Each audience is unique. Every time we present an idea there are opportunities to improve what audience members remember. Whether we communicate in a formal speech, present laboratory diagnostics results or engage a group at a lunch ‘n learn, we want them to listen, remember and often make decisions. Research shows that audiences remember a dismal 10 percent to 30 percent of … [Read more...]
Wildlife doesn’t always obey the rules (video)
Commentary Wild animals are opportunistic eaters and the squirrel* in this video is no exception. Our recent post, Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people, preceded a plethora of media stories about encounters with bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, elk, moose and more. Drought, wildfires, seasonal changes and crop harvesting has wild critters moving to find new food … [Read more...]
Global One Health Joint Plan of Action set in motion
The objectives of the OH JPA seek to create a world better able to prevent, predict, detect and respond to health threats and improve the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment while contributing to sustainable development. Six interdependent action tracks form the plan’s pillars. These priorities are to help achieve sustainable health and food systems, reduce … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 27, 2022
Last week's AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 20, 2022. Link. ====================================== First honeybee vaccine could protect the entire hive, starting with queen Source: Popular Science, October 21, 2022. Link. A study published on October 17 in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science found honeybees born … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 20, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Socializing new puppies? Manage the right amount of playtime. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 13, 2022. Link. 10 commandments of dog ownership Source: AHD, June 28, 2022. Link. Reposting because it is important to routinely reinforce the responsibilities of pet ownership, … [Read more...]
Working together to keep African swine fever at bay
Commentary We noted instructions for international travelers on the USDA website <Link> including sanitizing or burning clothing and shoes. This warning is important for all animal health pros and is relevant considering the growing U.S. population of feral hogs: Do NOT visit a farm, premises with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo, circus, pet store with … [Read more...]
Veterinary technicians to share their view of the state of the profession
Join The Bridge Club as veterinary technicians discuss the state of the profession today, opportunities for growth, solutions to workflow management and ways technicians can provide more value in the current practice context. Source: The Bridge Club. Link. Register to join the conversation on Zoom, October 27th at 7 p.m. CDT. No fees. Registration required … [Read more...]
Newest Chats with the Chatfields
Complimentary Sponsored Content Dog trainer Kathy Santo joins the Chatfields to share tips for dining out with dogs. They also share a recording of their keynote from the recent 2022 IBPSA FLOW annual conference. Note the discussion of pathogen risks, behavioral concerns, managing what dogs find under tables and possible liabilities in the dining out episode. Source: … [Read more...]
Nikon’s Small World celebrates 47 years of images. Contribute yours
Nikon’s Small World is the leading forum for showcasing the complexity and beauty of life seen through the light microscope. Its Photomicrography Competition and video competition, called Small World in Motion, are open through April 30, 2023. Animal health pros can enter one or both. In the meantime, look at the 2022 winning shots. You’ll be amazed. These are but two … [Read more...]
Reasons to hire an animal trainer
Best intentions aside, many people have limited time and knowledge to train a new dog. Discussing details of hiring a trainer, the author shares eight benefits of engaging a professional trainer and what to seek in one. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: As we expect our pets to be present in a variety of social environments it is critical to help them acquire the … [Read more...]
What to do if you’re put on a performance improvement plan
Helen Harris says a PIP is an opportunity to improve before facing other actions, such as termination. She reminds people to take time to process the information, and fully understand why they were placed on a PIP in the first place. A good PIP is well documented and detailed . . . If you don’t agree with what’s in the PIP and your manager isn’t willing to negotiate or … [Read more...]
How to negotiate a job offer
Understanding how to negotiate most effectively, in a way that benefits you while preserving relationships is important. Developing negotiation skills are essential, especially in a workplace setting where job titles, money, career progression and overall satisfaction are on the line. Rodney Satterwhite shares ways to negotiate to get what you want and be happier. He also … [Read more...]
How work-life balance struggles for working moms have changed over the last generation (podcast)
Kathleen Davis visits with mothers and daughters who compare how they balance unpaid labor at home and how motherhood has affected their careers in this episode of the Ambition Diaries podcast. For the majority of women there is no question having-it-all and work life balance isn’t possible. . . it’s a matter of survival.” Source: Fast Company, Link. Of the many issues … [Read more...]
The hard conversation
All of us have had to, or will, deal with a frustrating work situation at some point in our careers. SOURCE: CNBC, September 18, 2022. Link. Being curious and asking questions can help defuse negative emotion and keep tensions from rising. INSIGHT: The person is never the problem. Their behavior, their performance etc. may be. Separate that from the person and focus on the … [Read more...]
Cardiologist studying female animals to gain insight into women’s health
Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, a cardiologist with the University of California – Los Angeles, is once again studying animals to explore health connections between them and humans. Her current focus is on cross-species similarities in female health and she hopes to fill historical research gaps about diseases that primarily affect women. She says understanding our place in the … [Read more...]
AAHA’s October Trends celebrates technicians, open access
Trends magazine is the premier magazine for AAHA members. During Veterinary Technician Week, all animal health pros get access to this special edition. Veterinary technicians are the backbone to animal hospitals” - Anonymous Source: AAHA Trends, October 2022. Link. In this issue: Getting well, keeping well Techs@Work photo spread What is the role of a VTS? What … [Read more...]
Red collars on dogs have meaning beyond fashion
This article falls into the learn-something-new-everyday category. Red is the universal sign for STOP, writes Wendy Rose Gould. It gives us reason to pause and be cautious. Gould interviewed pet experts who explained some dogs wear red collars, red bandanas or use red leashes as a safety warning. They also admitted not all dog owners are aware of or use this color-coded … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 12, 2022
Last month’s AHD posts September 2022 archives. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 7, 2022. Link. Research: Men are worse allies than they think Source: Harvard Business Review, October 7, 2022. Link. Despite the new DEI focus on allyship education and programming, research shows that women and other … [Read more...]
What is Zoop! hiding?
Opinion Multiple email efforts from a new pet grooming brand, Zoop! caught my attention and generated questions. The promotional language included, “Made from non-toxic and natural ingredients that are guaranteed to keep you and your furry friends safe, Zoop! grooming products are made of ingredients that eradicate smells, whether they’re in the carpet or on your … [Read more...]
New advancements in dermatology, renal diets
Adrienne Bautista, DVM, PhD, DABVT, is on tap to share advancements in dermatology and renal diets using current diagnostics to guide nutritional recommendations tailored to individual pets. Live, virtual discussion hosted by The Bridge Club on Zoom, October 20th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CDT. Register to participate at no cost. <Link> Source: The Bridge Club. Link. … [Read more...]
The best methods for cleaning your smartphone
A smartphone is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, which can cause respiratory infections, diarrhea and other illnesses. This author shares multiple methods for cleaning your smartphone without damaging it. Your smartphone is one of the dirtiest things you own. “ Source: SimplyGeeky, June 23, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider adding smartphone and desk phone cleaning … [Read more...]
More than 100,000 enter Nature Conservancy’s 2022 Photo Contest
Photos from 196 countries and territories were judged in six categories, including a new one focusing on climate. Friendly lions, thriving lizards and glowing mushrooms appear in winning photos. Photographers worked hard to create incredible imagery but this year they also worked hard on sending a message with their photographs. This took the contest to another level.” - Alex … [Read more...]
Every email needs a clear call to action
You can be straightforward and gracious at the same time when sending emails. Providing call to action dos and don’ts Kat Boogard shares five cut-and-paste templates to use in your emails. Don’t be too general Do include a deadline Don’t forget to say thank you . . . being explicit about what you need can feel a little counterintuitive. We don’t want to seem like … [Read more...]
Short, not shallow
It is self-indulgent to force us to sort through hundreds of words to figure out what you are trying to tell us. Source: AXIOS.com, September 29, 2022. Link. The first sentence of anything you write should include the most essential info, using as few words as possible. INSIGHTS: Think about your audience, not yourself. Editor’s note: This post and others like it should … [Read more...]
WHY Animal Health Digest exists
Commentary A recent discussion emphasized the WHY of Animal Health Digest. A semi-retired sales and marketing colleague inquired about writing part-time. As much as this person would like to contribute to AHD, it became apparent the realities of schedules, family and personal care would interfere. Time IS a precious commodity.” Responding to this inquiry I offered, … [Read more...]
Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people
Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
National Vet Technician Week – October 16-22, 2022
Don’t forget to celebrate and promote the valuable contributions veterinary technicians make to the veterinary profession and society. The AVMA and NAVTA have resources available to assist with social media, in-clinic or local media promotion of these important team members. Sources: AVMA. Link NAVTA. Link … [Read more...]
Cushing, The Bridge Club to discuss the latest on veterinary telehealth
Complimentary Content Catch up on the discussion of VCPRs, access to care and staffing shortages, plus get the latest about veterinary telehealth from Mark Cushing, JD. Source: The Bridge Club, October 3, 2022. Link. Be a part of the discussion on Zoom, October 12th, 7:00 p.m. Central time. Free registration required. Register here <Link> … [Read more...]
Industry’s commitment to CE increases value of animal care
Commentary The animal health industry is generous with support resources. Thank you! I’ve lost count of the continuing education credit opportunities offered in the veterinary market. My last look showed 25 new programs were offered in September. This doesn’t include innumerable podcasts and YouTube videos being promoted, nor does it account for myriad free CE programs … [Read more...]
Make fire prevention a priority during National Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week is October 9 – 15. This Farm Progress article is a timely reminder about fire risks and fire safety from an on-farm perspective. There are plenty of in-town risks, as well. Be sure to remove debris from air ducts and around HVAC units and keep outdoor break areas clutter-free. Fire extinguishers should be checked annually. The most important … [Read more...]