Dog owners will appreciate the advice and perspectives from this article. Consider it for social media, newsletters or with appointment follow-up communications. When dogs don’t listen, it has more to do with weaknesses in training strategies than anything else. Lynne Fedorick, CPDT-KA, shares reasons dogs don’t listen. Dogs think proactively. They are doers. They don’t … [Read more...]
Dealing with dog training sabotage
Behavior issues remain a top cause of dogs being relinquished. While sabotage might sound harsh, dogs need consistency to establish and keep behavior patterns. Kathy Callahan, CPDT-KA, discusses why a family needs to get on the same page to avoid confusing their pet. The pet’s confusion issues are often compounded when a being boarded or going to a daycare provider. No matter … [Read more...]
Safe encounters of the K-9 kind
A large percentage of dogs are not socially adept at meeting new dogs. Pat Miller offers tips on managing intentional get-togethers between dogs that haven’t met before. Few dog owners handle the frequent and often-tense encounter with another dog in a way that protects their dog, preserves his good behavior and supports positive feelings about other dogs.” - Pat Miller, … [Read more...]
Who owns that pet? (podcast)
Hosts Dr. Ernie Ward and Beckie Mossor, RVT, tackle the tricky topic of how veterinary clinics determine who is a pet’s owner, who can make decisions, and, ultimately, who is responsible for paying. The situation is more common than you think and can be an issue for daycare and boarding locations, as well. Source: Veterinary Viewfinder podcast, April 6, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Counseling pet owners on pediatric nutrition
Choosing a pet food IS overwhelming with the number of commercial options available, a plethora of advertising, label vernacular and popular trends. Kate Boatright, VMD, shares three key areas in which veterinary team members should be competent discussing with owners of puppies and kittens: The best food for the new pet How much to feed When to switch to an adult … [Read more...]
First aid tips for pet owners
Spring and outdoor activities are wonderful but come with risks of injuries for pets. Pet owners need to be prepared to offer first aid to their pets when an injury occurs. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it can help save a pet's life until it gets veterinary treatment. The AVMA offers several resources suitable for social media, newsletters and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 20, 2022
Most popular pets in the United States, millennial pet owner shares how to talk to millennials, life stage planning including pets, small business grants and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 20, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
The veterinary team’s role in the human-animal bond
Veterinary care is anchored by relationships. Rebecca Rose, CVT, shares her belief supporting the human-animal bond as the center of the veterinary profession. She recommends reintroducing the importance of the human-animal bond with the entire team and ensure it appears in the values, vision, and mission of the practice. Source: Veterinary Practice News, March 15, 2022. … [Read more...]
Catering to clients – incorporate elements of concierge medicine
Wendy Hauser, DVM, believes any veterinary practice can implement key elements of concierge medicine. She references a fall 2021 Packaged Facts report which found high demand for concierge veterinary care resembling similar care in human medicine. The concierge approach allows physicians to limit their patient numbers and offer exclusive services in exchange for an annual … [Read more...]
Planned obsolescence in technology
Opinion Technology is responsible for driving more of the U.S. economy than any other profession than healthcare <Link>. The article revealing iPhone obsolescence prompted some juxtaposed thoughts about how often healthcare sustains dependence on fax machines in many situations. “All things must come to an end,” writes Cecily Mauran. Really? What’s the point for … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 14, 2022
Last week’s most read posts Traditional recruiting is broken. 6 ways to reimagine it. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== How long is too long to leave a dog alone? Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 10, 2020. Link. 10 to 12 hours is too long for a dog to be … [Read more...]
Umbilical care, avoiding joint ill goats
Rebecca Sanderson shares the importance of umbilical care in newborn kids. Improper closure of the navel can result in bacteria transferring into the goat causing navel ill, also known as joint ill. If you do little else for your does at kidding time, do consider at least dipping the umbilical cord of the new babies to help prevent navel ill.” – Rebecca Sanderson Source: … [Read more...]
Turning manure into flowerpots
Poop-to-pots are not a gimmick. Freund’s Farm, a Connecticut dairy operation is using digested, then composted manure as the fiber component to make disposable flowerpots. The farm has sold millions of CowPots over the years. They make 14 different sizes, ranging from 3-inch starter squares to large round pots that are 17 inches in diameter. Source: American … [Read more...]
The cute factor is almost too much to resist
Janet Garman shares what to know when buying baby chicks, ducklings and bunnies. There is a lot to consider before making an impulse decision. Those cute little balls of fluff are a lifetime commitment, at least the expected lifetime of the animal.” – Janet Garman Source: Backyard Poultry, March 29, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article on social media and in … [Read more...]
Guard donkeys, an experiment in the defense against wolves
Colorado ranchers and wildlife advocates are carefully watching Don Gittleson’s experiment with donkey as defenders. He would prefer to shoot the wolves which is illegal under federal and state law. The hope is the donkeys will make his herd a tougher target for local wolves. Source: CPR News, March 23, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Large breed dogs and llamas have been used for … [Read more...]
Why cats’ eyes glow in the dark
The same thing that makes their eyes glow helps cats see better in dim light, writes Braidee C. Foote, DVM. Domestic cats can see in conditions that are only 16 percent as bright as what people require. Eyeshine comes from a tapetum lucidum located in the back of the eye behind the retina. It is a thin layer of tissue that receives light, converts the light to an electrical … [Read more...]
Heartworm prevention: language influences care (video)
The language of care resources from the AVMA are featured in AAHA’s NEWStat. The first article includes a video with role plays of a heartworm client seeking a refill without a heartworm test. The second focuses on the language of care survey results and provides a downloadable ebook to help veterinary team members speak to pet owners in a way that helps them hear and … [Read more...]
Dirty pet food bowls common, full of pathogens
Researchers from North Carolina State University surveyed dog owners about their animal feeding habits and swabbed pets' food dishes for bacteria. The findings suggest a need to educate pet owners about pet food handling and hygiene to minimize bacterial contamination of dishes, especially for high-risk populations. Source: HealthDay, April 6, 2022. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
Avocado. Toxic for pets or not?
This new research may create confusion as avocado meal is used as a pet food component. Avocados contain a chemical called persin, a natural fungicide, which could be toxic to dogs that eat the fruit. However, in an experiment, persin seemed to be destroyed and inactivated during kibble production, leaving the resulting product safe for dogs. The Journal of Animal … [Read more...]
Current HPAI is spreading in American birds, may be here to stay
Scientists believe the current flu virus seems capable of hanging around in populations of wild birds, which can pass the virus on to poultry farms. More than 40 wild bird species in more than 30 states have tested positive. This strain of bird flu virus has turned up in everything from crows to pelicans to bald eagles.” Source: NPR, April 9, 2022. Link. So far, the risk to … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 11, 2022
Pet retailer’s guide to animal healthcare, OSHA resources required, wearable pet tech, pet industry advocacy, work force issues and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 11, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Distracted driving skyrocketing by more than 30 percent
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Some believe distraction cannot be solved by more regulation or enforcement. Some suggest we redesign roads. Over the past two years, distracted driving has been like a pandemic within a pandemic, increasing at alarming rates and changing drivers’ behaviors as the pandemic wears on.” - Ryan McMahon Source: Treehugger, April 8, … [Read more...]
Stresslaxation is real
It is not uncommon to hear someone say they need a vacation to recover from their vacation. Others may share they got sick during their time off. Some may say they wished they would have stayed at work. Even if relaxation causes anxiety, it can still have a positive effect on mental health, says Jolanta Burke. Not everyone will experience stresslaxation, a new term for … [Read more...]
Your customers buy benefits
Consumers do not buy features or functions – they buy benefits, or, what they will have because of their buying decisions. Source: Vet-Advantage, April 2020. Link. Today’s fast-paced environment in your hospitals and clinics require that you get to the point as quickly as possible. Your competition requires that you create a sustainable competitive advantage that sets you … [Read more...]
Study: 27 percent of horse owners buy Rx pain meds without DVM guidance
Research led by Debra Sellon, DVM, suggests horse owners are circumventing the VCPR required in 47 states for a vet to prescribe drugs for an animal. She is advocating for horse owners to know the risks of the drugs and how to store them properly. Source: Paulick Report, April 11, 2022. Link. The most common drug 87 percent of horse owners have on hand and administer without … [Read more...]
Over-the-counter access to antibiotics is going away
Medically important antibiotics in feed and water were removed from OTC channels when the Veterinary Feed Directive was implemented in 2017. The first phase of the VFD regulations did not address OTC antibiotics delivered via other methods like injectables, boluses and intramammary mastitis tubes. . . . the FDA has issued a new directive to bring all OTC drugs under veterinary … [Read more...]
How 5G is affecting the economy?
With faster data speeds and more reliable connections than ever, 5G is changing the economy and increasing opportunities to capitalize on new ways of conducting business through digital tools and engagement. The authors advise a proactive approach to implementing new technologies will help businesses remain competitive. Source: SimplyGeeky, March 28, 2022. Link. The value of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 7, 2022
Last week’s most read AHD posts How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 31, 2022. Link. =================================== Feral pigs are biological time bombs. Can California stem their ‘exponential’ damage? Source: Los Angeles Times, April 1, … [Read more...]
Smithfield Foods awarded for net-zero, operational excellence projects
Despite criticism about carbon footprints, sustainability, factory farming and various waste concerns, animal production giant Smithfield Foods is making gains via its daily pursuit of operational excellence. Smithfield Foods, Inc. was awarded 2022 Manufacturing Leadership Awards by the Manufacturing Leadership Council, a division of the National Association of … [Read more...]
Bulls, time to go to work
Spring calving is well underway. Producers are focused on saving new calves and attending to the momma cows’ health. Away from all this commotion are the bulls, some old, some new. They’ve been maintained but are they ready to perform. Bull health and conditioning is critical to the next generation of offspring. Heather Smith Thomas shares the importance of transitioning … [Read more...]