The AHD team has vigilantly shared content about treats and chews, especially when it comes to the calories these mostly non-essential products add to an already overweight pet population <Link>. Discussing chews specifically, Laura Gaylord DVM, DACVIM, and Donna Raditic DVM, DACVIM, CVA, share an overview of the three types of chews and potential benefits and risks when … [Read more...]
Why good communication is essential to sales
Commentary Like it or not, if a person pays you for a product or service it is technically a sale and indicates transfer of title or completion of an action. Animal health pros who improve their communication skills enhance their value to their clients and company, writes Justin Zappulla. Note*: We comment on the discussion of “you versus I” below. The difference between … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 1, 2024
Staff readiness program coming in February, pet food in the context of global meat production, demand increasing for subsidized vet care in British Columbia, easy questions for market research, recreating vet care in United Kingdom, AI in small business, call for speakers for 2024 Flow Conference and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, January 1, 2024. Link. The … [Read more...]
Mindful’s top article in 2023, How to meditate.
Whether on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram, animal health pros often mention meditation. More than a million people viewed this article about how meditation can inject far-reaching and long-lasting benefits into our lives. The idea behind mindfulness seems simple—the practice takes patience.” Source: Mindful. Link. The author shares five reasons to meditate: … [Read more...]
6 inspiring morning habits of highly successful people
For those still searching for a New Year’s resolution, consider adjusting your morning habits. It doesn’t matter what time you wake up, but it does matter what you do when you first wake up, writes Will Polston. Without a morning routine, people rely on how they feel emotionally when waking up which is reactive rather than proactive. Good habits are formed and maintained by a … [Read more...]
Promotions. Ready or not?
Managing so veterinary clinic employees work at the top of their education is a frequent topic in animal health media. Yet, not all employees are ready to advance or be awarded a promotion. Luis Velasquez shares ways to turn a potentially negative situation into a constructive, forward-looking dialogue when a promotion is not yet warranted. Discussing a promotion with an … [Read more...]
Communication – a critical skill for success
Commentary Mr. Malone will return next week. Considering the Gen Alpha post in this edition, we are sharing several of his posts about communication. Reviewing them reminds me of his consistent coaching themes. Becoming a decision-getter requires we get out of our own way . . . truly listen absent our agenda and then inquire about what else? “ – Kirk Augustine Source: AHD … [Read more...]
Will we be ready? Introducing Gen Alpha.
Commentary Food for thought. As a baby boomer, the challenges of adapting communications to meet the coming generations and still communicate with remaining Silents, other Boomers, Millenials, Gen X and Gen Z often seem daunting. Our curators spend worthwhile time sorting out the animal health narrative for what is new, seasonally relevant or repetitively adjusted to fit an … [Read more...]
The making of the corporate athlete
Harvard Business Review surveyed readers about articles that made a meaningful impact on the way the person thinks, works or leads <Link>. JayDee shared he fundamentally shifted his perspective to managing energy rather than time to achieve high performance. He shared this approach worked for his team which now has regular energy audits and encourages practices that … [Read more...]
Prevention top of mind for new year for AVMA president, Steve Dale (podcast)
Rena Carlson, DVM, and Steve Dale, CABC, talk about resolving to be more comprehensive about pet preventative care including diet, oral care, vaccination, parasite control, behavior training and lifestyle enrichment. The discussion includes the growth of reptiles, small mammals and opinions about telemedicine sources. The podcast is good for sharing on social media or linked … [Read more...]
Right? Wrong? Or, curious and open-minded?
Commentary Intellectual humility is gaining more attention, writes Daryl Van Tongeren. His assessment of our current culture, when it’s more common to defend your position than change your mind, seems important to consider as we move into 2024 and beyond. Tongeron’s assertion that the human tendency to desire growth while also harboring strong resistance to the … [Read more...]
Highly-read AHD posts from 2023
In this edition of the Animal Health Digest Bulletin, you’ll find highly-read posts in 13 categories. Now in our ninth year of curating content for animal health professionals, our team remains committed to sharing content in the context of daily interactions with animal owners, veterinary teams and industry colleagues. Source: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 28, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 21, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the December 14th AHD Bulletin – Underutilized and underappreciated. Link. What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses? Link. Keeping it simple. Link. ============================================ Sorry, dogs: Cats can play fetch, too, … [Read more...]
2024 Pork Industry outlook: Finding opportunity through challenges
Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
‘Invisible fence’ keeps cattle on ranch, protects environment
“The possibilities are endless” shared Florida cattleman Jim Strickland talking about his experiences with GPS collars and cellphone tower enabled virtual fencing. Beyond containment in designated areas, the technology makes ranching more efficient. Strickland can change grazing boundaries from his computer, keep cattle out of areas he wants to protect or areas effected by … [Read more...]
Progressive Cattle’s Top 10 online articles from 2023
Commentary Readership metrics indicate what cattle producers could use help with from animal health pros. We can’t get so caught up in running the road, making calls and pitching services that we lose touch with our customers’ interests. The economic importance of cow longevity and depreciation topped the list that includes hydroponic forages, timing for weaning, … [Read more...]
Do chickens need heat in winter? It’s complicated.
Reminding us that eggs are last on the list of body function priorities, Jeremy Chartier discusses the pros and cons of providing alternative heat sources to chicken coops. Cold weather can cause a drastic reduction in egg production . . . and increase the risk of frostbite to birds.” Source: Backyard Poultry, November 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Protect poultry from raccoons
Once raccoons choose to get into poultry coops, homes or buildings, they are indomitable. They are considered super-predators if they break into poultry enclosures or discover birds free-ranging. Erin Snyder shares ways to keep raccoons from becoming a problem. Source: Hobby Farms, December 13, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Synder’s article is worthy of sharing on social media or … [Read more...]
Pathologist sees shift in causes of California racehorse fatalities
Francisco A. Uzal, MS, DVM, PhD, is in charge of the necropsy program at the University of California, which examines any horse that dies on a state-sanctioned racetrack. He believes various state- and track-level reforms, as well as the increased availability of high-tech imaging modalities, has allowed officials and trainers to intervene before a horse suffers an orthopedic … [Read more...]
Cat vomiting: 7 causes, how to help
Includes Commercial Content Cats vomit. The sounds are familiar to cat owners who are often apathetic about the occurrences. Some causes of cat vomiting are relatively benign and may even resolve on their own while others can be more serious. Elizabeth Racine, DVM, shares common causes, what vomiting requires more than casual attention, vomit color charts, various remedies … [Read more...]
Cannabis product use in cats and dogs in the U.S.
Sharing the results from a pet owner survey, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, offers a view of how pet owners are using cannabidiols, their perceptions of its efficacy and attitudes about trying cannabis or cannabidiols. The results underscore the need for veterinary education and the legal ability to discuss administering cannabis in companion animals. . . . only 21 percent … [Read more...]
Mutt mail. Subscription boxes for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The number of pet subscription boxes filled with items curated by pet loving marketers continues to grow. The Happy Puppy Tips team shares a few options in this article. Our AHD office dog, Li’l Buddy, is a benefactor of a family member who subscribes to one of these services for their Golden Retriever. A new toy or two comes home after every … [Read more...]
Resources to help pet owners from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
Sponsored Content Whether veterinary clients are getting a new pet, adding a pet or entertaining people with their pets during the holiday season, ensuring a safe and healthy home is important. A few helpful resources delivered via social media, emails and newsletters can make a difference. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance creates content ready to download and share that saves … [Read more...]
FDA issues warnings of unapproved antimicrobial animal drugs
Nine manufacturers and distributors received warning letters with concerns citing unapproved and misbranded antimicrobial animal drugs in violation of federal law. The animal products mentioned in the warning letters are marketed and labeled for minor species such as aquarium fish and pet birds. They contain antimicrobials that are important in human medicine, such as … [Read more...]
Marijuana is among the 2023 Top 10 pet toxins
Marijuana and carprofen were again among the Top 10 Pet Poisons for all species this year. They first appeared on the annual year-end list in 2022. In the 2023 case data, marijuana-related incidences accounted for the sixth-highest toxin overall for pets and was also sixth for dogs. The article includes the top 10 for cats and dogs. Chocolate was first for dogs and lilies was … [Read more...]
NOMVision December edition
ICYMI. The dedicated work continues to advance a veterinary profession that honors and elevates sustainable well-being. NOTE the request to participate in an online research study <Link>. Source: NOMV, December 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Dr. Kwane Stewart honored as 2023 CNN Hero
Kwane Stewart, DVM, was named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year last week during the 17th annual CNN Heroes Event that took place at New York City’s Museum of Natural History. The California veterinarian and Colorado State University graduate started serving unhoused people and their pets more than a decade ago. With the help of his brother, they founded Project Street Vet, a … [Read more...]
How to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in an interview
Includes Commercial Content When interviewing for a new job or a new role being confident in your strengths and weaknesses can help differentiate yourself from the competition. From humble beginnings in 1949 <Link>, the Clifton Strengthfinders have helped people identify and understand their talent DNA. Gallup’s Tim Hodges and Bailey Nelson share several strategies to … [Read more...]
Fired? Terminated? Ways to forgive yourself and move on
Not all annual reviews go as planned. Company market opportunities change, new management adjusts strategies or individual performance is not ideal. Getting fired or terminated can be a traumatic personal and career experience even if it may have been out of your control. Erica Lamberg shares what experts say are specific steps that can help ease the sting and get you on the … [Read more...]
Self-assessments. It’s annual review time.
The adage, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” comes to mind when reviewing Marlo Lyons’ guidance for preparing for annual reviews. She advocates doing a self-assessment ahead of time and shares five steps to create a self-assessment draft: 1) Focus on the entire year 2) Consider company and functional goals 3) Look for alignment with those goals 4) Seek … [Read more...]