Insects are a promising source to generate protein sustainably and with a low carbon footprint. Bühler Insect Technology Solutions, located in China, has begun operations to develop scalable, industrial solutions for the rearing and processing of insects to provide novel protein sources for livestock, human and pet food. Source: Petfood Industry, January 17, 2017. One … [Read more...]
15 life hacks that could help you
Sara Todd writes, small, seemingly mundane changes you make to your daily routine can deliver returns. They can work for busy veterinary practices and seven-day-a-week retail employees. Source: Quartz, December 2, 2016. Here is a sample of the hacks Ms. Todd shares: I started planning my outfits for the week on Sundays I stopped mindlessly scrolling through my … [Read more...]
You and your dog’s personalities influence how you both walk
The general conclusions of a recent study showed the personalities of human and dog influence the walk, and that the walk is a part of life which involves power negotiations between the dog and the human. It also reports that according to those interviewed for the study, people want their dogs to enjoy getting to “be a dog” by running free on walks. Source: The Bark, January … [Read more...]
Vet-Advantage acquired by NAVC
Congratulations to Chris Kelly and the team at Veterinary Advantage as they become part of the mix at NAVC. Our team at AHD wishes them and the NAVC the best. Source: NAVC, January 27, 2016. Veterinary Advantage joins the NAVC alongside clinical, peer reviewed journals, Today's Veterinary Practice and Today’s Veterinary Technician, as well as a new business journal, Today’s … [Read more...]
Editorial – It may be time for vendor-managed inventory
Dr. Blach presses the thinking envelope again. He asserts that vendor-managed and potentially vendor-owned inventory may be closer than we think. It is hard to imagine how this could happen since most practices and retailers cannot replenish inventory today based on a running forecast. Vendor-managed inventory would theoretically eliminate stock-outs, but integrating … [Read more...]
Stay calm, listen to the dogs
Dogs are not fully colorblind. They have limited color vision, similar to humans with red-green colorblindness. They’re particularly good at seeing shades of blue, although they don’t have the same range when it comes to seeing shades of gray. When it comes to dogs’ metaphorical vision, they live in a world that is entirely black and white, says Cesar Milan. Source: … [Read more...]
Kentucky Horse Park celebrates Man o’War centennial
2017 marks the 100th birthday of Man o’War, and the Kentucky Horse Park is honoring the legend with a yearlong series of events celebrating his centennial. They kick off March 29, the date Man o’ War was foaled. Source: Horse Network, January 25, 2017. Man o’ War is a true American icon, born in Kentucky before going on to capture the country’s imagination by winning 20 of … [Read more...]
Thinking offensively or defensively matters
Kevin Eikenberry offers several contrasting statements that you can use to determine if you're attacking opportunities or reacting to situations. If you don’t challenge yourself with it, you will operate from your habits now and in the long-term. This may not give you the results you want most. Source: Leadership and Learning, January 2, 2017. If you choose to focus on … [Read more...]
3 hard words. “I don’t know.”
The best leaders use these three hard words, “I don’t know!” Lisa Kohn suggests we expect our leaders and ourselves to be infallible. It’s a huge – and impossible – mantle to carry. Instead we need to: Admit when we don’t have the answer Surround ourselves with smart people Be open to other perspectives Find people who’ve walked this road before But remember … [Read more...]
4 customer service plan essentials
As trends for increased self-service and detached decision making grow, the importance of building superior customer service teams can get lost. Andrew Medal brings the perspectives of a serial entrepreneur to this topic. The insights apply to animal health pros in traditional businesses, too. Source: Entrepreneur, January 20, 2017. Customer service is one of the most … [Read more...]
Editorial – They say we don’t care
Critics and non-agricultural lobbyists often criticize animal health pros for not caring about the environment, odors or greenhouse gases. This article flies in the faces of such critics. Source: WATTAgNet, January 20, 2017. Perdue Farms has expanded its $68 million investment in nutrient recycling on the Delmarva Peninsula with the addition of a $12 million capital … [Read more...]
11 pet food trends forecast for 2017
Experts believe pet owners will increasingly demand the same qualities in pet food they want in their own meals, such as familiar ingredients, sustainability and nutrition. Our AHD team believes some of these trends will greatly affect veterinary teams and retail associates. Review this list and consider how you may address these trends as they appear in your … [Read more...]
Eagle gets cancer operation at 46
Jess, a 46 year old wedge-tailed eagle, had a growth on his eyelid. It was considered harmless when discovered in 2015, but it recently flared up and required surgery. Learn how ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Turner and his team operated and treated this squamous cell carcinoma. Source: The Age, January 16, 2017. There's a good chance Jess is the first wedge tailed eagle to … [Read more...]
Acclimate relief veterinarians to ensure good patient care
It is up to practice leadership and permanent team to ensure relief veterinarians are an asset to a practice without affecting the quality of patient care. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, July 2016. (partial access). First, the veterinarian and/or practice owner should prepare the team to work with a new relief veterinarian by highlighting the reasons he or she was chosen. … [Read more...]
Go home dads. The kids NEED you!
Just being a breadwinner is a rapidly fading role for men with children. The parenting resources for dads are lacking, so most are left guessing how to improve. All the studies show that the influence fathers have in the lives of their children is far greater than what was once commonly believed. The fact is that dads have a greater role in parenting than ever … [Read more...]
Kirby’s Rule of 20
The Kirby’s Rule of 20 is a classic checklist of 20 important patient parameters. Its creator, Rebecca Kirby, double board-certified in internal medicine and critical care, is the former owner of Animal Emergency Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. This checklist would help create good discussion at an upcoming practice team meeting. Don’t forget to discuss what it means to give … [Read more...]
Swine industry audits ensure safe pork
Consumer demand continues to grow for certified safe foods. The National Pork Board responded to these demands by developing an extension of the Pork Quality Assurance Plus certification called the Common Swine Industry Audit. Source: National Hog Farmer, January 2017. The CSIA, certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO) in October of … [Read more...]
Similar, yet different
Not humanizing your dog’s mind is the best thing that you can do. Dogs and humans are very different species, reminds Cesar Millan. With dogs, our first instinct is often humanization — to treat a dog like a person — which is how a lot of canine behavior problems begin. With dogs, we need to be constantly aware of how we are different and how we are the same as them. Source: … [Read more...]
Work with vet to control parasites in goats
Successful parasite management is essential to maintaining a healthy goat herd. While parasites are naturally present in most goats, they become disruptive to health and productivity in large quantities. Goat owners can prevent parasitism by keeping a clean environment and frequently rotating pastures. Working with a veterinarian to analyze fecal samples, deworming strategies … [Read more...]
Rethink the concept of dangerous dogs
New research suggests it’s time to stop thinking of dogs as either safe or dangerous. In most cases canine aggression seems to be a learned response to a particular situation, not a personality characteristic, since a dog that growls or bites in one situation may not do so in other contexts. The article references a large survey from Rachel Casey et al, at the University of … [Read more...]
Great content doesn’t have to do with word count
Whether you’re a 19th-century-style novelist or a 21st-century content marketer, great content isn’t about word count — it’s about crafting the right experience for your user. This is true of AHD and also true for animal health business’ blogs, websites and newsletters. Source: Marketing Land, January 23, 2017. As it turns out, most content doesn’t work for its target … [Read more...]
Invest in exemplary teams
Healthy practices invest in building effective teams. Ed Blach, DVM, shares five basic principles to use when building teams. They include: Define your objectives. Get the right people in the right positions. Assign leadership for each task or project Define and communicate your culture and leadership style. Develop an efficient reporting and mentoring … [Read more...]
Focus on nonverbal cues during feedback sessions
Giving feedback may be one of the most difficult challenges a manager faces. You have to be honest; yet, you don’t want to alienate your employee. You tread a fine line between maintaining cordiality and successfully getting your point across. Here are the most noticed non-verbal cues: Facial expression Eye contact Voice Posture Breath Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Canis vertigus, the dog that powered kitchens
In the 17th century, one breed of dog was created as a high-tech solution to a household need. The now-extinct turnspit dog, or Canis vertigus, was common in European kitchens from the 16th century until the mid-1800s. Source: Saveur, January 19, 2017. Turnspit dogs are described as “long-bodied, crooked-legged, and ugly dogs, with a suspicious, unhappy look about them. … [Read more...]
When to worry about your horse’s cough
Multiple illnesses and conditions can cause horses to cough. Sometimes it is harmless, but it may be the first sign of serious trouble. Here are some of the more common causes of equine cough: aspiration pneumonia inflammatory airway disease (IAD) influenza pleuropneumonia pneumonia recurrent airway obstruction (RAO, “heaves”) rhinopneumonitis … [Read more...]
“Amoosing” visitor stays at Vermont dairy
Yeah, we stole that word from the original headline. Take a fun look at what happened when a moose paid a call to a Vermont dairy. Source: Progressive Dairyman, January 13, 2017. The moose only stayed a few days, but it was more than enough time for the Abbots. “After a couple days, we put the cows in the barn and kind of shooed her away a little bit,” Abbot says. … [Read more...]
Examine leadership to set growth path
Life, especially business life, can be a brutal teacher. She often gives the test first and the lesson afterwards. Fortunately, there are others who have gone before us and are willing to share some of life’s lessons with others who follow. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, September 16, 2016. In our connected world, it’s tempting to let all the little screens we have access to … [Read more...]
Addicts using pets and vets to get their fix
Hydrocodone, Ketamine, Tramadol and Valium are opioids that some pet owners are trying to get for themselves by causing or not treating pet injuries or illnesses. Authorities are unsure how widespread the practice is. Veterinarians believe it to be a small problem. Source: Washington Post, January 23, 2017 (limited free views). John de Jong, former chairman of the board of … [Read more...]
Addison Biological Laboratory commits to sponsorship
Our team at Animal Health Digest appreciates Addison Biological Laboratory continuing as a Supporting Sponsor in 2017. This commitment is especially relevant as our industry prepares for National Pet Dental Health Month in February. Addison’s sponsorship will be visible using the Maxi/Guard® product line logo during this time. Karlin Yaeger, global sales manager, has created … [Read more...]
Choose mobile messaging channels wisely
We found this article relevant as the mobile technology continues to drive choice in customers and clients. Source: Marketing Profs, January 13, 2017. To be successful with mobile marketing, you need to engage with your users: You want them to be customers—to use your products or services or to buy merchandise. … [Read more...]