Biosecurity is critical to avoid highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks. While infected migratory waterfowl and their droppings are frequently blamed as the cause, human-mediated spread remains significant requiring continuous biosecurity vigilance. Fully committing to biosecurity is crucial to shut down HPAI in the layer industry.” In March 2022, Carol Cardona, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Tail docking . . . the debate continues
Jennifer Bailey, DVM, shares information about tail docking and its pros and cons. Tail docking is generally done only to meet breed standards for some purebred dogs. AAHA and the AVMA have issued statements that oppose tail docking: AAHA statement, updated June 2021. Link. AVMA statement. Link. Article, 2008. Link. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November 4, 2022. … [Read more...]
Dog, cat owners and veterinarians differ on pet obesity
A survey of dog and cat owners by the Association for Pet Obesity shows the challenges of pet obesity and owner education although most owners see obesity as a disease. Veterinary clinics remained the most frequent choice for pet dietary recommendations among pet owners at 41.4 percent Dog and cat owners second-most frequent choice for the best source of pet food advice … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?
Contains Commercial Content* Dawn dishwashing liquid may not be the best option to use for bathing your pets. Two experts offer advice about using Dawn soap to clean dogs. We noted the following: Dawn dish soap can be a safe choice in rare circumstances but is not recommended as a regular shampoo. Dawn is great for degreasing if your pet is exposed to oil or … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 07, 2022
Pet spending at the veterinary clinic, growth in death care business for pets, David Frei shares concerns for pandemic puppies, pet care industry’s role in senior care, keeping employees happy, tips for small business finance in 2023 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 07, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How technology can make work harder
Citing the smorgasbord of software needed to do any task these days, Hope King uses terms like toggling tax and digital dexterity to explain how tech advancements have come at mental and sometimes emotional costs along with declining productivity among knowledge workers. Source: AXIOS, November 7, 2022. Link. One Harvard Business Review study suggests workers are switching … [Read more...]
9 ways men can (and should) help close the gender gap (video)
Stav Ziv shares ways men can become better allies to women in the workplace. Her assertions are based on a conversation and a book by Joanne Lipman. It’s hard to notice all the ways gender impacts work if you’re not the one experiencing them, she says. Men need to see this as their issue, too . . . women aren’t going to solve the gender gap problem on their own.” Source: The … [Read more...]
Thank you notes help you and the recipient
Sending a thank-you note expresses gratitude for a person's time and effort. Source: AXIOS, October 30, 2022. Link. Thank you notes are appropriate for many business occasions and should not be limited to just interviews.” INSIGHTS: While email thanks are okay, a handwritten note will help you stand out. … [Read more...]
A complete guide to U.S. vet tech associations
There are an estimated 120,000 veterinary technicians in the U.S. Galaxy Vets has assembled a list of associations that promote vet technician education, accreditation, fund scholarships, lobby for benefits and more. This article outlines labor statistics, wages and association benefits. Veterinary technicians and technologists, collectively known in the industry as Vet Techs, … [Read more...]
Is customer service bad by design?
Animal health customer service pros and their executives will want to invest the time to listen to this episode of On Point. It takes on customer service frustration and success from customers’ and employees’ points of view. The discussion among the host and two customer experience experts features relevant examples of poorly designed customer journeys and ways to improve … [Read more...]
Coronavirus in the U.S.: Where cases are growing and declining
Growing cases of Omicron subvariant BA.5, its descendants BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7 are cautionary in areas noted on this interactive map. Considering the approaching holidays and animal health conventions; revisiting boosters, disinfection protocols and preparing for proper social distancing are in order. Experts suggest that the new Omicron-specific booster will protect against … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post – Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Link. Nationwide, Petco form partnership to focus on end-to-end pet care Source: Pet Business, October 27, 2022. Link. New joint offerings are expected to be … [Read more...]
Using fecal metabolites as biomarkers for pigs
Sanitary conditions alter the composition of the microbiome in pigs which affects their productivity, health and welfare. Researchers in the Netherlands believe the use of biomarkers could provide the basis for monitoring subclinical health status in pigs or formulating targeted nutritional interventions aimed at balancing the immune system in young pigs without being … [Read more...]
BRD during weaning, backgrounding adds long-term costs
Duh! Over and over we study, measure and see the production costs associated with bovine respiratory disease. Yet the health of cattle arriving at backgrounders and feedlots continues to be a major issue despite better products, management methods and improved genetics. Health and performance will continue to be a problem for calves sold after simply removing calves from dams … [Read more...]
Updating the Dog Aging Project
Past posts <Link> provided information about the objectives of the Dog Aging Project. MIT’s Jessica Hamzelou shares how anti-aging drugs are being trialed in companion dogs. The objective is to find ways to have people, as well as their pets, live longer, healthier lives. Researchers hope that any successful attempts at life extension in pet dogs will make human life … [Read more...]
Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM
In part 3 of his series on vaccination, Scott Weese, DVM, addresses the challenges and decisions to vaccinate unhealthy animals or not. Vaccine labels don’t say to NOT use them in unhealthy pets, but they also don’t give any guidance for vaccine use in such animals.” Source: Worms and Germs, October 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
QSM Diagnostics and Mella Pet Care integrate platforms for infection testing
Complimentary Commercial Content Mella and QSM Diagnostics have unveiled the addition of the QSM OTTER eQ instrument platform in the Mella Desktop Application. The test improves antibiotic stewardship for veterinarians by increasing the accuracy of identifying bacterial infections. The integration with Mella reduces duplication and allows for the test results to be sent … [Read more...]
Shedding season tips
Contains Commercial Content Most pets experience intensive shedding during fall and spring. Whether a retailer, groomer, pet sitter or veterinarian, shedding season is a good time to reinforce skin care and offer tools and tips to manage the hairy situations to pet owners. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
How to read a scientific paper
David W. Ramey, DVM, confirms the challenges veterinarians face to stay current with biomedical reading. He says a system for reading and evaluating scientific papers is important to avoid getting overwhelmed and shares an algorithm for deciding if a paper is worth the time to read it. . . . it is reasonable to assume veterinarians are already behind in their reading and they … [Read more...]
Managing negative responses
No matter how skillful you are, in today’s environment you are likely to encounter negative reactions. Source: Vet-Advantage, October 2022. Link. Switching pronouns from you to it, that or this may seem like a small thing now, but in a leadership conversation this simple act is extremely powerful in helping your customers separate themselves from the problem at … [Read more...]
The 25-minute meeting — REALLY?!
Commentary This SmartBrief survey graphic underscores the need for better meetings. Too often meetings are called without intention and result in more meetings. Two articles address meeting overload, restructuring them and improving results. The Nano Tools for Leaders® from Wharton Executive Education offers tips to halve the time and double the impact of your meetings. … [Read more...]
Sticky work environments retain veterinary professionals
Sponsored Content Wendy Hauser, DVM and founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting, provides perspective and potential solutions to the challenges of retention and talent shortages many veterinary hospitals are experiencing. Private practice is often a stagnant career path . . . where, as tenure advances the perception that individual’s efforts make a difference decrease, job … [Read more...]
Smart device syncs pet food formulation with dog behavior
Complimentary Commercial Content Artificial intelligence may be able to suggest what pet food formulations match a dog’s behaviors. A collaboration between two Mars divisions, IAMS dog food brand and Whistle pet activity trackers, resulted in a system that uses data on a dog’s behaviors to determine what diet may be best for that pet specifically. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
National Cat Day is October 29th
Since 2005, National Cat Day has focused on informing the public about the need to rescue cats. Over time it has also become a celebration of the most popular four-legged pets in America. Consider using some of these resources in communications to support this day of feline recognition. Source: National Today. Link. Also see: Morris Animal Foundation, October 21, 2022. … [Read more...]
Campaign seeks to make November senior pet month
Senior Pet Advocates is recognizing November as Senior Pet Health Month. The group believes it is important to emphasize senior pets require additional care, such as more frequent examinations and diagnostics. Plus, their owners may need nutritional and behavioral counseling. Source: AVMA, October 18, 2022. Link. Senior Pet Advocates plans on growing support for the … [Read more...]
Pet vaccination questions addressed by Scott Weese, DVM
Scott Weese, DVM, shares his thoughts on a series of vaccine issues, questions and dogmas surrounding rabies and core pet vaccines. . . . we need to vaccinate <pets> until we’re sure they’re old enough to respond properly to a vaccine.: - Scott Weese, DVM Source: Worms and Germs Blog. Link. Part 1: rabies vaccine timing, October 20, 2022. Link. Part 2: the puppy … [Read more...]
October’s news from the KC Animal Health Corridor
Spencer Breithaupt retires from MWI Animal Health, networking event scheduled, recapping the Spirit of Service award luncheon and a call for Day in the Life videos to help shape the next generation of our industry. Source: KCAHC, October 2022. Link. The KCAHC hosts 75 percent of our industry’s businesses. It is the single largest concentration of animal health interests in … [Read more...]
Dog food home deliveries: inefficient, absurd, yet convenient via ecommerce
Home delivery market opportunities continue to expand. Industry analysts predict that the amount of dog food ordered online will surpass what's bought in stores by 2025. With 77 million or more dogs in the U.S., this one change in buying habits has serious ripple effects on supply chains. Source: Insider, October 19, 2022. Link. The mess of overlapping networks that bring … [Read more...]