There are pet caregivers who do not know dogs’ hydration needs are different than our own. This author provides relevant resources, including a consumption chart (Table 1) and discusses variables that influence hydration needs. Source: Animal Wellness, August 10, 2021. Link. All dogs need adequate water to survive, and in most cases, water absorption is enhanced with the … [Read more...]
Where is retail headed?
Back to normal? NOT! Retail will continue changing. From customer preferences and expectations to the payment ecosystem to last-mile delivery, the retail industry showed it can evolve and adapt during 2020 disruptions. Now the National Retail Federation focuses on how retailers are improving the customer experience, preparing for the consumer of the future, the future of the … [Read more...]
Ditch your pandemic diet habits once and for all (includes video)
A recent report found 61 percent of Americans are trying to break unhealthy habits they created during the pandemic. University of Minnesota Medical School researchers looked at the associations between stress, psychological distress, financial difficulties and changes in eating behaviors during Covid-19. They found six key themes of eating behavior changes: Mindless … [Read more...]
The power and freedom of saying, “NO” (includes podcast)
Sometimes, the best answer is "no," and doesn’t have to come at the cost of your workplace relationships or reputation. Thea O’Connor discusses how to push back to contain your workload without threatening your career or being labelled difficult. Speak from a place of knowing your value and competence, rather than from a place of weakness or being a victim,” - Cynthia Hickman, … [Read more...]
Man 2.0: Men need more rest and how they can get it
We feel better, perform better and are kinder to others when we’re taken care of, writes Dan Doty. He suggests most men are simply conditioned to run on fumes and need to intentionally create time to relax and recharge. Source: Healthline, December 22, 2020. Link. When we don’t rest enough, we put our bodies and nervous systems into overdrive mode. We operate on cortisol. . … [Read more...]
Build an excellent coaching strategy
Effective coaching is a crucial ingredient to satisfied employees. It leads to improved performance, knowledge transfer, skill improvement and employee retention, writes Steve Taplin. His writing shares some results and specific elements to include in a coaching strategy. While his examples are specific to a remote employee business, the initial step of coaching, ‘invite … [Read more...]
A learning mindset
It’s a blend of feeling confident that you can do the project you’re taking on while simultaneously being okay with making mistakes along the way and learning from them. Source: Linkedin Pulse, August 29, 2021. Link. I find that I’m more efficient and better at my work if I allow the time and space to improve myself. Without judgement. INSIGHT: Mistakes are only bad if … [Read more...]
Veterinary pros cannot rely on diagnostic tests alone
A new commentary paper warns veterinary clinicians and researchers that a diagnosis cannot rely on tests alone. The JAVMA article discusses the process of diagnostic test validation and the use of molecular diagnostic tests in clinical and regulatory veterinary medicine. Decisions should not be made solely on the basis of diagnostic test results, especially in the absence of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 9, 2021
Last week’s . . . . . . most read post Success starts with followership, AHD. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin - Sept 2, 2021. The surprising upsides of spite and how to harness them Source: New Scientist, September 1, 2021. Link. Spiteful behavior, harming another at some cost to yourself, is a psychological game where no … [Read more...]
History of the Bantam chicken
At about a third the size of an average chicken, Bantam chickens have sometimes caused people to question if Bantams are real chickens. Don Schrider shares the history of Bantams and says they are indeed real chickens. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 31, 2021. Link. Bantams are about a third the size of large fowl, eat much less, need smaller pens, and more of them can be … [Read more...]
Select the right food and dietary plan for cats with urinary issues
Any cat at any age can develop urinary stones or crystals, urinary infections and blockages. Catster writers reached out to two of the nation’s leading authorities on cats and feline nutrition to help cat caregivers come up with a food game plan to keep felines healthy. Source: Catster, March 2021. Link. No single diet and no individual pet food company makes the best food … [Read more...]
Be interested
Often when I suggest that it would be more effective “to be interested rather than trying to be interesting,” I am met with a blank stare. My advice sounds good, but many people need help in asking the right questions. This column from five years ago may help. Source: Vet Advantage, December 2016. Link. Do not worry about sounding nosey. Leaders are naturally inquisitive, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 2, 2021
Last week’s most read post Communicating without words, Link. Last week’s Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 26, 2021. Link. On my worst mental health days, my 3 dogs get me out of bed Source: The Lily, June 27, 2021. Link. Gemma Correll shares a pictorial story of how her dogs help to improve her mental and physical health every … [Read more...]
Dairy market cows NOT cull cows
Dairy producers need to should change their vocabulary when referring to a cull cow. Cows sent to slaughter could add $60,000 to $100,00 a year to a 250-cow dairy. “Cull” means to remove something inferior or worthless. Instead, these animals should be considered market cows, something with value.” Source: Farm Progress, August 23, 2021. Link. Dairy producers must recognize … [Read more...]
How drought is affecting beef and beyond
Historic drought covers the West and most of the northern plains. One estimate shows that 32 percent of all cattle in the U.S. are under drought level conditions. A panel of experts discussed the current state of the drought during Farm Journal Field Days. These conditions cause severe disruption for ranchers and will have a lasting impact on America’s cattle industry.” – Greg … [Read more...]
Wild cockatoos make utensils out of tree branches to open fruit pits
In the Indonesian islands, Goffin’s cockatoos are the only known species to eat sea mangos, a small, tropical fruit toxic to humans. Some wild cockatoos whittle tree branches into utensils they use to open and dig into the seed-laden pits, or stones, of tropical fruit. Source: New Scientist, August 31, 2021. Link. Researchers believe this is the first known … [Read more...]
Migration Alert: high intensity bird migration in progress
Large numbers of birds are migrating over the central U.S. Some nights have more migratory birds passing through than others. To protect migratory birds, turn off all unnecessary lighting between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The strong yellow and pink in the map illustrates high intensity. Source: BirdCast, September 1, 2021. Link. Bird migration forecasts show predicted … [Read more...]
Tips for caregivers of skinny horses
Knowledge continues to increase about affects that obesity and emaciation have on animal health. This makes it important to strive to keep horses at an optimum body condition including how to body condition score (BCS) them. The authors share photos and tips to help horses with a BCS of 4 gain weight. Think about calories first!” Source: The Horse, January 28, 2019. … [Read more...]
Top e-collars for dogs
Often controversial, e-collars are used as training aids. The author reviews e-collar pros and cons for various brands. Dog trainers sometimes train dogs with e-collars to try and remedy unwanted behaviors. Some trainers say e-collars can be valuable to get dogs to obey when they are off leash, help keep them safe and locate a dog that is out of sight. Source: Puppies and … [Read more...]
Drug-resistant hookworms spreading in dogs, parasitologists warn
Veterinary parasitologists warn that multidrug-resistant hookworms are spreading in the U.S. and veterinarians should watch for persistent infections. Antoinette Marsh, PhD, cited study results that indicate dogs with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant hookworms are becoming widespread in the Southeast, and they have been documented in the Northeast and California. She said … [Read more...]
Smart cat scat is now here
Complimentary Commercial Content Health monitoring technology is now available in cats’ litter boxes and by monthly subscription. It promises to provide cat owners a visible health monitoring opportunity which is important as cats instinctively hide any illnesses. The company has engaged Martha Stewart as a Pretty Litter brand ambassador. It has been featured in media such … [Read more...]
Petabyte to partner with NVA to transform pet care experience for doctors, patients and their families
Complimentary Commercial Content The newly formed Petabyte consortium and partnership with National Veterinary Associates’ veterinary community of 1,200 independently managed veterinary hospitals and more than 100 pet resorts allows for software development collaboration. Petabyte smooths patient management for veterinary hospitals through its software, … [Read more...]
Talkatoo raises new capital to support continued growth in veterinary segment
Complimentary Congratulations to AHD supporting sponsor Talkatoo! The easy-to-use, efficient dictation software for animal health professionals announced it closed a new, oversubscribed round of funding, led by Klick Ventures. Talkatoo is one of only 12 companies selected to the exclusive Google for Startups Accelerator program’s Voice AI cohort. Talkatoo's … [Read more...]
Make-a-Wish, Addie is ‘veterinarian for a day’ at OSU
You've gotta' watch the video! Addie, an 8-year-old cancer patient from Tulsa, Oklahoma, dreams of being a veterinarian. Thanks to Make-a-Wish Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, she’s one step closer to realizing that dream. Last April, Addie spent a day with faculty, staff and students at OSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. From a … [Read more...]
Winners of the 2021-2022 Retailer of the Year awards
Pet Product News editors selected one standout store as its Retailer of the Year: Animal Connection in Charlottesville, Virginia. The pet supply store won the 2019-2020 Marketing Award and managed to top itself this year, snagging the top honor for PPN’s 2021-2022 awards. The list of award categories reveals the efforts and complexities of the pet retail … [Read more...]
New report: pet caregivers anticipate their largest expenses in the next 12 months
Most pet owners anticipate necessities like food and healthcare will rule their budgets next year, according to a recent report. Results show 84 percent of dog and cat owners expect to spend the most on food. Most pet parents will spend that on standard dry or wet food, with 80 percent confirming this is what they already feed their pets. 17 percent said that they cook for … [Read more...]
Nicole Clausen opens Inventory 911 Toolkit course
Complimentary Commercial Content Using her experiences and those of industry inventory managers, Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, CVBL, has opened enrollment in the Inventory 911 Toolkit. The methods, tools and tips have helped countless inventory managers take the first step of getting their inventory under control. It is an inventory manager's go-to, step-by-step blueprint to … [Read more...]
Usage rates for non-medical pet care services show positive trends
Complimentary Content Dog grooming is the marquee non-medical pet care service. Its usage rates rose from 25 percent in 2012/2013 to 41 percent in 2018/2019, dipping only slightly in the wake of Covid. Among dog owners overall, usage rates for nonmedical services edged up from 44 percent in 2012/2013 to 50 percent in 2019/2020, before dipping slightly due to the … [Read more...]
Success starts with followership
Unfortunately, too many people ignore followership and focus instead on trying to be more engaging, convincing or interesting. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2021. Link. When you give someone directions to your home or office, you first determine the other person’s location or starting point. The directions you then give vary based on where the other person is at any … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 2
Opinion In last week’s AHD Bulletin, we urged veterinary teams to consider spending more time with new and existing clients presenting new pets. We asserted the need for onboarding processes or guidelines as paramount to developing long-term relationships with pet owners, the health of pets and the revenue that flows from interactions with happy, engaged clients. AAHA’s … [Read more...]