Actor Sir Michael Caine shares some great perspectives in this short video clip. . . . when anything bad happens, you gotta' USE the difficulty.” – Micheal Caine Source: Aurelio Reis, Facebook reels. Link. INSIGHTS: Caine’s assertion resembles the proverbial phrase, “when life gives you lemons make lemonade.” … [Read more...]
The opposite of triggers, glimmers are all around us
A trigger is a person, place, thing or situation that elicits an intense or unexpected emotional response. Glimmers on the other hand are tiny micro-moments of joy that allow us to feel calm and give us a sense of inner peace. On the surface, glimmers may sound trivial says Deb Dana, LCSW, but they’re crucial to calming down our central nervous system. . . . glimmers can ease … [Read more...]
Agreement or commitment?
An agreement is a contract for mutual benefit. A commitment is deeper and more comprehensive. Commitments are worth the extra time and effort.” Source: gearsmagazine.com, March 5, 2021. Link. With commitment, there’s no going back – no limitation is recognized. It is the equivalent of the modern phrase, “I’m going all-in!” … [Read more...]
How to charge for technician appointments
When your practice uses technicians like physician assistants, technicians will work at the top of their licenses, improving job satisfaction and employee retention, says Wendy Myers, CVJ. She shares ideas on reallocating types of appointments from veterinarians to technicians and assistants. Of course, checking state guidelines on licensed technician and veterinary assistant … [Read more...]
AAHA announces 2023 AAHA Mentoring Guidelines
The July AAHA Trends provided the first look at the updated AAHA Mentoring Guidelines last published in 2008. “The 2023 guidelines present a modern blueprint to building a better culture for the profession,” according to Jessica Vogelsang, DVM. Now available on the AAHA website, the 2023 Mentoring Guidelines materials include a single page Guidelines at a Glance … [Read more...]
The cost of dying: Supporting employees through grief, despair and moving on
Grief and loss are part of our human condition and their effect differs between individuals. As a society, we are hesitant to talk about death and loss let alone address it in the workplace. One resource indicates as many as 31 percent of employers would welcome help on how to support bereaved employees, especially when it comes to making the first move. Unsupported grief in … [Read more...]
Skipping rocks and back to basics
Commentary . . . contains commercial content Every week our AHD team reviews hundreds of media items. Much of the content is about new, progressive trends or the personality of the month. When reading some recent pieces, I was reminded of helping my grandson learn how to skip rocks. The basic lesson starts with finding a flat rock, not too big, not too little . . . then … [Read more...]
Concerns rise as drought reduces hay supply
Early-season drought conditions across much of the country have affected the hay supply. Beyond basic availability, there are concerns about nutritional value, dependability of the hay source and what is in hay bought from an outside source. Whether buying hay for horses or cattle, there are important considerations to get the quality and value animals need. The five … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 22, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 15th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 15th AHD Bulletin – Dealing with no-shows. Link. Appearance and animal owner perception. Link. Sympathy versus empathy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== … [Read more...]
Study shows elephants enjoy presence of zoo visitors
Researchers have identified that species show varied responses to people in zoos. Some cope well, others not so well. Elephants particularly enjoy the presence of zoo visitors, a new study in the United Kingdom suggests. In elephants and birds it was encouraging to see a reduction in <negative> repetitive behaviors towards something more positive in the presence of … [Read more...]
How horses heat up and cool down varies considerably
To better understand how horses’ body temperatures increase during exercise, researchers used a smart thermometer horses swallow as a pill. They confirmed that horses cool down at different rates, suggesting generalized protocols for avoiding heat stroke might not be ideal for all horses. Source: The Horse, April 19, 2023. Link. The gastrointestinal pill has been a reliable … [Read more...]
How horse wounds heal (infographic)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Consider this visual guide to educate horse owners about the four stages of wound repair and the steps required to help horse wounds heal. Source: The Horse, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
4 summer foods dogs should never eat
Summer is in full swing and with it come backyard parties, grilling and campfire cooking. Veterinarian Joanna Woodnut, MRCVS, warns United Kingdom pet owners to avoid letting dogs have these barbecue items. Her advice works on this side of the pond. Onions and garlic Corn on the cob Bones Skewer sticks Source: HuffPost, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
AAHA discusses new guidelines for endocrinology diagnosis, treatment for dogs and cats
The American Animal Hospital Association recently published the 2023 AAHA Selected Endocrinopathies of Dogs and Cats Guidelines. These guidelines help practitioners identify and treat common endocrine diseases while effectively communicating with clients and the health care team. Liza Rudolph, BAS, RVT, VTS (CP-CF, SAIM), discussed the guidelines and how a team-based approach … [Read more...]
Best to know what dog owners are reading about metronidazole
Commentary The Whole Dog Journal headline reads, “Metronidazole Works Like Magic in Dogs.” While the information Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares about diarrhea and how veterinarians approach resolution is informative, publishing this information in a pet owner publication may be an editorial faux pas. Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We cannot … [Read more...]
Traumatized cat symptoms and how to deal with them
While cats can’t talk, they can still express their feelings through their body language and behavior, writes Judith McCain. She identifies 15 of the most common traumatized cat symptoms and writes about ways to address them, including contacting a veterinarian. Source: Happy Whisker, June 16, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article to provide context along with … [Read more...]
Brushing a cat: It’s for his health, not just his looks.
Self-grooming only goes so far, especially as a cat ages and can’t reach around to body parts as well. The author shares the benefits of brushing a cat, brush types and tricks for short- and long-haired cats. Source: Tufts Catnip, January 21, 2021. Link. Brushing will remove dirt, grease, and dead hair from his coat and cut down on hairballs. Plus it will help remove … [Read more...]
11 signs a cat needs to see a veterinarian immediately
Cat owners need to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate a medical emergency in your feline friend. Eleanor Flynn, BSc DVM MANZCVS MRCVS, shares 11 scenarios where cat owners should immediately take their cat to the vet. Source: Modern Cat. Link. INSIGHTS: Cats are good at masking anything abnormal. Consider this article for social media or newsletters to help … [Read more...]
Identifying and controlling the hidden costs of veterinary inventory
Complimentary Commercial Content Beyond a good explanation of ABC inventory groupings, this article identifies two hidden inventory costs: ordering costs and holding costs. Ways to use an online pharmacy to help control costs and service clients using home delivery are also presented. Source: Vetsource. Link. INSIGHTS: Inventory management is an important role for … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet talks about artificial intelligence in pet care
AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How your body language may be causing your team to disconnect
Body language speaks for you unconsciously and unfortunately, it’s hard to control. Just like you can’t fake a genuine smile, you can’t fake emotion. You can try to suppress your feelings, but your body language will leak it. “There’s the saying, ‘Fake it ‘til you make it.’ But the fake will fade,” says Linda Clemons. Source: Fast Company, June 6, 2023. Link. If your words … [Read more...]
New graduates may have no idea how to behave in the office
Some newer graduates didn’t learn the so-called soft skills they might have in the past by osmosis on the job, from mentors and by practicing on campus. Companies, universities and recruiters are coming up with ways to train new hires, provide advice and help them navigate the workplace. The missing piece for young professionals who have graduated since 2020 has been no real … [Read more...]
Words matter and some need to go away
Flashing back to Words Matter Week, @besunnynotsalty shares some great words to remember in an Instagram post sent by a colleague. We’re sharing them with you. The most important word?. . ‘We’ . . . The least important word? . . ‘I’ “ Source: @besunnynotsalty, Instagram, March 7, 2023. Link. Use your words carefully and make your words count. Also see: Five corporate … [Read more...]
Quiet quitting or setting boundaries
Employees need to take a more active role in improving their work lives, rather than a passive one. Source: TIME, September 9, 2022. Link. If you’re really upset about something, you can often overestimate how unsolvable it is and you don’t need to quiet quit to get out of a situation. INSIGHTS: You are your best advocate. Also see: Search results for quitting, AHD … [Read more...]
How brick-and-mortar retailers are paving new paths for pet owners
The borders between retail channels and markets are coming down as non-pet specialty retailers make deeper inroads into the pet market, writes Jennifer Boncy. 58 percent of all pet owners say they’re more likely to shop a store that offers both home improvement and pet products.” – Lowe’s research Source: Pet Product News, June 2023. Link. Farm and feed stores, and other … [Read more...]
Why it is so hard to ask for help
Many of us struggle to ask for help. Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries, DBA, MBA shares reasons we are reluctant to ask for and accept help. He then offers ways to overcome the barriers: The fear of being vulnerable The need to be independent The fear of losing control The fear of rejection Over empathizing with others. A sense of victimhood Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Dewormer classes for small ruminants
The Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program offers a variety of resources for the growing number of people raising goats and sheep. The links shared here provide infographics on dewormers and include various brands. Source: Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program, Facebook. Link. Dewormer classes for small ruminants. <Link-1>, <Link-2>. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Equine asthma and obesity
Environmental conditions are routinely associated with airway health and disease. In her research, Michelle Coleman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, identified a gut-lung axis as an integrated system with bi-directional cross-talk between the lungs and intestines. In obese horses, the microbiome is different than in a non-obese horse and increases the risk of developing equine … [Read more...]
Integrative approach to treating Giardia lamblia infections
Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, share the challenges of treating Giardia lambia infections caused by the environmental protozoal parasite which is spread through fecal-contaminated water, soil and food. The infection from G. lambia is often referred to as beaver fever. To completely clear animals of G. lamblia, the best approach is coupling … [Read more...]