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...]
“Be Curious.”
Ted Lasso fans will recognize the title as a quote from the popular series of the same name on Apple TV. Curiosity is the key to understanding your customers better and increasing your opportunities to help them. Acknowledging is the genesis of curiosity. Source: Repertoire, August 2024. Link. …the point of talking with another person is to find out what they think as much … [Read more...]
Ours IS a people business
Commentary If people didn’t have pets or raise animals, would animal health pros have relationships with so many people? I say no and have asserted that VCPR really should have been CVRP <Link>. Clients are often frustrating, much like young students, distracted, too busy to listen, emotional, sometimes afraid and even apathetic. It's a lot when you think about … [Read more...]
The guilded age of medicine is here?
No extended diatribe or commentary in this post, BUT, animal health pros work in a parallel service industry with the same humans affected by how doctors and medical systems treat them. Maybe it is no wonder animal owners often object to costs and pricing for veterinary and pet services. Worth thinking about. Source: The New Yorker, December 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Ways employers and employees can manage holiday-related stress
About half of workers responding to a recent Monster poll say they're more stressed than normal during the year-end holiday season. Two in five said they are less productive and a third are working a second job to supplement their income, writes Keith Button. His article shares ideas to help handle the season, which all start with communication, setting expectations and being … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 12, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 5, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 5, 2024 AHD Bulletin Mastering and winning at customer experience. Link. 10 signs a dog is depressed. Link. Face masks reduce human exposure to swine flu. Link. Microbiome-gut-brain axis; its importance in production animal agriculture. Link. … [Read more...]
Webinar: 2024 Therapeutic Update and year-in-review
Consider this webinar to get the latest therapeutic updates as Clinician’s Brief and Plumb’s Pro authors recap which drugs debuted in 2024 and how to use them. Source: Clinician’s Brief. Link. Webinar is available on demand. Registration required. RACE approved (1 credit hour) INSIGHTS: This offering would be good preparation for animal health sales/marketing pros ahead … [Read more...]
USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture recently awarded more than two dozen Veterinary Services Grants totaling $3.8 million to universities and veterinary practices working to address shortages of food animal veterinary services across the nation in underserved areas. Source: Dairy Herd Management, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Updated Holstein USA Stature Scale may affect breeding programs
The Holstein Association USA has revised the stature scale that serves as a tool for measuring the size of Holstein cows in the Classification program. The changes ensure a fair representation of cow stature across the population, aligning the scale with average sizes in current herds and enhancing the precision of genetic and conformation evaluations. The old stature scale … [Read more...]
Bred heifers need more individual care, nutrition during winter months
Commentary: “Set it and forget it” herd management practices, especially with heifers, can cause great losses for cow-calf producers accustomed to managing cattle as a herd rather than individually. For veterinary teams and nutritionists, proactive communication as winter progresses can create value for the animals, the producer and for the animal health professional. The key … [Read more...]
Enhance reproductive success in the cow-calf herd
Reproductive technologies, when used appropriately, improve herd health, efficiency, genetics and overall profitability, writes Roselyn Biggs, DVM. Enhanced reproductive technologies exist for herds using bulls, as well as those using artificial insemination. She notes low percentage use of estrous synchronization, even though it can be effective and provide benefits in many … [Read more...]
Nikon announces Comedy Wildlife Winners of 2024
Milko Marchetti was crowned Comedy Wildlife Photographer of the Year for his hilarious shot of a red squirrel. See all the other incredible category winners and highly commended winners here <Link>. Source: Comedy Wildlife Awards, December 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
What’s new with equine cribbing research?
Cribbing has been studied for more than 400 years without fully understanding why domesticated horse life would cause the condition, writes Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA. She shares 10 things researchers have learned since the 2016 update. Here are three of them: Cribbing is a stress-coping mechanism, not a vice Cribbing literally changes the horse’s brain It resolved … [Read more...]
10 non-negotiables for horse management
Commentary We like the positioning of this list and the underlying message of being accountable and responsible for a horse’s care. Kudos to Devin Conley for this article, which is appropriate for any horse owner of any age. Veterinary teams can use the article to establish the need for basic health care appointments and hopefully avoid some emergency calls for horses whose … [Read more...]
How dogs say thank you
Elizabeth Gray shares five ways dogs show they’re grateful. With the holiday season taking more time from daily activities, she reminds us to return the favor and show our gratitude to our dogs. Even when we’re busy and stressed, taking just 10 minutes to play with a dog will do wonders for them. Consider this article for social media, newsletters or an interview with local … [Read more...]
Choosing the best farm dogs for herding, guarding livestock, and more
Reviewing some common farm-related tasks and the dog breeds that excel at them, Tracy Kobberdahl divides working dogs into ones that drive and ones that fetch. She emphasizes the need for training and her guidance is universal for dogs on the farm or in the home. If a dog won’t heel, sit, stay, lay down, and come, you’ll never get him to do the work you want.” Source: … [Read more...]
Survey: 62 percent of puppy owners overwhelmed by pet food choices
Commercial Content Differentiating pet food choices is increasingly difficult. Royal Canin’s recent survey found that more than half of puppy owners feel overwhelmed by the number of choices in puppy food and, more importantly, struggle to figure out what ingredients are important. Commentary The survey results are familiar, as is the challenge of leading pet owners to … [Read more...]
The top pet products of 2024
The winners of Pet Business’ Industry Recognition Awards are selected by the publication’s editorial team. They focus on the most exciting and functional products on the market and candidates in categories such as best packaging redesigns, merchandising displays and consumer-marketing campaigns. This edition of the 23rd-annual Industry Recognition Awards highlights the … [Read more...]
Rethinking dog parks
Initially viewed as ideal social venues for dogs, public dog parks now face more scrutiny for their potential risks. The authors share risks and benefits while reinforcing the need for owners to consider training and risks based on their individual pets. Consider sharing this article and a list of top local dog parks, often provided by Yelp or Rover, with dog owners on … [Read more...]
Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups
Includes Commercial References With an eye on eliminating falls and slippery surfaces, Heather E. Lewis, AIA, NCARB, AAA, discusses various slip-resistant surfaces for veterinary hospitals. Pet care services facilities have similar risks for humans and animals. Flooring is often discussed as part of Fear Free certification as well. Source: DVM 360, November 15, 2024. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 9, 2024
Pug wins National Dog Show, impact of kennel materials on behavior, Gen Z stressing managers enough to quit, pet owners driving natural products, sticks and stone can spell injury and more . . . Source: IBPSA, December 9, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Once is not enough
Research shows the average prospect needs to hear a message seven times before they take action, shares David Grossman. He asserts it is crucial to look at your communications as a process of repetition, not a check-off-the-box activity. Commentary Our world is full of redundancy and replication. Educators who research how students learn have studied the importance of … [Read more...]
The cognitive cost of AI
Tara Chklovski’s article discusses the features, functions and benefits of artificial intelligence, identifying its potential, what may change and the mind tax of wrestling with the uncomfortable unknowns. Source: Fast Company, December 8, 2024. Link. Artificial intelligence can help with many types of work, but learning how to mitigate the ‘mind tax’ is important.” … [Read more...]
Every molehill is a mountain for the average overthinker
Overthinking can be paralyzing, but we are wired for it, writes Omar Hussein. Calling it anxiety’s unpaid intern, he describes overthinking as a mental treadmill, “You’re going nowhere fast, but boy, are you working up a sweat.” He offers some tips to stop it. Stopping overthinking is like stopping a sneeze . . . it’s not impossible, but it’s gonna take some effort.” Source: … [Read more...]
Are you asking the right questions?
The power of asking good questions permeates business, investing and even our daily lives, writes Eric Markowitz. Focus on finding quick answers and you’ll likely miss the bigger picture. Rather, master the art of asking the right questions to open up new possibilities that others have yet to consider. The best answers often come from knowing which questions to ask . . . with … [Read more...]
A strategic foresight parable
Leaders today face a world defined by rapid technological innovation, market volatility, global interconnectedness and workforce transformation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, November 26, 2024. Link. Tactical plans without strategic foresight solve nothing.” INSIGHTS: Inspire others with a clear vision; empower others with purpose; lead others with humility and courage. … [Read more...]
Mexico notifies United States of New World Screwworm detection
Commentary The recent announcement that officials detected a New World Screwworm in Mexico brought memories of removing screwworms from baby rabbits, ducklings and newborn puppies in the late 1960s. These experiences make this situation a priority to share with animal health pros. Vigilant monitoring and managing fly populations is critical to avoiding the devastation … [Read more...]