Just in time for Halloween, candy and ghosts, here’s a nice resource from the American Veterinarian editorial staff. Use the Fast Facts Sheet in social media posts, e-newsletters and as handouts during pet visits. . . .this holiday season being a responsible pet owner means taking precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy well into the new year. Source: American … [Read more...]
Opinion – Pets are like family. But as health costs rise, few are insured that way.
Paul Sullivan takes a circuitous route through pet economics, market growth and the challenges of price versus value. References to pet owner attitude changes include contrasting the Snoopy generation of 30 years ago with the current Brian (Family Guy) generation. Sullivan’s perspectives are dashed with quotes, pet health examples, products and animal health companies. Two … [Read more...]
National Veterinary Technician week highlights vet techs
Our industry is celebrating the work of veterinary technicians all week long. The Firstline team offers free team training, appreciation and inspiration throughout this week. It’s a cacophony of notes, posters, videos and quotes to help make this entire week reflect the respect we have for the veterinary technicians and nurses on veterinary hospital teams. Source: FIRSTLINE, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club celebrates veterinary techs every day of National Veterinary Technician week
The Bridge Club kicks off five consecutive days of technician-centric conversations focused on work/life balance on Monday October 15th. The schedule and links are below: OCTOBER 15, NOON CST – VET TECH WEEK: WORKING MORE THAN ONE JOB? YES, YOU CAN STILL BE SUCCESSFUL. Is work/life balance achievable? Hear from Julie Legred, CVT, and Beckie Mossor, RVT. <Register … [Read more...]
Thinking equipment before year end
The fourth quarter of each year brings thoughts of end-of-year inventories and opportunities to use Section 179 of the IRS code. It provides incentives for all types of veterinary equipment purchases. Pam Foster writes about how equipment features, function and capabilities have changed over the past decade with some expert help from Rick Warter, of MWI Animal … [Read more...]
Do pets have parents, guardians, owners?
Does it matter what we call ourselves and our pets? What are the implications? Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, analyzes the nomenclature, legal implications and nuances of our role with pets. No matter the label, every pet deserves to be as free as possible from: Discomfort and exposure Fear and distress Hunger and thirst Illness, disease, and pain Inability … [Read more...]
Leash, harness and halter guidance for better walks
Mikkel Becker reviews handy tools to help pet owners control the chaos of leashed walks. There’s a good chance that several clients are struggling in this area and may not know you can give them advice. Even if a dog comes in with all the right equipment, that doesn’t mean its owner is using it properly or that it’s working for the dog. Source: Veterinary Medicine, October 1, … [Read more...]
Chasing tail, fun or malady for felines?
Tail chasing in dogs is common and likely a game. In cats, however, it is less common, writes Michaela Conlon. Infections, allergies, hyperesthesia and stud tail are conditions where tail chasing is common. Cats can also chase their tails for a number of medical reasons,” Dr. Sasha Gibbons explains. “Cats will chase their tails if there is an infection and the tail is … [Read more...]
Gecko makes bazillions of calls from vet hospital
A rogue gecko lit up phones for an untold number of folks recently. Veterinarian Claire Simeone, director of Ke Kai Ola, a Hawaiian monk seal hospital, made the discovery as she and a phone company rep tried to figure out what was causing incessant outgoing calls. Source: Associated Press, October 9, 2018. Link. The gecko was perched on a phone, making calls to everyone in … [Read more...]
Reclaim the lost art of handwritten thank-you notes
Bruce Weinstein shares three benefits of making a habit of hand writing thank you notes and a how-to guide too: Gratitude wows You’ll remain top of mind Monotasking is mindfulness in action Adding the practice of handwritten thank-you notes will take you to next-level success and help you make an even bigger difference in the lives of people you care … [Read more...]
Instant messages, e-mails burn 20 to 25 minutes each
It is common to hear colleagues wonder where the hours in the day went. Aaron Taube summarizes the time losses citing research from Microsoft. . . . 27% of the time one of the employees received an alert, they did not get back to the original task for more than two hours. . . Source: Business Insider, December 9, 2014. Link. . . . employees were able to more quickly … [Read more...]
Opinion – Harassment is common at meetings, yet most men are not sexual predators
The curation functions of AHD bring published information to animal health pros to increase awareness and, more importantly, help start new discussions or change behaviors. Since the media has spent considerable time recently focusing on misconduct, a study released by Meetings and Conventions in January provides an insightful backdrop for our industry to consider. It stated … [Read more...]
19 veterinary practice managers earn prestigious CVPM designation
The Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) credential is recognized and respected by practice leaders and our animal health industry. Certification is provided by VHMA’s voluntary certification program that provides assurance of professional quality services. The exam is offered electronically to qualified CVPM candidates across North America. Source: VHMA, September … [Read more...]
Companies race to own customers’ experiences
Companies are recognizing the importance of delivering an experience that makes them stand out from their competition, writes Shep Hyken. There’s a lot riding on delivering a positive customer experience, he says. The company may define its brand promise, but it is the customer who decides whether or not the company delivered on its promise. Source: Forbes, July 15, 2018. … [Read more...]
Effective leaders have the right questions
A popular misconception is that effective leaders always have the right answers. Nothing could be further from the truth. However, they do have the right questions that stimulate the conversation where the right answers often emerge. As a starter, try these questions at your next staff meeting. Source: Inc., September 24, 2018. Link. No leader is perfect. However, the only … [Read more...]
Emotions impact farmers’, vets’ and all our decisions (includes video)
Farmers, purchasing agents, retail managers, veterinary hospital managers and veterinarians fit into the perspectives shared in this article. Jan Johnson says that all decisions are emotional, and we use facts to justify our emotional purchases. She shares a few of the emotional drivers she has observed: Pride Fear Grief Suspicion Confidence … [Read more...]
A look at Amazon in the pet consumables market
Zak Watts and Mike Bassani, director and consumables lead for Amazon Pets respectively, joined presenters during the inaugural NAVC E-Commerce Summit that took place September 19 in Kansas City. Amazon defines consumables as food and healthcare products such as parasite prevention and litter will be Amazon’s focus. Other pet items are available, but will not be critical. The … [Read more...]
Shadowing veterinary technician reveals skill, passion and dedication
Jen Reeder was floored by the passion, knowledge, and dedication of Jessica Krafthefer, CVT, whom she shadowed to better understand the role and challenges of veterinary technicians. It was a simple assignment that turned into one of the more eye-opening experiences of her life. It’s hard work, but at the end of the day, when I go home exhausted, I still want to come back,” … [Read more...]
NAVTA ready to celebrate Veterinary Technicians
October 14 – 20 is National Veterinary Technician week. Since 1993, the third week in October has been designated to acknowledge veterinary technicians. They are critical to the day-to-day function of veterinary practices and play vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. This special week provides opportunity to recognize veterinary technicians’ … [Read more...]
Don’t wash farm-fresh eggs
While Salmonella infections are rare from any egg, Ana Hotaling sought expert advice about the safety of farm-fresh eggs compared to supermarket eggs with regard to Salmonella. That advice is summarized in these safety practices for those who raise their own chickens: Keep your coop clean Collect eggs frequently Do not wash your eggs Throw away cracked … [Read more...]
Nigerian dwarf goats now approved as livestock dairy goat
4-H and FFA participants can now use Nigerian dwarf goats in livestock projects. The breed is experiencing a rise in popularity due to its small size and colorful markings. The goats have gentle personalities which makes them good pets, plus they are easy to handle and take little space. Source: Countryside Daily, October 1, 2018. Link. Most owners do not raise their goats … [Read more...]
3 advantages of veterinarian-administered equine vaccinations
Writing for the AQHA, Jacquelin Boggs, DVM, with Zoetis asserts three benefits horses get when a veterinarian administers vaccines: Proper Vaccine Handling Safe, Accurate Administration Tailored Vaccination Program Source: AQHA, September 13, 2018. Link. Every horse is unique. Your veterinarian can work with you to customize a vaccine program based on your … [Read more...]
8 tips to determine trustworthy cat nutrition sites
The team at Catnip delivers common sense about feline nutrition websites and feline sites. They suggest eight questions to use to determine if a site is reputable and its information legitimate. They have also generated a list of the best of the best websites for nutrition information. <link> Source: Catnip, October 2018. Link. If the evidence on a site is presented … [Read more...]
Natural cat litters are gaining popularity
Among product segments that retailers dominate, the $3 billion litter category is projected to grow theee percent over the next five years. Clay litter sales remain strong, but new litters made from corn, grasses, coconut, hemp and even lavender are making their way into a growing natural, ecofriendly list of litter options. . . . consumers are leaning toward a natural litter, … [Read more...]
Talking about dogs and dreams
Like humans, dogs dream. Dog dreams likely summarize the day’s events and allow dogs the opportunity to process what they learn. I don’t think anyone can say for sure what dogs dream about but we can be fairly certain that they do dream,” says Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. Source: Dogster, September 18, 2018. Link. What we’ve basically found is that dogs dream doggy things,” … [Read more...]
Opinion – Your smartphone obsession may make your dog sad
I recently noticed a change in our Morkie’s behavior when I turn to my cell phone to monitor emails, texts or see what’s going on with LinkedIn or Twitter. Once I do, the dog allows about 30 to 45 minutes before deciding if it’s time to play, pet or seek attention. I’m not alone. Cheyenne Macdonald reviews growing amounts information that dogs are especially hurt by owners’ … [Read more...]
The latest from AAHA NEWStat
AAHA NEWStat, AAHA Red and the longstanding magazine, Trends make up a worthwhile communication complement for AAHA members and industry pros. Past issues of Trends are now available to subscribers in a digital archive. Link. Published monthly, Trends offers straightforward, real-world strategies, best business management practices, protocols, tips and techniques. It also … [Read more...]
These veterinary service trends can help your practice remain competitive
Lidia Staron shares an overview of this year’s top trends for practice owners to consider in order to stay competitive. She indicates that veterinarians on the whole have been slow to adopt many of the newer technologies and services. Source: Veterinarian’s Money Digest, July 28, 2018. Link. Staron identifies the following trends: Wearable tech that monitors pet … [Read more...]
VHMA says to dance with clients. PIMS data creates 8 helpful reports.
The Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VMHA) addresses non-verbal cues in client communication. When preparing to approach a client to discuss preventive pet healthcare, prior to uttering a single word, think like a dancer. Source: Champions Corner, VHMA, September 17, 2018. Link. Familiarize yourself with these nonverbal behaviors and their impact on the client: … [Read more...]
Veterinary management service agreements can be torture
The legalization of veterinary management agreements operated by veterinary management organizations allows non-veterinarians a way to sidestep laws prohibiting lay ownership of professional practices, writes Christopher J. Allen, DVM, JD. The MSA/MSO structure has been widely adopted as acceptable and legal. . . but is anybody checking to see whether the required separation … [Read more...]