A subscriber shared this post. It is fun to see how dogs are included in the office culture and design of this pet toy company. It does beg a question about the company policy for preventative vaccines and products. So, does human resources have separate doggy resources policies? Source: Inc. Humans weren't the only considerations in building out Kurgo's offices. The ample … [Read more...]
Equine coronavirus: an emerging enteric virus of adult horses
Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is an emerging virus associated clinically and epidemiologically with fever, depression, anorexia and less frequently colic and diarrhea in adult horses. Sporadic cases and outbreaks have been reported with increased frequency since 2010 from Japan, the United States and more recently from Europe. Source: Equine Veterinary Education, April 2016. … [Read more...]
Summer horse health concerns
Summer is almost here. Horse owners and their channel support teams need to keep in mind common health concerns. Summer can be hard on horses. Source: Equus, Issue #403. The specifics of the season will vary by location, but there are some nearly universal concerns. Here's a quick look at some of the conditions that could adversely affect the well-being of horses this … [Read more...]
Giving it away doesn’t work
“Giving discounts on the fly can backfire,” asserts Andy Roark, DVM. “Time and time again, it’s a habit that gets DVMs into trouble. Worse, it’s a practice that’s strangling struggling vet practices and damaging our profession as a whole.” Source: Dr. Andy Roark, May 21, 2016. Most vets understand that giving away products or services means the clinic makes less money. … [Read more...]
Grill safely this summer
Memorial Day Weekend is here. Grills will be fired up, the sounds of picnics will fill parks and boats will hit the water. We offered pet safety tips last month. Remember personal safety when you start the grill. The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association offers this free fact sheet about grilling safety you can share with clients or use in blogs and newsletters. Source: … [Read more...]
What if meat eaters acted like vegans?
Dan Murphy’s commentary about a recent video is comical and thoughtful. The video clip “What If Meat Eaters Acted Like Vegans,” presents a satirical look at over-the-top convictions we frequently experience about food topics. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 20, 2016. The running gag throughout the 3-minute clip is the absurdity of listening to the “wisdom” of a true … [Read more...]
Ease cat stress during moves
Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant, offers her perspective for dealing with felines during moves. Her proactive steps make good content for veterinary websites, blogs and newsletters. Source: Catster, May 13, 2016. Although moving is stressful for all of the members of the household, cats are especially sensitive and can be easily traumatized by the … [Read more...]
Grads need a P & L
We received Andy Kessler’s article from a subscriber. His tilt is toward recent graduates, but it seems the content offers a lesson for us all. The subscriber also commented that beyond the concept of P & L statements is the unspoken reminder that the objective is P over L. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2016. The basic idea is to postpone consumption. Then … [Read more...]
Feed dogs like wolves
Julia Henriques, managing editor, compares dog and wolf dietary needs. Her perspective includes the scavenger behaviors we often see in dogs. Much of the information comes from Dr. Isla Fishburn (BSc Zoology and MBiolSci and PhD in Conservation Biology). Feeding fruits and vegetables has some merit, according to the article. But, we believe a warning on which fruits and … [Read more...]
Beware of over-vaccinating your dog
Articles like this create a need to help veterinary teams engage with clients about vaccination. While recent information shows an increase in rabies in North America, questions about vaccination need and frequency continue. Our team at Animal Health Digest believes it is important to show professionals the information being sent to consumers, as well as channel-based or … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: The latest on the feline sarcoma controversy
A roundtable of experts discusses injection site sarcomas in Part 1 of this Clinician’s Forum overview. The experts include Sarah Boston, DVM, DVSc, DADVS; Audra Fenimore, DVM,DACVM; Shannon Vawter, DVM, MS and Nancy Welborn, DVM. Source: Clinician’s Brief, May 2016. KEY POINTS The most recent studies suggest that in the genetically predisposed cat the injection of … [Read more...]
Sharpen equine shot skills
Stacy Tarr, DVM, Wellington, Colorado, reminds readers of the right and wrong ways to give horses intramuscular injections. She also warns that assuming clients know how to do it may be a mistake. Source: Western Horseman, June 2016, page 30. (direct link unavailable) Tarr recommends a three-step process: Clean the site Use the right needle Administer in one … [Read more...]
Salmonella outbreaks linked to turtles
Animal health professionals need to spread the word about small turtles and the potential for salmonella infections. Turtles carry the bacteria on their skin and shell, but they do not get sick. Of those persons infected this year, 41 percent are under the age of five and about 30 percent required hospitalization. Source: CNN, May 19, 2016. Between January 2015 and April of … [Read more...]
A parent’s checklist
Millenials in or entering the workface have been characterized as entitled, lazy and a host of other unflattering terms. While this may be true in many cases, the root cause goes back to parents who allowed such behavior in their child’s formative years. So, when the former dean at Stanford university wrote about parenting in a piece titled, “8 skills everyone should have by … [Read more...]
“Everything travels down that leash.”
Bruno, an Anaheim, California, K-9 officer shot in the line of duty two years ago, died last week from wounds he suffered during that shooting. He’d been a babysitter to his officer partner’s kids since being retired from the force in 2014. Source: NBC4, May 18, 2016, Los Angeles Times, May 19, 2016. He died in the line of duty. He protected us and the department and my … [Read more...]
Overcome your fear of public speaking
Representatives and veterinary team members are generally comfortable speaking one on one. Speaking before a group however can be a different story. Here are four tips to deal with potential fears. Source: Inc., May 16, 2016. Maybe you need to convince others that an idea makes sense. Maybe you need to show investors how a project or business will generate a return. Maybe … [Read more...]
JAVMA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issues of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Source: JAVMA, May 15, 2016. Source: JAVMA, June 1, 2016. … [Read more...]
The 21 most valuable career skills
Learn which skills are in demand and add to earnings in today’s job market. There are also tips about how to acquire those skills. Source: Money, June 2016. You can’t remain stagnant,” says Lydia Frank, PayScale’s editorial director. “You always want to be learning something new; you always want to be advancing.” … [Read more...]
Fighting equine influenza
Equine influenza virus can spread through an entire herd in a matter of days. We can no longer assume that older horses are immune. This feature covers the virus, viral mutation, pathways and recovery. Veterinary teams, dealer associates and sales representatives will appreciate the fresh resources on this ugly virus. Source: EQUUS, June 2016. (direct link … [Read more...]
JAAHA contents
For your convenience, we have linked to the table of contents in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. Source: JAAHA, May/June 2016. … [Read more...]
10 ways to keep pets safe on Memorial Day
The kickoff to summer is almost here. Memorial Day weekend starts the season of picnics and all sorts of great outdoor activities. Here are 10 common-sense tips to help keep pets safe during the festive times. Source: Pet Health Network Our pets love summer just as much as we do! It’s the best time of year to be out and about, enjoying all that the season has to offer, … [Read more...]
Dogs bite year-round
This week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week® which focuses on educating people about preventing dog bites. Dog bites happen year-round. The resources at this site can be used all year long, too. They include photos and social media support. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association With an estimated population of 70 million dogs living in U.S. households, millions … [Read more...]
Flea control toolkit available
Death to the devil’s jumping beans! sets the tone of the flea control toolkit featured in this issue. A series of articles covers client issues, selling products, handling client objections, how fleas got here, infestations and script examples. Source: DVM360, May 2016. What do you tell the client who, three weeks ago, started the flea control you recommended and now sees … [Read more...]
Jerky treats sicken, kill dogs
More than 1,140 dogs have died after eating jerky pet treats, out of 6,200 cases of jerky related canine illness reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from 2007 to December 31, 2015. The agency released these numbers this week in an update on in its ongoing investigation into animal illnesses and death related to jerky treats. Source: Petfood Industry, May 17, … [Read more...]
4 ways to protect against ransomware
Ransomware can strike anyone and any business. The experts at InfoGPS wrote about it in March and April for AHD. While backing up is the most important aspect of maintaining data, restoring it after an attack isn’t painless. It could take a week or more and an untold amount of staff time to get things back to normal. Here are four ways to keep it at bay. Source: Wired, May … [Read more...]
Improve self-acceptance for better well-being
More than one in six veterinarians have considered suicide since graduation, according to a 2014 study by the Centers for Disease Control, as reported by JAVMAnews. It is important to maintain mental health and sound well-being, no matter what role you fill in the animal health business. Srini Pillay, MD, notes that self-acceptance, or lack of it, affects your physical and … [Read more...]
Xylitol can kill or poison dogs
Xylitol, a common sweetener in chewing gum, mints and other products can kill or severely poison dogs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued, ‘Xylitol and Your Dog: Danger, Paws Off,’ May 12 after a surge in death and several illnesses from dogs that had accidentally ingest Xylitol, according to pet poison-control centers. Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 12, … [Read more...]
12 things that make us sound dumb
Consistently communicating clearly is hard. Yet, how we communicate with others helps keep projects moving, builds relationships and keeps careers advancing. Dumping these 12 words and phrases will help us sound as smart as we are. Source: Business Insider, May 12, 2016. Your verbal communications can make or break your relationship with your boss, team, clients, business … [Read more...]
Millenials: the job-hopping generation
Data supports the thinking that those born between 1980 and 1996 move from company to company more than any previous generation. 60 percent of millennials open to a new job opportunity Millennials most likely generation to switch jobs Millennials are the least engaged generation in the workplace Source: Gallup Business Journal, May 12, 2016. Why are millennials … [Read more...]
Canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines now available
Partners for Healthy Pets, an alliance of more than 100 veterinary associations, veterinary colleges and animal health companies focused on preventive care led by AAHA and the American Veterinary Medical Association, is offering complimentary canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines. Source: AAHA NewStat, May 11, 2016. A one-page, double-sided, easy to use set of … [Read more...]