"Already recognized as having potential therapeutic benefits in human athletes, kinesiology tape might be more effective in horses than in people.” - Sophie Biau, PhD Source: The Horse, April 5, 2022. Link. Whether in horses or humans, scientists suspect kinesiology taping on the skin might stimulate the fascia—connective tissue surrounding the muscles—as well as the … [Read more...]
Feline heartworm experience creates DVM advocate (video)
Experience is an influential teacher. Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD, shares the story of her cat's ordeal with heartworm disease and the resulting commitment to feline heartworm preventatives. For me, if there is a preventative I can do that's not going to hurt the pet...I don't see any reason not to do it." - Ellen Bishai, DVM, PhD Source: DVM 360, March 31,2022. Link. The way our … [Read more...]
Get ready for Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May
As ticks wake up and crawl out of cover, April and May are great times to reinforce pet owner knowledge on tick and Lyme Disease prevention. 2021 saw an increase in tick populations. We’ve found no reason to expect 2022 will be any different. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
10 grooming myths debunked
Daryl Conner collaborated with groomers to identify and address common myths about grooming, including: Bathing frequency and seasonality Shampoo pH and conditioner use Non-shedding breeds and mixes Cats don’t need baths Puppy age required prior to grooming Source: Groomer to Groomer, April 2022, page 6. Link. Also see: Hidden dangers of the pet care … [Read more...]
Top-searched product attributes for pet food according to NielsenIQ
Pet owning consumers are seeking specific product attributes, and they are changing the way they shop for products. There is an increasing shift toward omnichannel options and e-commerce outlets, writes Jordan Tyler. The NielsenIQ researchers dug into frequently searched terms that will interest animal health pros. In the top-searched attributes for dog food and treats, the … [Read more...]
Burst the myths about raw food diets for dogs and cats
Raw feeding isn’t new, but it is widely misunderstood. This author looks at five common falsehoods about feeding dogs and cats a raw food diet. He touts the raw dietary option as one of the more nutritionally beneficial choices but also acknowledges challenges. Proper raw diets for dogs and cats are made up of meat, bone, organ meats, vegetables, and supplements. All these … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 4, 2022
Women powering the pet industry, top social media marketing tips for small businesses, PIJAC gets a new name, Brian Garish’s rags to riches story and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet owners unleashed: Veterinarians reflect on the pandemic’s darkest days
Two years have passed since the Covid pandemic began. Clinician’s Brief honors the strength and resilience of veterinarians through stories shared in their own words. Masks, curbside, impatience, uncertainty and perseverance are all expressed as veterinary teams found themselves in the unique role of being essential but without the same support structure afforded to human … [Read more...]
Change and consequences
Experts often conclude people are resistant to change, which is not true. We are resistant to one of the two consequences of change: success, or failure. I do not believe folks fear success. So, the resistance to change is rooted in the fear of failure. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2017. Link. Conversely, the lack of consequences, negative or positive, will only … [Read more...]
Considering HPAI and highly pathogenic diseases (podcast)
There are animal health pros who will never deal with poultry or fowl. However, a recent interview with Mark Bienhoff, DVM, can help all of us understand the challenges, risks and prevention strategies required when dealing with highly pathogenic animal diseases. He shares his perspectives on likely fomites including: People and vehicle traffic Dust particles Viral … [Read more...]
Survey shows pet owners unaware of vet technicians’ roles during vet visit
An important survey led by the NAVC and VCA Animal Hospitals, with support from NAVTA, revealed striking misconceptions about the role, responsibilities, education and skills of veterinary nurses/technicians. 47 percent of pet owners did not know that the role of the credentialed veterinary nurse/technician includes performing medical tasks and procedures 73 percent … [Read more...]
Top 5 equine toxins (infographic)
Sponsored Content The danger of poisons and toxins isn’t unique to small animals. Poison education is important to horse owners, as well. Spring toxin incidents are often caused by insecticides and lawn and garden products. Now is a good time to remind horse owners of those risks. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance provides the top 5 equine toxins in an infographic suitable to … [Read more...]
Cat wheezing: What it is, why it happens, when to see a veterinarian (video)
This article includes a recommendation for cat clients to capture videos of their cats’ issue as part of a vet visit decision process and background for potential diagnosis. While telemedicine terms are not used, the “when in doubt, see a vet” guidance could include a virtual visit. Consider the opportunity to share this article along with some telemedicine information via … [Read more...]
The latest on age and gonadectomy
A lot of confusion remains about spaying or neutering dogs. There is even conflicting evidence about whether it should be done at all. Timing of gonadectomy surgery is not one size fits all. Counseling with pet owners is an important component of decision making. There is no single or definitive source of information on effects of gonadectomy for each breed, and most current … [Read more...]
AAHA’s updated Pain Management Guidelines: A paradigm shift in managing pain
The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats mark the first update of the guidelines since 2015 and there have been big changes. Tony McReynolds shares some of the most important changes from discussions with members of the pain guidelines task force including: incorporation of the last eight or nine years of research and development and understanding in pain … [Read more...]
Protocols without training aren’t enough
Having a well-written protocol is not sufficient for successful performance, writes Gonzola Ferreira. Highlighting the importance of training, she asserts a no training approach cannot be successful if economic losses occur because tasks are performed inefficiently or ineffectively, or if an employee suffers an accident due to a lack of training. This article is applicable … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 28, 2022
Member webinar to discuss using photos of customers’ pets, a DVM working to save pets in war-torn Kyiv, onboarding new staff, MetLife Pet Insurance’s new reward program, Boehringer Ingelheim invests in Televet, Inc as their preferred veterinary health technology platform in the U.S., inflation reasoning and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 28, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Introspection is the hard work
The more your leadership power grows, the more strength it will take to harness that power. The surest way to keep hubris at bay is to honor the work required to be a good leader with a continual regimen of honest self-evaluation and deliberate self-development. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, February 9, 2022. Link. Humility is essential to mental and spiritual fitness and … [Read more...]
Form I-9 alert: Policy allowing expired documents scheduled to end
Beginning May 1, employers will no longer be able to accept expired identity documents when verifying an employee's work eligibility on Form I-9. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending its temporary Covid-19-related policy of allowing employers to use expired List B identity documents for I-9 purposes. List B identity documents include driver's licenses and state ID … [Read more...]
Building meaningful feedback loops
Leaders should use feedback loops to get constant, near-real-time insights into how to better solve problems and make better decisions, says Mike Allen. Receiving quality information isn’t a given, and it’s a major leadership mistake to assume so. Allen writes about the importance of constructing feedback loops to receive consistent and quality information. Feedback loop: A … [Read more...]
Veterinary compensation varies across U.S. states
Complimentary Content In newly published research by Galaxy Vets, DVMs in Delaware earn the highest average salary ($132,304.00) compared to the lowest average DVM salary, which is in New Mexico ($76,645.00). The article also contains a state-by-state comparison table of veterinary salaries. Location does play a role in what a veterinarian can earn. As does the type of … [Read more...]
Territorialism on the rise
Research indicates a shift in what workers value in their workplaces and workspaces. Stephen Denny shares what he calls the New Territorial Imperative and the shift of values in how workers feel about their primary work territory. The human need for territory and the status it confers is as old as the human race itself. We need to give thought to this New Territorial … [Read more...]
4 tips for reengaging with audiences post-pandemic
The last two years have been a steeplechase to maintain, adjust and survive. Customers may not know or remember the ways you’re doing business and your value proposition. Edward Wyatt recommends reintroducing yourself and your business to them. <Many> may not know what the old normal was like . . . communicate like an initial introduction of yourself to your stable of … [Read more...]
How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you
Non-verbal communication skills are vehicles to success in this digital age. But, without a response, communication is not effective. While it is frustrating and sometimes disappointing, not getting a response doesn’t mean they’re ghosting you. Forty-seven percent of emails are opened or discarded based on their subject line alone. Rebecca Zucker shares key things to keep in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 24, 2022
Last week’s most read post Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 17, 2022. Link. =================================== Click here for a free 7-day trial --> Link #TalkatooTerry Your dog can go vegan – but cats are natural born killers Source: The Guardian, … [Read more...]
Tips to reduce dairy farm expenses
Dairy veterinarians are often asked about cost reductions. Certainly, fuel prices now add more cost to equipment and cost of goods requiring transportation. Making small financial changes can certainly add up to big savings. The author shares where to focus to help shave some costs while maintaining production levels and producing high-quality milk. Source: The Bullvine, … [Read more...]
Texas A&M lab: Pets have been getting Covid-19, too
Research on 600 animals from homes where a person had Covid-19 shows about a quarter of the pets sampled since June 2020 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. One quarter of those infected pets were symptomatic with what is described as a very mild illness that resolved without veterinary interventions. Gaining support from the CDC, the lab’s SARS-CoV-2 surveillance will continue, … [Read more...]
Poor sleep linked to $44 billion in lost productivity
The importance of high-quality sleep to the economy is evident. With about 155 million full- and part-time workers in the U.S. workforce, the 7 percent who report poor sleep over the prior month represents an estimated 11 million persons in the formal workforce who are executing their jobs with substandard levels of restfulness. Source: Gallup, March 18, 2022. Link. Story … [Read more...]
Amazon privacy settings you should enable
Many of us are not aware of our Amazon privacy settings. We could be sharing too much information with the company. Settings can be changed at any time. Charles Slocs shares the importance of privacy settings, browser history and more . . . Amazon has made it very easy for its users to view and change all of their privacy settings.” Source: Tech Source Online, December 5, … [Read more...]
How craving attention makes you less creative
This TED talk is good for introspection and consideration. Trying to gain followers and likes only to be left feeling inadequate and less creative can be addictive. In his candid TED talk, Joseph Gordon-Levitt explores how the attention-driven model of big tech companies affects our creativity. . . . <there is> a more powerful feeling than getting attention. . . it’s … [Read more...]