It’s a first! AVMA’s Large Animal Hospital Internship Guidelines and Veterinary Large Animal Ambulatory Internship Guidelines outline the structure of a successful large animal internship for both scenarios, accounting for issues specific to working in such practices. Source: AVMA, April 28, 2025. Link. The internship guidelines say that such programs should be a one-year … [Read more...]
Is it time to legalize horse slaughter in the U.S.?
Commentary Kudos to Sarah McNaughton-Peterson for addressing a volatile topic. As a horse owner, she is grounded in doing the best for her animals. Still she asserts, “there comes a time . . .” Her comment about culling practices is notable. With welfare issues top of mind, she reminds us that the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 classifies horses as livestock, of … [Read more...]
What happens when a cat feels emotionally safe long-term?
An emotionally safe cat is surprisingly adaptable, writes Linnea H, BSc, Sociology. Despite the first photo showing a dog’s paws, her assertions on cats and trust are a worthy read. Those of us who grew up around free-range barn cats will recognize some of the behaviors she says indicate a cat feels truly at home. When they trust their environment and their people, new … [Read more...]
The economic case for saving human jobs
Commentary Already fatigued by the onslaught of AI-enabled communications, inquiries and robocalls, this article appeared to initiate thought beyond the current inconveniences. One would hope AI would eventually create more opportunities but Faisal Hoque shares a different perspective. How our societies and economies will deal with automation may have profound consequences … [Read more...]
How speaking slower influences consumer behavior
There’s nothing like having to constantly say, “What did you say?” Research by Jonah Berger, PhD, outlines the importance of speaking more slowly to become a more effective communicator. Key takeaways from this article include: Speaking slightly slower in social interactions makes people seem more empathetic. Training customer service agents and salespeople to speak … [Read more...]
Your brand
The most iconic companies—Nike, Apple, Harley-Davidson—rarely talk about themselves. Instead, they talk about what they believe. Source: LinkedIn, April 16, 2025. Link. Powerful brands don’t rely on aesthetics, they rely on emotion, writes René Rodriguez. Branding is how your customers feel about themselves when they engage with your brand.” INSIGHTS: Branding is the story … [Read more...]
Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
May will bring a plethora of content on mental health as society continues to address and prevent challenges of the mind and emotions. Suicide is always top of mind, but being more aware and less polarized by “mental health” can help avert crises. Whether one-on-one or communicating with your constituents, consistency is important. We’re sharing a few resources in the links … [Read more...]
Pet influencers are increasing in popularity
There are about 3.5 million active pet influencer accounts globally dedicated to pet content. NBC News reports on the high earning potential of this niche business and how content creators say their passion is about more than the money. Source: NBC News, April 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
How to work with your brain, not against it
It is often easier to obsess over the one thing you didn’t finish today than the 20 things you did, writes Charlie Gilkey. Explaining the Zeigarnik Effect, he says our brains treat incomplete tasks like a persistent alarm system, keeping them front and center until we handle them or explicitly tell our brain we’ve got this covered. This creates an exhausting cognitive drag. He … [Read more...]
Are you a lucky person?
According to Jeff Bezos, Mark Cuban, Warren Buffet and other successful individuals, luck played a role in their success in addition to being an indicator of other admirable qualities. Source: Inc., April 9, 2025. Link. The self-perception of being a lucky person is a good indicator that someone is humble, observant, action-oriented, and willing to bet on themselves, their … [Read more...]
Consider a pet insurance specialist as part of the veterinary team
Studies show that clients with insurance are more likely to pursue treatment plans and get advanced care for their pets. Liz Devitt, DVM, shares how dedicating a team member as a pet insurance specialist could be a win-win-win for clients, their pets and a veterinary practice. In this capacity, the specialist would be a resource, not a salesperson, to help pet owners select a … [Read more...]
Gratitude comes with benefits. How to practice it when times are stressful.
At the best of times, awareness of the positive may require more effort than noticing the negative, let alone in times of heightened distress, writes Monica Y. Bartlett, Ph.D. She shares two proven ways to practice gratitude: Try a daily gratitude journal or list Expressing gratitude to others Source: The Conversation, April 24, 2025. Link. When we feel gratitude … [Read more...]
Attention to detail matters
Whether curiosity and attention to detail are innate or not, Adam Bryant asserts the importance of developing these skills. It is about being professional, he says. This is especially important when it comes to follow-through, communications, scheduling and its effect on customer experiences. Source: strategy+business, April 4, 2025. Link. Whether it’s the work produced … [Read more...]
USDA develops resource to help veterinary professionals recognize, respond to screwworm
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are important in recognizing New World screwworm should an invasion of Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screwworm fly, occur. To help in these efforts, the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program has developed the training module, Module 41: New World Screwworm: A 21st Century Perspective. It goes over signs of NWS, its life … [Read more...]
Sporotrichosis identified in cats, veterinary technician
The CDC is collaborating with veterinary associations and veterinary professionals to raise awareness among veterinary professionals about feline sporotrichosis and precautions for preventing zoonotic transmission in the veterinary setting. In November 2022, a technician caring for a cat received a puncture wound from the cat’s infected paw. A blister appeared on the … [Read more...]
The vital role of SDS management and OSHA compliance in veterinary practices
Alex Milan and Veronica Marrero share the importance of auditing safety data sheets and OSHA compliance in this article. They highlight priorities, such as routine staff review and training to maintain a safe and compliant hospital for people and animals. Source: Patterson Veterinary Insight Companion Edition, April 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: When new products or brands are … [Read more...]
Free, 30-day pet parasite forecasts boost local value of CAPC’s forecasting service
Commentary Veterinary teams and pet owners can now be alerted to local parasite disease threats at no charge using CAPC’s monthly pet parasite forecast maps <Link>. These alerts provide excellent reasons to communicate timely parasite prevalence and associated risks with clients and local media. The Companion Animal Parasite Council just released its 2025 Pet … [Read more...]
Habitat a priority in saving honey bees but there’s more species to consider
As seasonal plants arrive in local garden and hardware stores, consider the opportunity to support pollinators. Beyond honey bees, there are more than 4,000 species of bees in the U.S that help pollinate flowers, plants and crops. As few as three or four pots of the right plants can attract bees and butterflies on city streets, balconies and decks. We’re sharing three … [Read more...]
Rendering important in today’s pet food supply chain
The research arm of North American Renderers Association, in partnership with IFEEDER, AFIA and the Pet Food Institute, released new research highlighting the essential use rendered ingredients have in pet food. In 2024, the U.S. pet food industry reached $51.7 billion in sales and produced 9.8 million tons of pet food. More than 600 safe, nutritious ingredients included over 4 … [Read more...]
Leave BUT out of communications
One word that often sneaks into our sentences and quietly undermines our intentions is “but,” writes Steve Keating. When used, the conjunction causes people to focus on what follows “but” because it signals contrast or contradiction. They ignore the first portion of the sentence. The brain latches onto the exception, not the rule. Swap out the “buts. “ Try different … [Read more...]
Recruitment expert shares when last-minute interview prep helps (and when it hurts)
Senior recruitment consultant Julia Yurchak says that despite the clear advantages of early preparation there are specific situations where strategic last-minute prep can benefit candidates. Source: Keller Executive Search. Link. The most successful candidates strike a balance between thorough advance preparation and strategic last-minute review.” … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 3, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 27, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 27, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Stretching others. Link. Spring health checklist promotes consistent routine for horse care. Link. Preventing mastitis in pregnant heifers. Link. ================================= New word, gigil describes seeing … [Read more...]
Production bonuses to reward high-performing relief veterinarians
Production bonuses are a new feature offered by Serenity Vet, a veterinary relief platform with integrated financial planning tools for veterinarians and clinics. With this feature, clinics can offer a flat rate with the opportunity to earn more from busy shifts. Production-based pay is now live for all users on the Serenity Vet platform Source: Serenity Vet, March 31, 2025. … [Read more...]
Handling the existing and looming threats of feral swine
Called wild, feral, pigs, boars, swine or hogs, these adaptable animals are an invasive species steadily encroaching into more than 35 U.S. states and several Canadian provinces writes Bruce Derksen. Wild pigs cause direct physical damage to pastures, forage fields, fences and crops and like deer are a direct competitor in pasture-based livestock management … [Read more...]
CSU avian influenza expert discusses how H5N1 affects wild and domestic animals
Understanding how the current H5N1 virus is affecting wild and domestic animals is a mission of the Colorado State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The VDL runs as many as 600 samples on a busy day, including a growing number from cats. The VDL has detected outbreaks in commercial poultry and backyard poultry flocks, dairy cattle, domestic pet cats, wild birds and … [Read more...]
Association for Pet Obesity Prevention releases new communication guidelines
APOP has released its Guidelines for Pet Obesity Communication: Promoting Respectful Communication about Animal Obesity. These new guidelines seek to reshape how the community talks about pet obesity by emphasizing pet-first language and promoting the term “clinical obesity.” Saying “a dog with clinical obesity” reframes obesity as a modifiable health condition and encourages … [Read more...]
Earn CE online: A Guide to Proper Hoof Function and Form
Horse health begins where the hoof meets the ground. Certified Master Hoof Care Professional Steve Hebrock, MSC, will explore equine hoof function and form in this online CE course. The curriculum includes: Differences between biologically normal and common, typical hoof form Functions of the foot, the characteristics of a properly balanced foot and the optimal hoof … [Read more...]
Study supports use of horses in substance detox therapy programs
Elevated cortisol is an effect of chronic addiction and withdrawal, which negatively impacts the cognitive function needed for substance abuse recovery. Researchers sought to know if equine therapy interactions could mediate these stress responses. Studies have indicated equine-based therapy does reduce stress responses, improve patient comfort and confidence and emotional … [Read more...]
Stress and performance
Not always negative … the right kind of stress . . . controlled and purposeful . . . can be a powerful tool for growth, performance and resilience. Source: René Rodriguez, LinkedIn, March 5, 2025. Link. The key to thriving under pressure is finding the optimal level of stress that pushes performance without triggering the negative effects of overwhelm.” - René … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 20, 2024. Link. Most read posts from March 20, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ego management. Link. 3 phrases no one should ever say in a negotiation. Link. A new approach to deworming. Link. Dog breeds being banned in the U.S. (slides). Link. AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin … [Read more...]