Call them veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses or even “you there,” but call them and involve them fully in veterinary practice services. There’s a clear link between practice revenue, veterinarian satisfaction and the work of veterinary technicians. When deployed to the full extent of their knowledge and skills, clients’ experiences are enhanced and veterinary … [Read more...]
RECOVER Initiative releases first-of-its-kind newborn resuscitation guidelines
The RECOVER Initiative recently released its ‘Newborn Resuscitation Guidelines for Puppies and Kittens.’ This first-of-its-kind resource for veterinary professionals addresses ways to help puppies and kittens survive during the critical post-birth period. In the guidelines, veterinary professionals can find everything from appropriate warming and drying techniques, positive … [Read more...]
Ways to help cats and their caregivers prepare for veterinary visits
We continue our collaboration with Gina Fortunato and Kristin Wuhrman to share actionable insights from Catalyst Council research to support growth in the feline care segment. Thank you for reading the first edition posted September 23rd <Link>. Feline care is a current industry growth segment. However, barriers, especially stress and uncertainty, still suppress … [Read more...]
Competitive rivalries
Nursing a rivalry, whether it's with a colleague, friend or sibling can sound stressful, but the right kind of competition can be a powerful motivator and push us to be better. Source: AXIOS, September 10, 2025. Link. Warning - people may be more likely to be unethical or cutthroat when competing against a rival because they really want to win.” INSIGHTS: Constant … [Read more...]
Understanding the rise of career dysmorphia and what you can do about it
Career dysmorphia, a newly coined non-medical term, deals with one’s obsession with their career. This occurs when professionals struggle to realistically perceive the career progress they have made. The problem is worsened by the constant comparison of their situation with those around them, fueling self doubt. Source: The HR Digest, via AVMA SmartBrief, October 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
The science of defiance: Why we comply; plus how to resist successfully
Commentary This article is appropriate for this time in our industry and society. Dr. Sah’s perspectives are worth considering as we are asked to act, accept and adopt at what often seems like warp speed. Her framework is based on behavioral science research that defines ways to act intentionally, effectively and true to your values. She shares her simple, actionable guide … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 6, 2025
Congratulations and welcome to the 25 new members who joined the association in Q3. Check the list for these members in your area and consider giving them a call. Two upcoming webinars available: How to Hold Staff Accountable with Love. Wednesday, October 15th at 1:00 p.m. Central Time <Register here> Tofu litter: A clean, green kennel solution. October 29, … [Read more...]
Meeting Gen Zs where they learn
As our industry looks to 2026 and allocating budgets for educational programs, Michelle Westfort’s perspectives on providing learning opportunities for Gen Z employees are worth considering. This generation embraces non-traditional educational paths while still valuing formal education. She highlights: a) short-term, stackable and flexible learning options; b) the value of … [Read more...]
It’s the process that counts
What’s the point of coming in and doing the same thing? What difference do we make if the problems we solve never end? In practice, there is no finish line, no graduation and no mission accomplished, says Andy Roark, DVM, in this thoughtful article. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, August 1, 2025. Link. We can choose to embrace the process and find joy in our … [Read more...]
Goodbye, back room. Hello, lower-stress patient exams.
Karen Becker, VMD, asks an obvious question about taking pets into the back room for examination, then addresses the benefits and challenges of exam room appointments that include pet owners. She asserts that allowing a guardian to remain involved in the treatment and care of their pet opens the doors of communication, builds trust with that client, and influences client choice … [Read more...]
Reflections on anthropomorphism, the uniquely human need to humanize
In most cases, when we anthropomorphize animals, objects, concepts and such, it is either harmless or beneficial to us and the things we are anthropomorphizing, shared Justin Gregg, PhD, in his interview with Marc Bekoff, PhD. It can, of course, go terribly wrong and cause harm to all parties involved, but on balance, it’s a force for good in this world. Bekoff interviewed … [Read more...]
No title, no problem
Leadership begins the moment you care more about the success of others than your own. Source: Veterinary Advantage, May 2025. Link. One of the biggest mistakes I see young professionals make is thinking leadership means talking more. Nope. It’s about talking better.” INSIGHTS: It starts with listening to understand. … [Read more...]
5 tips to handle daily stress
Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, recently developed RULER. It’s a framework to handle the highs and lows life hands us daily. More than 5,000 schools are using this tool featured in his new book, ‘Dealing With Feeling: Use Your Emotions to Create the Life You Want.” They are: Recognize: pause, accept you feel something big … [Read more...]
Keeping rabbits safe from RHDV-2 in endemic areas
Complimentary Commercial Content Fall changes wild rabbits’ food sources, prompting them to seek new sheltered locations and spend more time foraging <Link>. This often brings the rabbits closer to farmsteads, acreages and suburban homes. In areas where rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 is endemic, the risk of domestic rabbits becoming infected increases (see … [Read more...]
Boehringer Ingelheim launches VetED™ Academy, an education portal for veterinary professionals
VetED™ Academy is a new veterinary education portal designed to streamline access to continuing education for veterinary professionals. The company says VetED™ Academy will serve as a centralized destination for free RACE-accredited learning, consolidating content into one intuitive experience. Source: Boehringer Ingelheim, September 19, 2025. Link. Veterinary professional … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches its annual FFA Convention T-shirt fundraiser
For the 11th year, Tractor Supply is offering a limited edition tee shirt as a fundraiser for FFA. The 2025 theme is "Empower," a reference to the organization's commitment to helping young people find inspiration and direction to lead, making an impact on the world around them. The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo will take place October 29th through November 1st in … [Read more...]
Innovation is a state of mind. 2025 Veterinary Innovation Summit overview.
We selected Gene O’Neill’s insights from the recent Veterinary Innovation Summit <Link> from the many postings shared by attendees. He shares perspectives on big issues that are critically important to move our industry forward and demonstrate the true value of veterinary medicine. Source: Gene O'Neill, LinkedIn, September 12, 2025. Link. O’Neill summarized four major … [Read more...]
AAHA’s standards receive first-ever full refresh
AAHA has completed a comprehensive refresh of the accreditation standards to bring those benchmarks of excellence fully up to date for the first time in 90 years. Nearly 400 revisions were recommended to the 1,200 standards, of which more than 250 were implemented. The range of revisions included updates to clarify language, streamline categories, as well as strengthen the … [Read more...]
Conditions associated with HPAI spreading to farms identified
Kimbra Cutlip’s article is a reminder that 1) wild bird migration is underway, 2) colder weather means more infections, 3) biosecurity reduces risk to animals and their caretakers, and 4) prevention strategies are beneficial and reduce strain on production economics. Source: Feedstuffs, September 10, 2025. Link. A recently published study in the journal One Health compared … [Read more...]
Job #1 – Getting results
As a mid-career leader, your development is well underway, but nowhere near complete. You are formed but not finished. Your employees want your time, guidance and recognition. Your boss wants your loyalty, diligence, and competence. Both groups want your leadership, but each toward different aims. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, August 2025. Link. Advancement as a mid-career … [Read more...]
Attention as a trainable system
Danny Kenny describes the attention crisis today that previous generations never had to navigate, calling it “continuous partial attention.” We’re always on, but never fully focused, just perpetually scattered, he says. While we know what we want to achieve, often the attention mechanisms that enable us to get it done are overlooked. Kenny continues to explain attention as a … [Read more...]
Webinar-CE: Innovations in allergy testing, Lyme disease and early cancer diagnostics
There are still a few seats available for a free educational webinar with Khristofor Agassandian, DVM, PhD (Neurobiology & Neuroscience), who will share cutting-edge advancements in veterinary diagnostics. Topics will include innovations in immunology, allergy testing and immunotherapy, the neurological impact of Lyme disease and early cancer detection through the … [Read more...]
There’s a bigger dryer fire hazard than the lint trap: How to clean it
In clinics, grooming spas and boarding locations, clothes dryers run most days if not many times a day. Lint traps are well-known fire hazards, but Mary Cornetta says the space just underneath the lint trap is a bigger fire hazard. She says for the type of laundry done in animal health businesses, the area beyond the lint trap needs to be cleaned every three to four … [Read more...]
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners and Honorable Mentions
AHD readers have enjoyed past pots to see photographs taken by participants in various awards. Here is another set of photographs you'll appreciate. Many of the birds that migrate between Chile, Colombia, Canada, and the United States are vulnerable due to climate change. ENJOY! Source: Audubon, Fall 2025. Link. The Audubon Photography Awards expanded the awards from a … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Matching the drug to the bug to treat BRD
K. Shawn Blood, a Zoetis DVM, reviews the four most common classes of anti-infectives used in cattle treatments and their modes of action. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right anti-infective since respiratory disease is a complex disease system. He notes that many outside variables can negatively affect treatment outcomes. Source: Progressive Cattle, September … [Read more...]
Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
“What Else?”
To fully understand the situation, you need the customer’s perception of the NEED, its IMPORTANCE, QUANTIFY it, then consider the positive/negative CONSEQUENCES and LOOK at the options. Many times, you need to ask follow-up questions. Examples are included in this article. Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2022. Link. Every practice team member is in SALES . . . and has … [Read more...]
Which coaching approach is the best fit? Behavior-based versus mental-state
The evolution of two coaching traditions continues to shape how we practice coaching today, writes Chris Morgan. He defines the two main approaches and asserts the importance of integrating mental-state alignment and behavioral execution to achieve a more reliable and sustainable shift in team performance: Behavior-based coaching: rooted in behaviorism, focused on shaping … [Read more...]
Calf castration. The younger the better!
Sponsor Content When, why and the best modern practices for castration are the topics for the last segment in this week’s episode of Doc Talk with host Dan Thomson, MS, PhD, DVM. He explains the benefits of castrating calves in the first week of life compared to waiting until weaning, since the bull's testicles don’t produce testosterone until they hit seven to 10 months of … [Read more...]
Understanding probiotics and their role in dairy production [Podcast]
Sponsor Content In this podcast episode, Stephen Lerner, PhD, explains the science and practical applications for probiotics and enzymes in dairy farming. He says microbial solutions are becoming mainstream in dairy management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional treatments, and transforming animal agriculture by improving gut health, feed efficiency, immune … [Read more...]