Vet technician no more. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) board of directors announced the formation of the Veterinary Nurse Initiative Coalition to pursue legislative amendments in all states to establish the credential of registered veterinary nurse (RVN). The board approved the action to unite the profession under a single title, … [Read more...]
Hypoallergenic shampoo a misnomer
Cynthia Foley provides a thorough discussion of the hypoallergenic description, its history, lack of regulatory basis and suggests it is the best word we have for less-likely-to-cause-allergic-reactions. She opines the products that are marketed as particularly gentle or for dogs with particularly sensitive skin should be held to a higher standard than regular … [Read more...]
Consumer misconceptions affect animal welfare
Recent Packaged Facts survey data reveals that 58 percent of consumers are more concerned about food animal welfare now than they were in previous years. Lack of understanding, combined with a desire to provide humane treatment for food animals, have led to shifts in consumer demand for meat, poultry, egg and other related products. The common assumption is organic standards … [Read more...]
Larger dairy herds have a size advantage
Carl Zulauf evaluated USDA’s cost-of-production data to estimate the price to produce 100 pounds of milk among different herd sizes. It’s not fair to say that big farms are bad and small farms are good, or that farms milking more cows are better than those with fewer cows. What we can say, though, is that on average, larger herds are able to produce milk less expensively than … [Read more...]
Sunscreen is necessary
The Food and Drug Administration regulates the efficacy sunscreens can claim and standards have become increasingly strict over the years. Use a shot-glass-sized amount of sunscreen to protect your body and a nickel-sized amount for your face and neck for every two hours spent in the sun, writes Kerry Hanson. Source: The Conversation, May 25, 2017. We can still enjoy being … [Read more...]
Actions after difficult conversations create success
Nearly everyone experiences difficult conversations with peers, managers, clients or direct reports. We know they are difficult for one of these reasons: differences of opinion, something meaningful is at stake, and most tellingly — they bring up strong emotions for the people involved. Our nature is to shove the discussion under the carpet and try to forget it. But, it’s … [Read more...]
Don’t hug your chickens
America’s love affair with backyard chickens is making a few of us sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says eight salmonella outbreaks linked to petting pet poultry have occurred in the U.S. this year. They’ve sickened more than 370 people in 47 states, 71 of whom had to be hospitalized. No one has died this year – yet. Last year, three people died … [Read more...]
It’s aliiiive!
Nature can be beautiful. Or, disgusting. Be your own judge as you watch this snake throw up. Source: Washington Post, June 3, 2017 (paywall). The footage is slimy, gross and absolutely compelling – like watching some mixture of a prison break and an alien birth. … [Read more...]
Frequent-flyer program for furry and feathered friends launches
Skypets, what may be the first airline loyalty program that lets pets earn rewards, was launched last month by Korean Air. Members of the airline’s loyalty reward program can sign up their pets to earn stamps. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 3, 2017 (paywall). For every domestic fight the pet has flown within Korea, the animal gets one stamp. An animal can get two stamps … [Read more...]
Prevent reverse delegation
Reverse delegation happens when delegated tasks end up back in your bucket. Sometimes it is not your fault, but often perfectionism, over-control or being overly helpful backfires. Dan Rockwell offers 12 simple sentences to help avoid reverse delegation. Source: Leadership Freak, March 27, 2017. Accept 80% as good enough from people who are 80% as skilled as you. … [Read more...]
Evolving meaning of digital transformation
An annual survey conducted by PwC’s Advisory practice provides a compelling look at changes in the digital space as well as the development of a corporation’s Digital IQ. One would expect that today’s companies have a much better Digital IQ than they did in 2007. The reality is surprisingly, no. In a recent PwC survey, executives say they look to digital initiatives … [Read more...]
How to bottle-feed a kid
The bottle-feeding process is easier than you might think. Plus, it ensures proper nutrition and forms more docile milk goats. Lisa Seger gives a detailed primer on bottle feeding goats by choice or by necessity through week 12. She covers what to feed, the frequency of it and includes instructions for bottle-feeding as the kid grows. Source: Hobby Farms, May 22, … [Read more...]
Speaking of birds
Ana Hotaling provides an experience-based introduction to the discussion of three common myths about aging hens. She recounts the story of losing a seven- year-old hen and offers insight about these myths: Chickens have short life spans Hens stop laying after age 2 Older hens are flock freeloaders Source: Hobby Farms, May 24, 2017. Hens continue to lay longer … [Read more...]
How to grip a bird (pictorial guide)
Dr. Tom Tully offers an image gallery with explanations for handling various avian species. If your team struggles with handling birds, review this information at a team meeting to sharpen your teams’ approach to servicing avian patients. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, March 2017. Avian patients come in many shapes, sizes, and species. Veterinary team members can safely … [Read more...]
Five ways to use live video in content marketing strategies
Leading B2B brands and marketers are now using Facebook Live to engage and build connections with target customers. Jawad Khan shares ideas on how Facebook Live can benefit your business. He offers some tips to get started: Help your customers find success with your product Build your subscriber base with content upgrades Turn proven topics from your blog into live … [Read more...]
Industry events can be blessings or curses
There is no shortage of industry events available to every businessperson. In fact, we are bombarded with so many invitations that attending each would leave us no time to execute our responsibilities. So, knowing how to make sure an event is worth your time is important. Source: Forbes, May 23, 2017. If you’re extroverted, the thought of attending an event may energize … [Read more...]
Quiz: managing canine dental disease
Consider taking this quiz as an individual exercise and then discussing the results at a staff meeting. Whether a veterinary team member, retail associate or sales representative, proactively managing dental disease is important for our own pets as well as our customers’ pets. “Unfortunately, only about 1 percent of pet owners brush their pets teeth,” explained Academy of … [Read more...]
Fetch horse, fetch (includes video)
Just for fun! Training your horse to fetch your beverage of choice out of the cooler is a handy trick for hot summer days. Hokey Pokey, a six-year-old Pinto learned the wine-fetching trick in six sessions. Source: Horse Channel, May 15, 2017. Rebecca Tasker, the New Zealand-based trainer behind Positively Together, uses clicker training to teach her equine charges using … [Read more...]
3 essential summer tips for cats
Karen Nichols says hydrate, furminate and educate are three important tips to keep cats comfortable, healthy and safe as summer begins. This content will help cat owners if presented on social media posts, blogs, websites and newsletters. Note the discussion of hydration and senior cats. Source: Catster, May 26, 2017. Heatstroke is life-threatening, and knowing proper first … [Read more...]
Poultry farm biosecurity improving since the 2015 HPAI outbreak
More than 42 million commercial poultry, mostly layers, died in the 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. The catastrophe pointed to biosecurity gaps that needed remediation to reduce the risk of future outbreaks. Iowa State University’s Yuko Sato, DVM, MS, DACPV, surveyed the industry to see if behaviors and processes have changed. The results … [Read more...]
Convert an outdoor cat into a happy indoor cat
Behaviorist Marilyn Krieger says cats can gradually be transitioned to living indoors by making their homes more appealing than the great outdoors. Here’s how: Bring your cat to the veterinarian Motivate your cat with food Provide a sanctuary room Teach litter box skills Enhance your cat’s indoor worlds Exercise your cat’s inner predator Source: Catster, … [Read more...]
Any smartphone or laptop can catch fire
BE WARNED! Lithium ion batteries are statistically quite safe, and fires are rare — but they store a large amount of energy in a very small space, so the danger is real. How you use and recharge devices that contain lithium ion batteries could have a significant impact on fire risks. Source: Bottomline Personal, May 1, 2017. Advice from the National Fire Protection … [Read more...]
Seed-spitting goats
Just for fun! The Argania trees of Morocco have a unique seed dispersal method: climbing, spitting goats. Some of the local goats have developed a distinctive approach to grazing during dry periods: They climb up in the thorny branches to get at the tree’s leaves and fruit, sometimes with help from herders. Source: Atlas Obscura, May 25, 2017. If the behavior is as common … [Read more...]
Today is World Milk Day!
June, the Dairy Month celebrates 75 years this year and begins with World Milk Day today. The activities throughout the month celebrate the value of milk in a healthy diet and the value the dairy industry brings to economics and sustainability across the globe. Source: American Dairymen, June 2017, page 34. Also see: WorldMilkDay2017.com … [Read more...]
Predictive model could reveal risk for Lyme disease in dogs, humans
The range of ticks carrying Lyme continues to expand, making it important to be able to forecast patterns of risk to exposure in order to target those areas for vaccines, preventives measure and educational campaigns. Researchers with the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) published an open access article in May in PLOS One that describes the methods taken to create the … [Read more...]
Return from vacation without wanting to die
Steve Errey addresses the realities of returning from a vacation or time away from work. He offers some ideas to make the return easier: Clean Before You Go Remember Resistance is Futile Find the Fun Keep in Touch Change Things Up Chuck it Out Remember How You Were Source: The Muse, May 30, 2017. How you are on vacation is typically how you are when … [Read more...]
What is a product recall?
The regulatory affairs group at Henry Schein Animal Health explain product recalls, various recall levels and processes required to complete them. Veterinary clinic staff members with fewer than five years’ experience will appreciate this overview. Source: Animal Health Solution, 2Q2017, page 22. A product recall occurs when a manufacturer, or the FDA determines that an … [Read more...]
Increased client compliance rewards for patients and practices
Dr. Karen Felstad, Gary Glassman, Dr. Marsha Heinke and Fritz Wood are featured in this 12th article of a series generated from the Henry Schein Animal Health 2016 Solutions Workshop. They discuss the elements of customer compliance and the need for a team plan. Source: Animal Health Solution, 2Q2017, page 8. When you have a plan, a way to measure it, activities to support … [Read more...]
Fitness dos and don’ts for senior dogs
C. J. Puotinen shares a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts when helping an aging dog resume a more active lifestyle. He reminds us that reasonable diet and exercise management balanced with time and effort is worth learning for the dog and owner. Source: Whole Dog Journal, December 2016. Exercise is essential for dogs of all ages. It helps maintain muscle tone, a healthy … [Read more...]
Feline hyperthyroidism reaching epidemic levels
When Dr. Mark Peterson started veterinary school in 1972, feline hyperthyroidism didn’t seem to exist. He treats nothing else today. This article traces the beginnings of research into the condition, to the treatment and to the links it may have to our own health. Source: New York Times Magazine, May 16, 2017 (paywall). A steady drumbeat of research links the strange feline … [Read more...]