Just-in-time inventory management was a great concept, even a great practice – until it wasn’t. Wasn’t IS now. Delays, product shortages and increasing costs continue to frustrate businesses of all sizes. The Great Supply Chain Disruption is a reality and it’s here. A Harvard Business School expert doesn’t see it getting better this year. Source: New York Times, August 30, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 26, 2021
Last week’s most read post Is half of your staff planning to quit? AHD, August 17, 2021. Link. Congratulations Dr. Janice Trumpeter on your AAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Source: AAHA, August 20, 2021. Link. Uh-oh! Study finds antibiotic-resistant bacteria common in veterinary staff Source: My Vet Candy, August 24, 2021. Link. New research . . . … [Read more...]
Why working women need a ‘culture of inclusion’ right now
A study by McKinsey at the height of the pandemic found that one in three mothers were considering leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers to better handle childcare responsibilities resulting from the Covid-19 crisis. Now the Delta variant challenges the return to school for millions of children and their working mothers, and indeed all parents, writes Rebecca … [Read more...]
Have a horse? Prepare for the inevitable.
Sponsored Content Olympic equestrians faced tough challenges, including having to fly horses into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe. But the biggest challenges arose when the horses spooked or refused during performances because of sumo statues. Also, daruma dolls startled them and a horse got punched. These challenges underscore the health and behavior … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis: diagnosis & treatment
Leptospirosis is a thing, according to Dr. Jen the Vet. She says, “Every dog, EVERY dog is at risk for lepto. Every dog ought to be vaccinated for lepto.” <Link> But what needs to occur if a patient is presented with clinical signs consistent with leptospirosis? Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides a step-by-step guide to managing suspected leptospirosis … [Read more...]
5 ways to manage the pressure you’re feeling on the job
We believe every person who interacts with customers or clients benefits from leadership resources and skills. Martin G. Moore says resilience is a core competency for leaders and shares five core principles to manage your emotions. Not only do you need to deftly regulate your own emotions, but you also have an obligation to the people you lead to stay calm and in control, no … [Read more...]
The more we give, the more we get
The most successful people in today’s uber-competitive world are givers, says Marty Becker, DVM. What I have found is that by helping others, I help myself. Giving without keeping a ledger has given me nothing but abundance in my life.” – Marty Becker, DVM Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 10, 2021. Link. It is our interactions with others that hold the key to our own … [Read more...]
ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance and AVMA have disaster resources for all. They’re especially helpful for Tropical Storm Henri victims.
Sponsored Content Tropical Storm Henri was a hurricane before it made landfall in Rhode Island last Sunday. We shared hurricane safety and check lists for pets in September 2020 <Link>. Large animal and livestock owners also need to think about how they will care for their animals during natural disasters. The AVMA offers disaster resources to help owners plan for … [Read more...]
13 words and phrases to banish from crisis communications
We’ve all had to communicate during a crisis, especially animal health communications pros. Senior leadership must recognize what may be perceived as a minor issue internally will not necessarily be perceived that way externally. Choosing your language carefully is never more critical than during a crisis. Thirteen members of Forbes Communications Council shared one word or … [Read more...]
VetWatch shares remix of pet ownership
Complimentary The VetWatch Commentary thru August 14th remains positive while a bit softer. Beyond the economic measurements, the veterinarian and pet owner sentiments section draws attention to findings from an eighth wave of M/A/R/C research and information from Packaged Facts and MRI-Simmons National Consumer Study that may disrupt some generalized assumptions: … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 1
Opinion First impressions and first visits set the tone for the future client-veterinary team relationship. Last week, we shared how veterinarians are addressing patient and client care at end-of-life and euthanasia decision points in Death and other client kindnesses <Link>. We agree, EOL support IS an important set of services to offer, provide or outsource. “It is … [Read more...]
Join the 2nd VIS Burnout and Work-Life Balance Study in the veterinary profession
Complimentary Using the same methodology from the 2020 survey Ivan Zak, DVM, will compare data from a new survey with previous findings. He has also added a new block of questions to assess the work-life balance in the profession, noting this is a leading reason veterinary professionals consider leaving the profession. The results will be aggregated, … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
3 must-reads on canine osteoarthritis
In observance of National Dog Month this August, DVM 360 highlighted three articles that provide effective methods for treating osteoarthritis and helping patients manage this debilitating disease so they can live their fullest lives. Source: DVM 360, August 9, 2021. Link. The articles include pointers on implementing a rehabilitation plan immediately after the diagnosis to … [Read more...]
Rainbow-dyed fur and dog mohawks: The L.A. dog groomer bringing joy to Instagram
Josh White is used to attention. The 30-year-old dog groomer’s style is as colorful and label conscious as a pop star with an eclectic smattering of designer clothing ranging from Supreme to Vivienne Westwood. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 16, 2021. Link. Learn more about Dogue Spa services, White and partner Mehdi Rezig at https://www.doguespa.net … [Read more...]
Stop over-apologizing
Starting your sentences with, “I’m sorry,” does a lot more harm than you think, says Reniel. Over-apologizing is a real thing. He says for some of us, we're being too hard on ourselves, anticipating that something we said will offend someone, or provoke them. For others, it stems from something in our past that may have been an unhealthy relationship. . . . consider that … [Read more...]
Stay in your discomfort zone
Last week we shared career stages veterinarians experience <Link>. The first five years could be called uncomfortable. Syed Balkhi advocates embracing discomfort. Feeling discomfort and resistance are normal experiences. And whether you’re a leader, a professional or a creative person, your best chance at growth and transformation is by getting comfortable with … [Read more...]
Is half of your staff planning to quit?
Forty eight percent of America's working population is actively job searching or watching for opportunities. Businesses face a staggeringly high quit rate as 3.6 million Americans resigned in May alone. Source: Gallup, July 22, 2021. Link. Considering that most of the currently employed are not engaged, each new hire is liable to land on a less-than-engaging team and … [Read more...]
Pay attention to these 3 customer trends
The pandemic accelerated digital transformation, widened the gap between innovative leaders and those who resisted change, unsettled and increased customer expectations, and forced sales teams into remote interactions, says J. Michael Marks. You don’t have to be a distributor to appreciate the simplicity of the trends Marks shares. He says if you’re willing to play offense, … [Read more...]
Death and other client kindnesses
Opinion Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it's time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance. To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia … [Read more...]
Thumps and managing horses in the heat
Sponsor’s content included High temperatures and humidity come with risks to horses and riders. Elevated temperatures can lead to dangerous health problems in horses. Volume 30 of EQUUS Extra addresses heat issues in horses including a fun multiple-choice learning format. Learn about:, When horses need electrolytes What sweat can tell you about a horse’s health … [Read more...]
Pet owner support for pet insurance
The article isn’t as inclusive as its title, but Rebecca Jones provides sound information to support pet insurance decisions. She includes information from leaders of various pet insurance companies for a predominately female decision maker audience. Source: Her Money, July 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Some dog foods may be linked to canine heart disease
This report will generate lots of questions for veterinary teams and retailers alike. Use the article to inform team members and then establish how to respond in unison. Using an approach called foodomics to compare the biochemical compounds that differ between traditional dog foods and those that might be linked to canine dilated cardiomyopathy, Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, … [Read more...]
Raw diets, more learning required
Although the raw/fresh pet food category is getting more attention from pet owners, it’s not as if these products are going to sell themselves. Pamela Mills-Senn shares some obstacles and objections to raw diet adoption. While written for pet retail, the information shared is worthy of veterinary team consideration and preparation for the inevitable questions from pet … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces new naming for cattle vaccine portfolio
Complimentary Commercial Content New packaging and naming will appear on cattle vaccines produced by Merck Animal Health soon. All cattle vaccines will lead with Bovilis followed by the current product name, such as Bovilis Vista, Bovilis Vision or Bovilis Guardian,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “In … [Read more...]
Galaxy Vets, a new veterinary healthcare system, launches
Complimentary Commercial Content Galaxy Vets, an employee-owned veterinary healthcare system in the U.S. launched this week. Dr. Ivan Zak, founder of Smartflow and Veterinary Integrated Solutions will lead the company. It will use VIS methodology and technology to combat veterinary burnout by addressing why veterinarians leave the … [Read more...]
Staring at a screen for too long can make you feel sick
Too much screen time can result in a condition called cybersickness, writes Angelica Jasper. It’s not just eye strain or fatigue. People can experience symptoms of cybersickness through everyday devices like computers, phones and TVs. Cybersickness symptoms tend to be more intense with virtual reality and augmented reality. Source: Fast Company, July 24, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Dealing with a troublemaker on the team (video)
“Eliminating bad does a lot of good,” says Dan Rockwell, addressing the recalcitrant team member. He shares four steps to dealing with a bad egg on the team: Provide feedback Provide positive intervention Isolate the bad egg Let them flourish somewhere else We would also include. . . Document, document, document Source: Leadership Freak, August 6, 2021. … [Read more...]
Pet food draws big-name investment, private equity focus
The pet food and pet care markets have been attracting outside investment interest for well over a decade, writes Debbie Donaldson-Phillips. She says you know an industry has seized the spotlight when it earns the attention of a large and well-known investment firm like Morgan Stanley. Morgan Stanley recently released a report on the pet industry, predicting the U.S. market to … [Read more...]