Opinion article by Helaine Olen The circulation of The Atlantic is broad enough that Helaine Olens’ opinion piece will reach some clients of veterinary hospitals. She provides a well-informed opinion piece indicting Big Vet while recognizing pet owners’ inclinations to do whatever it takes to extend their pet’s lives. The emergence of Big Vet and the injection of cutthroat … [Read more...]
New program to open access to veterinary care to underserved animals nationwide
The Veterinary Innovation Council has announced the launch of new resources to address the nationwide problem of access to veterinary care and new comprehensive services to help veterinarians reach underserved patients. Through its Access to Care Resource Hub, veterinary professionals will find the tools, knowledge and resources they need to offer greater access to veterinary … [Read more...]
Alcohol ingestion stimulates mosquito attraction
Prompted by a past article in National Geographic <Link> we dug into the effect of beer and alcohol on mosquito attraction. And, yes, mosquitos choose alcohol drinkers over those drinking water but why is not known. Exhaled carbon dioxide is how mosquitoes lock onto you as a target, heat may be how they figure out where to bite you. Sources: Beer can make you a … [Read more...]
Utahns reunited with pet cat they accidentally shipped with Amazon return
A cat may have used a couple of its nine lives when it was accidentally shipped with an Amazon return from Utah to California. A Utah couple got the surprise of their life when they got a call that their missing cat was found in Los Angeles. Source: KSL TV, April 24, 2024. Link. The incident reinforces the importance of microchipping pets.” … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 29, 2024
Pet bereavement leave efforts, pet industry reaches $143 billion in 2023, pets over paycheck trends, managing cash flow, cybersecurity and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 29, 2024. Link. Nominations for the Pet Care Business Excellence Awards are open through May 31st at com. This fall, plan to attend the IBPSA FLOW Business Conference, September 24-26th … [Read more...]
4 ways to spot a fake job posting on LinkedIn
Job seekers have enough on their plates without having to dodge fraudulent job ads and recruiters. Even LinkedIn, one of the most reputable job search platforms, isn't safe from scams . . . and it's up to job seekers to learn how to apply with caution, writes Paola Peralta. Exercising caution and verifying job postings are essential steps in finding legitimate employment … [Read more...]
CDC’s new HeatRisk tool
The CDC and National Weather Service have teamed up to roll out two experimental tools nationwide that will help public health officials and citizens to better prepare for dangerous heat: HeatRisk Dashboard and HeatRisk Forecast. Given the challenges heat brings to livestock production and companion animal safety, these tools can help animal health pros stay safe and more … [Read more...]
DVM changed his mind about supporting lasers
From skeptic to advocate of photobiomodulation therapy, Michael Perry, DVM, shares how his choice to upgrade to a class IV laser changed his approach and created many new treatment possibilities. Pain management is a huge part of my practice. A lot of my patients with chronic osteoarthritis cannot take NSAIDs . . . for various reasons . . . so I rely on physical modalities . … [Read more...]
You ARE a potential leader and in sales!
A clinic’s success is not dependent on one or two people. Everyone working together influences the customer and the staff. The most successful clinics encourage and support leadership skills throughout their organizations. Source: Repertoire Magazine, April 2024. Link. Leaders are determined by their followers. No committed customers. No sales … [Read more...]
Fair compensation is crucial for veterinary team retention (video)
Referencing the Stay, Please study findings, AAHA looks at what fair compensation means for retention and attrition with veterinary teams. The video presents three key takeaways including the significance of fair compensation with non-DVM roles which was nearly two times as important compared to DVMs in the study. Source: AAHA NEWStat, April 29, 2024. Link. (2:18) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 25, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 18, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the April 18th AHD Bulletin – NAAVR launched to elevate, support veterinary client service pros. Link. Solitude. Link. Top beef cow counties in the U.S. Link. ===================================== Scientists say animal consciousness needs a … [Read more...]
AKC announces AKC® DNA + Health: DNA identification with genetic health and traits testing
The AKC® DNA + Health test promises to be a powerful resource for breeders as they plan for litters and work to strengthen their breed(s). The AKC DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile, plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Source: AKC, April 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
FTC bans noncompete agreements that restrict job switching
The Federal Trade Commission on April 23 banned employers from using noncompete contracts to prevent most workers from joining rival firms. The rule prohibits companies from enforcing existing noncompete agreements on anyone other than senior executives. Sales staff, engineers, doctors and salon workers are among the most common types of workers affected by companies’ … [Read more...]
Dangers in the coop (for humans)
Asian flu was a concern when this article was written in 2021. Janet Garman shares things about which human caretakers should be aware. In addition to possible respiratory risks, she names Salmonella sp., Campylobacteria, E. coli and avian flu. All people who handle birds, coops, and equipment are at risk . . . hand washing is still the best defense.” Source: Backyard … [Read more...]
H5N1 adapting, not stopping
Since the avian flu arrived in 2020, more than 90 million birds have been culled in the U.S. Unlike other avian flu viruses, H5N1 has infected a wide variety of birds and mammals, including seals, skunks, dolphins, polar bears and dairy cows. The virus continues to evolve and scientists are especially worried about pigs because they’re susceptible to human and avian flu … [Read more...]
Summer sores; prevention, causes, clinical signs, diagnostics and treatment
Summer sores are skin lesions in horses mostly seen during hot summer months when flies are active. The sores are a parasitic infection caused by specific types of nematodes in the family Habronematidae (roundworms). Flies play a primary role in the life cycle of Haronematidae worms, depositing the infective nematode larvae in the body, typically in moist regions such as lips, … [Read more...]
CAPC warns parasitic pet diseases will spread further in 2024
Warning of continued expansion of heartworm, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases throughout the United States in 2024, the Companion Animal Parasite Council says the risks of contracting Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and heartworm diseases are increasing. Among the factors cited are rehoming of pets, urbanization and changes in the wildlife host and vector … [Read more...]
When dogs need braces
Dog braces can help correct a variety of dental issues, some of which are serious. Rachael Gerkensmeyer shares conditions where braces may help and details of supporting a dog with correctable dental issues. Source: Dogster, April 16, 2024. Link. Dental problems that can be treated with dog braces include: Linguoverted teeth Overbite Overcrowding Misalignment … [Read more...]
Tui na helps prevent injuries in dogs
Tui na techniques, part of Chinese medicine, have been used on animals and humans for thousands of years. These techniques enhance the flexibility and stability of the surrounding muscles, tendon attachments and joints. The authors share two techniques considered to be rubbing techniques that warm, increase circulation and invigorate tissues. They prepare the tissues for … [Read more...]
How pet owners define a “good death”
Sponsored Content End-of-life decisions are difficult for pet owners and veterinary teams alike. While much has been written about end-of-life conversations, much less is known about owners’ preferences when it comes to the actual procedure, writes Lori Kogan, PhD. Kogan shares what was learned from research investigating what factors matter most to pet owners when … [Read more...]
Symptoms of heart attacks in women (video)
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. Regardless of your gender, knowing heart attack symptoms in women and men is important. Source: Health, June 2023. Link. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in men and women, but there are distinct symptom differences between the sexes. Females are more likely to experience a variety of … [Read more...]
Why dogs sniff each other’s butts (video)
While humans experience the world through their five senses, dogs predominantly do so through their sense of smell. Samantha Randall explains butt sniffing allows dogs to gather information about other dogs, including recognizing each other. Source: TopDogTips, March 8, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for social media or newsletters. Butt sniffing behavior … [Read more...]
How to become more confident at work
Confidence is reflected in the way that you talk about yourself, your work and your predictions about whether you will succeed at new tasks. That communication ultimately affects whether other people accept your ideas and choose to engage with you. Art Markman shares a few things you can do to make yourself more confident in the long run including: Know your strengths … [Read more...]
When procrastination is productive
When genuinely more important things interfere with side projects, procrastinating on the side project is the correct thing to do, writes Scott Young. He shares the important distinction between maintenance activities and aspirational goals asserting achieving goals is an optimization problem. Source: Scott H. Young. Link. Productivity isn’t throwing out all your existing … [Read more...]
How perfectionists can get out of their own way
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, writes Alice Boyes. She shares five ways perfectionists can self-sabotage in the workplace: Struggling to make decisions or take action Worrying excessively about sunk costs Avoiding challenges to avoid failure Applying their high standards to others Ruminating about weaknesses, mistakes, and failures Source: … [Read more...]
Logic and emotion
A better understanding of the dynamics of decision making will lead to more productive client conversations. Source: Vet Advantage, October 2023. Link. Attitudes are the road map for decisions. <BQ> “The good news is that attitudes translate into actions, and that is something you can see in your customer’s body language, hear in your customer’s voice, and … [Read more...]
Services semantics. A new name for drop-off.
Sometimes referenced as the ‘Queen of Scripts,’ Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, says day admission appointment may be a better way to position drop-off services. She also offers alternatives for wellness testing in the form of five strategies to increase compliance. Source: DVM 360, April 18, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Whatever descriptive language you choose, be sure the entire staff … [Read more...]
9 Gen Z work trends that aren’t new but hit differently now
We are starting to see old ideas manifest in new ways as the next generations enter the workplace and bring their unique perspectives, writes Leila Frankina. She shares trends and values that are getting revived in the workplace. Of note, yet familiar, are quiet promotion, proximity bias and productivity theater. As they enter the workforce, one in five Gen Zers hold more than … [Read more...]
How to build (and rebuild) trust
Harvard Business School Professor Frances Frei gives a crash course in trust: how to build it, maintain it and rebuild it. She shares her experiences dealing with a large corporate team and how to apply that learning in organizations. If we can learn to trust one another more, we can have unprecedented human progress.” Source: TED2018. Link. (14:56) … [Read more...]
Employee engagement in the U.S. hits 11-year low
Employee engagement trends are significant because they link to important performance outcomes such as productivity, employee retention, customer service, safety incidents, quality of work and profitability that are crucial to organizational leaders, writes Jim Harter. He shares 1-Q-24 research results. The U.S. now has a ratio of 1.8 engaged employees for every actively … [Read more...]