Fewer than 40 percent of veterinarians are confident about how well they understand what pet owners think, according to Diggo research. There is a definite gap between what pet owners think and what veterinarians think they think. This gap is getting wider. The infographic in this article summarizes pet owner responses and includes their current intentions, thoughts about … [Read more...]
Infection prevention is everyone’s business
Complimentary commercial content Virox is hosting a free webinar, “Ask an Infection Prevention Expert”, Thursday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration allows viewers to submit their questions about infection prevention and control. This topic is timely as people return to work with concerns about staff, animal owner and animal safety. The webinar will feature Nicole … [Read more...]
4 ways to reduce the online risk in your practice
Complimentary content provided by Clint Latham, Lucca Veterinary Data Security. Link. The web browser has become the new operating system says Clint Latham and with the expansion of browser options come security risks. This is especially important to veterinary practices that rely on cloud-based practice management systems which increase web presence and exposure to … [Read more...]
Finding happiness for veterinary professionals
Webinar invitation Join in as Talkatoo and petsapp collaborate to feature one of TED’s more popular speakers. Harvard Medical School professor Robert Waldinger is scheduled to deliver, “Finding Happiness: Lessons from the Longest Study on Adult Development and What it Means for Veterinary Professionals.” Webinar date, time: July 29, 2020. 2:00 p.m. EDT. Registration is … [Read more...]
Vulnerability can be a leadership asset
It is a given that no one is invincible. Even Achilles had a weakness. Business today is less of a war and more of a competition for minds and hearts. So, revealing what we already know – that you are vulnerable – can be an asset. Source: Fast Company, June 29, 2020. Link. Leaders gain invaluable respect and trust by asking more questions (and valuing the input) rather than … [Read more...]
We need sellers who sell, not take orders
Commentary David Brock shares he remains stunned by how few people who are in sales roles, truly sell. His article is clouded with somewhat of a rant BUT, he makes good points that are relevant in this current pandemic, WFH and changed contact methods environment. Customers need help, they want help. . . particularly in these times. They need to learn, to see new … [Read more...]
Facing the heat in a face mask
Come on man! A face mask in this heat? Really?!?! Sound familiar? This common objection is not new territory per se’, but ideas for making mask wearing more bearable are timely. Molly Longman shares ideas learned from doctors to make wearing a mask on a 100-degree day worth it. . . . the fact is, face masks work. They reduce transmission, helping to curb the spread of … [Read more...]
French dogs 95-percent effective at smelling Covid-19 virus
Weeks of trials produced positive results at veterinary school and research centre l'École Nationale Vétérinaire in Maisons-Alfort, where researchers say German Shepherds trained to detect coronavirus showed a 95-percent success rate in sniffing out the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.. . . . the dogs had to identify the presence of the virus by smelling sweat samples taken … [Read more...]
Rabies reported in cattle in 3 states
Considered rare, five rabies cases in cattle have been reported in three states. Rhonda Brooks shares information about historic incidences in cattle, rabies forms and protecting livestock. In the U.S., several distinct rabies virus variants have been identified in terrestrial mammals, including raccoons, skunks and foxes. In addition to these reservoirs, multiple species of … [Read more...]
Email and chat etiquette for 2020 and beyond
Defining etiquette as a customary code of polite behavior, Myka Meier shares six guidelines for communicating via email and chat. It is a primer for virtual communications that is applicable now and in post-pandemic work habits. Know your audience Don’t leave colleagues hanging Minimize your multi-messaging Keep most communications concise Sign on and off with … [Read more...]
When face masks hide your smile and other emotions
Face masks will be part of our wardrobes for the foreseeable future. There are recognizable challenges with communications through face masks, including sound distortion and covering smiles and emotional signals. Facial expressions of all kinds are a very important component of human interaction. When we wear masks, we’re missing a major piece of that entire communication … [Read more...]
Updates from The Bridge Club (video)
The Bridge Club recently hosted Shawn Wilkie, a serial entrepreneur and technology enthusiast, who also co-hosted the Veterinary Innovation Podcast. He shared his perspectives of the upcoming innovators who are transforming the veterinary profession. This week, The Bridge Club announced the appointment of Cheryl Good, DVM, as the company’s Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Good … [Read more...]
CE Webinar to address 5 challenges to managing vet clinics post Covid-19
Complimentary sponsored content from Virox Animal Health™ To help equip practices with the necessary information to plan and execute returning to regular operations, Virox® Animal Health and Bash Halow, presenter, veterinary business advisor, and a veteran practice manager ,have partnered to produce resources that will help guide veterinary hospitals back to … [Read more...]
Managing wounds; an equine DVM’s perspective (podcast)
If you own horses, there will be wounds. Merck technical services veterinarian Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS, breaks down wound management from the veterinarian’s eyes. Evaluating the horse’s health first is important before attending to the wound. A wound happens from the outside in but diagnostics need to happen from the inside out” - Earl Gaughan, DVM, DACVS Source: … [Read more...]
465 sick, 1 dead, 1/3 of sick are children – Chickens to blame
Backyard chickens can be fun and educational, but families have to be aware of how to safely manage the animals, according to the CDC. It's a little different than raising a dog or cat. The CDC sends out regular warnings about the salmonella risks from backyard flocks. Chickens should be outside animals only and while they may be cute please "don't kiss or snuggle backyard … [Read more...]
2 letters that make goat owners go pale: C L
During a recent veterinary episode on Nat Geo TV, a woman arrived at a clinic with a prized herd doe. The goat’s face was badly swollen and she was gaunt from not being able to eat. A physical exam ruled out injury and dental issues. A blood test confirmed what the owner feared. It was Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL). CL is the curse of the goat industry. It is a highly … [Read more...]
Quiz: Boost your fly warfare expertise
Whether on the farm, in the stable, near the kennels or backyard patio, flies are a nuisance. Barb Crabbe, DVM, offers a 10-point quiz followed by the answers and some facts about each question. It’s likely there will be few perfect scores! Source: Horse and Rider, June 15, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: At least half of the answers can be used in social media posts, newsletters or … [Read more...]
USDA forecasting largest annual increase in grocery prices since 2011
Grocery prices will rise by a higher-than-average 3 percent this year, due largely to the coronavirus-propelled surge in the cost of meat, poultry and fish at the supermarket, according to the USDA forecast released June 25. At the same time that grocery prices are rising, the food insecurity rate has doubled since the coronavirus struck. Source: Successful Farming, June 26, … [Read more...]
Which telemedicine bucket does your veterinary practice fall into?
When it comes to telemedicine platforms, there are three big buckets: basic/DIY, plug and play for human health-care providers, and premium plug and play for veterinary professionals, writes Stacee Santi, DVM. She breaks down each segment discussing functionality along with pros and cons. We’ve included references to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association along with Dr. … [Read more...]
Solve the challenge of online pharmacies
Emily Shiver, CVPM, CCFP, provides a thought-filled article about competing with online pharmacies. She focuses on using in-clinic inventory, adjusting retail prices to market prices, abandoning umbrella markups and upping customer service elements, including reminders on refills. Shiver is correct when she identifies writing a prescription for little or no money as an … [Read more...]
VMHA measures online pharmacies
Included with the May Insider’s Insights report produced by VHMA are survey results on the use of online pharmacies by veterinary clinics. The data gathered represents the responses from an average of 165 practices across all 13 questions. Source: Insider’s Insights, VHMA, June 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Practice satisfaction is generally good with chosen providers. However, … [Read more...]
Mentoring women is not about trying to rescue them
W. Brad Johnson, PhD, and David G. Smith, PhD, discuss cross-gender mentorships toward high-value reciprocal mentoring. These are essentially partnerships in which men and women play complementary roles leading to career and personal development for both parties, and ultimately, greater gender equality in the workplace. Source: HBR Ascend, June 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
New research shows gender bias remains an issue, including with veterinarians (video)
Andrea Morris summarizes recently completed research on gender bias, the progress to reduce it and implicit biases, regardless of gender. It is timely. Sociologist Shelley Correll discusses the stalled gender revolution and how women can overcome bias at work. Deeply embedded systemic bias influences our thinking in such subtle and profound ways that we may unwittingly … [Read more...]
6 steps to release the reins to our successors
Historically, the generational transfer of agricultural businesses has been fraught with challenges. A well-thought out plan makes the process smooth and encourages creativity. Six steps are outlined for creating a healthy, profitable and supportive transfer of control: Support their desire to be independent Be an appreciative audience for their ideas Encourage … [Read more...]
When you are closer to the end than the beginning
Arthur Brooks, who recently retired as president of the American Enterprise Institute, is one of my favorite writers. His recent work, Love your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt, is some of his best work. This Atlantic column deals with another disturbing topic – our decline – but also offers some sage advice. Source: The Atlantic, … [Read more...]
Elanco CEO shares crucible moment perspectives (video)
Jeffrey Simmons, president and CEO at Elanco speaks about the collision of a pandemic with a societal awakening as a crucible moment. He asserts this period as a once in a lifetime event. Simmons shares his observations via video and in these written sections: The innovative will separate themselves The basics matter, but done with excellence The human-animal bond … [Read more...]
Build a ‘rest ethic’ as strong as your work one
Co-authors John Fitch and Max Frenzel offer creative and thoughtful ways to best use time off to gift you with inspiration, ideas and recovery. They want us to unlearn workaholism by learning “noble leisure” of the past and developing a quality rest ethic. Source: Fast Company, June 19, 2020. Link. Aristotle said rest is not just relaxation. He warned relaxation is often … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebrations
Independence Day is Saturday and celebrations are already underway. While fun for us, the noisy festivities can scare pets and some run away. Plus, the foods we like can be unhealthful for them and firework debris can be dangerous. The American Veterinary Medical Association has helpful safety tips worth sharing. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association. Link. Make … [Read more...]
Sponsored content from May’s AAHA NEWStat
Covering industry trends and breaking news, innovative new research and technology, and legislative updates, AAHA’s NEWStat blog and weekly e-newsletter keep a finger on the pulse of current events that matter to the veterinary community. Commercial content is an important part of animal health pro awareness and education media. Source: AAHA NEWStat. Link. Current … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club now engaging two audiences
The Bridge Club expansion into the consumer pet segment with The Bridge Club Pets is keeping Bridgers engaged with this unique virtual community platform. Catherine Haskins leads discussions focused on guest speakers and educators. The schedule for The Bridge Club (industry group) events, as well as registration can be found here as available <link> The Bridge Club … [Read more...]