Pets getting too expensive, cats on leads, knowing the coming wave of Gen Z workers, influencer marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 8, 2024. Link. According to the Newsweek article shared about rising pet costs dog owners spend more on their pet (about $1,400 a year) than cat owners ($1,200) considering all possible expenses: vaccinations, bed, food, … [Read more...]
Responding to feedback
Being open to feedback doesn't necessarily mean that you should simply accept it, writes Ed Batista. Sharing four potential responses, he reminds us to stay open to feedback, even when we disagree with it or find that it disconfirms prior assumptions. Source: EdBatista.com, March 25, 2024. Link. . . . feedback always says as much about the giver as the recipient. It's … [Read more...]
The veterinary nurse’s role in heartworm testing and treatment
Veterinary nurses are the front line when it comes to discussing the frequency and necessity of heartworm testing, writes Jordan Porter RVT, VTS (SAIM). She reviews the heartworm life cycle, treating heartworm-positive patients and supporting veterinarians and practice communications. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2023. Link. Educating pet owners is a role a … [Read more...]
Words are important
There are strong words and weak words. There are resisting words and accepting words. The words you choose are a vital component to your success and these four tips will help you pick the right words. Source: BIG Think, March 27, 2024. Link. When the conversation is positive . . . using the pronoun “you” increases engagement . . . but, avoid “you” when the … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Navigating the new pet care landscape
Asserting that the modern pet owner demands a more engaged, transparent and responsive veterinary experience, Aaron Massecar MA, PhD, and Kelly O’Brien share perspectives about practicing veterinary medicine in this digital and advancing technology age. They cite a study indicating online searches can strengthen the veterinary-client relationship and share the importance of a … [Read more...]
Reskilling in the age of AI
This article was awarded the 2023 HBR Prize honoring the best Harvard Business Review article of the year. The authors share the significance of the complexity and pace of technological change. Its velocity will likely require millions of workers to be not only upskilled, but reskilled. Drawing from interviews with representatives of companies worldwide that are already … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 4, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 28, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the March 28th AHD Bulletin – Horse remains near Buckingham Palace reveal birthplace of jousting steeds. Link. Covetrus® adds next-generation, online Rx management solution to VetSuite. Link. The anti-meat discussion returns to rapid emissions reduction. … [Read more...]
Second case of avian influenza identified in a person in the U.S.
A person is being treated for bird flu following contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus in Texas. The article shares updates on avian flu detections across the U.S. Source: Agricultural Dive, April 1, 2024. Link. Also see: Human H5N1 likely linked to cattle, Worms and Germs, April 1, 2024. Link. A lot of attention is warranted, says Scott Weese, … [Read more...]
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) now part of Dechra’s otitis external product range
DuOtic® (terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel) is the first FDA-approved animal drug intended to treat yeast-only otitis externa in dogs. It is also the first otic drug intended to treat otitis externa that does not contain an antibiotic <Link>. DuOtic is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, associated with susceptible strains of yeast … [Read more...]
MSD Animal Health commits to rabies elimination, donates vaccine to Mission Rabies
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., announced a continued commitment to rabies elimination through a donation of NOBIVAC® rabies vaccines. The donations to the Mission Rabies program will continue over the next five years and support the full annual rabies vaccine requirements of this non-profit organization. Source: MSD Animal Health, March 18, 2024. … [Read more...]
Curbing gas with perennial grass
The Paris Agreement commitments to global emissions-reduction targets has elevated the discussion of methane production from cows <Link>. While some claim inaction from the livestock segment, a Minnesota study of forages contradicts those claims. Perennial forages are often praised for their ability to capture atmospheric carbon and sequester it in the soil. Now a … [Read more...]
Free-ranging chickens by the season
There’s little doubt the Easter holiday brought new chickens into backyards and acreages. Often these forays into chicken keeping happen with weak plans for keeping the birds healthy and safe. In the article below, the author writes about free-range foraging benefits, identifies where to be cautious and how seasons may change the approach. Source: Hobby Farms. … [Read more...]
How certified veterinary support personnel improve equine practices
Some equine veterinary practices thrive by strategically deploying crucial support provided by veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. Haylie Kerstetter shares takeaways from a panel discussion about it at the 2023 AAEP convention. Source: The Horse, March 29, 2024. Link. Veterinarians should create relationships with clients and establish their technicians as … [Read more...]
Spring is gas colic season
Springtime colics are typically caused when gas builds up from a horse ingesting forage that is high in sugar like lush spring grass. The rich grass causes excessive fermentation to occur in the gut, which can create a buildup of gas. With only one way to escape sometimes the gas builds up in pockets causing pain since horses can’t burp. Source: EQUUS, March 28, 2024. … [Read more...]
Questions remain about cats’ primordial pouches
Located on the lower belly, the primordial pouch sags and sways as cat trot about but this body part’s purpose remains largely obscure. Researchers have distilled theories to three potential purposes: A protective layer of skin Extra skin that gives them extra leeway to twist and turn midair to right themselves or let their torso extend fully allowing for more rapid … [Read more...]
Top 5 short procedure sedation scenarios
General anesthesia isn’t the only choice when it comes to minor procedures. Khursheed Mama, DVM, DACVAA, shares her top five scenarios involving sedation for short procedures. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2019. Link. Dr. Mama discussed short procedure sedation on Clinician's Brief: The Podcast <Link>. Sedation is not without risk and requires monitoring vigilance … [Read more...]
Spring has sprung and with it pretty and poisonous plants
A colleague shared this image as a reminder that not all pretty plants are safe for pets. It is a reminder to share poison control center information and resources with pet owners on social media, in newsletters and in person. Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Link. … [Read more...]
Study shows talking about dental care increases brushing frequency
Research intending to compare the effects of motivational interviewing compared to traditional counseling approaches found slim variances between the two approach styles. What was evident is that regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with the … [Read more...]
Lyme vaccine. What dog owners may be reading.
As a veterinarian and dog owner, writes Jennifer Bailey, DVM, “I feel strongly that the canine Lyme vaccine is safe and effective enough for dogs who live in areas that are endemic for Lyme disease.” Sharing considerable history, the lack of full support by veterinarians, and the potential for side effects, she emphasizes vaccination based on lifestyle, geographic location and … [Read more...]
The latest trends in canine fashion
Canine fashion has rapidly evolved over the past few years, writes Anderson Cox. He reviews the latest trends and categories of what’s fashionable for dogs. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Traditional, functional or frilly, dogs dressed in apparel almost always make us look. … [Read more...]
Technology, sustainability and new food formats topped trends at Global Pet Expo
Sharing his perspectives from the Global Pet Expo, Mark Kalaygian says product innovations seemed to reflect three key areas: technology, sustainability and new food formats. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
1 in 5 pet owners indicate pet separation anxiety got worse last year
Working to quantify the level of separation anxiety, TrustedHousesitters surveyed pet owners on their pet-sitting platform. They found: 46 percent of those surveyed said their pet has separation anxiety 25 percent of respondents reveal they won't travel because of their pet’s anxiety 17 percent revealed they worry about missing out on social and career opportunities … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 1, 2024
Millennials with pets finding challenges, Chewy opening physical spaces, industry experts seeking more oversight of pet food, FabFitFun acquires PetCo’s PupBox, Veterinary surgeon appeals to breeders of brachycephalic dogs and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 1, 2024. Link. Adam Christman, DVM, MBA has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 2024 IBPSA Flow … [Read more...]
Results from workforce needs and gaps survey
U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles, according to an AgCareers.com survey. Problem-solving and decision-making were identified as the areas with the most significant gaps for current employees and new graduate hires. Organization and planning skills, as well as teamwork, were also identified as … [Read more...]
Responding to an unfair job review
It happens. Sometimes we get an employment review that seems unfair. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., shares how to respond. He says to start by reviewing your company’s handbook or HR policies to see if there’s a procedure for employees to review their performance appraisals and provide feedback. Source: USA Today, March 29, 2024. Link. During the meeting stay focused on finding … [Read more...]
Finding joy
Kids are uniquely good at living in the present, being curious and making the most of their surroundings. They look for reasons to do things while many adults often look for reasons not to act. Source: AXIOS, March 19, 2024. Link. Our kids’ unique skills can help us solve problems and find happiness even as adults.” INSIGHTS: Be curious. … [Read more...]
Let’s stop calling them soft skills. They’re interpersonal skills. Leadership skills.
American author and former dot com business executive Seth Godin, says organizations pay less attention to soft skills when hiring because we’ve persuaded ourselves that vocational skills are impersonal and easier to measure. He asserts we stop referring to soft skills and use real skills instead. Godin says real skills can’t replace vocational skills but what they can do is … [Read more...]
Lines between retail stores and veterinary practices becoming more blurry
Gathering comments from several brands, Kathleen Sturgeon shares perspectives on the impact of new big-box retailers entering the veterinary services market. Source: Pet Business, April 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Tips for building strong rapport with customers
Rapport goes beyond routine customer service; it’s about making a genuine connection with the person you’re helping, by showing interest and understanding their needs. Source: CSM, March 2024. Link. Good rapport is not just about resolving the immediate issue at hand . . . with patience, attentiveness, and sincerity, you can turn even challenging service interactions into … [Read more...]