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...]
Puppies like baby talk
A recent study of human voices suggests that puppies favor the higher pitch we use when talking to them. Source: Science of Us, January 11, 2017. While older dogs were equally responsive to high-pitched and normal recordings, younger ones seemed particularly engaged when they were listening to people baby-talk in their direction. Also see: The Bark, January 14, 2017, Dog … [Read more...]
Breastfeeding is doable in a veterinary practice
Abigail Fishaw, LVT ,says, “You don't need to sacrifice your personal breastfeeding goals at the hands of your career. Work and motherhood can coexist smoothly with the right support from your employer.” Source: Firstline, January 10, 2017. As veterinary professionals we're often natural nurturers who feel drawn to having our own bundles of joy. But balancing the demands of … [Read more...]
Brain-steer for better results
Consolidations already announced this year will have all sizes of businesses seeking to remain competitive, increase services, value and maintain profitability. This article is written for upper level executives, but the principles apply if you work in a veterinary hospital, a retail organization or if you are a representative working to help your accounts be more … [Read more...]
Microchips required
Microchipping is becoming prevalent, if not required throughout the horse world. It is not for locating missing horses. Rather, competitive organizations and breed registries are now requiring it for ease of identifying individual horses. Source: The Horse, January 10, 2017. (tiered access). The entire process, including the price of the microchip, usually costs less than … [Read more...]
Examine leadership to set growth path
Every successful business has a list of key performance indicators (KPIs) that provides the essential data necessary to grow. Successful leaders need their own KPIs that include feedback from their associates, as well as a rigorous self-examination. Source: Eric Geiger Blog, May 26, 2016. Leaders are merely stewards. We don’t own the people, the ministry, or the … [Read more...]
Prevent winter impactions
Colic can happen at any time, but during cold weather the incidence of painful gastrointestinal impactions typically rises sharply. Mild dehydration is a normal underlying cause. Source: Equus, January 2016. To protect horses from impaction colic this winter, ensure they always have access to fresh water. It’s a pretty good bet that ice will dissuade a horse from drinking, … [Read more...]
FDA asked to clarify definition of milk
More than 30 members of Congress wrote a letter to the FDA, asking it to clarify its position on nondairy “milk.” Soy milk, almond milk, rice milk and coconut milk are alternatives to dairy, carry the same name but lack many of the health benefits real cows’ milk has to offer. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, January 16, 2017. The dairy industry is proud of its products and the … [Read more...]
Study confirms that many animals fart
Just for fun! As ridiculous as it sounds, scientists are studying flatulence, its causes and how to prevent it, especially in humans. Whether specific animals fart is apparently a question that zoo employees often receive from their youngest visitors. Therefore, a new hashtag is making the rounds through science Twitter: #DoesItFart. Source: Science of Us, January 11, … [Read more...]
NYC cat-astrophe – 100’s of cats quarantined
A rare strain of bird flu has flown through New York City’s animal shelters. So far, 500 cats have been quarantined and 386 of the them have tested positive for the H7N2 virus — the first time the disease has even been found in cats, officials said. Source: New York Post, January 12, 2017. Collecting cats from shelters in all corners of the city, city officials have locked … [Read more...]
Wrap up virtual meetings properly
Virtual meetings are no different than regular ones. They require good planning and time management. Wayne Turmel shares some best practices for virtual meetings to ensure they are valuable. A subscriber referred us to this website’s resources as having potential value. AHD is not promoting the institute but found the information worthwhile, especially since there are so many … [Read more...]
Veterinary hospice helps clients and patients
We found this article thoughtful, informative and relevant as the average life span of pets continues to increase. In veterinary hospice, the goals of care include managing clinical signs, promoting patient comfort and preserving or improving quality of life; not attempting to cure the patient. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, November/December 2016. Clients increasingly … [Read more...]
Cornell University launches vector-borne disease center
To better understand, prevent and treat diseases passed from insects to people, the Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases will launch later this month, thanks to a $10 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, January 11, 2017. The center will have six applied research … [Read more...]
Behind the Mars-VCA merger
Bob Antin, CEO of VCA, and Poul Weihrauch, president of Mars Petcare, talked with DVM360 in an exclusive interview. They discussed their companies, the veterinary profession and if corporate practice is the downfall or salvation of veterinary medicine. Both men addressed the January 9 Bloomberg article. Source: DVM360, January 11, 2017. Weihrauch’s parting thoughts: This is … [Read more...]
Dr. Blach talks consolidation
Edward L. Blach, DVM, MS, MBA, shares perspective in the most recent Is My Practice Healthy? He says, “All around us we see consolidation. It is a fact of life, and one that impacts all of us.” Recent entries also cover vision, technology, budgeting and discounting. Sources: Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly Summary, January 8, 2017 Is My Practice Healthy? Weekly … [Read more...]
Start 2017 safe
Evaluating existing practices often kicks off the new year for animal health pros. Safety training for veterinary practice employees, as well as retail, distributor and manufacturer personnel is essential to reduce risks to ourselves and customers. AAHA has a resource for safety meetings. Source: AAHA Red, January 13, 2017. Regular safety meetings provide an opportunity to … [Read more...]
Mixed animal practices merge
Twenty-one veterinary practices located in 10 states have merged to form Mixed Animal Veterinary Associates North America, Inc. (MAVANA). MAVANA unites mixed animal and equine practices to so they can offer clients state of the art veterinary care and support to veterinarians beginning their careers. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2017. The current model used to value … [Read more...]
Managing your team when asked to do too much
High expectations in the form of ambitious goals or targets are often touted as a benefit to help companies grow. Sometimes, reason is thrown away and teams can move toward unethical or illegal methods to achieve the objective. Managers at all levels have the responsibility to ensure that unreasonable targets don’t unleash harmful behaviors on their teams. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Monthly preventives are not 100-percent effective on worms
Richard Gerhold, veterinary parasitologist, sets the record straight about monthly preventive medications and the possibility of pets still picking up parasites. He discusses a case where a dog picked up hookworms, even though the client was believed to be compliant on a monthly preventive regimen. Source: DVM360, January 3, 2017. The preventive effectiveness and the … [Read more...]
Weird stuff clients say – vet tech edition
Just for fun! Here are some of the strangest things vet technicians have heard clients say. Source: Veterinary Practice News, January 2, 2017. The strangest things vet techs have heard clients say. … [Read more...]
Embrace dentistry
There’s no shortage of dental opportunities says one veterinarian. "The incidence of dental disease is 100 percent in cats and dogs," says Dr. Dave Nicol, BVMS, Cert. Mgmt. MRCVS. Matthew Lemmons, DVM, DAVDC, agrees. “Veterinary dentistry is almost an instant gratification for our patients.” Each veterinarian makes the case for pet dentistry in these two … [Read more...]