We’re highlighting one abstract from a recent JAVMA. Veterinary teams will find the information valuable in developing visit and retention activities for feline patients and their owners. Investigation of relationships between body weight and age among domestic cats stratified by breed and sex. Link A low frequency of repeated BW measurements suggested a low frequency … [Read more...]
New discovery in Toxoplasma gondii research will save cat lives
Ed Yong provides a positive update on research findings that may save the use of cats in research laboratories. Of the many parasites known to control the mind of their host, none is more famous than Toxoplasma gondii—the single-celled organism known colloquially as Toxo. It can survive in a variety of animals, but it only reproduces sexually in cats. If it gets into mice or … [Read more...]
Diagnosing skin lesions: an image gallery
Fans of the various veterinary TV programs recognize how frequently clients visit clinics with pet that has an unknown skin thingy. Alexander Werner Resnick, VMD, DACVD, gives animal health pros a resource of an image gallery of primary skin lesions to help understand basic lesions and their patterns of presentation. Primary lesions result directly from the disease process; … [Read more...]
Socializing dogs is an important responsibility
A recent trip to a big box pet retailer with our Morkie underscores Brianna Alex’s message about canine socialization. It is a critical component of training our pets. I’m not sure Alex’s five tips covers an excited, barking dog in the toy aisle, but she offers counsel every pet owner should receive. Her tips include: Take the dog for walks Expose the dog to different … [Read more...]
Opinion – Set the right expectations for puppy owners
In the last two decades, animal health pros have become increasingly aware of the number of puppies that get returned or surrendered. Most of these pets are returned because of normal behavior issues that new owners are not prepared to face. More than 1 million households give up their pets every year — and it’s not, by and large, because those animals aren’t loved or wanted.” … [Read more...]
USDA scientists, researchers reveal 320 new inventions in 2018
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently discussed the latest Technology Transfer Report <Link >. He reported 320 new inventions from USDA laboratories in fiscal 2018, along with 471 licenses, 120 patent applications and 67 actual patents. Feedstuffs’ Jacqui Fatka shares the new developments and the potential economic impact. Source: Feedstuffs, July 3, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t sweat the small talk
There are two kinds of people in this world, writes Dr. Pat Aitcheson. The first go by the Irish principle of strangers being friends they haven’t met yet. And the second live by Sartre’s principle that hell is other people. Unfortunately for the latter, they also have to socialise at least occasionally. Aitcheson offers tips for making conversation better: Assume … [Read more...]
Mess up . . . fess up. Avoid shifting blame.
In a recent SmartPulse poll, 32 percent of respondents admitted to blame shifting in the face of an error. The author offers advice about taking responsibility. None of us likes to make mistakes let alone claim responsibility for them. Source: SmartBrief, June 11, 2019. Link. Many mistakes have multiple parties contributing. No one wants to take the blame for someone else’s … [Read more...]
3 ways to deal with conflict more productively
“ . . . conflict is an inescapable part of life. You shouldn’t ask yourself, “Will I experience conflict,” but rather, “How will I manage conflict when it happens,” writes Roi Ben-Yehuda. “Few of us are naturally equipped with the tools to self-manage conflict,” he says. ‘So we end up telling ourselves problematic stories that make everything worse.” Source: Fast Company, … [Read more...]
Pet economy estimated to balloon to $75 billion in 2019
Denise Power highlights the surge in spending on pets. She outlines perspectives from Petco, Walmart, APPA, TD Ameritrade, Realtor.com, Bark and several specialty dog food companies. What we see happening is a transition from pets being ‘man’s best friend’ to ‘family’s favorite child.’” – Nick Konat, Petco Source: CO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, July 9, 2019. Link. Expect more … [Read more...]
Set up new hires for success
Too often we hire a new employee and then satisfied, rush to catch up with what we left undone. But, research shows being systematic in onboarding brings new employees up to speed 50 percent faster. This means they can more quickly and efficiently contribute to achieving desired goals. Effective onboarding also dramatically reduces failure rates and increases employee … [Read more...]
Sundowner’s syndrome, part of canine aging
Sundowning in dogs presents itself much like similar symptoms from Alzheimer’s disease in humans with physiologic changes to their brains and central nervous systems as they age. This may account for behavioral changes and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Loss of vision and/or hearing can also cause similar symptoms, says Adrienne Pincetl, DVM. Canine cognitive dysfunction … [Read more...]
Help dogs swim safely
These tips from the American Kennel Club will remind dog owners about swimming safety for their dogs. Consider this content for social media, e-newsletters, blogs and websites. Source: AKC, April 24, 2015. Link. When teaching your dog to swim, start in a shallow area where you can stand close to him. Start slowly. Let him get accustomed to having wet feet. Praise him when he … [Read more...]
Dogs’ sleeping positions may reflect their character
Marcelle Chastain says dogs’ sleeping positions hide several aspects of their personality, behavior and health. She shares what some postures indicate: Side-sleeper: generally comfortable living in their current surrounding environment Snugly fox: the most defensive position, they’re trying to feel warmth and safeguard their vital organs Superman: makes it easier for … [Read more...]
A list of small, mid-sized and large dogs that don’t shed
Non-shedding dogs have gained popularity. But all dogs leave dander. This author has compiled information and a list of dogs that shed less than others. Animal health pros working with prospective dog owners will find this list helpful if less hair is one of the criteria for choosing a new pet. Source: PetHelpful, May 29, 2019. Link. The good news is that there are dogs … [Read more...]
Keep pets away to prevent foodborne illness
Animal waste tainting fresh produce is one of the major causes of foodborne ailments. So, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own growers are increasingly guarded about tolerating pets near their edibles. Home gardeners should be cautious, too, writes Dean Fosdick. Source: Associated Press, April 30, 2019. Link. Whether human, dog, cat, cow or deer — all animals can be the … [Read more...]
Your pet’s health likely tattles about yours
Physician Daphne Miller explores the growing evidence that the status of a pet’s health may very well reflect that of its owner. She also considers the One Health initiative, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention effort in which physicians and veterinarians find commonalities in their work. Source: Washington Post, July 1, 2019. Link. “I see [pet-owner] connections … [Read more...]
Leg “crud;” skin conditions on horses’ legs
Christine Barakat writes about equine leg crud with help from Melinda Freckleton, DVM. The questions they review can help horse owners hone in on what might be causing scabs and crusting. Several different skin conditions can lead to scabbing and crusting on a horse’s lower limbs. Source: EQUUS, September 3, 2017. Link. … [Read more...]
Wound cleaning. Get the hose!
David Ramey, DVM, was surprised that there have actually been a number of studies completed on irrigating wounds with tap water. He provides a fun review of why grabbing the garden hose in the stable is good medicine. Source: Horse Network, July 3, 2019. Link. Ramey says he loves it when science supports what most people do anyway. If you’re dealing with a fresh wound, I’d … [Read more...]
Breeding cattle to reduce their methane emissions
A new international study shows that genetic selection allows researchers to select for cattle that are less likely to have high levels of methane-producing bacteria in their rumen. Professor John Williams, study leader and co-author with the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, explains the study design, how this could compromise selection for … [Read more...]
The importance of a good apology
New research reveals a formula for communicating an apology that increases customer satisfaction and loyalty after a service failure. . . . the inevitable customer crisis can become one of your best opportunities to deepen customer commitment—if you handle the failure properly. Source: Sales and Marketing Management, May/June 2019. Link. Tim Riesterer shares research results … [Read more...]
8 tips to expand your reach with Instagram
With the rising use of Stories on Facebook and Instagram, these tips about how to create effective Instagram Stories and Stories ads may help hone your strategy for the greatest return. Facebook reports, “1 in 2 people surveyed say they have visited a website, and 31% have gone to a story to buy a product/service as a result of seeing it first in Stories. This is good reasoning … [Read more...]
10 tips for improving your remote conversations
John R. Stoker discusses the challenges of remote workers. What he shares also applies to remote discussions with customers. Because we are not working with these people in a face-to-face environment, we are forced to communicate by text, email, phone, internet or teleconference. The most challenging types of communication occur without being able to either see the person … [Read more...]
Opinion – Human infection control. Progress worth watching and applying.
The need for increased infection control in animal clinics is equally as important as it is in human hospitals. In addition to protecting patients, managing infection possibilities also protects staff and doctors. Animal health pros can learn from the discussion about the results of infection control management in human hospitals to identify areas that need improvement in … [Read more...]
Cat food: grain-free marketing outpaces evidence of actual grain-free benefits
In a study conducted by Tufts, grain-free diets were compared to diets with grain. While 73 percent of manufacturers producing dry cat food in the United States now have at least one grain-free product, there’s little evidence of differential benefits or a reduction in allergies. . . . food allergies are relatively rare in pets, particularly from grains. Rather, the source of … [Read more...]
More reasons not to feed Fido grain-free food
Spending $100 a month on food for a 12-pound dog gives The Atlantic staff writer Amanda Mull some degree of credibility to address pet food fads and trends. With the help of Christopher Lea, a veterinary medicine professor and director of the Auburn University Veterinary Clinic, and Lisa Lippman, the lead New York veterinarian for Fuzzy Pet Health, she details how grain-free … [Read more...]
Increasing UV light exposure means more vitamin D in eggs
Except for summertime, we rely on food sources to supply our body with enough vitamin D. A team of German researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg developed a new practice to increase the vitamin D content of eggs. Using UV light, they increased the vitamin D content of eggs by three- to four-fold. Practices used in the study could be implemented in poultry … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
Southern states vulnerable if AFS enters U.S.
African Swine Fever (AFS) is being transmitted in multiple locations worldwide and regions with feral pig populations must heed extra caution. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian with the National Pork Producers Council, offers perspective of ASF progression with The Pig Site. Source: The Pig Site, June 27, 2019. Link. Includes video. Even in Belgium where they are fight … [Read more...]
Many common household cleaning products are NOT SAFE for dogs
Please take time to review this information! The articles reference popular cleaners that contain toxic ingredients. Studies show the dangerous effects of some common cleaning products on dogs. These include data on pets which showed that Fido and Fluffy are not immune to chemicals and that many cleaning products are not pet safe. There are many, many cleaning products on … [Read more...]