Commentary In some parts of the U.S., we usually have three or more days where winter temperatures moderate and we thaw out. At the same time, daylight hours are increasing. This period begins the breeding season for some wildlife species. Skunks, raccoon, foxes, bobcats and coyotes start looking for mates and food, and they’re driven by hormones and hunger. Breeding … [Read more...]
Shepherding off the coast of Maine remains unchanged for eons
Interested animal health pros will find this photo-filled story interesting, if not memorable. Experience how the Wakeman family works to maintain the traditions of island shepherding, which have been unchanged for centuries. Source: New York Times, December 31, 2020. Link. Historical evidence suggests that sheep have been raised on Big Nash Island for more than 300 years. … [Read more...]
Talkatoo’s 7-day trial offer gaining popularity
Sponsored Commercial Content Voice-to-text has gotten easier for animal health pros whose previous experiences with off-the-shelf software fell short of expectations. Talkatoo has upped the game in voice-to-text technology. A free 7-day trial lets prospective users experience how well the program captures even veterinary medicine terms. Source: Talkatoo. Link. Try it … [Read more...]
The remarkable life of Tommy Raskin
We’ve shared innumerable items about how important it is to maintain mental health, address issues surrounding it and to do what we can to prevent suicide. Whether for you, a coworker or a customer, when in doubt, ACT. None of us wants to help write a tribute such as this one that Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin and Sarah Bloom Raskin shared about their son, Tommy, last … [Read more...]
Sleep loss hijacks brain’s activity during learning
New research suggests disrupted sleep may lead to more problems than the occasional all-nighter. Source: Science Daily, November 11, 2020. Link. Research summary: Sleep is crucial for consolidating our memories, and sleep deprivation has long been known to interfere with learning and memory. Now a new study shows that getting only half a night's sleep - as many medical … [Read more...]
Disagreement doesn’t have to be divisive
Rather than engaging in potentially difficult or uncomfortable conversations, many of us try to avoid them altogether. But there may be a more effective approach. . . “ Source: Harvard Business Review, November 16, 2020. Link. When someone has a sharply different point of view than your own, the natural tendency is to either avoid a conversation with that person or to try to … [Read more...]
What to do when your boss favors a colleague over you
Today, the leading reason people quit their companies is feeling a lack of appreciation. A recent study showed more than half of executives admit to having a favorite when deciding on internal promotions. Once you catch your breath from being kicked in the gut, the authors share four strategies to protect your career and sustain your motivation to succeed: Test your … [Read more...]
Resilience needed for ongoing success
For many of us, and in most businesses, change is constant. Whether a business is adapting for relevance, roles are expanding for progress or departments are realigning for efficiencies, something new is at the heart of the change initiatives. And, never has this been truer for all of us in a global pandemic. Source: Turknett Leadership Group, December 17, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
For aspiring animal scientists, it all starts in AnSci 101
Lots of opportunities for animal health pros to get involved. Many animal health professionals take an Introduction to Animal Sciences course early in their coursework. When the conditions are right, an introductory course can serve as a springboard where students find additional opportunities and formalize their interest in the subject. Conversely, an ineffective intro course … [Read more...]
Q-4-2020 Veterinary Innovation Podcasts now available
Here is the latest list of podcasts since our October 6, 2020 post. < link >. Shawn Wilkie and Ivan Zakharenkov, DVM, continue to provide animal health pros access to discussions with animal health innovators. Listening to podcasts is an excellent way to learn from progressive animal health who are inventing the next iterations of animal health. Wilkie and Zakharenkov … [Read more...]
Beef on the TV for the holidays
Checkoff-funded “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” is running its famous holiday Drool Log as a TV commercial series during the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. Several commercial versions will air more than 50 times ending at New Year's. The campaign is funded with joint monies from national and state checkoff programs and fulfills members’ requests for better consumer … [Read more...]
4 strategies to overcoming pet obesity
Laurren Zimmerman shares experiences gained as a certified canine athlete specialist and multi-time national finalist and winner across multiple organizations. She shares four important strategies pet owners can use to help their dog safely lose weight: Rule out underlying health conditions with primary veterinarian* Strength training with flexibility work Clean … [Read more...]
NEW app for the puppies!
Complimentary Content from Purina Purina announced a new app for puppies, well, for their owners. 😉 The My Pup app promises to help pet owners train, learn and grow with their puppy, offering week‑to‑week guidance, articles, videos and expert tips. Source: Purina, December 21, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: We’ve not yet reviewed this app. However, it may help to fill some of … [Read more...]
Nearly 4 months to get into flow with new pet
New research commissioned by Royal Canin® indicates it takes three months and 23 days to finally get the hang of things with a new pet, according to new research. The OnePoll survey found 80 percent asserted the first year of owning a pet is the most important. It also revealed that year isn’t easy as 64 percent believe the first year is the most difficult. Source: 72point. … [Read more...]
Steve Dale’s holiday safety tips
For more than two decades, Steve Dale, certified animal behavior consultant, has been communicating with more pet owners than any other pet journalist in America. He’s not E.F. Hutton, but when Steve speaks, pet owners listen. Organizing his list in holiday fashion, Dale provides 12 Christmas pet safety tips to ensure a safe howliday. Source: Steve Dale’s Pet World, December … [Read more...]
Updating clinic materials yields a new book for pet owners
Complimentary Commercial Content Sometime last spring, Marty Greer, DVM, JD, shared she was working on updating her clinic materials for pet owners while her practice was closed during the early days of the pandemic. She offered the same Bridge Club networking group a welcome surprise in early December. Her materials updating work had expanded into a new book for puppy … [Read more...]
Covid’s holiday surge requires vigilence to disinfection protocols
Commentary with Commercial Sponsored content from Virox® Animal Health Veterinary clinic owners and managers frequently reference staff members who are worn down, tired and near exhaustion. Pandemic safety protocols have added much more diligence beyond 24/7 mask wear. Disinfecting protocols have been adjusted and remain a primary measure in curbing pathogen transfers. In … [Read more...]
Maybe we should go to bed angry
Recently, some colleagues shared relief at not having the BIG holiday gathering, “. . . maybe this year we won’t have to listen to <obstinate person> grouse about this and that!” One of the more common pieces of relationship wisdom shared is, “Don’t go to bed angry.” Indi Samarajiva disagrees. He says a fight is a feeling , often of not being heard, seen or tended to. … [Read more...]
How to sharpen your mind and tune up your brain in 15 minutes daily
Fifteen minutes may seem like a short time to improve your brain, but doing it consistently can have a significant effect long-term. Mental exercises improve your mind and are great for protecting your brain, retrieving information, recalling what you learn quickly and sharpening your focus. Numerous studies reveal the importance of mental activities as we age. Source: … [Read more...]
That is logical
Becoming a logical person involves cultivating intellectual habits and skills that, though they may seem simple and obvious, are only achieved after years of struggle and education. Source: The 10 habits of logical people, Foundation for economic education, fee.org. January 21, 2018. Link. The authentically logical person keeps his logic rooted in truth and never lets it … [Read more...]
It’s okay to write down the unwritten rules
Many of us have struggled with the unwritten rules, the things you don’t ask or say. . . or the topics you dare not breathe a word about. Authors Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy say, “It’s good practice to write down the unstated cultural and emotional norms that exist within your team or company. They might have changed since you all started working from home, or perhaps … [Read more...]
Training Industry’s top 10 magazine and web articles from 2020
Like skiers racing ahead of an avalanche, training industry professionals have progressively adjusted learning strategies to address goals and objectives to support WFH and remote learning. Agile learning strategies used creativity and innovation to close skills gaps and prepare employees for immediate continuity and for future roles. Source: Training Industry, December 20, … [Read more...]
IVPA members join AHD subscribers
Beginning in January 2021, the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association will share the weekly Animal Health Digest Bulletin with its members. The IVPA represents more than 300 independent veterinarians who provide and lead professional animal health services in their communities. As is similar with other industries, the IPVA believes veterinary clients should have … [Read more...]
Covid fatigue is winning at the worst possible moment
Covid-19 fatigue is manifesting in an alarming number of people shrugging off safety measures and consuming less news about the pandemic, according to a new Harris Poll conducted exclusively for Fast Company. 27 percent of Americans say they’re less likely to engage in certain safety precautions than they were six months ago, curtailing things like frequent handwashing, … [Read more...]
Lyme disease ticks produce antibiotic that protects them from human skin bacteria
Vet Candy shares new research findings that help answer some questions about Ixodes scapularis, the deer tick. Puzzled by the ticks’ immune system, which keeps them safe from contracting pathogens themselves, a research team led by Univerisity of California’s San Francisco's Seemay Chou identified a natural pathogen of ticks and established a mechanism for it. “Ticks pass … [Read more...]
Trained dogs provide emotional support to first responders in inaugural program
Last week, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department rolled out a program that pairs dogs with chaplains to provide emotional support to first responders as part of an overall wellness support program. Two Labrador retrievers, and a mini Goldendoodle are paired with chaplains to provide emotional support for first responders. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 14, 2020. Link. He … [Read more...]
What Doc Lunsford taught me about Christmas
The Grinch is working overtime to steal Christmas in 2020. We may not celebrate with all of our family and friends this year. But, we can find joy in recalling memories of Christmas from years past. Source: Purpose Unlimited: Link. Every Christmas I think about Doc Lunsford. As a boy Doc had polio and was unable to attend school. His bout with polio left one leg shorter than … [Read more...]
New, empathic website helps you think and talk about death
Facing our own mortality and the mortality of ones we care about remains a tough topic. Mark Wilson reviews a new website, Life Support that lets you explore topics about death and dying from the perspectives of experts, such as palliative care doctors and social workers. Source: Fast Company, December 14, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Building trust in the emergency setting
Trust is pivotal in the emergency setting writes Monica Sterk, DVM. Normally not the primary veterinarian, emergency teams must quickly gain the client’s trust, so they can make difficult decisions based on the findings and guidance in the moment. Sterk shares simple building blocks that lead to a successful relationship during an emergency visit. Source: DVM 360, … [Read more...]
2020 e-commerce surge carried pet food along for the ride
“One of the driving factors behind the e-commerce growth trends for pet food was the growth of millennial pet owners who were preconditioned to online shopping. The pandemic has taken this storyline and put it on steroids,” according to Tom Elliott citing a new report from Capstone Headwaters. In a related discussion, Fritz Wood, CPA and Vertical Vet's Dr. Ernie Ward … [Read more...]