The Equine Network announced My New Horse for equestrians just getting into horse ownership or riding. Partners Kent (aka Kent Feeds) and W.F. Young assert the brand will deliver a community and resources to new horse persons at the beginning stages of ownership. The website will feature content created by industry experts, Kent nutritionists and editors of respected … [Read more...]
Addressing relentless licking by dogs
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, addresses excessive licking in dogs in this article worthy of sharing with dog owners whose pets are always using their tongues. A dog’s relentless licking is most frequently related to pain, illness, or injury, but it also could be his way of exploring the world or just telling you he cares about you.” - Debra M. Eldredge, DVM Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Livestock guard dogs growing in popularity
Livestock guard dogs are an increasingly popular tool in livestock management, writes Terri Queck-Matzie. Most weigh more than 100 pounds and are bred to live outside with livestock and not as a pet for people’s homes. Anatolian shepherds, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, and Central Asian shepherds are breeds recognized by the AKC. Source: Successful Farming, July 11, 2023. … [Read more...]
Essential oils generally not safe for cats
There is a common misconception essential oils must be safe because they come from plants. Rather, many of them are toxic, writes Barri J. Morrison, DVM. For cats, essential oils are not safe and can quickly cause toxicity. They are rapidly absorbed by mouth and through the skin, where they accumulate in the liver. Cats do not have the liver enzymes needed to break down the … [Read more...]
Texas study finds alarming rate of heartworm in cats
A study conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas revealed the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats. The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the region to detect the presence of heartworm infection. Using multiple analysis tools the results were alarming: 18 percent of the shelter cats tested … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club to launch Bright Minds UK award at London Vet Show
The first Bright Minds UK award this year will be awarded at the 2023 London Vet Show. This distinguished honor recognizes the brightest minds, wellness champions and game changers in veterinary medicine, shared Catherine Haskins. In partnership with the London Vet Show, VetCT and IDEXX, the prestigious award will celebrate innovation in the field of veterinary … [Read more...]
Pet treat sales in 2022 fueled by inflation, not volume
Packaged Facts analysis shows the pet treat market is slowing despite the popularity of treats. The group projects the pet treat market will continue to grow over the next five years capitalizing on key opportunities including: value-positioned treats treats for cats treats featuring alternative proteins U.S. retail sales of pet treats reached $11 billion in … [Read more...]
Furniture pros pick furniture cats are less likely to scratch
Despite well placed scratching posts, many cats are clever about finding alternatives to them, writes Catherine Holm. Curious, she engaged furniture professionals to identify the most durable furniture materials for cat owners’ homes. Consider sharing this article with cat owners on social media and in newsletters. Other articles exist in the AHD archives*, including … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 31, 2023
Target, CoComelon launch pet-centered toys and videos for toddlers, Chewy’s Katy Nelson, DVM, profit tips for small business owners, business insurance basics, shifting to digital payments and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Taking a vacation improves your well-being. Here’s how.
The bottom line is that employees and employers benefit mentally, physically and spiritually from vacation. Making sure your people and you regularly take time off is key to creating a more sustainable workplace with healthier, happier employees, writes Rebecca Zucker. . . . every year more than half of Americans give up paid time off . . .” Source: Harvard Business Review, … [Read more...]
Weight stigma infiltrates work
There's an economic cost to not being thin and it is present at every stage of the employment cycle, writes Erica Pandey. She says studies show weight discrimination affects women more than men. Discrimination based on body size is largely left out of diversity and inclusion training, and overlooked in employment law, although she says some policy changes have begun. For an … [Read more...]
Mental health challenges aren’t a given in veterinary medicine
Veterinary medicine is an intensely emotional field and mental health challenges are real, but they are complicated and do not define the profession, says Kerry Karaffa, mental health and well-being coordinator at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine. He says research shows that access to lethal means is a more significant factor in veterinary … [Read more...]
How to confront someone at work
Hot days certainly take a toll on our bodies, but they can also test our tempers <Link>. . . . hot and especially humid weather is known to be associated with increases in aggression and violence, as well as a lower general mood.” Weather aside, conflicts in the office are inevitable, and the only option is to deal with them, BUT do so in a positive, professional way. … [Read more...]
Self-coaching helps motivate you
We need to step onto the field as our own coaches and motivators. Here are a few ideas to build your “tough situation” self-coaching skills. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, June 21, 2023. Link. When bad days hit get moving.” INSIGHTS: Tough situations are inevitable. How you react is manageable. … [Read more...]
Employers share employees need training on how to behave in the office
From eye contact to empathy, business leaders shared concerns about employee business behaviors in a survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com. The results show that employees need refreshers on how to do such things as hold workplace conversations, dress appropriately, take lunch breaks and even make eye contact. Some employers are now offering etiquette classes. Being … [Read more...]
Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™
Complimentary Content Covetrus announced the expansion of GreatPetCare July 20th. Access to GreatPetCare is offered for free to veterinarians and their clients in the U.S. to help enable vet practices' ability to realize workflow efficiencies, improve outcomes and enhance animal owners’ experiences. . . . 64 percent of pet parents consider veterinarian-recommended … [Read more...]
Want loyal customers? Teach them something new.
Research indicates consumers are 131 percent more likely to buy from a brand after they engage with early-stage educational content. Meanwhile, 70 percent of customers in a groove study say understanding how to use products and services is important to winning their business. Customer education programs are important differentiators for nearly any business.” Source: … [Read more...]
Telehealth can benefit small private practices
Erica Jain shares reasons small medical practices can benefit from telehealth technologies. These benefits also apply to veterinary practices. Telehealth technologies level the playing field between large and small medical practices.” – Erick Jain Source: Medical Economics, July 27, 2023. Link. Jain asserts telehealth services help: Overcome staff shortages Streamline … [Read more...]
Will the avian flu fly in and splash down this fall?
It is NOT too early to work with poultry producers to increase avian flu biosecurity measures and surveillance. How much the disease will impact U.S. poultry this coming fall has not been predicted to date but it is always good to be prepared.” The BirdCast estimates 109 million birds are already on the move (a map image is shown in the Worth a Glance section). Additional … [Read more...]
VVCA announces new platform for members
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association unveiled an upgraded membership platform on August 1. According to executive director Graysen Gilbraith Biensch, members can expect an enhanced user experience to improve access to care through education, best practices and advocacy of veterinary virtual care. Former members will need to re-register to gain access to new resources … [Read more...]
Data-driven decision making for pet care professionals
Sponsor supported content Gingr’s Alison Fisher joins Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, to discuss using pet services data to increase customer experiences, use staff more efficiently and drive revenue. Engerdahl also shares what PACCC does for pet care professionals and their employers. Source: PACCC, YouTube, July 26,2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 27, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 20th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 20th AHD Bulletin – Straight talk about veterinary workforce issues. Link. Filtering is a critical skill. Link. Best joint supplements for dogs. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Will animals at your county fair launch the next pandemic?
Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, according to the article linked here. Most have come from agricultural shows and fairs. Dr. Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at The Ohio State University, and his colleagues have documented the dangers and looked for ways to make pig shows safer. He says … [Read more...]
4 things to bring ROI to cattle operations
Animal health pros who work with or call on cattle producers benefit from understanding how producers make money. Wesley Tucker explains how to use herd income generated from drought-induced downsizing to consider making strategic investments in forages, fence or water, irrigation, feed storage and handling in lieu of paying higher taxes. Source: MissouriRuralist, July 24, … [Read more...]
Cattle report shows no herd rebuilding in sight
Commentary Beef may be what’s for dinner, but the beef replacement heifer inventory is the lowest in 50 years. For animal health pros working with beef producers, this is not a budgetary forecast disaster. There is a long-standing segment of the market that avoids the use of vaccines and preventatives. Now is the time to help producers optimize the value of each living … [Read more...]
Alfalfa hay linked to photosensitivity in horses
The type of hay a horse eats can influence his susceptibility to photic reactions. St. John’s wort, buckwheat and other plants have been found to contain compounds that can cause photosensitive reactions. Research published in 2016 from the University of California–Davis confirms that alfalfa hay can induce primary photosensitive reactions in horses, although the exact … [Read more...]
Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke in horses (podcast)
Jeanette "Jay" Mero, DVM, outlines the clinical signs of heat exhaustion and stroke in horses in these editions of the podcast. Consider sharing the podcasts with animal owners on social media and in newsletters now as horses are being transported to field activities, local fairs and shows or for rodeo events. Source: Ask the Horse Podcast, July 20, 2119. Link. (2:00) This … [Read more...]
Is culture always the answer when treating bite wounds in dogs?
Dogs with bite wounds from other dogs are commonly presented in companion animal practices, but use of culture and susceptibility testing and antimicrobial agents varies, writes Joshua B. Daniels, DVM, PhD, DACVM. The frequent prescribing of less than the recommended dosage observed in this study should prompt re-evaluation of dosages in clinic formularies as well as dosage … [Read more...]
Review covers new and traditional OA drugs for canine osteoarthritis
Tamara Grubb DVM, PhD, DACVAA, reminds us that chronic pain has no biological value or purpose. Her review covers new and commonly used existing drugs and compounds for control of osteoarthritis pain in dogs since new publications on most of the existing drugs are mostly non-existent. She examines the related scientific evidence and key features of current OA drugs and … [Read more...]
Squirt bottle is NOT a good tool to train cats
Complimentary Commercial Content Grandma did it, as did Aunt Bessie and Mom. Even Google seems to approve. But when it comes to working with cats to deter so-called misbehaviors, a squirt bottle filled with water is ineffective and counterproductive. Pam Johnson-Bennett explains why and how to help cats learn to behave to meet their owners’ expectations. Source: Cat … [Read more...]