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic. The recent technological revolution turbocharged this demand. As children, we are naturally curious and free to explore the world around us. As … [Read more...]
Sponsored content; as seen in AAHA NEWStat
AAHA NEWStat is one of several publications available from AAHA Press, the publishing arm of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). <link> We’ve selected a sample of sponsored content as seen in recent weeks for your consideration: Source: AAHA NEWStat. Make sure clients hear what you’re trying to tell them with these free videos, Partners for Healthy … [Read more...]
Antibiotic use is all about animal welfare
Carissa Odland, DVM, is a swine practitioner whose antibiotic comments apply to all species. Her discussion forms a solid position for any animal health pro who engages in an antibiotic-free discussion. There are three reasons why we use antibiotics in veterinary medicine: Treat disease Control disease Prevent disease Source: PORK, July 23, 2018. Link. By … [Read more...]
FDA suggests non-dairy milk isn’t milk
The FDA describes milk as "the lacteal secretion, practically free from colostrum, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows." That definition doesn't leave room for vegan alternatives to call themselves "milk," though a number of products on the market do. Source: CNN, July 19, 2018. Link. The agency is not commenting on its plans or Gottlieb's observation … [Read more...]
Petco tests Pet Coach store concept
Petco feels competition from Amazon. In what appears to be an about face from self-service stores, Petco’s new concept stores are service-focused stores that aim to give shoppers something they can't buy online. "What we're doing [in San Marcos] today will look very different a year from now. If it doesn't, then I've failed," Weatherup told CNBC. "This is where people go to be … [Read more...]
10 things that steal our motivation and how to get it back
At its core, demotivation is about you not being fully committed to act. There are many reasons why you might be in this position. Cath Duncan explains ways to categorize your demotivation that can help you identify the real reasons for your unwillingness to commit to action. With a better understanding ,you can pick the right tools and strategies to get motivated … [Read more...]
6 signs you’re being taken advantage of at work
If going the extra mile is a part of your work ethic, sometimes you can find yourself in a difficult position, says Alyse Kalish. If you’re unsure whether you’re being taken advantage of in your current job, keep an eye out for these six signs: People have stopped asking whether its ok to hand you more work No one ever says thank you You’re spending a majority of … [Read more...]
Tips for selling the value of service
Elizabeth Hilla provides an overview of selling the benefits of distribution services. Note the service categories she identifies and the benefits associated with them. Source: Repertoire, July 2018, page 58. Link. Your customer may be so accustomed to your reliability that he or she may not even see some services as adding value, but they certainly do. Likewise, standard … [Read more...]
The stuff animal rights activists say: 2018 edition
Animal rights activists are often loud, opinionated and definitely disruptive. And they are influencers too. Each year, the Animal Agriculture Alliance releases reports from major animal rights conferences. It's critical to understanding what strategies and tactics will be used next against animal agriculture, says Hannah Thompson-Weeman, communications director, Animal … [Read more...]
For healthier calves, cool dry cows
Karen Lally references a growing appreciation for the importance of cow cooling. We know of the impact of cooling on lactating cows as it is easy to measure in the milk tank. For dry cows, the real dangers of heat stress are not immediately visible. Source:Progressive Dairyman, July 9, 2018. Link. Cooling dry cows means cooling calves in utero, protecting your investment in … [Read more...]
Rethinking how we feed milk to pre-weaning calves
This article follows previous discussions about colostrum <link> and how dairymen are rethinking how to feed and support pre-wean calves. Similar to colostrum nutrition, there is still an abundance of knowledge to be discovered about the next phase of nutrition for the dairy calf: milk feeding. Source: Progressive Dairyman, July 16, 2018. Link. . . . we have largely … [Read more...]
How much do you feed a cat?
A 2011 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) found that more than 50 percent of cats were obese or overweight. So, what is happening that predisposes our domestic felines to a life of sedentary obesity? The answer is multifactorial but to simplify, just remember this: any individual mammal will gain body weight if it consumes more calories than it burns as … [Read more...]
Natural cat litter alternatives may benefit the environment
JaneA Kelley compiled a list of six natural cat litter alternatives touted to be better for the environment. The argument for litter made from plant material is that it is friendlier to the environment, it generally weighs less than clay litters and cats like it. Here’s the list: Corn Grass Green tea Walnut shells Wheat Wood pellets Source: Catster, July … [Read more...]
Why vaccine opponents think they know more than medical experts
A research group recently sought to identify why skepticism about vaccines is perpetuated. They found strong evidence of the Dunning-Kruger effects which addresses the inability to accurately appraise one’s own knowledge. Their results point to the uphill battle the scientific community faces as it confronts growing anti-vax sentiment from the public and politicians alike. The … [Read more...]
Horses need vaccination to reduce risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Owners often fail to do so.
An ongoing effort is needed to alert North American owners to the risks that mosquito-borne diseases pose to their horses and the need for vaccination, writes Peter Timoney, Gluck Equine Research Center. He says the two most common causes of brain inflammation in North America are Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) and West Nile Encephalitis (WNE) viruses. Despite the AAEP … [Read more...]
B-Lyme-y! (infographic)
The DVM 360 staff put together an informative infographic that highlights findings from a new study conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Merck Animal Health. Data shows pets aren’t getting complete protection against fleas, ticks and Lyme disease. Source: DVM 360, June 22, 2018. Link. The good news: Pet parents of all ages want to protect their pets from parasites, with … [Read more...]
Bacteria from unneutered dogs pose risk to pregnant women
Brucella canis is carried by dogs that have not been neutered, according to a recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The bacteria produce flu symptoms in humans and could potentially jeopardize a pregnancy. Though brucellosis infection is most commonly spread by livestock like sheep, cattle, goats and pigs, dogs carry this strain of the bacterium, … [Read more...]
The blunt truth about sharps safety
People are still getting stuck with sharps in spite years of safety standards. Part of that is due to shortcomings in safety technology. But, human factors remain part of the issue. Amber Hogan Mitchell, DrPH, MPH, CPH, president and executive director of the International Safety Center, visited with Repertoire about the issues for medical professionals. Things are getting … [Read more...]
FDA requires labeling changes for fluoroquinolones
This notice will interest animal health professionals, although it is about human use of the antibiotics. FDA is strengthening the current warnings in the prescribing information that fluoroquinolone antibiotics may cause significant decreases in blood sugar and certain mental health side effects. Source: FDA, July 10, 2018. Link. FDA continues to monitor and evaluate the … [Read more...]
What veterinary medicine can learn from pet retail (podcast)
Brock Weatherup, CEO ofPetCoach, joins SPARK to discuss the background behind decisions veterinary practices must make about whether or not to carry certain retail products. He also shares his expertise on the kinds of products practices should carry and the ones they should avoid. Source: NAVC Spark. Link. Enabling technologies are disrupting many industries including the … [Read more...]
If you answer YES to these 11 questions, it is time to find a new job
It was refreshing to hear several stories from animal health professionals about their career pathways, decisions and challenges during interactions during AVMA 2018. The career stories highlight was shared by Kristen Peck of Zoetis during The Bridge Club’s first industry ICON live event <link>. To summarize the input from participants, routinely reinventing ourselves is … [Read more...]
I have a wart on my fanny older than you
While attending AVMA 2018, the aspects of experience versus age were discussed several times. The only consensus seemed to be that changes are already here and they won’t be comfortable for most of us. Bo Brock, DVM, offers a realistic, but light perspective on newbies and calls for patience with new doctors. I would add that the newbies must also be patient with the … [Read more...]
Reconnect with your prospects without being annoying
There is an article written nearly every day about the challenges of getting prospective customers’ attention and consideration. Vanessa Nornberg shares four ways to reach out with purpose. Include specific things about his/her business in your initial contact Offer meaningful insight Call Set up an introduction to someone who might be helpful to the prospect in a … [Read more...]
Increase your resilience when you’re going through hell
Going through hell is different for each person, but each of us must move through these temporary disruptions. Marissa Levin shares five ways to move through your challenge and rise again stronger. Unless we live in a bubble, no one moves through life without pain. When the world begins to close in around us, what can we do to push through the darkness? Practice … [Read more...]