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...]
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...]
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...]
I feel the need for speed
This is the era of speed, indeed. The winners will narrow their focus to the tasks that truly matter — and activate. Focus is a force multiplier on work." Source: AXIOS, November 30, 2023. Link. Too many people confuse motion with movement. INSIGHT: Knock it out and move on. … [Read more...]
Veterinary community invited to participate in Vet Med artificial intelligence survey
Complimentary Content Administered by the American Animal Hospital Association, the Digitail survey aims to explore the perception and utilization of AI tools among veterinary professionals. It will provide an opportunity for veterinary professionals to influence the future development of AI tools, ensuring they benefit both practitioners and patients. Source: Digitail, … [Read more...]
The role of the personality hire. Bringing the workplace vibes.
Commentary Often seen shouting “You’ve got to fight for your right to par-tee,” Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce is a unifying figure on and off the NFL gridiron. Unique personalities that click with staff and reflect corporate branding have a substantial business impact, especially when, like Kelce, they are also highly competent. In these two articles, … [Read more...]
Packaged Facts – pet industry is now “omnimarket,” not just “omnichannel”
Combining retail and pet services is becoming more common, according to Packaged Facts Pet Services in the US, 2nd Edition 2023. At the consumer level, franchising can combine some of the advantages of local, operator-owned with corporate efficiencies. At the industry level, franchising exemplifies how the pet market has entered a new era of multiple-front competition driven in … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 11, 2023
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...]