Sponsored Content Tropical Storm Henri was a hurricane before it made landfall in Rhode Island last Sunday. We shared hurricane safety and check lists for pets in September 2020 <Link>. Large animal and livestock owners also need to think about how they will care for their animals during natural disasters. The AVMA offers disaster resources to help owners plan for … [Read more...]
13 words and phrases to banish from crisis communications
We’ve all had to communicate during a crisis, especially animal health communications pros. Senior leadership must recognize what may be perceived as a minor issue internally will not necessarily be perceived that way externally. Choosing your language carefully is never more critical than during a crisis. Thirteen members of Forbes Communications Council shared one word or … [Read more...]
VetWatch shares remix of pet ownership
Complimentary The VetWatch Commentary thru August 14th remains positive while a bit softer. Beyond the economic measurements, the veterinarian and pet owner sentiments section draws attention to findings from an eighth wave of M/A/R/C research and information from Packaged Facts and MRI-Simmons National Consumer Study that may disrupt some generalized assumptions: … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 1
Opinion First impressions and first visits set the tone for the future client-veterinary team relationship. Last week, we shared how veterinarians are addressing patient and client care at end-of-life and euthanasia decision points in Death and other client kindnesses <Link>. We agree, EOL support IS an important set of services to offer, provide or outsource. “It is … [Read more...]
Join the 2nd VIS Burnout and Work-Life Balance Study in the veterinary profession
Complimentary Using the same methodology from the 2020 survey Ivan Zak, DVM, will compare data from a new survey with previous findings. He has also added a new block of questions to assess the work-life balance in the profession, noting this is a leading reason veterinary professionals consider leaving the profession. The results will be aggregated, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 19, 2021
Last week’s most read post 40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study. AHD Link. Cat2VetDay is August 22nd Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. In the United States, more than half of our 74 million cats are not visiting the veterinarian regularly. See the resources available for immediate use including, 5 reasons NOT to postpone … [Read more...]
Cattle industry commits to climate neutrality
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released the U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals during its annual convention and trade show last week in Nashville, Tennessee. Goals include: Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040 Create and enhance opportunities that resulted in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic … [Read more...]
Learning through livestock: Pipestone Discovery Barn brings the farm to fairgoers (video)
The Pipestone Discovery Barn gives kids who don’t grow up on a farm a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Visitors not only get to see the baby animals, they also witness them being born. Source: KEOLAND.com, August 13, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Strategies to help horses work with a veterinarian
There are plenty of easy things to help get your horse ready for a vet day without drama or trauma, writes Allison Armstrong Rehnborg. Even under the best of circumstances, vet day can be a bit chaotic. Teaching a horse the basics of good manners is part of being a responsible horse owner. . . it’s not the vets’ job.” - Ryan Cottingim Source: Horse Illustrated, January 6, … [Read more...]
Equine supplements: Look closely, they may not be needed.
Horse owners are always trying this or that to get more out of their animals. Sarah Voss reminds us that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or USDA. She says: Make sure any supplement is something a horse truly needs Contact a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s history first Look at the packaging to determine the quantity of each ingredient provided Ask … [Read more...]
There are now lab-grown mouse-meat cookies for cats
There will soon be cultured meat for pet food. Say what? Current pet foods use some of the worst meat and a market for it helps keep conventional agriculture afloat. Enter biotech startup Because, Animals. It touts a reduction in carbon pollution by focusing on cultured, lab grown meat starting with cat treats. The first snack, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, has … [Read more...]
Behaviorists agree on dominance. Dogs don’t try to compete with people.
The debate continues despite the title. It’s an interesting read.” – Kirk Augustine Most available research indicates that dogs engage in behaviors of dominance and submission, but they don’t try to compete with us for control over the domestic environments in which they live. Important questions still remain, however, especially about whether dogs recognize our putative … [Read more...]
Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive
In this brief critical discussion, the authors argue that B. burgdorferi vaccines in dogs meet the criteria outlined by AAHA for a vaccine that is not generally recommended, and that these vaccines do not confer any clear benefit to public health, as Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease. For these reasons, they conclude that the rationale for canine B. burgdorferi … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
3 must-reads on canine osteoarthritis
In observance of National Dog Month this August, DVM 360 highlighted three articles that provide effective methods for treating osteoarthritis and helping patients manage this debilitating disease so they can live their fullest lives. Source: DVM 360, August 9, 2021. Link. The articles include pointers on implementing a rehabilitation plan immediately after the diagnosis to … [Read more...]
Rainbow-dyed fur and dog mohawks: The L.A. dog groomer bringing joy to Instagram
Josh White is used to attention. The 30-year-old dog groomer’s style is as colorful and label conscious as a pop star with an eclectic smattering of designer clothing ranging from Supreme to Vivienne Westwood. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 16, 2021. Link. Learn more about Dogue Spa services, White and partner Mehdi Rezig at https://www.doguespa.net … [Read more...]
AHD’s Augustine speaks with Ivan Zak, Shawn Wilkie on Veterinary Innovation Podcast
Kirk Augustine, Animal Health Digest founder and president, was the 110th guest on the recent Veterinary Innovation Podcast. He discussed curating content for veterinary professionals, the need for neutrality and why animal dentistry deserves more attention as oral care. Source: Veterinary Innovation Podcast, August 12, 2021. Link. Reflecting on the experience, Augustine … [Read more...]
Revenge bedtime procrastination. What it means, how to stop it.
Considering all the media coverage about stress, depression, fully taxed staffs and the ongoing suicide concerns, we’re sharing Ashley Mateo’s article for those who can’t go to bed until they’ve gotten their perceived fill of me time or peace and quiet. Revenge bedtime procrastination is defined as a phenomenon in which people who don't have much control over their daytime … [Read more...]
Stop over-apologizing
Starting your sentences with, “I’m sorry,” does a lot more harm than you think, says Reniel. Over-apologizing is a real thing. He says for some of us, we're being too hard on ourselves, anticipating that something we said will offend someone, or provoke them. For others, it stems from something in our past that may have been an unhealthy relationship. . . . consider that … [Read more...]
How toxic is wildfire smoke?
There are five particles that determine air quality: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. These provide an air quality index. Air quality is measured by a numbered scale which begins at zero and goes to 500. Anything above 150 to 200 is considered terrible air quality, even though the scale goes to 500. Source: The Outdoor Wear, August 12, 2021. … [Read more...]
Stay in your discomfort zone
Last week we shared career stages veterinarians experience <Link>. The first five years could be called uncomfortable. Syed Balkhi advocates embracing discomfort. Feeling discomfort and resistance are normal experiences. And whether you’re a leader, a professional or a creative person, your best chance at growth and transformation is by getting comfortable with … [Read more...]
Is half of your staff planning to quit?
Forty eight percent of America's working population is actively job searching or watching for opportunities. Businesses face a staggeringly high quit rate as 3.6 million Americans resigned in May alone. Source: Gallup, July 22, 2021. Link. Considering that most of the currently employed are not engaged, each new hire is liable to land on a less-than-engaging team and … [Read more...]
Pay attention to these 3 customer trends
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, widened the gap between innovative leaders and those who resisted change, unsettled and increased customer expectations, and forced sales teams into remote interactions, says J. Michael Marks. You don’t have to be a distributor to appreciate the simplicity of the trends Marks shares. He says if you’re willing to play offense, … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Anthropomorphism: The greatest threat to animal welfare
Universally, anthropomorphism is known as giving human characteristics to a non-human entity. According to the author of this article, anthropomorphism can be traced back 30,000 years. Anthropomorphism today is seen in almost every household in this country and the trend is growing. We need to step back and understand why we are projecting human traits on our pets and other … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 12, 2021
Last week’s most read AHD post Relief Rover raises $10K from virtual 5K event benefitting NOMV. AHD, Link Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin - August 5, 2021. Link. Scientists have worked out how to send viable mouse sperm on postcards Source: New Scientist, August 5, 2021. Link. This study raises the intriguing idea that human spermatozoa could … [Read more...]
40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study
Scientists have found that 40 percent of wild deer in parts of the U.S. had neutralizing antibodies for the coronavirus, suggesting Covid-19 spread from humans in what is reportedly the first documentation of widespread exposure to the virus in free-roaming animals. Source: Washington Times, August 4, 2021. Link. This is not just an occasional one-off infection. This is … [Read more...]
ASF information for community and media available from OIE
The latest information about African swine fever and tools for communicating about it to the public and the media are now available from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). From a thorough overview of the disease, diagnostics, and prevention and control, the information quality is expectedly high. Additionally, a link to media resources that include posters, … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]