Ho, ho, ho! Duke and Ginger and all their companion animal pals are likely to see presents under the tree. Fifty-six percent of consumers surveyed plan to buy their pets a present this year, up from 51 percent last year and 47 percent in 2019. Thankfully, for most pets this holiday season, the best present will be a squeaky sprout toy or snazzy Santa outfit, not a new … [Read more...]
CDC eases restrictions on entering U.S. with dogs
The United States government has eased up on a rule that banned the importation of dogs from 113 countries because of concerns over fraudulent rabies vaccination certificates. As of October 14, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blocked the import of foreign dogs and those re-entering the country after traveling abroad, from countries where the risk of … [Read more...]
Dealing with the fear of the unknown
As individuals, employees, colleagues, supervisors and employers, mental health remains a major concern in the animal health industry. David Robson’s article may resonate in current situations, with individuals in our lives or our own experiences. Feelings of uncertainty can bring acute discomfort, and even trigger anxiety disorders. Our deep fear of the unknown not only … [Read more...]
What neuroscience tells us about social media marketing
This article is worth consideration and will resonate with many of you. It seems intuitive: Few of us need convincing that interrupting meaningful social gatherings with random peddling from sales and marketing people run contrary to our internal sense of right and wrong. Social media marketers, on the other hand, aren't getting the signals, writes Nicole Gravagna, … [Read more...]
VIS shares results from 2nd burnout study; announces upcoming webinar
Findings from the Burnout Study in the Veterinary Profession 2021 show a statistically significant increase in burnout levels between 2020 and 2021. Women, younger practitioners and veterinary technicians were found to be the most burned-out groups. All veterinary professionals suffer from high workloads and low work-life balance factors that have a direct impact on the … [Read more...]
Is it or isn’t it colic?
Colic can be resolved easily about 90 percent of the time, but it can also be the end of a horse’s life, writes Marsha King. She provides 33 tips to use as guidelines when dealing with horses. Any horse can experience colic. The disorder is indiscriminate of age, sex, breed, occupation, or environment.” - Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS Source: The Horse, August 22, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 22, 2021
Brands offering health-oriented products for aging pets, grant opportunities and sponsored content from Morton Buildings. Also check out the IBPSA member list <Link> to know who else is member in your area. Source: IBPSA, November 22, 2021. Link. Consider the species-specific educational materials and certification exams for you and your staff <Link>. … [Read more...]
It’s time to ‘re-recruit’ your employees
Instead of focusing solely on hiring new talent, HR leaders suggest companies concentrate on “re-recruiting” their existing employees to reduce flight risk and build an invested, engaged workforce. During a recent virtual conference three HR leaders agreed that employers need to invest in reskilling and tech to improve employee engagement. Source: Human Resource Executive, … [Read more...]
The (real) secret to overcoming procrastination
Most time management techniques are a waste of time without awareness of the underlying cause of your procrastination, writes Susan Fowler. Motivation is at the heart of everything you do and everything you don’t do but should, or wish you did. Fowler contends what we think is procrastination is often not it at all. Rather, our behaviors could be ineffective attempts to … [Read more...]
Decision-getting comes from understanding
Editor’s note: Thank you Mr. Malone for your tireless commitment to provide content and context to our weekly Bulletins. The most successful people I know are those who get the most decisions. So, it is vital to understand the decision-making process. Source: Vet Advantage, October 2021. Link. Decisions are made at the intersection of “what do I know” and “how do I feel … [Read more...]
The climate crisis: Reducing pets’ environmental pawprints
There is a lot of coverage these days about addressing sustainability and carbon footprints. Livestock production has been heavily targeted, as has fossil fuel consumption and automotive emissions. The real challenge is understanding the total carbon cost from inception to the ultimate destroying of an item and its residual waste. In this article by Adam Green, pet food … [Read more...]
VetWatch™ then and now shows continued growth
Providing consistent data on practice visits and revenues, the VetWatch™ weekly insight reports and commentary brings practices and industry a perspective on demand, especially in the pet segments. We’ve linked to the current report and the report from a year ago. Take a few minutes to compare these commentaries. We’ve come a long ways in the past 12 months!” Source: Vet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 17, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post We’re overfeeding like crazy. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin – November 11, 2021. Link. . . . Posts from one year ago Archived posts from November 2020. Link. Why do animals hibernate? Source: Trivia Genius, November 12, 2021. Link. Bears may be the most famous hibernators, … [Read more...]
Feline thyroid problems linked to household chemicals
New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting could harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel water and oil. It is imperative to better understand how these persistent chemicals might … [Read more...]
Evolving wisdom on feline housing
Cats have unique kennel and containment needs, according to nearly 15 years of research from around the world. Their tendency to develop upper respiratory conditions when stressed has been the catalyst for retrofitting traditional kennels. When given more space and choice, cats stay healthier. Source: Veterinary Practice News, November 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Receiving feedback is hard, especially when it stings
Even criticism that is intended only to be helpful, that is phrased kindly, and is genuinely useful, often stings when it is delivered, writes Art Markman. It is a blow to your self-confidence, and it challenges your self-esteem. You have to suppress the urge to go on the defensive. . . “- Art Markman Source: Fast Company, October 1, 2021. Link. When you get a really incisive … [Read more...]
Does appearance still proclaim us?
A study of pet owner perceptions offers insight on how appearance influences first impressions of animal health professionals. Professional medical attire and consistency among staff members was noted in the key takeaways. Shakespeare, Mark Twain and Henry Ward Beecher all wrote about the importance of attire. Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, … [Read more...]
Pet Age introduces pet industry’s 2021 Power 50 list
In its inaugural Power 50 list, Pet Age recognizes the people whose vital work has made a substantial impact on the pet market. Note the cross section of businesses represented. The criteria were simple: Identify the people influencing the pet care community in positive ways, whether they be company leaders, heads of organizations or officials whose decisions affect the pet … [Read more...]
We’re overfeeding like crazy
Studies show that keeping dogs lean contributes significantly to their health and well-being, writes Denise Flaim. A 14-year Purina Life Span Study found dogs with restricted diets lived 15 percent longer than those with less-restricted diets. That’s almost two years. Despite the compelling evidence for the upside of slimming down, the reality is that thin isn’t In . . . when … [Read more...]
Front desk persons anchor customer experiences and are more important than ever
In a post from June 7, 2016, Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR reminded front desk persons that people NEED you, and you need them. Fast forward to 2021 and we find the importance of first contact personnel setting the tone for each visit hasn’t changed. In fact, their roles may be more important than ever. Every single client that walks through your door has a worry (or need), … [Read more...]
Best practices for legal and ethical issues with delivering virtual care
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association provides a free resource for veterinary practices considering or implementing virtual care and navigating legal and ethical considerations. The free resource covers topics like: VCPRs Licensing Medical Record Keeping Malpractice Insurance Client Communication Prescribing Source: VVCA, June 2020. … [Read more...]
Time to FOCUS on biosecurity
Opinion The theme for the Kate Dion’s discussion of the biosecurity research currently in progress could be begin with the end in mind. She describes current work at Iowa State University to understand the rate of disease transmission in growing pigs and associate the timing of disease introduction with <location> biosecurity characteristics or events that could cause … [Read more...]
Veterinarian shortage or not, many pet owners dislike waiting
Not all U.S. industry leaders agree on whether there are enough veterinarians to meet pet owner demands for care. Still, veterinary positions* are anticipated to grow 16% by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Veterinarian scarcity or only a perception of one . . . pet owners dislike waiting.” Source: Voice of America (VOA), November 6, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post Beef upcycles well. It’s a great story we all can share. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - October 28, 2021. Link. Culling moose in Maine to control ticks Source: Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2021. Link to PDF. To save Maine’s moose population from being decimated by ticks, … [Read more...]
60 percent more milk from 30 percent fewer cows
Karen Bohnert shares some of the drivers changing the future of U.S. dairy including areas where cows will be milked in the future. Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 31, 2021. Link. Sponsored Content Our industry’s researchers have investigated all aspects of individual cow health during, ahead of and at the end of milk production. Early detection of infection at … [Read more...]
New study suggests vegan pet food as healthful* for dogs and cats as meat
A controversial new research study showed that cats and dogs on a plant-based diet had health outcomes that were as good or better as those pets being fed diets containing meat. *Study leader Dr. Andrew Knight was quick to point out that the results only apply to vegan meals that have been formulated to include added nutrients that ensure that dogs and cats are getting a … [Read more...]
The secret to hiring customer service employees
A great customer experience depends on great employees, says Micah Solomon. The secret is to hire your customer-facing team based on psychological traits, in addition to thinking about the specific skill set you’re looking for. Solomon shares five key traits using the acronym W.E.T.C.O.: Warmth Empathy Teamwork Conscientiousness Optimism Source: Forbes, … [Read more...]
How to give difficult feedback to your boss (even when you’re scared)
To ensure your upward feedback is received well, start with connection and intention, write Karin Hurt and David Dye. It might feel safer to stay silent but the problematic behavior will only continue, or even get worse. They offer six steps to improve how you give upward feedback. Giving difficult feedback to your boss is rarely easy. But, practice builds confidence. And the … [Read more...]
Cost of veterinary care concerns consistent among generations
Includes Sponsored Content Addressing concerns about the affordability of veterinary care runs high among pet owners of all generations, according to data presented in VetWatch™: For emergency services, 42 percent of vet clients are strongly concerned, 32 percent are somewhat concerned. For routine healthcare, 33 percent are strongly concerned, 35 percent are … [Read more...]
Canine coronavirus was found in human pneumonia samples
Coronavirus outbreaks aren't rare and will likely occur every decade or so. Research published in May 2021 has identified a canine corona virus in patients hospitalized with pneumonia. The samples came from patients at a hospital in Malaysia, taken by a collaborator in 2017 and 2018. Virologist Xuming Zhang says he wouldn't be surprised if this dog virus is, in fact, a new … [Read more...]