Well, of course . . . BUT do pet owners and their guests really guard where pills are stored and ingested. It’s not uncommon to find an aberrant pill that didn’t reach the weekly pill organizer or a person’s mouth. With cats on the table and dogs in our laps, this release from the Pet Poison Helpline underscores the risks of our pets getting into our medications, as well as a … [Read more...]
Revisiting Old Yeller ahead of World Rabies Day 2024
The news story of at least one puppy in a litter of unvaccinated puppies transported from North Texas to a Denver-area dog rescue that was found to have rabies prompted Dan Solomon to write the article shared here. Fred Gipson’s 1956 novel, “Old Yeller” and subsequent movie depictions of it may not be familiar to Millennials or Gen Z and likely won’t be on reading lists for Gen … [Read more...]
Essential items needed when hiking with dogs
Many dog owners will take to the trails or field as summer wanes and cooler fall temperatures prevail. Patrick Lumontod has assembled a list of essential items for being out and about with dogs. Water, ID tags, microchips and a photo are among the items he lists. The article is good content for social media. Source: Top Dog Tips, December 6, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Many dog … [Read more...]
AKC turns 140 in September
The AKC staff provides a historical look at how the AKC started from hunters’ desires to standardize their animals to what it is today. The original dogs registered were Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, English Setter and Gordon Setter. The Lancashire Heeler was the latest dog registered in … [Read more...]
Feline foster care guidelines and cat care
The Feline Foster Care Guide from ASPCAPro is a robust reference for people wanting to foster, fostering organizations, shelters and pet services teams, as well. Source: ASPCAPro, via AAHA NEWStat, August 24, 2024. Link. Related: Human benefits of fostering shelter animals, DVM360, August 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 26, 2024
Veterinarians on strike in UK pet market, concerns about cats contracting bird flu, GlobalVetLink partners with Bond Vet to streamline pet travel, high school certificate program creating job-ready students for work in vet hospitals, helping small business employees with retirement plans and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 26, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
How to gauge a company’s culture before accepting a job
Christine Korol, PhD, reminds us that job interviews are a two-way street. As much as the company is evaluating you, it is critical you are also evaluating whether this company is a good match for you. Her article shares good reminders of how to prepare for an interview and gain knowledge of the company with the position available. Source: Psychology Today, August 22, 2024. … [Read more...]
The puzzle of personality: who are you, really?
Human personality pioneer in the study of well-being, Brian R. Little, PhD, dissects the surprising differences between introverts and extroverts. He then explains why your personality may be more malleable than you think. You’ll enjoy his TED talk and maybe gain some perspective about yourself, a colleague, friend or client. Source: TED, February 2016. Link. [15:06] We’re … [Read more...]
Character and integrity
All smart leadership and business decisions are founded on the bedrock of character and integrity. Operating with character and integrity means having unwavering certainty, especially when faced with difficult choices. Source: Inc., August 19, 2024. Link. It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett INSIGHTS: Integrity is the … [Read more...]
5 key voluntary benefits on the rise in 2025
Voluntary benefits, which can span from disability coverage to gym memberships, are valued by employees and employers, experts say. With open enrollment around the corner, Dawn Kawamoto shares popular voluntary benefits noting their importance in retaining diverse, five-generation workers. Pet insurance was named in the five benefits highlighted. Source: Human Resource … [Read more...]
33 Pet companies make list of fastest-growing businesses in the U.S.
A broad range of pet businesses made Inc. 5000’s list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. They include corporate and group practices, nutrition companies and service providers. Consider reviewing what these companies are doing, providing and manufacturing. Many of the trends we see every week are reflected in their growth. Source: Pet Product News, August … [Read more...]
5 silent revenue drains and ways to plug them
Janine Malloy shares ways practices lose revenue in booking, serving and billing clients. The drains she presents become more problematic when staff members are not on the same page. Missed charges and no-shows remain a significant challenge, especially if the hospital is short-staffed. Source: DVM360, August 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
The 5 levers of compliance
Commentary People ultimately do business with people they trust and respect. It is not a new phenomenon but requires exerting intentional effort. Clients want a practice team who treats them and their pets as individuals and then works to establish a services relationship. Last August, when sharing an article by Wendy Hauser, DVM, I asserted the priority of engaging … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 15, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 15th AHD Bulletin – Immunity, more than just giving a shot, let’s review. Link. Personal transformation through leadership. Link. The most expensive pets to own; annual and lifetime costs ranked. Link. TikTok 2024 Shopping Trends: “Bending … [Read more...]
Turkey, egg and dairy groups call for new approach to avian flu
Fall bird migrations <Link> have begun and producers are looking for answers to protect their animals from HPAI. They believe an effective vaccine is necessary to protect food supplies and public health. The report here quotes a USDA official who says the agency is leaving “no stone unturned in the fight against H5N1.” The spokesperson shares concerns about the … [Read more...]
Climate-neutral farming is possible
“Reducing methane reduces warming,” shares Frank Mitloehner, PhD, who sits down with Elanco’s Jeff Simmons to discuss trust, cows, milk and the climate. The interview covers the complex relationship between livestock and climate change and the importance of finding solutions to reduce global emissions. Elanco recently introduced Bovear®, a first-in-class methane-reducing … [Read more...]
Reducing dairy emissions starts with manure
Stockpiled manure is typically spread in the spring and summer, but experts are urging dairy producers to find ways to get manure out in the summer. Deborah Jeanne Sergeant shares recommendations from experts to help reduce greenhouse gases from manure, curtail methane production and adjust diets to lower emissions. Manure and the gases that come from it represent 52 percent … [Read more...]
Equine PTSD: Dealing with trauma-induced behaviors in horses
A lot of traumatic things that can happen to a horse. Whether a trailer accident, a predator encounter or poor handling, these events lead to behaviors similar to post-traumatic stress disorder in humans. The author explains the process of dealing with the triggers, resulting behaviors and therapeutic approaches for veterinarians and horse owners as they intervene to help … [Read more...]
Does cold therapy safeguard horses from injury?
It’s hard to say whether cold therapy reliably prevents or treats any particular condition or if it speeds recovery or improves athletic performance, shares Matt Leshaw, DVM, in this Q and A. He addresses the hosing or icing commonly used as treatment for musculoskeletal injuries. Source: The Horse, via The Paulick Report, June 24, 2024. Link. There's not much research to … [Read more...]
Documentary: Inside the mind of a dog
Complimentary Content This Netflix documentary is touted as “must see TV.” It delves into how dogs came to be companions, along with scientific and emotional insights about these unique animals humans love so much. Dogs smell in color, have noseprints and are both prey and predator.” Source: Netflix, YouTube, Official Trailer. Link. [1:35] … [Read more...]
2024 CATalyst Report provides critical insights on feline health for animal health pros
The CATalyst Council’s first-of-its-kind data set and the resulting reports will help animal health pros in animal health companies, shelter and adoption organizations, and the veterinary community. It provides insights on feline wellness and nutrition as well as relational dynamics between cat owners and their veterinarians. In addition to the top three issues veterinarians … [Read more...]
New insights into canine olfactory performance
As hunters take to the fields and dogs are tested for their detection abilities, new research sheds light on factors that influence dogs’ olfactory abilities. Researchers studied 411 untrained family dogs of various breeds, finding these factors: Age matters in olfactory performance Temperature and humidity did NOT matter Sex and neutering status had no effect … [Read more...]
Advancing the benefits pets bring their people
Animal health pros see this every day, although most never have a physician ask any questions about pets. We still have a long ways to go to educate and support the health benefits of human-animal bonds while our work continues to optimize overall pet wellness. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mental Health America recently shared new survey results on the care … [Read more...]
Red flag: 8 ways to budget for the cost of owning a new dog
Commentary We sometimes see consumer-facing content that misses the mark. Sadly, thousands of pet owners will read this and, trusting the internet, act on some of the suggestions. Here are three of the eight suggestions that were not well thought out: Buying pet food in bulk: Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when not used up within four to six weeks … [Read more...]
Tap water. Safe or not for pets?
Water quality and safety is a growing concern for people and their pets. In areas where flooding and storms breach water processing plants and manure containment systems concerns are amplified. Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP, discusses the potential risks and benefits of tap water and other sources. Consider the article for social media and newsletters and include the importance of … [Read more...]
54 pet product manufacturers, service providers earn 2024 Pet Innovation Awards
The Pet Innovation Awards Program highlights the most innovative companies, services and products in the highly competitive pet care industry. The awards encompass a range of pet care industry categories, including apparel, grooming and cleaning, food and treats, health, housing, toys, training, retailers and services. Source: Pet Product News, August 2024. Link. The 2024 … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the vet to provide canine leptospirosis updates, recommendations
Complimentary Content A new, blended PACCC educational series webinar series is designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, petcare and pet services professionals. The series supports the Professional Animal Care Certification Council’s objectives to bring independent testing and certification to the pet care services industry. Source: Dr. Jen the vet, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
Study: Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life
Scientists have discovered that aging is not gradual or linear, and that humans age dramatically at two key points in their life in two accelerated bursts: first at the age of 44, and then again at 60. The study found decreases in the ability to metabolize caffeine and alcohol at 40 and again at 60. Analysis on separate male and female datasets found similar results suggesting … [Read more...]
The 5 sleep languages and sleep restlessness
We’ve shared sleep-related articles in Animal Health Digest <Link> before, especially since rest and sleep are essential to function fully and support emotional health. Julia Diddy’s article on the five sleep languages caught our attention, as did the information from The Sleep Foundation. While there may be plenty of time to sleep when you die, improving the value of … [Read more...]
Where confidence comes from and how to build more of it
Rebekah Brandes says, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” is a likely answer to building confidence but not sustainable. She reviews possible sources of self-efficacy, mastery, relationships and learning something new, including references from confidence experts. Source: Nice News, August 17, 2024. Link. Although it can be uncomfortable to try something new and expand our circles … [Read more...]