AKC TV welcomed Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to discuss artificial intelligence being used in veterinary practices, in homes and other settings. She shares how AI could help improve care in the future. AI can reduce perception bias when reviewing tests and diagnostic results.” Source: AKC TV, June 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How your body language may be causing your team to disconnect
Body language speaks for you unconsciously and unfortunately, it’s hard to control. Just like you can’t fake a genuine smile, you can’t fake emotion. You can try to suppress your feelings, but your body language will leak it. “There’s the saying, ‘Fake it ‘til you make it.’ But the fake will fade,” says Linda Clemons. Source: Fast Company, June 6, 2023. Link. If your words … [Read more...]
New graduates may have no idea how to behave in the office
Some newer graduates didn’t learn the so-called soft skills they might have in the past by osmosis on the job, from mentors and by practicing on campus. Companies, universities and recruiters are coming up with ways to train new hires, provide advice and help them navigate the workplace. The missing piece for young professionals who have graduated since 2020 has been no real … [Read more...]
How brick-and-mortar retailers are paving new paths for pet owners
The borders between retail channels and markets are coming down as non-pet specialty retailers make deeper inroads into the pet market, writes Jennifer Boncy. 58 percent of all pet owners say they’re more likely to shop a store that offers both home improvement and pet products.” – Lowe’s research Source: Pet Product News, June 2023. Link. Farm and feed stores, and other … [Read more...]
Why it is so hard to ask for help
Many of us struggle to ask for help. Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries, DBA, MBA shares reasons we are reluctant to ask for and accept help. He then offers ways to overcome the barriers: The fear of being vulnerable The need to be independent The fear of losing control The fear of rejection Over empathizing with others. A sense of victimhood Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 15, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 8th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 1st AHD Bulletin – How to deal with an angry client. Link. Gen Z’s nonchalance infiltrates the workplace. Link. 2022 National Beef Quality Audit shows increase in quality and efficiency. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Walmart to build a new case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas
Set to open in 2025, the plant will create more than 600 new jobs and further Walmart’s commitment to creating an end-to-end Angus beef supply chain. Once opened, the new facility will package and distribute a selection of Angus cuts from Sustainable Beef, LLC in North Platte, Nebraska, to serve stores across the Midwest. Walmart announced an equity investment in Sustainable … [Read more...]
Steers provide income, but heifers can generate wealth
The U.S. beef cow herd is at the lowest level since 1962 <Link>. For cow-calf producers who understand and can leverage a heifer’s value potential, steers are great for providing income, but heifers can be used to generate wealth. Heifer calves provide more options and opportunities than a bull calf.” - Aaron Berger Source: BEEF, June 9, 2023. Link. Heifer calves … [Read more...]
Petco presents: The Ultimate Dog(g)
Commentary Veterinary teams in private or corporate practices need to be aware of this ad campaign and consider what it is telling dog owners. It is disappointing to see the less money theme perpetuated at a time when many veterinary practices are still dealing with staffing challenges, appointment availability and levels of services. It takes a Dogg to know a dog. And … [Read more...]
Aquamation as an alternative to cremation
The aggregate effects of cremating the remains of pets and humans have a significant environmental effect due to the carbon dioxide cremation chambers release. Aquamation, by contrast, is compact and efficient, and generates no direct emissions of its own making it one of the greenest means of final disposition, writes Eleanor Cummins. The aquamation process is simple. Over … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]
How the veterinary shortage affects groomers
Addressing the opportunities groomers may have due to the veterinary shortage and advancing treatment options, Cliff Faver, DVM, reminds groomers to know what is acceptable and what is not for a groomer to do in their state of residence. Owners and veterinarians may expect groomers to express anal glands, treat ears and even scale teeth routinely, but some procedures are not … [Read more...]
Plan now for pets bothered by July 4th fireworks
Includes Commercial Content Steve Dale discusses behavior modification for pets who have issues with fireworks and the importance of getting ahead of the problem. Calming pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves this problem.” You can’t reinforce panic. It is likely pets terrorized by fireworks are likely … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 13, 2023
Vet telemedicine, Dechra takeover, APOP evaluation of therapeutic obesity diets plus small business automation, financing and website tips and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 13, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
HR’s role in changing the conversation about alcohol use
For employers and their HR pros, it is increasingly important to understand that alcohol use is not an “all or nothing” proposition for employees, says Terri-Lynn Mackay, PhD. Rather, it exists on a spectrum, from people who do not drink to those who have a diagnosed disorder. Mackay shares ideas for changing the conversation about alcohol use in the workplace and … [Read more...]
Chiropractic care for companion animals
Mobility problems affect the quality of life for 10 percent of dogs, says Marie Barling, DVM. She also notes that figure may be understated since 20 percent of dogs have arthritis. In this article, Barling share the opportunity to extend care beyond prescriptive medicine to include elements of physical medicine including laser, acupuncture and manual therapy, including … [Read more...]
Sympathy versus empathy
Last week I suggested there is an enormous difference between these two words. Based on your feedback, I believe it is important to understand that difference. Simply put, sympathy is feeling for someone, while empathy is feeling with someone. Source: SimplyPsychology, May 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Empathy requires your respect for another’s point of view at that … [Read more...]
Appearance and animal owner perception
During a recent National Geographic Wild episode, a veterinarian purposely changed clothes between patients after a sick parrot decorated his scrub top. It reminded me of a post from 2021 that is worth repeating. . . . appearance influences animal owners’ first impressions of animal health professionals.” Source: Animal Health Digest, November 16, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
A one-health review on brucellosis in the United States
Commentary For this post, we focused on the risks associated with B. canis. The review presents Brucellosis sp., a potential storm cloud on the horizon. Our culture of saving non-endangered animals, transferring animals across the country, increasing backyard interactions with wildlife and the public’s ignorance of zoonotic risks make this review important reading for animal … [Read more...]
Dealing with no-shows
Wendy Myers, CVJ, gives host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, four things veterinary practices can implement to help get clients in the door and reduce no-show rates. Myers says the average no-show rate is approximately 11 percent which calculates to around $60,000 in lost revenue potential per full-time veterinarian. She also emphasizes missed opportunities to help animals in … [Read more...]
Legislative updates, progress and the status of VCPR
The Bridge Club hosted a panel* to provide an update following legislative decisions in Arizona and California that have eased restrictions on virtual VCPR. The discussion included experiences from panel practitioners and members of the VVCA. Mark Cushing shared legislative experiences and offered perspective on which states are likely to move forward with a virtual … [Read more...]
The horse owner’s role in fighting gastric ulcer syndrome
With treatment and care information given in different forms yearly, it's assumed most owners will follow prescribed actions to help their horses battle their gastric ulcers. But, it requires owners to make adjustments to their daily routines. Ideally, the ulcer medication omeprazole needs to be given to horses on an empty stomach to allow the stomach to thoroughly absorb … [Read more...]
Freeze-drying doesn’t kill bacteria in raw meat treats
Instead of killing harmful bacteria, freeze-drying preserves bacteria in raw meats and organs. Contrary to many recommendations, freeze-dried raw treats should not be given to dogs alone or mixed with kibble, according to Lee Pickett, VMD. Source: Arkansas Democrat Gazette via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, June 5, 2023. Link. Freeze-drying is one of the best ways to … [Read more...]
Gene therapy may offer birth control for cats
Researchers recently published the results of a small study in Nature Communications describing how a single shot of a gene therapy prevented pregnancy in cats for at least two years. Researchers analyzed 15,220 freeze-dried fecal samples for estrogen and progesterone levels and examined 1,200 hours of video of mating behavior. Source: The New York Times, June 6, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing the east coast and parts of the southern United States. Jerry Klein, DVM, and Lori M. Teller, DVM, DABVP, CVJ, provide guidance for pet owners in this article. The guidance that goes for humans also applies to pets: When the air is intensely polluted, limit the time your pet is outside.” Source: New York Times, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
NAVC Announces “Show of Shows” theme for VMX 2024
Complimentary Commercial Content VMX is the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary education conference. As the first veterinary conference of the year, it sets direction for the industry and is the forum for veterinary education, new innovation, patents and product introductions. The North American Veterinary Community announced the theme for the 41st … [Read more...]
Why workers don’t use their PTO
Nearly half of workers aren't taking all the paid time off available from their employers. . . . many workers don't take more time off because they are worried that it could hurt their position at the company.” – Pew Research Center study results Source: Manufacturing.net, May 31, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Making sure employees use all of their paid time off without fear of … [Read more...]
Why chocolate is so harmful to dogs
Elanine Blythe, PharmD, reviews why chocolate is toxic to dogs. She begins with the pharmacology of methylxanthines including theobromine, the toxin in chocolate. Blythe’s videos target pharmacy students and pharmacists. Consider sharing them proactively in veterinarian-to-pharmacist communications. Source: Veterinary Pharmacy Education, Facebook, June 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 5, 2023
Rising demand for dog daycare, pet luxury market growing, biggest challenges for small business in 2023, new pet care startups, PetCo’s Union Square pet center in NYC, more on CBD safety, Collar seeking to reshape the future of petcare. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, June 5, 2023. Link. Collar provides a suite of features to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. … [Read more...]