Sporting dog and working dog owners are supporting a resurgence for dogs to do what they were bred to do. Like many peri-urban dog owners, Hannah Hays’ experiences with her pet Vizla lit a fire in her to help her dog become himself. Dog owners like her support wildlife conservation, habitat and organizations for dog enthusiasts. For those who have never … [Read more...]
AKC: Signs of chronic pain in dogs
Pain is personal to the pet, the owner and the veterinary team and can be hard to identify. Kevin T. Fitzgerald, DVM, provides solid information for dog owners, including a list of top signs of chronic pain in dogs and how it can be eased. Source: AKC Family Dog, March/April 2020. Link. Diet is perhaps the most underused pain relief method.” - Kevin T. Fitzgerald, … [Read more...]
Groomers sound off on skin care
Whether dog or cat, groomers are often the first to discover skin issues. We assembled articles published by GroomertoGroomer to provide perspective on groomers’ involvement in skin care. Source: Stepping up skin care in the salon, Groomer to Groomer, March 2020, page 34. Link. Source: Feline skin issues? Take a bubble bath! Groomer to Groomer, March 2020, page 46. … [Read more...]
Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
“Is this kibble okay to feed my dog?” This is a common question asked of veterinary team members. With the amount of press pet obesity garners, animal owners are sensitized to get the right food for their pets. Human food trends also impact pet owner choice. Label confusion and lack of knowledge about nutrients and ingredients add to the challenges. Clinicians need to focus … [Read more...]
Discovering and speaking to consumer types
Lindsay Beaton translates recent consumer research in the context of pet food consumer mindsets. There are 11 types of consumers, each with its own habits, priorities, and influences. Notably, she identifies four commonalities that overlap most types: Convenience Ease of online access Customization of experiences Product clarity Source: Petfood Industry, July … [Read more...]
New cattle virus on watch list as causative agent for calf diarrhea
Almost no one in North America is looking for the Bovine kobuvirus in cattle or other species. However, it was isolated in four of nine samples from cattle in Illinois as the causative agent for calf diarrhea. It remains to be seen how this emerging disease agent influences health, although previous studies conducted elsewhere in the world have found bovine kobuvirus in fecal … [Read more...]
BVD tears at dairy profits
Complimentary commercial content from Zoetis Bovine Viral Diarrhea is a disease issue in cattle worldwide. It is like a shadow in herds that robs production and herd health. BVD can be controlled with diligent management steps revolving around testing, culling, vaccination and farm biosecurity. . . . often BVD is a subclinical disease, and its symptoms get lost amid the … [Read more...]
Slap some honey on that wound
David Ramey, DVM, breaks stride to talk about the natural healing properties associated with honey. Yes, the stuff from bees. He reviews some honey history and then digs into the chemical properties of honey which has a high sugar content, acid, and hydrogen peroxide all packaged in a gooey natural liquid that doesn’t spoil if kept airtight. Source: Horse Network, July 13, … [Read more...]
Void in urban livestock veterinary care due to lack of facilities, interest or experience
Research results indicate an increasing demand for veterinary services for poultry and livestock in cities and suburbs and a need for ongoing continuing education of practitioners, as well as the animal owners according to UC Davis research. This segment of agriculture has been largely overlooked by the veterinary community in North America.” - Dr. Alda Pires “The health and … [Read more...]
Noisy children get WFH parent fired
Whizy Kid’s article sparks memories of a 15th century saying, “Children should be seen not heard.” Fueled by the story of a California woman whose employer fired her because her children were allegedly too noisy, Kid discusses employment at will, just cause, gender discrimination and wrongful termination. Source: Refinery 29, July 10. Link. The pandemic has burst the dam on … [Read more...]
Colorado squirrel positive for bubonic plague
A squirrel tested positive for bubonic plague in Morrison, Colorado, last week. Unusual in squirrels, plague caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis is found in rodents and their associated fleas throughout the Western U.S. The report is a reminder for the growing number of people choosing camping in western U.S. parks for summer vacations and trips, regardless of their state … [Read more...]
DVMs, MDs collaborate to address zoonoses
The prevalence of zoonoses points to the need for veterinarians and their human counterparts to connect and work together today in ways most haven’t historically.” - Audrey Ruple, DVM. The progressive nature of the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the need for medical professionals from all disciplines to interact, share knowledge and activate their collective … [Read more...]
Read this BEFORE you head out on vacation
Scott Edinger compares returning from vacation to a space shuttle on reentry. With the right preparation before a flight, the friction on reentry can be managed well with the right angles. Metaphors aside, he offers good counsel that may be more relevant now than in 2012. Source: Harvard Business Review, June 27, 2012. Link. Clear the decks Allow yourself to check … [Read more...]
Choosing a backup generator
Weather events are the most common reasons for the power to go out. Aging power grids in the U.S. are susceptible to outages as more and more electricity is demanded. Daniel D. Chapel shares factors to consider when making an electrical backup generator decision. Source: DVM 360 Hospital Design, June 2020, page 6. Link. . . . the average duration of an electrical power … [Read more...]
Signs of a coyote attack
Complimentary commercial content from Nite Guard, LLC Canis latrans, the coyote, is an increasingly present inhabitant of suburban landscapes. One of the more adaptable of all wild mammals, the coyote is implicated in the deaths of chickens, livestock and backyard pets. They are bold and yet stealthy predators with appetites befitting a 25- to 40-pound working dog. … [Read more...]
What to do when the rats show up with the chickens
Ana Hotaling discusses dealing with rat infestations in chicken coops. Her concepts are directed toward prevention of the rodents and to avoid the infections and parasites rats carry for chickens, pets and humans. She also warns against using poisoned baits to avoid accidental poisoning of a cat or dog that finds a rat away from its burrow. A female Norway rat gives birth to … [Read more...]
Articles to help cat owners
Cat owners can be as curious as their cats. Many religiously participate in feline social media groups and share their experiences peer to peer. B-to-C publications also provide perspective on feline health, owner issues and wellness solutions, although the cover-to-cover reading habits for which cat owners are known has not drastically changed their habits with wellness … [Read more...]
Articles to help dog owners
Meeting the needs and curiosities of dog owners is part of what B-to-C publications seek to provide. Not all the material gets read thoroughly, so we assembled recent articles that can help dog owners better understand their canine pals. Source: How to satisfy your working dog’s instincts, Animal Wellness, July 6, 2020. Link. Satisfying a working dog’s instincts begins with … [Read more...]
Training and behavior products category booming
Let’s face it, there is a growing need for canine companions to be well-behaved in a variety of settings. In fact, the need has created a fast-growing product/services category that includes innovative training and behavior products. Client education is also a strategy for retailers to serve clients who need help with improving their pets’ behaviors. Source: Pet Product … [Read more...]
The experts every dog owner needs
It takes a village, writes Bryn Nowell. From veterinary team to social media groups, she identifies resources for pet owners. Source: Dogster, June 25, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: The list of those who offer input on the care of any given pet is extensive. We have asserted the importance of seeing beyond the DVM dialogue to be more visible in local and social media to help set … [Read more...]
Make the oral health discussion memorable
Amanda Carrozza shares suggestions for making actionable recommendations in the examination room and promoting ongoing oral care at home. Her ideas reflect a team approach and prioritizing home care as part of communications. Source: DVM 360, June 29, 2020. Link. Too often clients perceive discussions about their pet’s oral health as “friendly suggestions” instead of … [Read more...]
New company to streamline social media content for practices
Complimentary commercial content SimplyDONEsocial launches as a curated social media platform with a virtual party July 22nd. The new company is a collaboration between Eric Garcia, founder of Simply Done Tech, Jenise Walker with TheSociableVET, and Bruce L. Truman with BLT Consulting, SimplyDONEsocial will address social media management challenges for veterinary … [Read more...]
The importance of surgical instrument reprocessing
There is heightened vigilance now on infection control, including sterilization of instruments in veterinary settings. Dan McGinley reviews some of the dos and donts about surgical instruments veterinary teams need to consider. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 2020, page 32. Link. Also see: How often do you clean your stethoscope, Virox Animal Health. Link. Note … [Read more...]
Infection prevention is everyone’s business
Complimentary commercial content Virox is hosting a free webinar, “Ask an Infection Prevention Expert”, Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration allows viewers to submit their questions about infection prevention and control. This topic is timely as people return to work with concerns about staff, animal owner and animal safety. The webinar will feature Nicole … [Read more...]
4 ways to reduce the online risk in your practice
Complimentary content provided by Clint Latham, Lucca Veterinary Data Security. Link. The web browser has become the new operating system says Clint Latham and with the expansion of browser options come security risks. This is especially important to veterinary practices that rely on cloud-based practice management systems which increase web presence and exposure to … [Read more...]
Finding happiness for veterinary professionals
Webinar invitation Join in as Talkatoo and petsapp collaborate to feature one of TED’s more popular speakers. Harvard Medical School professor Robert Waldinger is scheduled to deliver, “Finding Happiness: Lessons from the Longest Study on Adult Development and What it Means for Veterinary Professionals.” Webinar date, time: July 29, 2020. 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration is … [Read more...]
We need sellers who sell, not take orders
Commentary David Brock shares he remains stunned by how few people who are in sales roles, truly sell. His article is clouded with somewhat of a rant BUT, he makes good points that are relevant in this current pandemic, WFH and changed contact methods environment. Customers need help, they want help. . . particularly in these times. They need to learn, to see new … [Read more...]
Rabies reported in cattle in 3 states
Considered rare, five rabies cases in cattle have been reported in three states. Rhonda Brooks shares information about historic incidences in cattle, rabies forms and protecting livestock. In the U.S., several distinct rabies virus variants have been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks and foxes. In addition to these reservoirs, multiple species of … [Read more...]
When face masks hide your smile and other emotions
Face masks will be part of our wardrobes for the foreseeable future. There are recognizable challenges with communications through face masks, including sound distortion and covering smiles and emotional signals. Facial expressions of all kinds are a very important component of human interaction. When we wear masks, we’re missing a major piece of that entire communication … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]