International in scope, Fear Free methods are being adopted by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, groomers and trainers. One might say, Fear Free is a behavior modification program where people adjust to what makes animals comfortable in facilities retrofitted to reduce pets’ triggers and inherent fears. As such, Fear Free is a verb, denoting focused actions. As a noun, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 11, 2024
Pet business is resetting post Covid, Petco Love promoting vaccination during National Pet Vaccination Month, Global Pet Expo, guide to safe online transactions and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 11, 2024. Link. Record number of speaker applications for IBPSA FLOW Business Conference planned for September 24, 2024 - September 26, 2024 in Tucson, Arizona … [Read more...]
Why introverts don’t consider everyone their friend
Introverts often give impressions that are seen as unfriendly or unwilling to make an effort. Kim Dresner shares her insights on what “friend” means to an introvert, its importance and how it shapes interactions. . . . introverts value quality over quantity, which might explain why we often struggle to fit into large friend groups.” Source: Introvert Dear, March 8, 2024. … [Read more...]
Prioritizing break time during the busy workday
It is not solely a matter of time, but a matter of energy to make it through busy work days and responsibilities, writes Rebecca Zucker. Creating several short micro-breaks throughout the day can help manage energy and maintain cognitive, emotional and even physical capacity. Zucker shares eight ways to establish and maintain breaks intentionally. Source: Harvard Business … [Read more...]
Random drug testing not recommended to curtail drug abuse and misuse
Jon Geller, DVM, DABVP, summarizes a survey study of United Kingdom veterinarian perceptions of the potential for veterinary prescription medication misuse or abuse in this article. Strict pharmacy controls, monitoring repeat prescription requests and pre-employment drug testing testing were the key takeaways to manage drug abuse and misuse. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Reducing turnover: Which approach is right for you?
The proper path to improved retention depends on your practice and it may vary by employee role. Kristen Green Seymour applies the findings from AAHA’s “Stay, Please” study to three fictional practice examples. Her analyses are informative and worth studying regardless of your role in animal health. Attrition rates greater than 30 percent reduce veterinary services availability … [Read more...]
How a pay raise can be a critical tool to boost employee experience
A new survey has bolstered the idea that one of the best ways to drive a positive employee experience is by helping employees strengthen their financial wellness, writes Tom Starner. However, the survey uncovered a clear disconnect between what employers believe they’re offering and what employees are experiencing: 95 percent of HR leaders are confident in their employee … [Read more...]
PetIQ adds telehealth service for NextStar® customers seeking help with flea and tick prevention
Purchasers of the OTC flea and tick prevention brand NextStar® will now have 24/7 telehealth support available from PetIQ to address any flea, tick or parasite-related concerns and questions. Industry telehealth professionals <Link> will provide further education on year-long prevention and infestation solutions to NextStar customers at the time of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 7, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 29, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 29th AHD Bulletin – Tax benefits of hiring your children, plus IRS rules to follow. Link. Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast). Link. Managing online reviews. … [Read more...]
Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health
Findings from the fourth edition of Merck's wellbeing study indicate the stigma around mental health issues has lessened, more people who need it are seeking help, and more resources are available to create psychologically safe workplaces. Topics covered by the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study IV included well-being, burnout, and mental health; the role of … [Read more...]
Driving the narrative in swine production
A considerable number of swine operations remain with fewer than 1,000 pigs, according to the NAHMS Swine 2021 Part III: Reference of Management Practices on Small-Enterprise Swine Operations in the United States <Link>. While the contributions of the largest operations far exceed the small operators, there are reasons to focus on these operators for biosecurity, herd … [Read more...]
Survey: Producers still need parasite education.
Parasite prevention plans are important year-round and require continual reinforcement, assessments and planning. Results of a national survey of beef producers and beef veterinarians exposed gaps in knowledge and, maybe more importantly, a lack of urgency. We noted references resembling the adage “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it,” mindsets instead of best planning and … [Read more...]
Perceived role of the veterinarian in promoting dairy cattle welfare
A recently completed study by Canadian veterinary researchers considered how to improve the lives of animals in agricultural systems. Using dairy cattle, dairy veterinarians and veterinary students, the study focused on minimizing negative experiences, according to study authors who set out to see where veterinarians influence the promotion of positive welfare experiences for … [Read more...]
AVMA, AAEP release veterinary team, client relationship resource for equine practitioners
The newly released Effective Equine Care Guide outlines and describes complementary behaviors veterinary teams and clients can expect from one another to drive mutual trust and respect by building an inclusive environment for the best care of horses. Setting clear expectations on both sides, the single-page guide outlines matching expectations for veterinary teams and … [Read more...]
Home alone? Tips to keep dogs entertained when everyone is gone.
Separation anxiety is a common dilemma for dog owners. Amber L. Drake shares tips to keep dogs busy and mentally stimulated while home alone. Consider including the article in newsletters or social media posts along with behavior management services or products you recommend when appropriate. Source: LoveToKnow, September 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet owner handout emphasizes the importance of pet oral health
Reinforcing the importance of home care and oral exams by veterinarians, this handout is built as a take-home to reinforce discussions in the veterinary hospital or for use in newsletters or social media. Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2024. Link. The handout refers to different types of oral care products for at-home use and refers to the VOHC lists of approved … [Read more...]
AAFP announces new chronic pain educational toolkit
Developed by individuals at the forefront of treating pain in domestic cats, the AAFP Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit provides veterinary professionals with an easy-to-access and easy-to-use resource for understanding, diagnosing and managing chronic pain in cats. It adds to existing resources and provides guidance on improving the quality of life for cats with chronic … [Read more...]
13 things dogs hate that humans do (video)
Inconsistencies, forcing dogs into uncomfortable situations, changing food too quickly and ignoring dogs’ health needs are included in the items in this informative video. Use video content like this to engage pet owners on social media or in newsletters. Add assertive comments or pet care reminders from your own hospital or pet services business. For example: “Puppy classes … [Read more...]
Environments cats find friendly
A cat’s behavioral responses are directly related to its emotions. A cat-friendly environment minimizes the cat’s protective emotions and improves the experience for the cat, the caregiver, and the team, writes Kelly St. Denis MSc, DVM, DABVP, who focuses on the veterinary hospital in this article. The information is also applicable to boarding, daycare and pet services … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 4, 2024
Petflation outpacing national inflation rate, Door Dash to deliver pet supplies, nurturing vendor relationships for growth, little things that count, AI in small business and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 4, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Survey: The best 3 things to say when offering support
About 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 76 were surveyed to find the expressions of support they most appreciate hearing. Three simple phrases topped the list of words they like to hear: “I’m proud of you,” “You’ve got this,” and “I believe in you.” Source: Nice News, March 2, 2024. Link. Also see: Empathy – the secret sauce, AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Overcome the stigma and move forward when older and unemployed
Ofer Sharone, J.D., PhD, shares the stigma of unemployment for educated professionals in the middle or end of their careers. He discusses the perceptions employers have regarding the length of unemployment, being seen as over-qualified and age-biased. Source: Yahoo! Finance, February 17, 2024. Link. Assumptions that drive age bias have been rebutted by research . . . we … [Read more...]
Longevity’s secret
Many people don't put thought and intent into optimizing the one thing most do more than anything else . . . work. Source: AXIOS, February 22, 2024. Link. Worldwide sixty-two percent of employees are indifferent to their work lives. Eighteen percent are downright miserable. INSIGHT: Note the quote from Hal Buell obituary, “I had the greatest job in the whole … [Read more...]
9 pet companies listed as fastest-growing U.S. private companies by region
Inc. magazine’s 2024 Regionals list honors the fastest-growing privately held U.S. companies by region over a two-year period which includes emerging veterinary hospitals, pet franchises, pet insurance and other product manufacturers. Source: Pet Product News, March 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Fire doesn’t discriminate. Neither do these vets.
Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Home delivery, autoship important offerings for veterinary clients
ICYMI. Ordering online is rapidly becoming an expectation. Already, convenience is table stakes. Malinda Larkin shares takeaways from survey results presented by Brakke Consulting. The survey looked at consumer preferences and behaviors in pet medicine purchasing, customer satisfaction with different channels and service expectations, and the competitive landscape versus major … [Read more...]
Decontamination guidelines for dogs developed by Texas A&M VET
A newly developed set of protocols from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team aims to educate disaster management teams across the country about the kinds and quantities of resources needed to clean external contaminants, such as toxic chemicals, off dogs. Providing information about other common pet species … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 29, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 22, 2024. Link. Most read post(s) from the February 22nd AHD Bulletin – And, “What else?” Link. 8 restaurant etiquette tips, explained. Link. Skipping the dog walk IS a big deal. Link. ============================================ A major solar storm could be devastating to our … [Read more...]
Employee Appreciation Day is March 1st
Employee appreciation is directly tied to job satisfaction. Various sources indicate more than one-third of employees say personal recognition would encourage them to be more productive. The articles here share various ideas to celebrate employees. It is crucial to avoid giving the impression that your expressions of employee appreciation are merely perfunctory gestures … [Read more...]
Are veterinarians obligated to discuss pet insurance? (podcast)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, debate the role of the veterinary team when it comes to pet owner education and discuss if pet insurance is an obligation. Their consensus: Pet insurance is not an obligation. Educating pet owners on the lifetime costs of veterinary pet care is important. Source: Veterinary Breakroom, Clinician’s Brief. February 2024. … [Read more...]