The authors compiled hybrid work survey results from 100 executives from various industries and locations. While employees are feeling anxious, most organizations have only begun to think through and articulate the specifics of how to carry out a more permanent mix of remote and on-site working for all roles that aren’t essential to perform on site. Source: McKinsey and … [Read more...]
Customer service is not customer experience
Customer service is only one aspect of the entire customer experience. Customer service needs to be put into context — which means putting customer experience first. Most customer service starts when a customer calls with a problem. By contrast, customer experience starts with hope — with the reason the customer chooses you in the first place.” Source: Strategy + Business, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 20, 2021
Last week’s top post Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule Source: Animal Health Digest, May 11, 2021. Link. University of Minnesota researchers develop novel, field-deployable test for CWD Source: University of Minnesota, April 19, 2021. Link. The team is striving for a test that could be set-up at individual stations … [Read more...]
Baby birds. Rescue or not?
Benji Jones shares information to help determine if a baby bird needs help or not. Wandering from the nest is exactly what fledglings are supposed to do, says Melanie Furr. It's a normal part of a bird's development, and though these chicks might appear abandoned, they’re likely under surveillance by their parents nearby. It’s not uncommon to find young birds away from … [Read more...]
3 steps to stop chickens from pecking each other
Commercial content included from Purina Poultry Though hen pecking is a natural occurrence, the nature of this behavior can change when birds spend more time inside. Understanding the difference between curious and aggressive hen pecking is key to knowing when there is a problem. Pecking is a natural chicken behavior that allows them to check out their surroundings, … [Read more...]
Conversations about horse deworming
Complimentary Sponsored Content Kent Morgan, DVM, addresses deworming in adult horses including timing with grazing periods, geographic differences and the importance of annual fecal egg counts for every horse to optimize parasite control. Source: LinkedIn, May 11, 2021. Link. You Tube video. Link. The Zoetis dewormer information is fully aligned with the AAEP Parasite … [Read more...]
Why cats and dogs lick you
Getting licked is not always pleasant for owners. Two articles shed light on this common behavior which, for the most part, is an indication the owner is liked. Source: Catster, February 1, 2021. Link. When your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress or more says JaneA Kelly. She indicates anxiety, social bonding and trust are some of the reasons cats lick … [Read more...]
The history of dog adoption and rescue in the U.S.
Arden Moore and the Dogster team keep and update key moments in the history of dog adoption and rescue. Their timeline begins in 1866, when the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began its mission. Source: Dogster, April 30, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Study indicates canine cognitive dysfunction and periodontal disease seem linked
Recent research suggests that what is going on in a dog’s mouth may play an important role in canine cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, periodontal or gum disease has been shown to be an important factor in humans with Alzheimer's disease. Research done at Elemental Pet Vets in Freeville, New York recently generated data that suggests that what is going on in a dog's mouth … [Read more...]
The neuroscience of busyness
Cal Newport shares perspectives on a recent study designed to assess how we solve problems. The study indicates we’re biased toward solutions that add components instead of those that subtract them. Newport says this new paper raises intriguing possibilities. The collision of knowledge work (a new thing) with the digital age (an even newer thing) disrupted the professional … [Read more...]
A H.I.G.H.E.R whole team approach
Guest Contributor – Caitlin Keat, MSm We’ve combined two contributions from Caitlin Keat. Leadership behaviors do not always come naturally. Recognizing and allowing the whole person is critical to improving team dynamics, successes, retention and continuity. Wholeness is a state of forming a complete and harmonious whole. It is ongoing, everchanging, and something we have … [Read more...]
A new solution: Relief veterinary technicians
Employing a relief DVM is a familiar practice. However, the concept of a Relief Credentialed Veterinary Technician/Nurse is new to managers and practice owners, writes Michelle D. Krasicki-Aune MBA, BS, CVT. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2020. Link. Enlisting rCVTs in an institution can positively impact and potentially reverse some of the negative financial, … [Read more...]
Research insights on telemedicine; changing pet owner expectations regarding accessing
Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care released new insights into the effectiveness and safety of remote prescribing. They are collected from tens of thousands of consults during the pandemic, as well as exclusive pet parent research which highlights owner expectations and needs. The insights were first shared in a live webinar called The Great British Data Show last week hosted by The … [Read more...]
She-cession. Pink collar recession. Getting women back in the workforce.
Pandemic-driven lockdowns forced many women to choose between work and family, setting women’s labor force participation back decades. Jen Colleta addresses what HR can do to stop this alarming trend. Colleta says the statistics are stark: More than 5 million payroll jobs held by women were lost in 2020. Of those women, nearly 2.5 million left the workforce entirely … [Read more...]
Engaged, but not thriving
For some time now, engaged employee measurements and net promoter scores have been used by senior management to gauge the health of their business. Unfortunately, the increased pressure on engaged employees to carry the bulk of the load has its downside. Source: Gallup, July 26, 2020. Link. Gallup recently discovered that engaged workers who are not thriving in their lives … [Read more...]
Pandemic pets taking toll on vets, staffs
Veterinarians and their teams across the country are seeing more new pets and more sick ones than in pre-pandemic times. The Associated Press reports despite extending hours, hiring more staff and refusing new patients, the load is heavy. Some practices have hire counselors to help staff members deal with burnout and fatigue. The numbers support the burden. Approximately … [Read more...]
No, people aren’t giving up pandemic pets because they’re bored
Opinion Finally! Award winning journalist S. E. Smith speaks up on pandemic puppy surrenders, better ways to approach animal welfare, ways to handle hardship surrenders and social media posturing. While pets adopted during the pandemic period are being surrendered, data from Shelter Animals Count appear to indicate current relinquishments are not back to pre-pandemic, … [Read more...]
Mammals can breathe through their intestines
Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD, and research colleagues hypothesized that oxygen can be absorbed by tissues in the rectum. Their tests in pigs and mice suggests oxygen could enter the bloodstream via mammalian intestines. Source: Science, May 14, 2021. Link. It looks like a crazy idea. But if you look at the data, it’s actually a very compelling story.” – Sean Colgan, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 13, 2021
NOTE: When it is time to catch up on your reading or recall something you scanned, try the AHD Archives on the right side of the AHD website. Such as: Archives for April 2021. Link. Last week’s top post Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why. Source: Animal Health Digest, May 4, 2021. Link. What my Mother’s death taught … [Read more...]
Could artificial insemination become illegal?
Artificial breeding might become illegal should a ballot initiative in Colorado be enacted by the state’s citizens says Corey Geiger. He reviews the legislation that would call an animal, “any living, nonhuman creature.” The revised definition would then state, “. . . not limited to, a dog, a cat, a horse, livestock . . ,” says Geiger. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2021. … [Read more...]
Mites and lice on chickens; inevitable, hazardous, but easily treated
“It’s inevitable,” says Jeremy Chartier. “Someday, no matter how careful poultry owners are or how clean they keep things, they are going to find chicken lice, mites, or both on their birds and in their coops.” Source: Backyard Poultry, April 28, 2021. Link. External parasites undermine the health of birds, and severe infestations can weaken birds to the brink of death. It … [Read more...]
First-ever camera footage from a wild wolf
Wolf restoration efforts continue to be controversial, depending on your geography. Researchers have stepped up their surveillance efforts by fitting a wild wolf with a video camera collar. Contrary to opinion, wolves are opportunistic omnivores. Source: The Bark, May 2021. Link. The lone wolf (#V089) displays a knack for fishing. According to VWP, “He can be seen eating … [Read more...]
Medina Spirit’s treatment with canine antifungal could be behind doping findings
Opinion We’re sharing articles about the Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit. The horse allegedly tested positive for 21 picograms of betamethasone according to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Medina Spirit’s dermatitis was treated with Merck OTOMAX® OTIC OINTMENT, consistent with a veterinarian's recommendation to apply this ointment daily to give the horse relief, … [Read more...]
Decoding the guaranteed analysis on cat food labels
No wonder cat food labels are confusing! When pet foods became common, the template just got moved over from livestock and never really got adjusted. It’s a lot different from what we are used to seeing on “Nutrition Facts” labels for human foods.” - Cailin R. Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN To clear up some of the confusion, the authors provide a guaranteed analysis … [Read more...]
Why dogs bark at nothing
For dog owners it may seem like their dog can see ghosts, but there’s a logical reason for the commotion writes Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. Dogs don’t experience the world the same way humans do, she says. Because you can’t hear or see anything in the environment to explain your dog’s barking, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something going on. New and experienced dog … [Read more...]
The best flea treatments for cats and dogs
Staff writer Kaitlyn Wells rounded up the most effective vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for her readers. We’re sharing this unique resource for consumers for animal health pro review. Wirecutter, now a New York Times brand, strives to be the most trusted product recommendation service on the internet. Nothing appears on the site as a recommendation unless our … [Read more...]
It’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month
May is a time to spread information about how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The folks at LymeDisease.org created a list of things you, your family and friends can do to help spread awareness. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
May is National Beef Month
Fire up the grill! May is National Beef Month. It’s a month when U.S. Beef Checkoff promotional dollars highlight the benefits of beef. Checkoff funds will also provide coupons in grocery stores across the country, partner with food and restaurant brands for promotions and host beef cooking demonstrations at multiple locations. Keep the grill hot, because May 28 is National … [Read more...]
Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule
Benjamin Hardy, PhD, describes what he calls Ben Franklin’s 5-hour rule. Franklin invested an hour per day for deliberate learning and thinking. No distractions, no notifications, just deliberate flow-based learning. Source: Benjamin Hardy, PhD, You Tube, May 3, 2021. Link. I would submit that if you are not spending an hour a day deliberately learning, you are actually … [Read more...]
Perspectives on mentorship
Guest Contributor - Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT Mentorship is personal and tough to define. Alyssa Mages shares her experiences with mentors and their contributions. My mentors were strong and fearless in my eyes. They looked for the potential in people and when they found it, whatever it was, they helped it to flourish, to grow, to become. They did not give up!” Source: … [Read more...]