Poison hemlock, which resembles Queen Anne’s Lace, is often spotted along highways, in fence lines and on the edges of farm fields. Recently, populations of this toxic and invasive plant have exploded in parks, yards and gardens across the country. Poison hemlock spreads and grows its footprint during late summer and fall. Each plant produces up to 30,000 seeds that ripen … [Read more...]
Puppies are born ready to communicate with people
Researchers from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona put 375 eight-week-old puppies through four tests, designed to establish whether even such tiny pups were receptive to human communication. The results suggest that communication abilities must be inherited instead of being learned. Source: AKC, July 26, 2021. Link. The researchers now seek to … [Read more...]
Dogs will eat just about anything but their own food
A survey of 2,000 American dog owners found dogs will get ahold of just about anything. Pet caregivers shared they experience this at least once per week. The One Poll survey also revealed the average pet parent says that it’s hard to find dog food that is nutritious and delicious. Source: 72POINT, September 20, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Helping canine boredom
Complimentary Content The market for toys and puzzles to ward off boredom by pets is exploding as pet caregivers return to work outside the home. Hardly a day goes by without seeing another article about what to do now that the dog is home alone. While resources are plentiful, it is hard for owners to choose what works for their pet. Plus, finding the best choices may result … [Read more...]
Extensively drug-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections associated with U.S. pet store puppies
More than 90 percent of human Campylobacter infections are caused by Campylobacter jejuni. Major symptoms include diarrhea that is often bloody, fever and abdominal cramps. Most recover within one week. BUT not all recover that fast. Thanks to the CDC Campylobacter surveillance network, the drug-resistant strains of C. jejuni were reported and investigated. Surveillance data … [Read more...]
It’s okay to truly grieve for lost pets
Losing a trusted pet sucks. Without traditional grieving rituals we generally experience when family members die, losing a pet can truly mess with us. Experts say the death of pets can even activate grief over previous losses. Source: Outside, September 2, 2021. Link. The death of a pet is a very big deal. I often have people tell me they are surprised the experience is … [Read more...]
Basic job search tips that are easy to forget
Searching “job search advice” on Google gives you 1.4 billion results. Jenny Foss boils things down to a short list of sound, timeless job searching tips to help fine-tune processes and hopefully remove frustrations and wasted time. Source: The Muse. Link. Foss shares these 6 tips: Make yourself an obvious fit Don’t limit yourself to online applications Remember … [Read more...]
How to say NO after saying YES
We started a post last week with, “Sometimes, the best answer is ‘no,’ and doesn’t have to come at the cost of your workplace relationships or reputation.” However, we often find ourselves caught because something has changed and we’ve already said yes. Melody Wilding offers six tips to help you say no after you’ve already said yes with tact and professionalism: Consider … [Read more...]
Pets, parenting and finding our new routine
For most, finding the transition back to the “new normal” has been more challenging than expected with managing work, family and pets. Christine Royal, DVM, shares reminders that helped her family get back to work, school and travel schedules. Source: Linked In, September 1, 2021. Link. The shift back to a more active schedule is overwhelming for us all; and while things … [Read more...]
More effective communications
Get to the point! There are two sides to every conversation: speaking and listening. Both are essential to effective communication. Dr, Nido Qubein offers suggestion to help improve to exchanges. Source: Speakers Office, August 4, 2015. Link. Get to the point! There are two sides to every conversation, speaking and listening. Both are essential to the art of … [Read more...]
Advancements in regenerative agriculture
The agriculture industry is under constant scrutiny. This includes animal health, crops, chemical use and overall resource stewardship. Even the pet side of animal health is a consideration as so many ag product components feed a growing pet population. We’re sharing an example of how Cargill’s decade-long investment in sustainable agriculture supports partnerships to enable … [Read more...]
Jonathan Ayers to chair Panthera board of directors
Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization, announced this week that Jonathan Ayers, conservationist and former chairman, president and CEO of IDEXX Laboratories, has been appointed as the organization’s new chair of the board of directors. An absolute game-changer in the field with the largest-ever commitment made to small cat conservation, I am thrilled to see … [Read more...]
First Telehealth Awareness Week happening NOW
The American Telemedicine Association is bringing together leaders in telehealth service delivery, hospital systems and medical practices, technology solution providers, patient advocacy organizations, policymakers and other stakeholders during the first-annual Telehealth Awareness Week™, September 19-25, 2021. Virtual care is moving & shaking! Kudos to the ATA for making … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 16, 2021
Last week’s . . . . . . most read AHD post History of the Bantam chicken. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - Sept 9, 2021. The traditional, local, American auto dealership getting a facelift Source: Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2021. Link. For nearly a century, the American car dealership has retained its iconic … [Read more...]
Science writer Mary Roach; the forensics of wildlife crime (podcast)
Discussing interactions between people and wildlife, Mary Roach shares stories from her research for her new book, “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law.” The concept of animals committing crimes is a fun juxtaposition of the intersection between people and wildlife. Enjoy! Source: NPR, Fresh Air, September 14, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Dangling a dozen endangered rhinos upside down, researchers earn Ig Nobel (video)
Researchers from Cornell University and Namibia's Ministry of Environment wanted to find out how rhinos fare upside down. Apparently, no one had ever checked to see if the health of a tranquilized rhino was compromised when being airlifted upside down. As it turns out, the rhinos cope very well and better in this unusual position than simply lying on their side or … [Read more...]
Turkeys plus chickens: Mix the flock or not?
There are benefits to keeping a mixed flock, but there are serious bird health hazards associated with it, as well, writes Jeremy Chartier. He describes social benefits of mixing types, while reminding poultry raisers of potential coop configuration challenges. Source: Backyard Poultry, September 13, 2021. Link. Be sure to introduce mature turkeys into a chicken flock. … [Read more...]
Scientists have identified 7 distinct feline personality traits
According to new research, each cat's personality and behavior can be defined using a combination of seven traits. Five personality traits and two behavioral traits are defined in the results: Activity/playfulness Fearfulness Aggression towards humans Sociability towards humans Sociability towards cats Litterbox issues (such as refusing to use the litterbox, … [Read more...]
Animal hospitals still overwhelmed by pandemic pet boon
Curbside service is now the norm. Emergency service is a concern, however. KPCC’s Larry Mantle hosted Peter Weinstein, DVM and executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, and Evelyn Sagastume, founder of Petsadena Animal Hospital, during a live, on-air discussion last Monday. The conversation also focused on burnout, what’s changed in the vet … [Read more...]
Dogs with the strongest bite
Bite strength is measured in terms of pounds per square inch. The author shares the dog breeds with the most bite strength. The Kangal, a shepherd dog from Turkey, has the strongest bite force of 740 PSI. Some breeds have more bite force than a lion. Source: Puppies and Pooches, June 9, 2021. Link. Studies indicate that dogs with large heads, big bodies, and broader jaws … [Read more...]
Chats with the Chatfields. . . . Them’s the Rules: Can we join your PACCC?!
Complimentary Exploring little known rules, regulations, and guidelines for important aspects of animal care, Dr. Jen the vet and Dr. Jason are joined by Stephanie Shipley, the current chair of the Professional Animal Care Certification Council. The PACCC is the world's only certification program for animal care professionals and requires successful examination for … [Read more...]
Basics of canine hydration
There are pet caregivers who do not know dogs’ hydration needs are different than our own. This author provides relevant resources, including a consumption chart (Table 1) and discusses variables that influence hydration needs. Source: Animal Wellness, August 10, 2021. Link. All dogs need adequate water to survive, and in most cases, water absorption is enhanced with the … [Read more...]
Where is retail headed?
Back to normal? NOT! Retail will continue changing. From customer preferences and expectations to the payment ecosystem to last-mile delivery, the retail industry showed it can evolve and adapt during 2020 disruptions. Now the National Retail Federation focuses on how retailers are improving the customer experience, preparing for the consumer of the future, the future of the … [Read more...]
Ditch your pandemic diet habits once and for all (includes video)
A recent report found 61 percent of Americans are trying to break unhealthy habits they created during the pandemic. University of Minnesota Medical School researchers looked at the associations between stress, psychological distress, financial difficulties and changes in eating behaviors during Covid-19. They found six key themes of eating behavior changes: Mindless … [Read more...]
The power and freedom of saying, “NO” (includes podcast)
Sometimes, the best answer is "no," and doesn’t have to come at the cost of your workplace relationships or reputation. Thea O’Connor discusses how to push back to contain your workload without threatening your career or being labelled difficult. Speak from a place of knowing your value and competence, rather than from a place of weakness or being a victim,” - Cynthia Hickman, … [Read more...]
Man 2.0: Men need more rest and how they can get it
We feel better, perform better and are kinder to others when we’re taken care of, writes Dan Doty. He suggests most men are simply conditioned to run on fumes and need to intentionally create time to relax and recharge. Source: Healthline, December 22, 2020. Link. When we don’t rest enough, we put our bodies and nervous systems into overdrive mode. We operate on cortisol. . … [Read more...]
Build an excellent coaching strategy
Effective coaching is a crucial ingredient to satisfied employees. It leads to improved performance, knowledge transfer, skill improvement and employee retention, writes Steve Taplin. His writing shares some results and specific elements to include in a coaching strategy. While his examples are specific to a remote employee business, the initial step of coaching, ‘invite … [Read more...]
A learning mindset
It’s a blend of feeling confident that you can do the project you’re taking on while simultaneously being okay with making mistakes along the way and learning from them. Source: Linkedin Pulse, August 29, 2021. Link. I find that I’m more efficient and better at my work if I allow the time and space to improve myself. Without judgement. INSIGHT: Mistakes are only bad if … [Read more...]
Veterinary pros cannot rely on diagnostic tests alone
A new commentary paper warns veterinary clinicians and researchers that a diagnosis cannot rely on tests alone. The JAVMA article discusses the process of diagnostic test validation and the use of molecular diagnostic tests in clinical and regulatory veterinary medicine. Decisions should not be made solely on the basis of diagnostic test results, especially in the absence of … [Read more...]
Pros and cons of 3 key pricing strategies
There are three key strategies to pricing anything, writes Michael Stanisz. All three apply to B2B, B2C, a product or a service: Cost-based or cost-plus pricing. Note, this includes margin and markup methods. Market-based pricing. Note, minimum MSRP guidance plays a role here. Value-based pricing. Pricing challenges are frequently discussed when animal health pros … [Read more...]