Getting licked is not always pleasant for owners. Two articles shed light on this common behavior which, for the most part, is an indication the owner is liked. Source: Catster, February 1, 2021. Link. When your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress or more says JaneA Kelly. She indicates anxiety, social bonding and trust are some of the reasons cats lick … [Read more...]
The history of dog adoption and rescue in the U.S.
Arden Moore and the Dogster team keep and update key moments in the history of dog adoption and rescue. Their timeline begins in 1866, when the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals began its mission. Source: Dogster, April 30, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Study indicates canine cognitive dysfunction and periodontal disease seem linked
Recent research suggests that what is going on in a dog’s mouth may play an important role in canine cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, periodontal or gum disease has been shown to be an important factor in humans with Alzheimer's disease. Research done at Elemental Pet Vets in Freeville, New York recently generated data that suggests that what is going on in a dog's mouth … [Read more...]
The neuroscience of busyness
Cal Newport shares perspectives on a recent study designed to assess how we solve problems. The study indicates we’re biased toward solutions that add components instead of those that subtract them. Newport says this new paper raises intriguing possibilities. The collision of knowledge work (a new thing) with the digital age (an even newer thing) disrupted the professional … [Read more...]
A H.I.G.H.E.R whole team approach
Guest Contributor – Caitlin Keat, MSm We’ve combined two contributions from Caitlin Keat. Leadership behaviors do not always come naturally. Recognizing and allowing the whole person is critical to improving team dynamics, successes, retention and continuity. Wholeness is a state of forming a complete and harmonious whole. It is ongoing, everchanging, and something we have … [Read more...]
A new solution: Relief veterinary technicians
Employing a relief DVM is a familiar practice. However, the concept of a Relief Credentialed Veterinary Technician/Nurse is new to managers and practice owners, writes Michelle D. Krasicki-Aune MBA, BS, CVT. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Spring 2020. Link. Enlisting rCVTs in an institution can positively impact and potentially reverse some of the negative financial, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 13, 2021
NOTE: When it is time to catch up on your reading or recall something you scanned, try the AHD Archives on the right side of the AHD website. Such as: Archives for April 2021. Link. Last week’s top post Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why. Source: Animal Health Digest, May 4, 2021. Link. What my Mother’s death taught … [Read more...]
Could artificial insemination become illegal?
Artificial breeding might become illegal should a ballot initiative in Colorado be enacted by the state’s citizens says Corey Geiger. He reviews the legislation that would call an animal, “any living, nonhuman creature.” The revised definition would then state, “. . . not limited to, a dog, a cat, a horse, livestock . . ,” says Geiger. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, May 10, 2021. … [Read more...]
First-ever camera footage from a wild wolf
Wolf restoration efforts continue to be controversial, depending on your geography. Researchers have stepped up their surveillance efforts by fitting a wild wolf with a video camera collar. Contrary to opinion, wolves are opportunistic omnivores. Source: The Bark, May 2021. Link. The lone wolf (#V089) displays a knack for fishing. According to VWP, “He can be seen eating … [Read more...]
Decoding the guaranteed analysis on cat food labels
No wonder cat food labels are confusing! When pet foods became common, the template just got moved over from livestock and never really got adjusted. It’s a lot different from what we are used to seeing on “Nutrition Facts” labels for human foods.” - Cailin R. Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVN To clear up some of the confusion, the authors provide a guaranteed analysis … [Read more...]
Why dogs bark at nothing
For dog owners it may seem like their dog can see ghosts, but there’s a logical reason for the commotion writes Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT. Dogs don’t experience the world the same way humans do, she says. Because you can’t hear or see anything in the environment to explain your dog’s barking, that doesn’t mean there isn’t something going on. New and experienced dog … [Read more...]
It’s Lyme Disease Awareness Month
May is a time to spread information about how to prevent Lyme and tick-borne diseases. The folks at LymeDisease.org created a list of things you, your family and friends can do to help spread awareness. Source: lymedisease.org. Link. … [Read more...]
May is National Beef Month
Fire up the grill! May is National Beef Month. It’s a month when U.S. Beef Checkoff promotional dollars highlight the benefits of beef. Checkoff funds will also provide coupons in grocery stores across the country, partner with food and restaurant brands for promotions and host beef cooking demonstrations at multiple locations. Keep the grill hot, because May 28 is National … [Read more...]
Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule
Benjamin Hardy, PhD, describes what he calls Ben Franklin’s 5-hour rule. Franklin invested an hour per day for deliberate learning and thinking. No distractions, no notifications, just deliberate flow-based learning. Source: Benjamin Hardy, PhD, You Tube, May 3, 2021. Link. I would submit that if you are not spending an hour a day deliberately learning, you are actually … [Read more...]
Perspectives on mentorship
Guest Contributor - Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT Mentorship is personal and tough to define. Alyssa Mages shares her experiences with mentors and their contributions. My mentors were strong and fearless in my eyes. They looked for the potential in people and when they found it, whatever it was, they helped it to flourish, to grow, to become. They did not give up!” Source: … [Read more...]
Outcomes are key to productive meetings
“Nothing ever gets done in meetings. Meetings are a waste of time. Meetings are of no value.” For a list of reasons, we all try to avoid getting stuck in a meeting that goes on and on. There are many suggestions to improve meeting productivity, but all will be for naught if your meeting does not include Mitch Zenger’s first recommendation. Source: Meetings at … [Read more...]
5-step process holds team members constructively accountable
Confronting less-than-acceptable performance or conduct can create tension, writes Michael Canic. He says it is time to rethink how we view accountability. The goal of holding team members accountable is to help them—and the organization—improve, grow, achieve, and succeed.” – Micheal Canic Source: Training Magazine , April 28, 2021. Link. Canic shares a five-step process for … [Read more...]
PI calves: A devastating threat you might not even see
Complimentary Commercial Content from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Despite 70 years of information and education on bovine viral diarrhea virus, the disease continues to tear at herd health and profits. Persistently infected calves are one of the greatest threats facing the cattle industry, yet many producers don’t know they’re in the herd. A PI calf is an animal that … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 6, 2021
Last week’s top post Beyond wellness plans, bundling can work Source: Animal Health Digest. April 20, 2021. Link. Tractor Supply, over 5 million chickens sold to new customers in 2020 Source: Morning Brew, April 28, 2021. Link. TSC credits strong Q1 earnings to millennials moving to suburban and rural areas. There’s a name … [Read more...]
Covid-19 takes heavy toll on farmers mental health
Two in three farmers/farmworkers say the Covid-19 pandemic has affected their mental health and more than half say they are experiencing more mental health challenges than they were a year ago, according to a recent American Farm Bureau poll. Animal health pros who call on farmers and ranchers may notice behavior that is out of character. Farm Bureau assembled a list of great … [Read more...]
Trichomoniasis prevention: Improving herd health increases ROI
Unexpected open or short-bred cows are often an unfortunate sign of a Trichomoniasis, or trich, problem. It is a reproductive disease caused by a protozoan called Tritrichomonas foetus. Bulls are asymptomatic carriers of the disease, writes Rosslyn Biggs, DVM, but play the major role in trichomoniasis transmission. Positive bulls must be removed from the herd and either … [Read more...]
Eating less meat won’t save the planet. Here’s why.
If you are concerned about climate change, water use or greenhouse gases, listening to this program is a must. The presentation addresses many of the disparaging environmental messages about beef and dairy production. As is often the case, the short answer is not the true answer. Source: Brilliant.org, YouTube, April 25, 2021. Link. Listening time is 24 minutes. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Why are veterinarians so unhappy?
Source: Veterinary Innovation Solutions. Registration Link. Topics to be discussed include: The generational shift and whether millennial veterinary professionals are different to motivate How to set goals that create a sense of belonging How to build thriving teams and reduce employee turnover with the application of positive psychology. … [Read more...]
Equine nutrition 101
Without the proper nutrients, horses are also likely to experience depleted energy, behavioral problems, a weakened immune system – and the list goes on. Laura Boynton dug into the vital nutrients horses need to thrive. Source: Equine Wellness, April 23, 2021. Link. “Common errors include feeding the wrong type of feed for the type of horse,” says Kathleen Crandell, PhD. … [Read more...]
Dogs and cats do see in color
Debunking common thoughts that cats and dogs only have black-and-white eyesight, veterinary experts share the animals see in color just like us. However, the structure of their eyes limit all the hues they can see. Source: Martha Stewart, April 27, 2021. Link. "Dogs and cats can see in color; however, it is with a decreased spectrum of colors," Jennifer Freeman, DVM … [Read more...]
Jealousy in dogs
New research from New Zealand shows dogs appear to be one of the few species that might display jealous behaviors like how a human child shows jealousy when their mother gives affection to another child. In humans, jealousy is linked with self-awareness, the reason animal-cognition researchers are so interested in studying jealousy and other secondary emotions in … [Read more...]
Comprehensive review of bacteriuria, UTIs
As pet owners return to work, the schedules for many pets will change dramatically, including longer periods between trips outside for relieving themselves. One consequence of “holding it longer” can be the development or redevelopment of UTIs. In a two-part series, Juliette Bouillon, DMV, MVetSc, DACVIM, provided a review of the current literature and guidelines for the … [Read more...]
Emerging Salmonella serotype gains attention, concerns
Includes Sponsored Content Salmonella 1,4,[5],12:i:-, an emerging serotype in swine, has become one of the most identified serotypes in pigs, pork, and humans worldwide. Responding to the industry’s needs, Swine Health Information Center posted a new fact sheet that contains valuable information on the serotype, its nomenclature, as well as resistance. Pigs often carry … [Read more...]
AHD welcomes new contributors from EVT
Beginning this month, Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, and Caitlin Keat, BS, MS, will contribute their perspectives from their work with veterinary teams. Throughout the pandemic and through their business, Empowering Veterinary Teams (EVT), Mages and Keat have worked to support and inspire veterinary team members taxed with myriad changes in how work and life are transpiring. We’re … [Read more...]
Deadly diseases common to the outdoors
Animal health pros frequently discuss zoonoses. This article reviews outdoor diseases, their sources and some familiar disease names. It is important to stay informed and inform clients and staff as they head out for outdoor activities. Source: The Outdoors Mag. Link. … [Read more...]