It is common for people to be amused by the behavior of a frantic dog pouncing on a moving dot of light from a laser pointer. Karen London, PhD, shares why this game is not advised for dogs. Source: The Bark, July 26, 2017. No matter how much dogs respond to them, I recommend against the use of laser pointers. It’s just too likely that the game will negatively affect the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Keep dogs safe on beaches
Good content often falls short of the whole story. In this case, the article presents good considerations for sharing a beach trip with a canine. However, references to ensure the pet is protected from diseases easily shared in a public area are missing. In community parks or dog parks, the risk of leptospirosis can be as significant at beaches. The risks are not just from … [Read more...]
Stop that itch
At least two dermatological issues are always among the top 10 ailments veterinary teams face with dogs. Anthea E. Schick, DVM, DACVD, with a fun editorial twist from Dr. Sarah Wooten, share the latest research findings from the 2017 North American Dermatology Forum that every private practitioner needs to know For animal health pros at all levels, this information is clearly … [Read more...]
Canine influenza is spreading
Animal health pros, especially veterinary healthcare teams must be vigilant and stay abreast of the latest news about this highly contagious disease. This includes: areas affected, prevention and canine influenza treatment protocols where appropriate. Communicating with clients is paramount to alleviate concerns and allow for risk assessment. A one-size-fits-all statement is … [Read more...]
Steve Dale talks mosquitoes (includes videos)
Mosquito prevention and the Double Defense protocol are covered by Steve Dale, CABC and host of the syndicated radio programs, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute that air on more than 100 stations. The video is something you can use to educate clients. Consider sharing it via websites, blogs and social media posts. Source: Steve Dale Pet World, July 31, 2017. It is … [Read more...]
Empathy important during that special time
The incredible bond that develops between military personnel and the animals that support them into battle is in a category all its own. This was evident July 26 as Marine veteran Jeff DeYoung carried his best friend Cena past a line of well-wishers on a decommissioned Navy ship to be euthanized. The 10-year-old black Labrador suffered from bone cancer. Source: Washington … [Read more...]
Cattle now and in the future (includes video)
Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska animal scientist, offers insight into the trendiness of cattle feeding that deserves attention from the industry. Source: Progressive Cattleman, July 31, 2017. Video, courtesy of Certified Angus Beef. … [Read more...]
Call me. Please!
If you’re one who prefers texts, emails and emojis, it’s likely time to use your phone’s keyboard to call coworkers, customers; even suppliers. In this CEO’s experiment, it turns out that effective phone calls save time, uncover clear direction and yes, tighten relationships. Source: Fast Company, August 1, 2017. What I found was that particularly for more nuanced … [Read more...]
Cool clear water. Is it?
Water is readily available in the United States, yet 63 percent of Americans worry a great deal about drinking water pollution. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, on an acreage or farm, water quality is a modern-day concern for people and their animals. Two extension educators urge consumers to monitor their water and have it tested if they suspect problems. Source: The … [Read more...]
New study reveals insights into pet owners’ buying decisions
A new study of pet owner behavior finds important differences in the ways millennial pet owners make decisions about their pets’ care compared with older pet owners—and how and when both groups decide to involve a veterinarian. Source: DVM 360, July 20, 2017. Veterinarians and pet owners see the world differently. The research highlighted important differences between how … [Read more...]
New recommendations for feline spay/neuter surgery
The AVMA board of directors has endorsed a consensus document recommending that cats not intended for breeding be gonadectomized prior to five months of age. Source: AVMA@Work, July 10, 2017. This document represents a clear and evidence-based position that promotes individual animal health and welfare, contributes to effective population control, and can be communicated … [Read more...]
Stop deceiving dogs
We mislead our dogs when we are not absolutely clear in our intentions. Plus, we lie to them when we give them affection at the wrong time. Cesar Milan says the result can be dogs that are frustrated, fearful, confused or even aggressive, but the solution is very easy. Source: Cesar’s Way, July 30, 2017. We have to be absolutely clear in our attentions and express them to … [Read more...]
Manage negative feedback
If you’re not getting negative feedback from time to time, you are not pushing your limits. Negative feedback is a fact of life and some negativity is especially personal and biting. So, being able to manage those situations in a respectful and effective manner is important to your overall success. Here is a classic illustration. Source: Inc., June 2017. I've written … [Read more...]
Stop, look, listen; get a computer crash plan
In one form or another, at least one of our computers is going to completely crash, be lost, stolen or fall victim to virus problems. William Hall reminds us that hard drive failure and ransomware are not the only computer risks. He recommends seven ways to help prevent this. Source: Entrepreneur, July 26, 2017. Here are seven easy to implement tips to prevent a computer … [Read more...]
12 individuals receive awards at AVMA convention
Eleven veterinary professionals and one lifelong feline health advocate were recognized for contributions that have made a positive, lasting impression on veterinary medicine. Source: Veterinary Practice News, July 26, 2017. These outstanding individuals represent the best and the brightest in veterinary medicine,” said Tom Meyer, DVM, AVMA president … [Read more...]
Opthalmic exams made simple
Did you ever wonder what veterinarians are doing when they look in to a pet’s eyes? Ron Ofri, DVM, offers a logical, anatomical order to the exam and a list of equipment needed. He proposes veterinary teams perform an ophthalmoscopic examination of all patients, not just ophthalmic case to gain the required proficiency and familiarity with normal fundus variations. Source: … [Read more...]
Diagnosing and treating anaphylactic shock
Anaphylaxis is often misdiagnosed because definitive criteria to distinguish it from an allergic reaction are lacking. This article reviews anaphylaxis pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and clinical examples. Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, July/August 2017. Anaphylaxis is a severe condition that requires rapid emergency treatment. Because of the lack of … [Read more...]
5 most loyal dog breeds
Dogs are generally loyal to mankind, certainly in comparison to other species not developed for human companionship. But some dog breeds were developed with an extra dose of loyalty to their people. Source: Dogster, July 21, 2017. The breeder groups making the most noise about loyalty traits in these breeds: Bouvier des Flandres Bullmastiff Yorkshire Terrier … [Read more...]
Cat butt questions answered
Dr. Arnold Plotnick answers common questions about the posteriors of our feline friends including scooting, anal gland expression and wiping. Source: Catster, July 27, 2017. Fortunately, cat butt problems are a minor issue in cats. But, there are some conditions that can be serious, such as infections, tumors and anal gland abscesses. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this … [Read more...]
Assertive or aggressive; it’s a fine line (includes video)
It is not always easy to identify truly assertive behavior. This is because there's a fine line between assertiveness and aggression. People often confuse the two. Source: Mind Tools, August 1, 2017. Being assertive means finding the right balance between passivity (not assertive enough) and aggression (angry or hostile behavior). It means having a strong sense of yourself … [Read more...]
The case of the shrinking airline seat
Finally! A federal judge has ordered the FAA to review seat sizes and legroom on commercial airlines. Flyers Rights, an advocacy group had said it is concerned that small airline seats are a safety hazard, putting passengers at risk for conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Source: ABC, July 30, 2017. Flyers Rights gave the court evidence that the average width of … [Read more...]
Manage old soft tissue injuries properly
Tendon and suspensory ligament injuries plague horses performing in all disciplines. Even pleasure horses and pasture ornaments may fall victim if they take the proverbial bad step over rough ground conditions. These are every bit as painful as bone or joint disorders and can take as much as a year to heal. Source: Horse Network, July 28, 2017. The common practice of giving … [Read more...]
Veterinary nurse effort finds focus
A representative of the group working to change the title of veterinary technician to veterinary nurse and standardize credentials nationwide said today that they will initially focus on Indiana, Michigan and Ohio where they like their chances of success. Source: DVM 360, July 24, 2017. We have compared the curriculums of veterinary technology programs to human nursing … [Read more...]
How we search continues to change
Marketing a practice has really changed. Instead of putting an ad in the yellow pages and making sure the phone number is correct in the white pages, a hospital now has to be found on multiple platforms and be accessed in a variety of ways. These areas need to be managed on a constant basis. Source: MWI Messenger, August 2017, page 21-22. The next leap in accessing and … [Read more...]
Don’t apologize. Do this instead.
Excessive apologizing can take away others' confidence in you as a leader. Instead, practice moves like thanking people for waiting if you are late to a meeting rather than saying, “sorry,” writes Judith Humphrey. Avoid apologizing before giving bad news so you don't reinforce the negativity of what you will say, and focus on solutions rather than feeling sorry for not being … [Read more...]
Badass barrel racer has inspiration for us all
When you’re having a rough day or trying to master a task for the umpteenth time, don’t sweat it too much. Simply go at it again. That’s the suggestion from Amberley Snyder. A broken back caused by a pickup wreck when she was 18 years old left the barrel racer and roper in a wheelchair since 2010. It hasn’t slowed her down. She shared her story with attendees of the 2017 Ag … [Read more...]
A brief history of horses in music videos (videos)
Just for fun! Marjorie Wilkinson walks us through an interesting history of horses in videos, including a highly prolific period between 1929 and 1939. Source: Horse Network, July 17, 2017. Enjoy the video clips! … [Read more...]
Why sitting at your computer all day can wipe you out
If you’re conscious, your brain demands your energy and lots of it. Using your brain takes real, honest, physical work — it’s just not visible to us the way using our muscles to exercise is. Source: Science of US, July 19, 2017. Because we’re more likely to get sick after period of heightened mental exertion, too, it’s important to treat mental fatigue with the same care … [Read more...]
Is technology being used counterproductively? (audio program)
In this thought-provoking audio interview, David Allen ( Getting Things Done® ) talks with Dr. Theo Compernolle, a doctor with a 35-year background in medicine, psychiatry, teaching and research. His most recent book is Brain Chains. Source: Getting Things Done®, July 13, 2017. You’ll find this interview to be educational, and perhaps challenging, as you learn that we may … [Read more...]
22 plants you may not know could poison dogs (infographic)
Use this infographic to correctly identify which plants are poisonous to dogs so you know which ones to keep dogs away from. This information will make good content for websites, social media, newsletters and in puppy kits. Source: The Bark, July 20, 2017. A study found that one in 12 pets has eaten poisonous plants, with smaller dogs and puppies being particularly at risk … [Read more...]