Includes Commercial References “There are three crate sizes in my garage, shared a friend, but I’m not sure I have the right size for this new, larger-breed puppy my son received at Christmas.” Mary Cope, PhD, shares how to choose crates for dogs as they grow and develop. Her guidance makes good content to share with new pet owners and clients on social media. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 6, 2025
Feline Pet Care Provider Certifications raise the bar, pet industry M&As on the horizon, perceived benefits of limited ingredient foods and treats, AI prompts for small business, bird flu and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 6, 2025. Link. Note: Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet lodging facilities, January 22, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CST) Link. … [Read more...]
How to lead when you’re not in charge: leveraging influence when you lack authority
Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley provide a practical and empowering framework for developing the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively, even when you're not in charge, writes PM Kimemia. He highlights seven things he learned from reading the book. Source: PM Kimemia, Facebook, December 23, 2024. Link. Influence is not about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about … [Read more...]
Complaining rewires the brain to stay negative and depressed (video)
Recent research shows that the act of complaining goes beyond simply releasing frustration; it can actually rewire the brain, making negativity a default setting and even setting the stage for prolonged feelings of sadness and depression. Negativity can be contagious and spending time around people who frequently complain can significantly affect our own mental health and … [Read more...]
When the climb slows
For those who’ve been at the top of their game for a while, the inevitable truth is this: cresting happens. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, December 2024. Link. The true test of a seasoned leader isn’t how high you climb or how hard you fight to stay at the top, but how you respond when the climb slows down, when the world no longer expects you to be the one with all the … [Read more...]
California fires sending deadly smoke for miles
Air quality is suffering in a widespread area in California. Wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds are devasting property and pushing smoke into the atmosphere. Beyond the immediate wildfire crises, the smoke will increase risks to people and animals over the next several days locally and likely spread across the U.S. in time. Consider educating animal owners about reducing … [Read more...]
Praise ending with “-est” is the worst kind of praise to give
Shawn Anchor’s statement, “If you want to enhance others, do not compare them,” was enough to stop and read his premise. Despite the article’s age, his assertions deserve consideration and offer potential value for animal health pros. Our industry is challenged to find and keep good employees. Comparison praise, as Anchor describes it, may be a societal culprit to consider … [Read more...]
Buffett’s 2003 message rings true for 2025
Commentary Our industry is growing in many directions to meet the demands of all involved but most importantly, animal owners. Warren Buffett’s direction to his management about reputation is clear and applicable to our animal health businesses as we charge into 2025. His direction from 22 years ago is needed today more than ever. Let’s be sure that everything we do in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 19, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 12, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 12, 2024 AHD Bulletin Are you asking the right questions? Link. Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups. Link. Bred heifers need individual care, nutrition during winter months. Link. USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage. … [Read more...]
Review: Conjunctivitis medications: topical and oral solutions
There are almost as many medication options to treat conjunctivitis as there are reasons for inflammation of the conjunctiva. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, outlines different treatment options for the various causes of infections in the eyes of cats and dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2022. Link. Image credit: PetSure … [Read more...]
Virtual fence projected to benefit ranchers, pollinators, profits
Virtual fencing technology is a promising option for livestock management, say researchers from Oklahoma State University. It reduces reliance on physical fences by allowing managers to remotely plan and establish virtual boundaries using GPS collars that deliver auditory and electrical cues. VF technology may be valuable in protecting patches of habitat for pollinators and … [Read more...]
Lori Teller, DVM, joins Guardian Vet as Chief Veterinary Officer
As CVO, Dr. Teller will provide visionary leadership to further develop GuardianVets’ technology-enabled services, which include after-hours triage and daytime call overflow support to meet the evolving needs of their clients and thrive in a competitive landscape. Source: GlobeNewsWire, GuardianVets, December 17, 2024, Link. … [Read more...]
Kansas State University researchers develop test to detect ASF on surfaces
Kansas State University researchers have published the findings of a study that looks at a seemingly simple way to add another layer of protection for the U.S. swine industry against Asian Swine Fever. K-State scientists relied on simple environmental sampling techniques to collect PCR samples. Source: AgriMarketing, December 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Barkpass acquired by Steve Zeidman to expand leadership in pet licensing, dog park management
Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the animal care technology industry and entrepreneur, acquired Barkpass, a software company specializing in pet licensing and dog park management, from founders Josh and Bri Larson. Barkpass has revolutionized how communities handle pet-related administrative tasks, making life easier for pet owners and municipal officials. Source: … [Read more...]
Elanco receives FDA approval for three combinations in finishing heifers
Elanco’s work to shift the narrative on livestock from climate culprit to climate opportunity to help protect customers’ social license to operate underscores the FDA approval of combination feeding with Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim. FDA-approved combination feeding of: Experior and MGA Experior, Rumensin and MGA Experior, … [Read more...]
Lameness comes with a hefty price tag
When thinking about the effects of lameness, most managers typically consider the cost that goes into preventative measures or treatments such as trimming, bandages, blocks, and antibiotics, Eric Ronk shared recently. He describes these as direct costs but asserts the importance of considering the economic impact on other areas of the operation, including fertility, culling and … [Read more...]
Tricks for making shipping day a success
Too much stress when transporting cattle hinders the immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. This article shares best practices from a cattle trucking company. Preweaning, prehandling and sorting, and being prepared before the truck arrives is prioritized to help the cattle remain calm, relaxed and load quietly onto the trucks. Source: Baldy Advantage, October … [Read more...]
Where farm expenses increased the most in 2024
It can be difficult to relate to our customers’ challenges and dilemmas. Having clues to their situations is important to provider-customer relationships. The rural economy affects more people than those running a tractor. Nathan Owens reports on the rising labor costs and other expenses as margins tighten. Source: Agricultural Dive, December 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Four critical takeaways, valuable insights into the evolving dairy industry
The 2024 Farm Journal State of the Dairy Industry Report highlights a sector poised for growth, adaptability and new opportunities. By fostering strong relationships, innovating profit streams and securing generational continuity, the dairy industry stands on the cusp of a promising future, writes Karen Bohnert. She shares four key insights: Embracing a growth mindset … [Read more...]
Should we be concerned about H5N1 in horses?
The risk of H5N1 influenza infection in and from horses is probably very low. Horses rank far down the list of species about which I’m concerned, writes Scott Weese, DVM. However, they’re still on the list. Weese discusses some limited research on horse susceptibility, whether a horse could infect a person and remaining vigilant to the risk of recombination of flu viruses in … [Read more...]
Equine dental exams require sedation
Jeff Reiswig, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, shares the importance of sedation when examining a horse’s mouth. The article presents sedative safety, administration, volume and length of time sedation lasts. Source: The Horse, December 17, 2024. Link. Examining a horse’s mouth without sedating him is ‘essentially pointless’” Also see: 20 things a horse’s teeth are telling you, The Horse, … [Read more...]
Don’t feed the wildlife
The intersection of wildlife and domestic pets gets closer to our back doors every day. The USDA recently updated its wildlife information, including signage for airports, parks and public places. Yet, the need for public education must extend beyond “don’t feed wildlife in your yard.” This coyote was photographed in a backyard a half mile from my home in Liberty, Missouri, … [Read more...]
“The tip of the iceberg.” Two cats die after drinking recalled raw milk.
Two cats have died after consuming recalled raw milk from Raw Milk Farms LLC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated in a news release last Thursday. The two cats lived in the same household. After eating the product, they exhibited lack of appetite, fever and signs of neurological problems. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2024. Link. “I think this … [Read more...]
Cats may help spread bird flu, scientists warn
Jess Thomson shares research results that identify cats as a reservoir to infect humans with H5N1 from birds or cattle. The researchers identified several key mutations in the H5N1 sequence from infected cats that may suggest adaptation to cats is the potential to jump from cats to humans for the first time. The ability of the H5N1 virus to persist and adapt in mammalian hosts … [Read more...]
Gallup: 7 workplace challenges for 2025
Commentary This was a disheartening read. Sure, employers and managers can make a difference through communication and setting expectations. Yet, employees must come to grips with their own expectations and the continuous improvement necessary to remain successfully employed and contribute to a business’s objectives.* Issues with childcare, feedback and recognition are … [Read more...]
Open-source veterinary carbon calculator now available for use in the U.S.
A new tool is now available to help calculate greenhouse gas emissions are produced at a veterinary clinic. The Veterinary Carbon Accounting for Local Clinics tool is a U.S.–focused, open-access resource developed through a collaboration between Colorado State University Impact MBA students and the Veterinary Sustainability Alliance. There is mounting pressure on businesses to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 16, 2024
Managing Gen Zs at work, DVM warns against Christmas tree bows, human-dog bond science, PetsMart launches pet streaming service, pet behavior consults, the link between owner demographics and canine nutrition and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 16, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Before you decide on your New Year’s Resolutions, consider . . .
We were recently introduced to Katelyn Jetelina at Your Local Epidemiologist. She and Megan Maisano comment on the Make America Healthy Again movement, falsehoods in the narrative and dialogue on diet-related chronic diseases. We’re sharing the article because, after all, healthy animal health pros provide better animal health care. Evidence has shown that a targeted focus on … [Read more...]
How to combat lifestyle creep with a financial fast
The problem with lifestyle creep is that you don’t notice it happening, writes Emily Guy Birken. She shares how a financial fast can get your lifestyle in better alignment with your money goals, asserting that radically changing your financial behavior for a set period of time helps you recognize which money decisions are nothing more than habits and which are important to you. … [Read more...]
27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do
Commentary It helps to be sure we understand people around us, especially those who may react differently to situations than we expect. In her book, “Quiet,” Susan Cain reframes how we think about sensitivity and shines a light on the power of being highly attuned to the world. In the article here, writer Jenn Granneman shares perspectives on how highly sensitive peoples’ … [Read more...]