Fromm family’s Danielle Opetz, Pet care accessibility, longevity drugs to extend dog lives, small business insurance, APPA’s acquisition of online education and conferencing platform, small business sales trends and more . . . Resources to remember: IBPSA Infectious Disease Cleaning Standards Thrive Master Group for facility owners and general managers via Zoom, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses?
Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis is a form of laminitis that develops in the face of high circulating insulin levels. It can typically be managed but only if diagnosed quickly, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc. She reviews interesting research including the use of radiographs to monitor and measure changes in the lucent zone which is parallel to the coffin bone. Treating acute … [Read more...]
Correcting cat shenanigans
Includes Commercial Content Veterinary team members need to be aware of what cat owners and retail advocates are reading. After all, the veterinarian is the last to learn there is a problem with a cat at home. Education is critical, writes Nora Caley, who shares some products that can be used to help curtail some of the behavior problems in this retailer-focused article. … [Read more...]
Tips for socializing dogs with other dogs
Holiday gatherings can be challenging, but adding pets to the mix can be an ordeal, especially if socialization training has been ignored. Cammi Morgan shares tips to help pet owners realize their responsibility to properly socialize their dogs. She includes comments about puppy age, vaccination, dog park safety and approaches for undersocialized dogs. Be realistic . . . dogs … [Read more...]
Behavior tips to make owners and handlers better
Samuel Ceisler is right. There is always something we can learn about how and why dogs behave the way they do. Whether owner, dog sitter, boarding kennel staff member, vet clinic employee or veterinarian, one of Ceisler’s behavior tips will be something new or something you forgot. He breaks down the most common dog behaviors and what they mean so you can figure out exactly … [Read more...]
Improving bandaging efficiencies
Commentary Fans of the Nat Geo Wild veterinary shows frequently get to see animals bandaged. It is fascinating to see various veterinarians apply bandages and how they often explain what they are doing with layers and yards of materials. Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, shares his tips for effectively using bandages for post-operative patients in this article and … [Read more...]
Altering a colleague’s treatment plan without judgment is an art (podcast/video)
Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discuss the often delicate subject of altering long-term treatments or medications for patients without implying previous approaches weren’t consistent with the current evaluation. . . . re-evaluating a pet's treatment plan requires tact and consideration for the client and the owner . . .” Source: Clinician’s Brief, Veterinary … [Read more...]
Keeping it simple
These invaluable tips for success are thought-provoking. But the real question is, do we apply this advice practically to improve our situation? Source: Inc., November 20, 2023. Link. Investing in yourself is the best thing you can do.” INSIGHTS: If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. … [Read more...]
Discussing pet insurance with pet owners
Includes Complimentary Commercial content An AVMA policy encourages proactive pet insurance education, writes Ricky Walther, DVM. As more research is published on how the overall quality of pet care is enabled, practice teams need to be better prepared to get clients on board. In the articles below, Walther, the chief medical officer at Pawlicy Advisor, shares ways to … [Read more...]
ABCs of instrument care
All instruments require proper point-of-use care and diligent inspection EVERY time they are used, writes Rick Shultz. He shares proven best practices including a handy ABCs infographic. This article is good content to review at a team meeting. Consider asking a sales representative or senior veterinary technician to facilitate the discussion. Instruments are expensive … [Read more...]
Underutilized and underappreciated
Editor’s note. It is common to get a call from Wendy Hauser, DVM, to discuss a recent experience or something that has been on her mind. Using vet clinic staff to the fullest is often a part of those discussions. Improving the use of veterinary technicians requires helping them work at the top of their credentials, BUT without hospital leaders advocating for, cultivating … [Read more...]
Wallet share is growing in Chewy’s autoship customer segment. Yes, wallet share!
Commentary The paradox of pet owner spending remains perplexing. However, Chewy’s successes show the convenience of sourcing a wide range of inventory online and a growing comfort with the services. On one hand, nearly two-thirds of pet owners say inflation has made it more difficult to pay a surprise vet bill and they’re nervous about rising prices of vet costs, … [Read more...]
Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women
The Forbes 2023 Power List was determined by four main metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence. It includes political leaders, the heads of major companies and more. Each of these 100 women are helping to shape the policies, products and political fights that define our world. Barbie is 100th on the list. Source: Forbes, December 5, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 30, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the November 30th AHD Bulletin – Washers and dryers require more frequent cleaning than you think. Link. Be curious. Link. What scents are dangerous to cats and dogs? Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Peafowl varieties easily confused
George and Sonja Conner share information to explain all the varieties in peafowl in a modern context. The two main peafowl origins are derived from the green peafowl (Pavo muticus) and the India blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus). While there are many phenotypes today, all of the known color and pattern mutations have been from Pavo cristatus which include cross breeding with green … [Read more...]
One third of dogs have a behavior issue, study shows
Zazie Todd, PhD, shares results from a Danish study suggesting we need to pay more attention to behavior issues in dogs. The most common issues were related to fear and disobedience, which included jumping up, barking and not coming when called. Aggression was reported less often in this study than in other studies and was typified by actions toward other dogs, not … [Read more...]
Weese: Paxlovid use in dogs? No evidence, many concerns.
Scott Weese, DVM, responded quickly to media rumors about Paxlovid used to cure a dog with respiratory disease. Paxlovid is an antiviral that we know basically nothing about in dogs. We don’t have dosing or safety info, don’t have evidence that the respiratory disease we’re encountering in dogs is caused by a virus that’s susceptible to Paxlovid. So, I don’t see its use being … [Read more...]
PACCC to host canine respiratory webinar featuring Dr. Jen the Vet
Jenifer Chatfield, DVM Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, will discuss the latest on canine upper respiratory infections, a case-based exploration of CIRDC and share some little-known pearls of information to help animal care pros better address those pesky coughs and educate pet parents. Live webinar, Thursday, December 9, 2023. 8:00 p.m. EST. Register <Link>. This webinar has … [Read more...]
Oral health opportunities for groomers and pet care pros
Commentary with references to sponsored content Oral health is one example of where groomers can have a significant positive impact, writes Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT VTS. We agree. In addition to groomers, boarding and daycare personnel have increased access to pets and pet owners to educate and reinforce the importance of regular oral care. Many progressive pet care pros now … [Read more...]
Responding to upsetting emails
How you respond to unsettling emails speaks volumes about your maturity, emotional intelligence and business savvy, writes Elizabeth Danziger. She shares a five-step process to follow to plan a reply beginning with avoiding taking it personally and delaying an immediate response. Source: HBR Ascend, November 29, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Danzinger’s process would make a good … [Read more...]
Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you.
We all spend way too much time stewing about what other people are thinking about us — when they're not thinking about us at all. Source: AXIOS, November 16, 2023. Link. …paying attention to others is very different from worrying about what others think about you.” INSIGHT: You are not as bad as some say nor are you as good as others say. … [Read more...]
Becoming an agile learner
Learning agility is an essential skill for individuals and capability for organizations, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Agile learners can approach the uncertainty and change in their roles and careers with confidence, knowing their insights and talents will help them succeed in new situations. Learning agility is the skill of learning from experiences so you can succeed … [Read more...]
Stop assuming introverts aren’t passionate about work
Introverts are equally capable of experiencing passion as extroverts, they just express it differently. The authors of new research found that regardless of their actual level of passion, extroverted employees are perceived as more passionate than introverts which often drives substantial inequities in the workplace. Society often assumes that the only way to be passionate is … [Read more...]
‘Tis the season. Kindness counts.
A big part of the holiday season is dictated by unrealistic expectations. It is full of hustle and bustle along with emotional ups and downs for some. We received this along with a note of appreciation from an AHD reader. Random acts of kindness can be a real lift for many people whether we know them or not. Consider the ideas in the full calendar from our AHD … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 30, 2023
Recent posts from AHD’s weekly Bulletins – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 2023 archives. Link. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 2023 archives. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. ============================================ Merriam-Webster's word of the year . . . Authentic Source: BBC, November 27, … [Read more...]
Reasons why cats eat grass
Eating grass is a common behavior in cats and doesn’t mean they are sick, writes Jamie Lovejoy, DVM. She shares some science-based theories held by veterinary professionals as to why cats eat grass. Owners can also buy cat grass, Lovejoy notes. Source: Pet MD, November 3, 2023. Link. Also see: How and why to grow cat grass, Rover. Link. Many retailers now offer cat grass … [Read more...]
Mystery canine respiratory virus has growing footprint
Eleven states have now reported a mystery respiratory illness in dogs <Link>. The mysterious illness was described as an atypical canine infectious respiratory disease that presents similar to kennel cough, but doesn’t respond to normal medication. Plus, the cough lasts longer than the normal seven to 10 days. Source: CNN, November 28, 2023. Link. At least two-hundred … [Read more...]