Microinteractions refer to the daily subtle exchanges between colleagues, managers and staff, writes Dylan Taylor. They can significantly impact a company’s culture, practicality and overall success. Though brief, microinteractions can carry the weight of a company’s culture. Microinteractions, when handled thoughtfully, create a continuous feedback loop that reinforces … [Read more...]
5 tips for writing meaningful thank-you notes
It’s never too late to write a thank-you note, writes Sally Susman. She shares four other principles of thank-you note writing: Take time to reflect; thank those who are often forgotten; be specific; make it matter. Source: Harvard Business Review, August 8, 2024. Link. In the age of email and 280-character proclamations, thank-you notes are tiny reminders of the limitless … [Read more...]
Servant leadership guidance to help get you where you need to go
Are you struggling to find practical guidance for servant leadership examples? Look no further. This article has got you covered. Source: walkme blog, July 1, 2024. Link. Servant leadership offers a viable solution, whether for organizational development, performance management, or something else entirely.” INSIGHT: Commitment requires committed leadership and a good … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis a post-hurricane risk
Commentary This article about the spikes in leptospirosis cases after Hurricane Fiona ravaged Puerto Rico in September 2022 serves as a warning to areas in the U.S. hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Whether people or animals, the elevated risks of leptospirosis require more vigilance and communication in healthcare communities. Source: IDSE, November 4, 2024. Link. Early … [Read more...]
Dealing with unconscious biases when hiring
Everyone carries implicit biases and they impact recruiting and hiring, shares Roy Mauer. He offers assertions from two inclusion and diversity experts who spoke during a recent conference. Bias is your own internal algorithm, based on assumptions and associations. Implicit bias does not mean being racist. Everyone has biases . . . The question is, how do you recognize it, and … [Read more...]
Women are experiencing a mental health crisis. What that means for employers.
Beyond the day-to-day personal and interpersonal stressors, several macro issues are at play and impacting everyone’s mental health, including social, political, economic and technological stressors. Kathryn Mayer says women are coping with all those issues and they are also being exposed to a series of other stressors more prevalent for women. Source: SHRM, October 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 31, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 31st AHD Bulletin – First case of H5N1 in swine found in Oregon backyard farm. Link. Infection control, prevention and biosecurity. Is your plan current? Link. Bringing value. Link. ===================================== Cloned ferret gives … [Read more...]
Practices find value in Promoboxx® benefit from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
Sponsored Content Social media usage cuts across all demographic groups, be they generational, racial, gender-based or other. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance has partnered with Promoboxx* to help practices capitalize on opportunities social media offers to promote practices and consistently engage with clients. The Promoboxx platform is currently provided at no … [Read more...]
Next up in the “Top 5 in 15” Fear Free veterinary webinar series
The "Top 5 in 15" webinar series kicked off in October, featuring a unique, fast-paced webinar designed to equip veterinary and veterinary technician students with essential knowledge and actionable skills in just 15 minutes, followed by a Q&A session. The free webinars will provide exclusive insights and strategies used by industry professionals. To register and learn … [Read more...]
Help livestock and farm customers get funds they deserve
When natural or man-made disasters strike, USDA programs can help rebuild herds, infrastructure, buildings and crops. However, they can be hard to access for average producers. Enter Crop Disaster Recovery, a grant acquisition firm that helps farmers obtain funding from disaster recovery programs and grants through USDA. Source: FarmFutures, September 25, 2024. Link. “We … [Read more...]
Weaning calves. Art or science?
There are some basic principles and practices that will give calves the best chance at navigating the weaning process, writes Zeb Gray. Whether done abruptly or gradually, he recommends producers define what their goals are beyond just separating cow and calf in the weaning process. He emphasizes the importance of a veterinary relationship considering any new antibiotic … [Read more...]
Mitigating weather-related stress in beef cattle
Fall weather is a series of transitions from hot days to cool days, which include wind, rain, sleet and snow. In much of the U.S., it is normal to see high-low temperature swings of 50o F or more. The Beef Checkoff-funded BQA National Manual provides guidelines for handling cattle as weather patterns vary to optimize animal welfare. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM, writes … [Read more...]
Fresh cows run a daily marathon
Three weeks before and three weeks after calving, dairy cows experience massive changes in nutrient and micromineral demands. An energy deficit is common in this period and cows struggle to take in more energy than they deplete. Jessica McArt, DVM, compares this energy challenge to marathon runners in this article. Her analogy might help explain the effects of transition to a … [Read more...]
Alternatives to baled hay for horse owners
When hay is in short supply, there are alternative forages, writes Marcia Hathaway, DVM. She shares information about different choices and guidance for transitioning animals to new sources slowly. Consider sharing the article on social media or in newsletters. Source: The Paulick Report, November 3, 2024. Link. When feeding alternative forages with smaller particle sizes, … [Read more...]
Veterinarian shares what to know about splint bone injuries
Popped splints, or exostosis of the metacarpal or metatarsal bones, are a common finding in working and pastured horses alike. In this article, Fred Nostrant, DVM, discusses what horse owners should know about splint injuries. Consider his article for social media posts, newsletters and information for horse enthusiast groups. Source: The Horse, October 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
A fresh perspective on horse expenses
Complimentary, includes Commercial Content A recent study completed by Synchrony noted horse owners spend three to four times more than they initially estimated. Karen Hopper Usher provides a realistic overview of horse costs, where the expenses are derived and the importance of planning for expected and unexpected expenses. Source: The Horse. Link. In addition to … [Read more...]
Cannabis product use in cats, dogs in the U. S.
Understanding how pet owners think and use cannabis products gives animal health pros a look at their motivations for and perceptions of cannabis-derived product use. Whether treats, chews and oil-based tinctures are used, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, emphasizes that using correct terminology is essential. CBD is not synonymous with cannabis; CBD is one of the 150 … [Read more...]
Heated dog blankets and beds. Useful? Safe?
Includes Commercial References Rachael Leanny shared information about dog blankets and beds with built-in heaters. Her primary warning is to avoid using human heating pads or blankets for pets. Her article covers the pros and cons of supplemental heat sources for dogs. We noted the warnings about protecting electrical cords from being chewed or exposed. With colder … [Read more...]
What do all those ‘biotics’ do?
Microbiome researchers have learned that microbiome health likely plays a key role in the overall health of pets. Veterinarians and pet owners can choose a probiotic, prebiotic, synbiotic or postbiotic, but knowing which bug or brand is a good choice is difficult. The GI microbiome is a complex ecosystem, writes Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM, in this article. She shares some of … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat
Thanksgiving weekend is infamous in the veterinary world for causing a spike in pancreatitis, vomiting and diarrhea. Kate Basedow, LVT, reminds dog owners to use moderation and lists of Thanksgiving foods dog can share, to coach guest and restrict access to the cornucopia of foods available. Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 29, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: While pet owners … [Read more...]
Top dog and cat names of 2024
The AKC and JustAnswer share top names of dogs and cats, respectively, in the articles shared here. Luna is the most popular cat name and female dog name in the U.S., while Milo beat out 2023’s Max for male dogs. Sources: AKC top dog names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. JustAnswer, America’s most popular cat names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Where North Americans shop online
U.S. consumers made 94.3 percent of the $1.170 trillion in online purchases by North American shoppers in 2023. Studying the Top 50, Digital 360 says incumbents face significant challenges from store-based retailers selling online, as well as marketplaces. Sales for the Top 50 online shopping sites grew by 10.4 percent in 2023. Source: Digital 360, October 22, 2024. … [Read more...]
Coughing dogs: the why and how to prevent it
Complimentary Sponsored Content As holiday boarding season approaches, Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, is presenting a webinar for pet care professionals at boarding facilities, doggie day cares and groomers on how to prevent respiratory illness in dogs at their locations. She’ll also discuss what causes canine respiratory disease complex in dogs and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 4, 2024
Gen Z driving pet care market, groomer shares how he gets animals to relax, records of California’s underground puppy market to be saved, stunning growth projected in grooming market, cat welcomes owner home after being alone 3 days and more . . . Source: IBPSA, November 4, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
More Gen Xers and Baby Boomers returning to school more than ever before
An increasing number of college students aren't kids anymore; they're older, writes Professor Lisa Chilcote Bacco. She shares how teaching and guiding this cohort requires a different approach that optimizes the life experiences of the older students. Bacco describes crystalized knowledge as a "superpower" that older students use in the classroom. It is a vast mental library … [Read more...]
The A to Z Startup Guide. Navigating the complexities of the animal health market.
Complimentary Commercial Content Stephens and Associates (aka S&A) invited me to review their startup guide. I found it to be a good resource for entrepreneurs and investors looking to positively impact the animal health industry. Given that many current animal health businesses struggle to plan beyond three years and the continuing perceived market demands for … [Read more...]
Modern hyper-convenience adding difficulty, driving need for digital detox?
Commentary Two articles address our ever-expanding challenges and dependency on digital devices and their deep integration into our lives. We’re sharing these pieces that cover the benefits and the growing consequences of digital dependency. Modern hyper-convenience is a kind of deal with the devil . . . instinctually seductive. . . while it surreptitiously depletes us.” - … [Read more...]
Get ‘em checked
Jennifer M. Latzke is not afraid to talk about breast cancer, advancements in early detection methods and methods of treatment and the importance of screening for women and men. Source: KansasFarmer, November 1, 2024. Link. Improvements in early detection and treatment contributed to a 44 percent decline in breast cancer death rate in the U.S. between 1989 and 2022.” … [Read more...]
The value of “and what else?”
As our business environment gets more complex, it’s essential we adapt to this complexity. Questions help clarify the problem from our customer’s perspective. Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2022. Link. Demonstrating genuine concern for our customers will provide us with more information about their situation.” INSIGHTS: Be interested and others will find you … [Read more...]
Bird flu mutating and reassorting with seasonal flu could create a pandemic-causing virus
Commentary It is NOT time to panic. Experts are studying the potential for H5N1 to mutate and reassort with seasonal influenza. They indicate humans and pigs could both serve as mixing vessels for a bird flu–seasonal flu hybrid. The article by Tanya Lewis provides a situation analysis, food for thought and reinforces the importance of: seasonal flu vaccination for … [Read more...]