Video conferencing calls dominate communications now. Camera technologies vary and may distort your image or coloring. Jennifer Jager shares tips on how to look your best when using video communications. Source: Bottomline Inc., June 1, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Cat toys, catnip, cat eyes and moving with a cat
We continue to review articles targeted to animal owners. This helps ensure animal health pros know what various publications are telling animal owners and also to provide solid information to use in communications and social media. This selection of cat articles is worth your review. Source: Cat toys: How to keep them clean, when to throw them out, Catster, March 23, … [Read more...]
Cats need heartworm prevention too
A noticeable number of heartworm infections are found in indoor-only cats. This, along with limited treatment options, makes prevention important for every cat. Brian Calabro, DVM, discusses heartworm disease in cats. Source: DVM 360, June 8, 2020. Link. Cats are not small dogs making it good to review what we know about heartworm disease in cats and to refocus our efforts … [Read more...]
Myths that stop people for asking for help at work
Comfortably and confidently asking for help requires refuting misperceptions that have been uncovered in research. These are myths likely to have been heightened as a result of the ongoing pandemic adjustments. Asking for help makes you look bad If I do ask for help, I’ll be rejected Even if someone agrees to help, they won’t enjoy doing so Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Burnout recovery: 11 strategies to help you reset
People in our networks are feeling the deepening fatigue of adjusting to the rigors of the initial pandemic period. Whether working from home or working with PPE restrictions, ongoing high stress takes a toll on the brain and body. Burnout happens gradually. You might not notice symptoms immediately. However, once it takes hold, it can affect your ability to function across … [Read more...]
Pandemic metrics unclear on alcohol use
Early data from some sources indicated alcohol use was increasing during the work-from-home period brought on by the pandemic. Recent information shows it was skewed due to channel shifting and point of sale pricing variances. You’ll be interested in the Nielsen analysis, as well as HR management guidance to reduce potential WFH abuse. Source: HR Daily Advisor, June 1, … [Read more...]
Email marketing: what to do when reopening is on the horizon
Natasa Djukanovic shares perspectives on email messaging in preparation for the next normal stages. Intent, empathy and positivity are all foundational elements of her suggestions. Source: Marketing Profs, May 26, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good guidance for sales team members and marketers. We all can do a better job of writing a short email even though it takes a … [Read more...]
Moving generational labels aside to focus on perennials
Helping two college kids move into their new apartment last week, I caught myself labeling them as Zs. One expressed disgust at being labeled. After all, she had planned and orchestrated the lease, packing, move and transition beyond admirably. She was correct. She didn’t belong in a bucket with a label. I apologized and acknowledged her initiative and strategic skills. For … [Read more...]
At 10 years old, he knew he would be a vet
Sometimes we need to be reminded of how much potential we encounter on a daily basis. The challenge is to emulate stories like this in the midst of our own situations and chaos. Victor Lopez’s lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian came true after a chance meeting, two decades of struggle, rejection and unrelenting determination.” Source: Innovetive Pet Care, June 8, … [Read more...]
VVCA to clarify virtual care, telemedicine, executive director
Mark Cushing, JD, explains how the Veterinary Virtual Care Association came to be and how it plans to bring clarity, definition and structure to the growing segments telehealth, telemedicine and virtual care. . . . what was a side feature. . . is now an expectation” Source: Todays’ Veterinary Business, June/July 2020. Link. Virtual care is a tool alongside in-person care and … [Read more...]
Animal hospitals need to prepare now for summer rebound
Michael Raphael shares why he believes animal hospitals are positioned for one of the busiest summers in years. According to his reference data, the main drivers to revenue returning are recapturing delayed well visits, vaccinations, oral health procedures and surgeries. He shares five reasons animal hospitals are well-positioned for the summer and ideas to get prepared: … [Read more...]
March 2020 – Top post review (3 of 3)
March 2020 – the month when the coronavirus feces hit the fan. Animal health pros faced the challenges and worked hard to mitigate risks while learning what changes the next day would bring. Defining essential versus non-essential was necessary to facilitate prevention of coronavirus transfer. Work-from-home mandates literally ground some businesses to a halt, forcing high … [Read more...]
May 2020 – Top post review (1 of 3)
The end of meteorological spring < link > has yielded to summer. Weather and the coronavirus pandemic have made it a memorable one. Animal health pros have quickly adopted digital communications, learned new methods of balancing home with work and found myriad ways to adapt to pandemic threats, tornadoes and flooding. Our Animal Health Digest weekly readership remains … [Read more...]
Pet separation anxiety likely after pandemic pause
The pandemic WFH pause has some silver linings. For pet-owning families, pets and people became much more attuned to each other’s behaviors and idiosyncrasies. Animal health pros have been proactive in assessing the potential for pet separation anxiety issues as family members return to work and summer activities leaving pets alone at home. Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, shares ways … [Read more...]
Here’s the beef. . . well maybe
Darrell Peel, Oklahoma State University ag economist, says beef markets are moving past the worst of the disruptions that caused upheaval recently. Beef markets were thrown into turmoil in March as food service markets, such as restaurants, were sharply curtailed and beef demand suddenly rose in the retail grocery sector. He discusses the supply chain, price fluctuations and … [Read more...]
The 4 parasites horses hate
Sponsored Content from Bimeda U.S.A. Take a look at how modern deworming approaches are preventing the evolution of super parasites and the techniques to employ to keep horses healthy. This special edition covers: The four worst parasites for a horse What’s the future of parasite control? Know the most effective deworming techniques The most effective deworming … [Read more...]
1 in 10 veterinarians surveyed considered suicide due to student loans
Travis Hornsby shares information garnered from a survey of his community of borrowers. The group is much more likely to have six figures of debt and have graduate degrees. We asked him to give us a bit of comparative perspective against other professions. Source: Student Loan Planner, May 19, 2020. Link. Veterinarians also have one of the highest student debt burdens of … [Read more...]
3 keys to post pandemic retailing
Mark Kalaygian shares three factors for pet specialty retailers to consider when devising a strategy for doing business in a post-pandemic environment: Recession realities New weapons for brick and mortar locations Craving contact Source: Pet Business, May 26, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Stop, look and listen to Kalaygian’s assertions. Veterinary clinics that have … [Read more...]
What MAP means for veterinary clinics
Minimum advertised pricing is one of the positive outcomes of a more aggressive OTC retail environment. While veterinarians may dislike having to change their focus from cost-based margin, MAP offers a much improved and level playing field at the customer’s pocketbook. Source: Veterinary Advantage, March 2020. Link. In today’s world, vendors need to have their products … [Read more...]
Subscription wellness plans: a long-term answer?
Bob Lester, DVM, shares his experiences and perspectives on subscription wellness plans. Subscription preventive care plans are not discount or loyalty programs. They are not pet insurance. Instead, they are a fundamental way of approaching veterinary practice. They empower clients and the veterinary team with a laser focus on delivering preventive care so that pets can live … [Read more...]
Renewal and recovery after Covid-19 (podcast)
Industry consultants Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA, and Karen Felstad, DVM, CPA, MS, CVPM, CVA, discuss the tectonic shifts the veterinary profession is going through. They explore what the profession is learning, what habits should remain broken and which replacements should become entrenched in the daily routines of veterinary practices. They cover nine areas : … [Read more...]
The life of a fire ant queen (video)
Speaking of fire ants, here’s a short animation from TED-Ed that explains the lifecycle of a fire ant queen. From mating to death, it details the queen’s life in a way that is memorable for adults and youngsters alike. Source: YouTube, January 16, 2020. Link. Mating frenzies, sperm hoards, and brood raids: the life of a fire ant queen – Walter R. Tschinkel. Also see: … [Read more...]
They’re back and it’s gonna’ be loud!
In parts of southwestern Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia, it's nearly time for a once-in-17-year emergence and mating season. As many as 1.5 million Brood IX cicadas could emerge per acre. Source: NPR, May 23, 2020. Link. Also see: Cicada Mania. Link. Also see: House Beautiful, May 21, 2020. Link. These periodic broods typically last four to six weeks before … [Read more...]
Equine herpesviruses, we’re still learning
EHV-1 and EHV-4 are alphaherpesviruses that generally bring to mind respiratory disease, abortion and neurologic disease. Horses are also hosts of EHV-3, an alphaherpesvirus that causes equine coital exanthema. Kate L. Hepworth-Warren, DVM, DACVIM, reminds us of the often forgotten EHV-2 and EHV-5, gammaherpesviruses are quite prevalent in the equine population, as well. … [Read more...]
Horses: skin care, socialization and going swimming
Horse owners are inquisitive. They work hard to own and nurture horses for what may be relatively few days of riding enjoyment. The articles below help clear up some issues with aggression and ensure horses and riders enjoy time together. Sources: Why horses need social bonds, Horse Network, May 20, 2020. Link. Domestic horses spend more time in aggressive behavior and … [Read more...]
It’s hard to floss a horse
Research on periodontal disease in horses is limited. Matt Kane, DVM, he believes most periodontal disease in horses is secondary to food stasis, or organic debris lodged between two teeth against the periodontia. Discovery of the condition answers the what. The why requires further investigation. Source: DVM 360, March 17, 2020. Link. Owners can be difficult to convince, … [Read more...]
Feeding pets: dos, don’ts and dealing with poo
Dogs especially want to share what we’re eating. Not all human food is safe. But all food travels through at some level. Several resources what’s okay to share, what’s not and then what to do with the poo. This information may help first time pet owners make better decisions and avoid issues from deposits left unattended in the grass. The Environmental Protection Agency … [Read more...]
Cooperative care in cats (podcast)
Host Beckie Mossor, RVT, visits with Monique Feyrecilde, LVT, VTS, to discuss how—and why—to provide cooperative veterinary care. Podcasts are sometimes grueling. This one is not. In fact, I found myself replaying segments to review the thoughts and approaches being shared. It presents a lesson in leadership so important to veterinary engagement with animal owners. What is … [Read more...]
Expectations and cat behavior (video)
Catvocate Liz Bales, DVM, talks on WJLA’s The Pet Show with Dr. Katy about adjusting owner expectations to meet cat needs in homes. Cat owner dissatisfaction remains one of the primary reasons cats are relinquished for adoption. Being aware of Bales and her recommendations may make answering cat owner questions easier. The cat living outside is genetically identical to cats … [Read more...]
Dairy topics: cow lying time, evaluating colostrum and virtual dairy tours
Keeping cows resting, improving measurements for failure of passive transfer and preparations for June Dairy Month are all actionable topics for animal health pros working with dairy producers. The Undeniably Dairy educational resources may interest people in your networks who plan to extend home education during summer. Take a few minutes to watch this virtual tour. < … [Read more...]