Certified in hospice and palliative care, Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV, faced agonizing thoughts and questions when her own dog’s quality of life reached a decision point. Her wrestling, rationales and emotions are expressed in her blog post. The decision point came in the form of a question Buisson now uses with clients when facing end of life decisions. What will he be … [Read more...]
4 ways to have cost conversations with clients
Sponsored Content Compiled from more than 1,200 veterinary professionals, results from the 2021 AAHA Financial Care Study* shine a spotlight on opportunities for practices to improve the way they discuss costs with animal owners. The four key takeaways and the associated statements shared in this article are worth reviewing with the entire veterinary team. These statements … [Read more...]
AAHA Connexity. Early bird pricing ends tomorrow.
Complimentary Reminder Connexity is for everyone in the veterinary industry. From veterinarians to vet techs, practice managers to medical directors, find your colleagues at Connexity. Recharge your energy. Rekindle your passion. Reconnect with friends and colleagues. September 14-17, 2022. Nashville, TN. Source: AAHA NEWStat, June 7, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
PetSmart launches new veterinary service practice
Deploying an independent business ownership model, PetSmart Veterinary Services is positioned to provide a complete solution for veterinarians to open their own franchised practice. The more convenient vet hospital locations will connect pet owners with local, trusted veterinarians. To ensure the highest standard of care, every PVS hospital will be required to maintain … [Read more...]
Futile veterinary care is widespread, study finds
We’re confident some of you have seen the results of the new Cornell-led study that documents the prevalence of futile care. If not, the article from Cornell is a good place to gain some knowledge. Futile care is defined as continuing treatment when relevant goals can no longer be reached. The veterinarians’ sense of obligation to pet owners was reflected in the data, with 60 … [Read more...]
5 ways to stop overthinking and make faster decisions at work
Deliberation is an essential quality, especially when we have so many options. Yet, decision making can get stalled with overthinking. Melody Wilding shares five strategies to break the cycle of overthinking and make confident decisions in less time. Wilding focuses her strategies on a profile type she calls a sensitive striver. These are high-achieving persons who process … [Read more...]
VetX International seeking input for 2022 VEER Study
VetX International recently launched a survey for veterinarians, nurses and students to assess the key drivers of career happiness, stress and mental wellbeing. More survey entries will enable deeper insight into the current landscape of veterinary medicine. Take 10 minutes to share your perspectives. Survey Link. Source: Brendan Howard, LinkedIn. June 1, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 2, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Why is it so hard to shut up? Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 26, 2022. Link. =================================== The best (legal) site for free e-books, music, and movies Source: Fast Company, May 15, 2022. Link. Hoopla acts like a library, meaning that you’re “borrowing” content for a … [Read more...]
2022 World Pork Expo live June 8-10, 2022
Since 1988, the National Pork Producers Council has presented World Pork Expo at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. There’s something for everyone including an expansive trade show, educational seminars, industry updates and networking. PLUS, there is tasty pork being cooked every which way. Source: World Pork Expo. Link. … [Read more...]
No rain? No problem for mosquitoes.
The thing about mosquitoes is they’re very diverse in the habitat they can modify to, and it’s their adaptive behaviors that allow them to be successful.” - Justin Talley, PhD Source: Drovers, May 26, 2022. Link. 3 of 5 core equine diseases are spread by mosquitoes. EEE, WEE and VEE are spread to horses by mosquitoes, which feed on infected birds and rodents that serve as the … [Read more...]
Plants that keep mosquitoes away
Plants that keep away mosquitoes and provide food, for both wildlife and humans, are ideal for home environments. In addition to tasting great and reducing the mosquito population, they provide us with the options to offset the use of some chemicals. Among the plants listed are lavender, basil, thyme and rosemary. Source: Countryside, May 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How to negotiate your salary for any job
According to Jacqueline Twillie, the whole salary negotiation process is a conversation, not a battle. The author discusses ways to negotiate the next time you’re interviewing for a new job or angling for a raise. Figure out what you need to be successful–and ask for it.” Source: Fast Company, May 20, 2022. Link. Lifestyle has no place in a salary negotiation. If you bring … [Read more...]
Would your life improve if you just accepted it?
We received positive comments about including content from John P. Weiss in a recent AHD Bulletin. In his Saturday letter, Weiss shares his perspectives on the power of acceptance. He challenges us to avoid resignation and embrace acceptance. Imagine how your life could change if you embraced acceptance, let go of what’s not working, and started focusing on the areas where … [Read more...]
Negativity dominates daily thoughts. Why and what to do about it.
It turns out we humans might be built for negativity, making us our own worst enemy, writes Merilee A. Kern. She shares the perspectives of several professionals. Thoughts are powerful things, and both the positive and negative lead to our moods, our physiological symptoms and our behaviors. . . “ - Monica Vermani, B.Sc., M.A., Psy.D. Source: Fast Company, May 21, 2022. … [Read more...]
Did you smile or laugh a lot yesterday?
Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas are on a mission to bring humor back into our lives. They say humor is a teachable skill and one of the most appreciated assets at work. . . . as far as our brains are concerned, laughing is like exercising, meditating and having sex . . . at the same time, but logistically easier.” Source: TEDMonterey, July 20, 2021. Link. (9 minutes) Our … [Read more...]
8 rules for working with your relatives
Family members may be ripe for hiring this summer. Rhonda Abrams recommends definitive and proactive rules when hiring family members. These rules also apply should you hire close friends or even third cousins once removed. When bringing family members into the business, discuss touchy issues like salary, schedule flexibility and reviews upfront. Then put it all in … [Read more...]
Malone’s 2022 most-read posts to date
While Patrick T. Malone took a short break, we looked back on his posts for this year. We’re sharing six posts that were read and noticed in the top 40 percent of all AHD posts since 2022 began. Source: Animal Health Digest. Stopping the Great Resignation. Link. Emotions – make them work for you. Link. Pandemic lessons for all. Link. Ghosting. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 26, 2022
Last week’s most read posts 5 employer strategies to help with rising inflation. Link. KC Animal Health Corridor announces dates, speakers for 2022 Animal Health Summit. Link. Engaging veterinary technicians improves practice success. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, May 19, 2022. Link. One year ago: most read posts … [Read more...]
Sexed semen becoming popular in beef
Using sexed semen, beef producers can selectively breed cows to a desired bull and choose the sex of the offspring. This is beneficial if they want replacement heifers from their best cows, or bull calves from certain pairings. Source: Western Farmer-Stockman, May 12, 2022. Link. To know if use of sexed semen would be of economic value in a beef operation, each producer … [Read more...]
Understanding colostrum intake by newborn pigs
Consumption of colostrum is critical for newborn piglets. We know that. We also know farrowing can last over several hours creating variability in individual piglet vitality. Various interventions are implemented for late born pigs in farrowing units across the U.S. A recent study in more than 600 piglets examined relationships among birth characteristics, early nursing … [Read more...]
Video captures mare bonding with new foal
Rachel Reilly, an Iowa equine photographer, recorded the moment a mare and her newborn foal first bonded. Remember to turn on the sound when playing the 15-second video. Source: PetHelpful, May 18, 2022. Link. Video loads slowly in article. … [Read more...]
Surprising findings about why horses paw
Researchers have suggested pawing behavior in horses may have nothing to do with boredom, rather possible discomfort associated with exertion. Horses were more likely to paw in the afternoon, after they had been exercised, and they were less inclined to engage in the behavior on Sundays, when they were not exercised at all.” Source: EQUUS, May 5, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How and why to take a horse’s pulse
Horse owners will appreciate learning about pulse rates as a horse health indicator. Teaching them during an exam to monitor pulse is an excellent way for veterinarians and veterinary technicians to engage with them. A horse at rest will typically have a pulse rate between 30 and 40 beats per minute. If a horse who hasn’t just finished exercising has a pulse rate of 50 beats … [Read more...]
Morris Animal Foundation highlights the top 10 toxins for cats and dogs
Pet owners need to be reminded of possible toxins, including foods that are commonplace in and outside our homes. Summer activities can upend pet schedules, change caretakers and remove oversight of pet activities. Consider this update for social media and newsletters. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, March 17, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Ways to measure, promote employee satisfaction
Complimentary Sponsored Content Many practice leaders claim they prioritize the happiness of their teams. But can they measure how well they deliver their intent? Join Ivan Zak, DVM, and guests gather to better understand a structured approach to collecting feedback. Expect to hear ways to measure and promote employee satisfaction, common mistakes businesses make when … [Read more...]
Dark shadows and the neighbor’s new chicken coop
Personal experience A neighbor has constructed and populated a small backyard chicken coop about 100 yards from the back fence in my yard. Within a few days, I saw more hawks and owls circling the area, resting in the tall oaks and casting shadows as they flew over our neighborhood. Startled by the shadow of a swooping red-tail hawk I watched a massive one dive-bomb … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 23, 2022
Health risks to people and pets from chemically scented products, puppy boom driving profits. . . creating havoc, cybersecurity ideas for small business, hotel chain to offer dog walking services, pet food humanization requires more capacity to meet demand and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, May 23, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Preventing screentime-induced headaches and neck pain
Common themes for people who work in front of screens are neck and shoulder problems, eye discomfort, worsening vision, a sense of exhaustion and tiredness after a while, plus many people report headaches. Before you take a couple NSAID capsules, try out these tips from Erik Peper, PhD. Source: goop, May 19, 2022. Link. Peper says: If you use a laptop, almost by … [Read more...]
Writing thank you emails after an interview (samples included)
Some say the Great Resignation is really a Great Reshuffling of the work force. Regardless, how we follow up after an interview is critical to securing a new position. The author offers templates for rapid follow-up. Start your follow-up as soon as humanly possible by writing a killer interview thank you note.” Source: The Muse. Link. Your thank you note sets the tone as your … [Read more...]
Why is it so hard to shut up?
People clearly struggle with zipping their lips, especially in times of stress. We’ve all heard phrases like “open mouth, insert foot” or “don’t dump all your dumb at once.” Jennifer V. Miller offers 18 ways to think before you speak. She uses THINK as an acronym for pausing before you talk. Whenever you want to say something, be sure to “think” about it before saying … [Read more...]