Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
Plan now for pets bothered by July 4th fireworks
Includes Commercial Content Steve Dale discusses behavior modification for pets who have issues with fireworks and the importance of getting ahead of the problem. Calming pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves this problem.” You can’t reinforce panic. It is likely pets terrorized by fireworks are likely … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
HR’s role in changing the conversation about alcohol use
For employers and their HR pros, it is increasingly important to understand that alcohol use is not an “all or nothing” proposition for employees, says Terri-Lynn Mackay, PhD. Rather, it exists on a spectrum, from people who do not drink to those who have a diagnosed disorder. Mackay shares ideas for changing the conversation about alcohol use in the workplace and … [Read more...]
Chiropractic care for companion animals
Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
Sympathy versus empathy
Last week I suggested there is an enormous difference between these two words. Based on your feedback, I believe it is important to understand that difference. Simply put, sympathy is feeling for someone, while empathy is feeling with someone. Source: SimplyPsychology, May 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Empathy requires your respect for another’s point of view at that … [Read more...]
Appearance and animal owner perception
During a recent National Geographic Wild episode, a veterinarian purposely changed clothes between patients after a sick parrot decorated his scrub top. It reminded me of a post from 2021 that is worth repeating. . . . appearance influences animal owners’ first impressions of animal health professionals.” Source: Animal Health Digest, November 16, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Dealing with no-shows
Wendy Myers, CVJ, gives host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, four things veterinary practices can implement to help get clients in the door and reduce no-show rates. Myers says the average no-show rate is approximately 11 percent which calculates to around $60,000 in lost revenue potential per full-time veterinarian. She also emphasizes missed opportunities to help animals in … [Read more...]
Legislative updates, progress and the status of VCPR
The Bridge Club hosted a panel* to provide an update following legislative decisions in Arizona and California that have eased restrictions on virtual VCPR. The discussion included experiences from panel practitioners and members of the VVCA. Mark Cushing shared legislative experiences and offered perspective on which states are likely to move forward with a virtual … [Read more...]
The horse owner’s role in fighting gastric ulcer syndrome
With treatment and care information given in different forms yearly, it's assumed most owners will follow prescribed actions to help their horses battle their gastric ulcers. But, it requires owners to make adjustments to their daily routines. Ideally, the ulcer medication omeprazole needs to be given to horses on an empty stomach to allow the stomach to thoroughly absorb … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
Gene therapy may offer birth control for cats
Researchers recently published the results of a small study in Nature Communications describing how a single shot of a gene therapy prevented pregnancy in cats for at least two years. Researchers analyzed 15,220 freeze-dried fecal samples for estrogen and progesterone levels and examined 1,200 hours of video of mating behavior. Source: The New York Times, June 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
NAVC Announces “Show of Shows” theme for VMX 2024
Complimentary Commercial Content VMX is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. As the first veterinary conference of the year, it sets direction for the industry and is the forum for veterinary education, new innovation, patents and product introductions. The North American Veterinary Community announced the theme for the 41st … [Read more...]
Why workers don’t use their PTO
Nearly half of workers aren't taking all the paid time off available from their employers. . . . many workers don't take more time off because they are worried that it could hurt their position at the company.” – Pew Research Center study results Source: Manufacturing.net, May 31, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Making sure employees use all of their paid time off without fear of … [Read more...]
Why chocolate is so harmful to dogs
Elanine Blythe, PharmD, reviews why chocolate is toxic to dogs. She begins with the pharmacology of methylxanthines including theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Blythe’s videos target pharmacy students and pharmacists. Consider sharing them proactively in veterinarian-to-pharmacist communications. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Facebook, June 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]
Leading when trapped on the working floor (video)
Note: This video represents present-day challenges from a connected, communicating animal health pro community. Staffing challenges remain a big problem, says Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC). She speaks to leaders at all levels encouraging them to share what is going on with them individually and work to rectify the situation with veterinary clinic managers. I’m feeling … [Read more...]
How to deal with an angry client
Since you’re in business to serve your customers, you’ll likely encounter rude or angry individuals at one time or another. While this article suggests sympathy, I suggest it means empathy . . . an enormous difference. Source: Forbes, August 2, 2013. Link. After the situation has been resolved and the customer is on her way, it is helpful for you to take your own … [Read more...]
Walmart offering free telehealth to Walmart+ subscribers
Walmart has partnered with Pawp to offer Walmart+ subscribers one year of free pet telehealth services. Through the program, pet owners receive unlimited access to veterinary professionals via video or text. NOTE: Although the limited-time offer began on May 23, with Walmart+ subscribers having until November 19th to opt in, our AHD team was unable to get opt-in access … [Read more...]
Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace
Often depicted as difficult to work with, Zoomers are making it clear that their sole purpose in the workplace is to get in, do the job and get out. Rather than forming emotional attachments to their roles, they prioritize a work-life balance over everything. Young workers are not lazy, entitled or keen on slacking off. They're simply choosing to reject some of the practices … [Read more...]
Working with media helps veterinarians
We frequently remind animal health pros to consider interacting with local media and community organizations. Veterinarians make credible sources for reporters and animal topics are usually favored content. If you missed her article in AAHA’s Trends, Jen Reeder provides multiple perspectives on the opportunity to contribute through media. . . . there’s no reason why a … [Read more...]
Healthcare costs exceed $31K for family of four
Healthcare costs for a typical American family of four reached $31,065 this year, according to the new 2023 Milliman Medical Index, which measures healthcare costs for individuals and families receiving coverage from an employer-sponsored preferred provider plan. Costs for the average person reached $7,221. Resuming their steady climb, healthcare costs increased 5.6 percent … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 1, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 25th, 2023. Link. Most read post from May 25th AHD Bulletin – Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ========================================== Biosecurity doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item Source: … [Read more...]
How a farrier cares for pigs (video)
We ran across this pig farrier video during our curation. We dug deeper into the pet pig topic having never heard of a pig farrier. “Who knew, right?” We discovered there is a North American Pet Pig Association whose website is full of resources to educate pet pig owners. The USDA estimates 250,000 to 1 million potbellied pigs are kept as pets <Link>. These pets are … [Read more...]
Recap of 2023 Animal Care & Handling Conference
Conference sessions touched on everything from advances in stunning methods to concerns for animal transportation to regulatory updates during the recent conference held in Kansas City, Missouri May 25th – 26th. Source: Meat+Poultry, May 30, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Monitoring information on high/low stocking densities in livestock transport trailers should interest … [Read more...]
Managing horse wounds, bandage or not?
Researchers are working to determine whether bandaging is the best option and in what circumstances. Marcio Costa, DVM, PhD, and colleagues evaluated the wound-healing process in four study horses, with and without bandaging, as well as the types of bacteria colonizing those wounds. All the wounds developed bacteria colonies, but the kinds and amounts of bacteria varied … [Read more...]
Sociability is key to a healthier dog’s life
Data from the Dog Aging project has identified the effect of sociability on the quality of life for dogs. Researchers say dogs benefit from having social support around, in the form of people and dogs. One surprise finding showed more time with children was linked to poorer dog health. The pack is the thing: Dogs with positive social interactions live healthier … [Read more...]
Zoetis commemorates Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet) milestone with donation to 10 pet shelters across the country
Complimentary Commercial Content To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of Apoquel, Zoetis announced an Apoquel grant program for pet shelters across the country. The program will enable 10 shelters enrolled in Zoetis For Shelters to provide allergic itch relief to as many as 100 dogs in each of their communities awaiting their forever homes. . . . veterinarians have … [Read more...]