Steve Kraus, BS, CJF, reviews different types of certifications and accreditations horse owners encounter when shopping for a sport horse or pleasure horse farrier. In the United States, there is no legal framework governing farriery work and no unified system for certifying farriers. He explains differences between a farrier school diploma, a certificate and a full-fledged … [Read more...]
DVM, home flea remedies are ineffective
We were pleased to see this article and its guidance. Karyn Kanowski BVSc MRCVS, addresses home remedies and ways to reduce flea exposure, including the reason monthly flea prevention is so important. Use this article to reinforce the “whys” of flea control and prevention in clinic communications. 90 percent of the flea population in the environment exists in the form of eggs, … [Read more...]
Study: Dogs are an overlooked risk for antimicrobial-resistant salmonella spread
Pennsylvania State University researchers indicate household dogs are an overlooked transmission source for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal Salmonella and pose a zoonotic risk for spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. Source: DVM 360, January 14, 2025. Link. A greater awareness of the risks pet dogs pose in spreading antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella, as … [Read more...]
Call summary feature new to Talkatoo app
Visit VMX booth 1433. Talkatoo <Link> makes the day-to-day lives of veterinary professionals better with technology to create an affordable, intelligent medical dictation solution. Talkatoo listens, transcribes and writes your medical notes for you and now offers a call summary feature through the Talkatoo app <Link> … [Read more...]
Ask Jorvet about the latest in veterinary equipment
Visit VMX booth 2805. Jorgensen Laboratories Inc. <Link> is recognized in the United States and globally as a premier source for veterinary instruments and equipment. Ask about the latest innovations in veterinary equipment for the progressive veterinary practitioner and team members. … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and Promoboxx offer social media service
Visit VMX booth 1906, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance <Link>. Learn how to better engage with your clients even with minimal time to spare. The ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program has partnered with Promoboxx to help you capitalize on the opportunities social media offers to your clients. In just One Click. you can register and automate our social media posts to reach new … [Read more...]
Improve oral health with Maxi/Guard
Visit VMX booth 3304. Addison Biological Laboratory, Inc. <Link> is a leader in zinc-based oral care. Learn how to help pet owners improve daily oral care compliance, discuss your dermatological skin and otic approaches and see what’s new in animal-print ties and scarves. … [Read more...]
7 home maintenance tasks everyone forgets to do
Commentary Household trouble always seemed to come just as I left for a convention or business event. Colleagues often joked about it as they took a few minutes to call home and see what had happened, broken or was falling apart. Jeff Somers offers good advice for maintenance tasks often forgotten or ignored in this article. Some of them apply to veterinary hospitals … [Read more...]
The wisdom is in the questions
Questioning skills are critical to success in life, and as my grandfather coached, “The wisdom is in the questions.” Refreshing questioning skills will provide better experiences, outcomes and opportunities as animal health pros attend the upcoming national conventions and team meetings. In this article, Leonardo Capita shares the importance of open-ended questions and says … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing
From a public health perspective, low vaccination rates for pets are equally concerning as those for humans, writes Simon F. Haeder, PhD. He reviews key elements of attitudinal research he published in 2024 <Link> that reveal pet owner sentiments about vaccination carry over to their inoculation decisions for their pets. More than half of pet owners question the … [Read more...]
What’s cold to a cow and what to do about it
Jason Warner and Justin Waggoner share environmental variables that change thermoneutrality for cows as they weather cold. Nutrition requirements also need adjustments as it takes increased energy to produce extra body heat. Warner and Waggoner provide data and offer points for producers to consider when managing cow herds through cold stress. The article is actionable as it … [Read more...]
Teaching cat owners how to play with their cats and its benefits
Kristin Wurman’s LinkedIn post <Link> shares highlights of a digital campaign encouraging cat owners to engage in daily wand toy play that supports cats' unique nature as a dual species: predators and prey. More than 35 percent of participants reported playing with their cats more often, citing fewer behavioral problems and an increased understanding of their cats' … [Read more...]
Dos and don’ts when choosing supplements for dogs and cats
Good marketing does not necessarily mean high quality. There are many choices in the market which require pet owners and their veterinarians to do their diligence. Theresa W. Fossum, DVM, MS. PhD, Diplomate ACVS, and Sean Ford share the dos and don’ts of choosing supplements in this article. Source: Animal Wellness, January 12, 2025. Link. Prioritize a Certificate of … [Read more...]
Animal shelter best practices provide tips for clinic boarding facilities
Commentary We liked the premise of this article. Staci Cannon, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP, shares evidence-based guidelines for standards of care in shelters can be applied to a clinic boarding setting, noting the shared similarities. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2024. Link. Whether clinic or shelter, intentional boarding strategies help reduce patient stress during … [Read more...]
Reminder: Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark are the same as xylitol
There it was on a cough lozenge label . . . birch sugar. It took a minute to correlate birch sugar to xylitol despite knowing that sugar-free often means xylitol is an ingredient. So, since it is cough and cold season and many folks are dieting, it is a good time to share warnings with animal health pros and their pet owner networks that Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Dogs … [Read more...]
Modern tech reshaping relationships and what we can do to rebuild meaningful connections
Commentary We believe this short article is worth consideration. Our animal health industry has long been underpinned by its collegial connections, the daily interactions with animal owners and the guidance around VCPR. Anthony Iannarino is increasingly concerned about how our technologies have rewired adult relationships. He asserts asynchronous tools sacrifice the … [Read more...]
Perianesthetic medication errors in general practice
Much like carpenters who measure twice and cut once, veterinary teams can benefit from developing a culture of safety that normalizes double-checking each other’s work. Erik H. Hofmeister, DVM, DACVAA, DECVAA, MA, MS, shares results from a study examining the number and type of medical errors during the perianesthetic period in private veterinary clinics. Workloads increase the … [Read more...]
The small producer’s impact on the beef business
Seventy-nine percent of farms with beef cows have 49 or fewer cows, writes Bryan Sanderson. Small producers are not just suppliers of beef. They are important parts of rural economies, ag supply chains and local job markets. Small beef producers help sustain a resilient and dynamic beef industry by contributing to local economies, maintaining agricultural diversity, creating … [Read more...]
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing makes a difference (video)
We introduced our readers to adaptive grazing in a recent post <Link>. Carbon Cowboys films explores how working with nature can improve our soils, foods and rural communities. In this excerpt, Don Jackson shares the changes seen in the first six months, including the amount of forage produced, the improved health of their cattle and the increase in beneficial … [Read more...]
Dog Aging Project offers insights on how dogs are being fed
Includes Sponsored Content Janice O'Brien, PhD, joins Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to share some early findings from the Dog Aging Project’s large database. The conversation focuses on the latest data about dog owners and their nutritional decisions for their pets. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, YouTube, October 21, 2024. Link. The Dog Aging … [Read more...]
How to lead when you’re not in charge: leveraging influence when you lack authority
Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley provide a practical and empowering framework for developing the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively, even when you're not in charge, writes PM Kimemia. He highlights seven things he learned from reading the book. Source: PM Kimemia, Facebook, December 23, 2024. Link. Influence is not about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about … [Read more...]
Praise ending with “-est” is the worst kind of praise to give
Shawn Anchor’s statement, “If you want to enhance others, do not compare them,” was enough to stop and read his premise. Despite the article’s age, his assertions deserve consideration and offer potential value for animal health pros. Our industry is challenged to find and keep good employees. Comparison praise, as Anchor describes it, may be a societal culprit to consider … [Read more...]
Buffett’s 2003 message rings true for 2025
Commentary Our industry is growing in many directions to meet the demands of all involved but most importantly, animal owners. Warren Buffett’s direction to his management about reputation is clear and applicable to our animal health businesses as we charge into 2025. His direction from 22 years ago is needed today more than ever. Let’s be sure that everything we do in … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
Gallup: 7 workplace challenges for 2025
Commentary This was a disheartening read. Sure, employers and managers can make a difference through communication and setting expectations. Yet, employees must come to grips with their own expectations and the continuous improvement necessary to remain successfully employed and contribute to a business’s objectives.* Issues with childcare, feedback and recognition are … [Read more...]
27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do
Commentary It helps to be sure we understand people around us, especially those who may react differently to situations than we expect. In her book, “Quiet,” Susan Cain reframes how we think about sensitivity and shines a light on the power of being highly attuned to the world. In the article here, writer Jenn Granneman shares perspectives on how highly sensitive peoples’ … [Read more...]
Ours IS a people business
Commentary If people didn’t have pets or raise animals, would animal health pros have relationships with so many people? I say no and have asserted that VCPR really should have been CVRP <Link>. Clients are often frustrating, much like young students, distracted, too busy to listen, emotional, sometimes afraid and even apathetic. It's a lot when you think about … [Read more...]
The guilded age of medicine is here?
No extended diatribe or commentary in this post, BUT, animal health pros work in a parallel service industry with the same humans affected by how doctors and medical systems treat them. Maybe it is no wonder animal owners often object to costs and pricing for veterinary and pet services. Worth thinking about. Source: The New Yorker, December 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]