We saw a sign like this one recently. It led to uncovering Lynn Coulter’s article on the importance of planting pollinator-friendly plants and Monarch waystations. Many veterinary hospitals and pet services locations have areas large enough to include a pollinator focus in landscape maintenance, so we’re sharing this information. Source: HGTV. Link. Monarch Watch recommends … [Read more...]
Peanut butter. Good for dogs or not?
Most experts agree that peanut butter is safe for most dogs in moderation. Jennifer Lesser shares facts on why moderation is warranted. Considering that myriad brands now exist, she shares the importance of reading labels and, whenever possible, avoiding ingredients like sugar or corn syrup, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or other potentially harmful preservatives. Also, … [Read more...]
6 ways to bring strategy into work every day
David Lancefield shares six ways to incorporate strategy into daily practices instead of switching on autopilot and defaulting to habits that keep us focused on the familiar. He reminds us to be aware of our personal limitations and practices which prevent us from translating intent into strategic actions. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 12, 2024. Link. We have more … [Read more...]
Thriving leadership
Self-leadership is the foundation that qualifies you to lead others. The author shares five tips to strengthen your self-leadership. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, July 2024. Link. At their core, arrogant leaders are fearful leaders which requires exploring what’s driving the fears and working through it. What good have I done today? - Benjamin Franklin’s end-of-day … [Read more...]
Zoonotic web exposes complexity of disease transmission
As humans, animals, and wildlife coexist, there’s a lot to consider, including the zoonotic risks of cross-species disease transfers. This article provides a comprehensive picture of naturally occurring zoonotic interactions, sure to expand how animal health pros view zoonotic transmissions and risk management. A major challenge for the One Health community is quantifying … [Read more...]
Brush, don’t shave to keep animals comfortable during heat waves
Speaking with NPR, Sandra Faeh, DVM, comments about the practice of shaving pets during hot summer days. Shaving their fur does not help. Their fur makes them comfortable and protects them from sunburn. Brushing dogs removes the hair that they would have shed so that they have their normal coat which makes them so much more comfortable.” Source: NPR, July 10, 2024. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 11, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 3, 2024. Link. This edition contains links to archived content in the Worth a Glance section plus links to previous years’ full editions as well as topic tags. ===================================== How to cope with post-vacation blues Source: Harvard Business Review, July 9, 2024. Link. Feeling drained … [Read more...]
2024 Animal Health Summit set for August 26th and 27th
Don’t forget to save your spot for two days of unparalleled networking, exclusive 1:1 business partnering sessions, thought-provoking industry leaders, dynamic panels and groundbreaking emerging company presentations. Source: KCAHC. Link. Register at this link. … [Read more...]
Facility tips to help manage the impact of flies on cattle
Sponsored Content Got flies? Choosing fly control products is important, but proper facilities management along with product rotation and application are even more crucial for effectively controlling fly populations. Note: The management tips shared here also apply to anywhere flies and animals exist such as kennels, animal shelters, stables and backyard poultry … [Read more...]
Poultry basics and diets for veterinary teams
The increased number of suburban and metro backyard flocks present challenges for companion animal practices. Keeping chickens, ducks and geese healthy goes beyond production animal paradigms as the birds are often considered pets. Veterinary teams will benefit from the upcoming VetFolio basics webinar and the article on poultry diets linked here. Sources: The science … [Read more...]
Meat goat demand continues to rise
About 90 percent of the U.S. goat inventory is raised for meat and herds average 20 animals. Goats can be found in urban, suburban and rural areas. They are an excellent biological tool to graze land that is overgrown or has the potential for wildfire. Although the overall number of meat goats has decreased over the last several years, demand for the meat continues to … [Read more...]
Reassuring findings about prednisolone
While concerns about glucocorticoids and laminitis are not completely unfounded, an English study shows that the commonly used drug prednisolone does not appear to make horses more susceptible to laminitis. Prednisolone is an extremely useful drug in equine medicine but use the drug with caution in horses with a history of laminitis.” - Victoria Jordan, MA, VetMB, … [Read more...]
Reading the vast, varied signs of equine gastric ulcer syndrome
Commercial References included It has been said that equine veterinary medicine is often more an art than science. While neither can be separated from the other, the gastric ulcer signs a horse might show are highly variable between individuals and might even change within an individual over time. Natalie DeFee Mendik, MA shares the behavioral, diagnostic and treatment … [Read more...]
Choosing the right cat bowl
Food bowls are a consideration when addressing cat acne <Link>, so we’re sharing an article that explores the most recommended type of bowls for individual cats. Whiskers are one of the considerations when choosing a bowl. Source: Cat Food Advisor, May 15, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for kitten kits, social media posts or newsletters. … [Read more...]
Addressing common nutrition misperceptions
Discussing pet diets is fraught with challenges created by common myths, misconceptions and marketing jargon. These include an excessive focus on the concept of natural ingredients, the effects of processing on pet food and the assumption that cost directly represents quality. Ultimately, the cornerstones of feeding pets are safety and nutritional balance, and these concepts … [Read more...]
Updated fluid therapy guidelines from AAHA
The new 2024 AAHA Fluid Therapy Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, provides a detailed refresher on the basic principles of fluid therapy while also guiding veterinary professionals through common fluid therapy scenarios and empowers an animal-specific, individualized approach. . . . if a practice doesn’t approach fluids as a drug prescription that necessitates accurate … [Read more...]
Pet-safe, DIY and dangerous baits for rats, mice
Beth Turner, DVM, shares comprehensive information about controlling rodents, the risks and different types of bait and control methods. Her article is a good resource to share with pet owners who may be experiencing rodent issues. Source: Preventive Vet, July 5, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
How hot is too hot?
This picture of a sidewalk sign is important. Although we posted about temperature risks on May 24th <Link>, the sign is a good reminder as were the number of dogs being walked in 90o F temps last week. Summertime warnings need to be repeated over and over.” Also see: Search results for: dog heat stroke, AHD archives. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 8, 2024
Mars courting next-gen high-spending pet owners, future of flying with pets, email marketing myths, shifts in big life priorities, views of website written content averages 5.59 seconds, and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 8, 2024. Link. . . . websites are not just selling products or services . . . they’re guiding users on a journey, and every step along the way … [Read more...]
8 types of toxic bosses and how to handle each of them
The first step to surviving a toxic boss is knowing who you’re dealing with and how to work with them. Mariah Parker shares eight types of toxic bosses and how to survive those relationships. Source: Two minutes notice, July 27, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Safe, open, two-way communication remains a key to eliminate toxicity. … [Read more...]
6 steps to improve your resilience
The reality that humans and animals are at risk daily is a primary lesson from the pandemic. Around every corner is a potential punch in the gut, whether health-related, societal, work-related, or emotional. Improving resilience helps us weather loss, setbacks, disappointment and a plethora of emotions. Some days the supply of available curse words is insufficient to meet my … [Read more...]
Majority of U.S. women struggle to prioritize health
Results from an April 2024 survey show women in the U.S. find it tough to make their own health a top priority. The findings are disturbing considering the high percentage of women graduating from veterinary schools and veterinary technician programs. Younger women and mothers with children under 18 are more likely to struggle to prioritize their own health. Survey results … [Read more...]
Meeting customer expectations starts with employees
Customers want to deal with businesses that are consistent, reliable, accessible, helpful and prompt. Their expectations have never been higher and people want to work for companies that provide a great employee experience. Source: Forbes, November 7, 2023. Link. There is real benefit to companies that recognize the vital link between employee experience and customer … [Read more...]
Addressing 7 common complaints practices face
Dissent and dissatisfaction are often masked by the historical statement, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, such experiences lead to customer loss. Marc Rosenberg, VMD, shares how routine preemptive troubleshooting with clinic staff members help to correct complaints heard before they rise to become points of contention. He shares … [Read more...]
Avian flu updates
Staying abreast of the latest on high-path avian flu is time-consuming and often confusing. Multiple media sources share information along a rapidly progressing timeline of discovery, opinions and responses. We aggregated some of the more recent updates at these links. Sources: Detections of HPAI in livestock, USDA, July 9, 2024. Link. The most current information and … [Read more...]
Animal health pros really DO matter
Getting caught up in the minutia of our daily animal health activities and checklists is easy. Swine flu, foot-and-mouth, CWD, HPAI, leptospirosis, tickborne diseases and more can create havoc for animals, the food supply and potentially our lives. As we return to our efforts from the Independence Day holiday and dive into 3-Q-2024, this graphic is a stark reminder of the core … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 27, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 20, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the June 20th AHD Bulletin – Cat acne: causes, signs, treatment. Link. 6 myths about cooling horses in hot weather. Link. Cheese now drives dairy growth. Link. ===================================== Sitting is the new smoking. Get off your … [Read more...]
Shelter dogs do better with a well-matched roommate
Newly published research from Virginia Tech showed companiable dogs housed together showed fewer signs of stress and were adopted more quickly than dogs housed by themselves. . . . social isolation can work against dogs’ behavioral health and adoptability.” - Erica Feuerbacher, PhD Source: Virginia Tech News, June 12, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Pairing dogs that can get along … [Read more...]
IRS boosts health savings account contribution limits for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service recently announced that for the calendar year 2025, the health savings account contribution limits for individuals with self-only coverage will jump to $4,300, up $150 from $4,150 for this year. For family coverage, the limit will increase to $8,550 next year from $8,300 in 2024. Source: Human Resource Executive, June 21, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Global Alliance for Rabies Control launches Dog Welfare Certificate course
GARC’s new Dog Welfare Certificate course is designed to provide essential knowledge for anyone involved or interested in canine care. Free and self-paced, the course offers foundational knowledge crucial for anyone looking to care for a dog whether it is their own, or a dog in the community. Source: Global Alliance for Rabies Control, June 23,2024. Link. The course is … [Read more...]