Chickens in backyards are becoming more popular than ever. These backyard birds are often within city limits. Small animal hospitals and any team treating birds need to stay aware of poultry health issues, including any effects of the Veterinary Food Directive. Source: WATT Poultry Update, January 4, 2015. Avian influenza, antibiotic-free poultry production are topics of … [Read more...]
Poop-tastrophe … a dog owner’s nightmare
Poop happens! Then you or the dog steps in it. Any dog owner has had this happen. You’ll get a smile from this, as we did: What to do If Your Dog Steps in Poop: A Semi-Practical and Full Humor Guide to Your Very Own Poop-ageddon. It could be fun to include it in a veterinary hospital newsletter too. Source: Dog Channel, December 30, 2015. You feel the wild tug of a mad dog … [Read more...]
December pet food recalls
It is hard to stay abreast of pet food recalls. This list of the latest ones will help veterinary teams and dealers answer client questions. Consider posting it on an employee bulletin board or discussing it during team meetings. Source: Petfood Industry, December 30, 2015. See Blue Buffalo, Stella and Chewy’s, Bravo and Nutro products recalled in the last month. … [Read more...]
Canine disaster search teams to have world-class facility
The Search Dog Foundation provides dogs and training at no cost to fire departments and other emergency agencies around the U.S. The non-profit foundation relies solely on contributors for funding. It is building a new training facility to prepare dogs and their handlers for active rescue duties. Source: Equine and Canine News, Fall 2015, page 40. Finding a rescue dog with … [Read more...]
Editorial – Tough “Goliath” start to 2016 in cattle industry
Holiday storm Goliath will hurt the beef and dairy industries for months to come. An estimated 40,000 dairy cattle were lost to the storm. Beef losses will be from lost weight gains. For veterinarians and suppliers, helping customers find ways to replace lost animals will help ensure ongoing revenue from animal health products and services. Source: Dairy Herd Management, … [Read more...]
Editorial – Most dog seatbelts aren’t safe
Recent articles and videos question the safety of pet harnesses for automobiles. The not-for-profit Center for Pet Safety found a majority of pet harnesses marketed today do not work during sudden maneuvers. Supported in part by Subaru, CPS conducted tests on 25 harness products. Of these, only four protected a pet according to its protocols. Source: The Huffington Post, … [Read more...]
Pet age in human years
While anthropomorphic, comparing our pets’ ages to our own is common. Heather Cha, editor, offers perspective in this Yahoo News story. Veterinary hospital personnel will appreciate the updated information and resources. Source: Yahoo News, December 15, 2015. In fact, a dog’s aging process is accelerated during the first few years of maturation and then slows down after … [Read more...]
Selling cow patties online
American pioneer stories recount using buffalo chips in place of firewood. I doubt those pioneers would ever have conceived a day when a city person would place an order for cow patties and have them gift wrapped and delivered via commercial carrier. We highlight this story for perspective, fun or head-scratching. Source: Associated Press, December 28, 2015. The patties—cow … [Read more...]
What we’re learning about new canine flu
Emerging diseases confound animal health professionals. Staying abreast of current information is critical to disease recognition and prevention. Learn about a recent canine flu study, the dogs most likely to be infected and actions taken by DVMs to avoid spreading the disease. Source: Veterinary Practice News, December 16, 2016. Middle-aged dogs, not puppies or the … [Read more...]
Weather outlook 2016: get a drought plan
This article supports coffee-shop buzz like no other. Get the 2016 weather forecast from Brian Bledsoe, Colorado Springs, CO, meteorologist and ag weather consultant. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 60. “This El Nino should be history sometime in the spring”, Bledsoe said. “By late spring, it’s probably done. Which should be an indication that you be diligent and … [Read more...]
Clearing up VFD confusion
Learn what is critical in the short term and what’s to come in 2016 from this review. Source: Beef Magazine, January 2016, page 36. Keep in mind that veterinarians will only be able to authorize label uses of the VFD antibiotics. Currently, any use of a feed drug other than according to the label is illegal. INSIGHTS: The noise about VFD slowed during the holidays. In … [Read more...]
Revamping your social media sites for 2016
Managing social media is not a priority to many of us. Learn key practices to update your personal or professional information to refresh your social media presence in this article. Source: Forbes, December 28, 2015. A lot can happen in a year, and there’s a decent chance that some of the information on your social media accounts is out of date. Take a look at your location … [Read more...]
Setting the facts straight about leptospirosis
Vaccination is still the primary method of protection against leptospirosis. This short article helps veterinary hospital teams prepare for discussions about lepto and lepto vaccines with pet owners. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, 2015 must read summary. Leptospirosis is not limited to large-breed or outdoor dogs. If a dog goes outside, she could be exposed—all it takes is … [Read more...]
Electric locks, windows pose threat for traveling pets
Simple things are often easy to forget. This story reminds us that pets can be injured if electric windows and locks in automobiles are not locked out. This is good information for veterinary teams to share with clients. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 23, 2015. How many of you have electric windows in your car? If you do, and your dog can reach the window, you should … [Read more...]
Pet ownership saves the US $11.7 billion in healthcare costs
The economic value of pet ownership is shown in this study. Print, broadcast and online media are sharing the information. Source: Petfood Industry, December 28, 2015. While additional health benefits associated with pet ownership have been documented by scientific research, the economists were unable to determine specific cost data associated with those findings. … [Read more...]
Dairy – Top ten things learned in 2015
Top ten lists are a quick way to keep in mind topics that may impact business in the coming year. Learn what Dennis Halladay, Hoard’s Western Editor views as top tens. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 28, 2015. The Upper Midwest has muscle. With South Dakota, Michigan and Wisconsin leading the way, the Upper Midwest is “producing like its life depends on it,” according to … [Read more...]
Back to Basics: The importance of fundamentals
Whether we create product SKUs or provide a service, the basics matter. Becky Morgan, president of Fulcrum Consulting Works Inc., reminds us of the importance of focusing on the basics in this post. Source: Industry Week, December 24, 2015. Customer loyalty rely on “the experience,” which includes receiving an accurate invoice and the what/when/how many ordered being … [Read more...]
United Airlines brings dogs to airports to comfort stressed holiday travelers
The human-animal bond reduces stress for airport travelers at seven airports, thanks to United Airlines’ United Paws program. Source: 89.3 KPPC, Southern California Public Radio, December 22, 2015. “United Paws is a wonderful program that comes at just the right time for some holiday travelers who may be experiencing a bit of anxiety or stress," said Veterinary Consultant … [Read more...]
Why Asia craves America’s pig DNA
Experience the dynamics of swine exporting and decision-making in this intriguing story. In a business fraught with financial risks and potential catastrophes, exporters must navigate countries’ various regulations, financing arrangements and cultural norms. Animal diseases, currency fluctuations, and politics can quickly destroy markets. Yet, this is part of feeding the … [Read more...]
What should eating right look like?
It is again time to set new year’s resolutions. For many, that will include moving toward becoming healthier. Physical activity and eating right are important at all life stages, and the benefits last a lifetime! What should eating right look like? remains a common question. While focused on beef as a protein source, this article is worthwhile as you set your health goals for … [Read more...]
How Apple’s Trojan horse will eat the credit card industry
Lower fees, better service, and faster transactions. We won’t need to carry paper money and credit cards any more – just our cellphones. Can it be real? More secure? Can we trust it? All this and more is presented in this intriguing story relevant to anyone who carries credit cards or accepts them at their businesses. Source: Washington Post, December 21, 2015. Apple Pay … [Read more...]
Pet food packaging: consumers care about what it says
Learn what pet owners actually look for in packaging. This column notes packaging trends and what buyers want on packaging from the pet food industry. Source: Petfood Industry, December 15, 2015. For pet owners who do care most about what pet food packaging actually says efforts are under way to help make that information easier to find and comprehend. A task force has … [Read more...]
Taming feline aggression
Increasing the volume of feline veterinary care is an important opportunity for companion animal practices. Multiple client experiences, as well as their feline frustrations will accompany this growth. Petey, a much-loved, six-month-old kitten, is the main character for this story. It is a great guide for handling aggression. Veterinary hospital teams will appreciate this … [Read more...]
Strategic replacement heifer production and selection has huge impact on operations
This article is full of considerations about heifer replacements. It references multiple tools to help with the selection process. Realize that some traditional sire-selection and cow-size criteria may not be appropriate for best-value replacement heifers. Veterinarians and representatives will appreciate this article as they work with herd owners and managers. Source: … [Read more...]
Editorial – Royal Winter Fair: Number-one rated indoor horse show in North America
We learn more every day about the animal health industry as the list of publications and topics grows at Animal Health Digest. The story on horses at the Toronto, Canada, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is a new discovery for me. Source: The Saddle Horse Report, December 14, 2015, page 28. (direct link unavailable) The pomp and circumstance is unlike most other events. As … [Read more...]
Editorial – 2015 AVMA study highlights the profession’s economic health
As animal health professionals, we have a responsibility to learn about and monitor the status of our veterinary profession, the foundation of animal health and zoonotic disease prevention. This article sheds hopeful light in the near term, but also presents data indicating the profession’s position is not entirely positive. Learn answers to the following questions and more in … [Read more...]
Are your dog’s teeth a hot mess?
Veterinary clients can take a quiz in this issue of Dogster and read about dental care. Learn what they’re reading and consider using the quiz as a fun, pre-exam activity while clients wait for their appointments. Two articles in this issue present canine dental care considerations for dog owners. Source: Dogster, February/March 2016. (direct link unavailable) Dental care … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Set up replacement heifers for long-term success
Replacement heifers are a lifeline to a herd’s success. This article highlights how to get them started right and reviews factors for a successful replacement heifer program. Source: Beef, December 17, 2015. Producers should look for heifers that display these characteristics: 1) a mature body size that matches the ranch resource availability; 2) an ability to get bred and … [Read more...]
Consummate cowgirl
If you have ever watched rodeos, you’ll recognize Pam Minick. She will be presented with the Western Horseman Award during Ranching Heritage Weekend at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo place January 15 through February 6, 2016. Since 1973, she has competed, hosted rodeo broadcasts and served as emcee. She currently hosts two RFD-TV programs, Gentle Giants and The American … [Read more...]
Horse health by the season
This article gives horse owners a quick rundown of the most common seasonal health concerns from a veterinarian’s perspective. Barb Crabbe, DVM, provides tips to avoid health issues and a checklist that reminds horse owners what to prepare for. Source: Horse & Rider, January 2016, page 38-43. (direct link unavailable) Dr. Crabbe shares the top health care seasons from … [Read more...]