We often hear that animal health pros struggle to understand the financial picture for dairy customers. According to 2017 income and expense summaries from Genske, Mulder & Co., the nation’s largest dairy accounting firm, the average cost of production for its clients last year was $16.86 per hundredweight. (That amount does not include current debt repayment and owner … [Read more...]
Tips for traveling with horses
Traveling with a horse comes with multiple challenges, so it’s important to be prepared. Here are five tips to share with horse owners via social media, websites and targeted communications. Plan Your Route (and Your Breaks) Ahead of Time Know What Documentation You Need Practice Makes Perfect Keep Your Trailer in Tip-Top Shape Know the Hidden Health Risks of … [Read more...]
Water consumption crucial to horse health
Getting enough water sounds elementary doesn’t it. But for horses, and cattle, as well, . . . water is the most important nutrient, especially in hot weather. Without it, horses die within a few days, whereas they may be able to go weeks without food. Source: BEEF, June 25, 2018. Link. Ambient temperature affects water intake, and horses typically drink less water in cold … [Read more...]
How gut health promotes animal welfare in monogastrics
Jackie Roembke reviews how changes in production systems and animal welfare expectations challenge nutritionists and producers to maintain healthy animal populations. Focusing on immunity first to reduce antibiotic use requires a gut health perspective. With 70 percent of an animal’s immunity concentrated in the gut, fostering a strong gastrointestinal system will improve its … [Read more...]
Catego® for cats helps raise more than $10,000 for Virginia cat rescue
AHD sponsor Ceva Animal Health, maker of Catego®, helped the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation raise more than $10,000 through a popular video on Facebook. Catego SpokesCat Benedict, “Benny” Cumbercat, and his owner, Ellen Carozza, a veterinary technician, were featured in video highlighting the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation that cares for at-risk kittens. It … [Read more...]
9 tips to keep kitties cool
JaneA Kelley shares tips about keeping cats cool and comfortable when the weather gets hot: Cool your cat down with ice Add a home-made air conditioner to the cat’s favorite lounging spot Elevate the cat’s bed Provide a fan for the cat Pet cats with a wet towel Close curtains Avoid cooling gel packs Postpone play time Never, never, never leave a cat … [Read more...]
Dogs get sunburned just like us
Dogs’ coats protect against a lot, except the sun’s UVB and UVA rays. Yes, they can sunburn enough to warrant emergency treatment. Our friends at Nationwide offer tips on sunburn prevention and low- and high-res graphics that help create great reminders for bulletin boards, clinic counters, blogs, websites and take-home material. While these fair-colored and thin-furred dogs … [Read more...]
Hot pavement burns paws (includes video)
Hot pavement can have gruesome and painful consequences for dogs’ paws. Sarah Schweig offers burnt paw information worth sharing with pet owners in social media, blogs and on websites. Source: the dodo, June 11, 2018. Link. Put the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your pup's feet. Also see: 9 tips on how … [Read more...]
Electroceuticals reduce anxiety, stress in pets (includes video)
"Electroceuticals are, as a prescription medical device, approved for anxiety," says Ava Frick, DVM. Because of how electroceutical microcurrents function throughout the brain, animal stress levels can be reduced. Source: American Veterinarian, July 3, 2018. Link. Microcurrents are introduced to the body through little clips that go on the ears. The low frequency, … [Read more...]
Canine Confidential: Why dogs do what they do (book review)
In his new book, “Canine Confidential,” Marc Bekhoff gathered up the latest research from canine cognitive/behavioral fields, as well as his own, and presents the information in an inviting, conversational mode that makes complicated topics much easier to grasp. This volume covers much ground, from canine cognition and their rich emotional lives and behavioral proclivities to … [Read more...]
Update, anaplasmosis in dogs
Prompted by the Dogster article linked below, we reviewed recent information about anaplasmosis in dogs, in addition to ruminants, horses, people and wildlife species. White-tailed deer and small rodents are considered the primary reservoir hosts. Canine anaplasmosis is caused by one of two gram-negative, obligate, intracellular bacterial agents, Anaplasma phagocytophilum or … [Read more...]
Pet food transparency: telling stories to reach consumers
As consumers demand more transparency, are pet food companies learning to better tell their stories and communicate what they make, but why and how they make it, and what they stand for? Debbie Phillips-Donaldson, editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry, says, “Yes.” She writes a commentary about her experiences at Super Zoo 2018 and the changing approach to … [Read more...]
Consumer media offers dog flu guidance
Real Simple is one example of consumer media that offers thousands of topics to millions of homes. Lauren Phillips presents information about dog flu in this article. Consider sharing the article with pet owners via your own social media, website and blog posts. Instagram-famous pooch Manny (@manny_the_frenchie) visited the Real Simple offices as part of a partnership with … [Read more...]
U.S. veterinary services changing, consolidating
The U.S. market for veterinary services is undergoing transformation, according to Packaged Facts’ new report, “Pet Industry Outlook: Veterinary Services and Pet Product Retailing.” The industry has long been the domain of independent practitioners, but recent years have seen significant consolidation in the industry, with veterinary practices being bought up under one … [Read more...]
Supreme Court ruling provides sales tax victory for veterinarians
Since 1992, online retailers have been able to skirt sales tax laws because of a statute established prior to today’s thriving e-commerce market. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of veterinarians June 21, allowing states to require online retailers to collect sales tax. Source: AVMA, June 21, 2018. Link. The ruling allows, but does not require, states to begin having … [Read more...]
The secret price of pets
“The care and feeding of America’s fur babies has grown increasingly baroque,” Peter Halderman says. His commentary describes the lifestyles of the most pampered pets with economics added for effect. The opportunities for treating our pets like Ferraris, or at least like high-maintenance children, would seem to be as plentiful as those for coddling ourselves. Maybe more … [Read more...]
Help others succeed
How can you help others succeed if you don’t know how they define success? How do you know which benefits to highlight if you don’t know what they value? How can you help others get better if you don’t know where they are struggling? How can you have a successful sales call if you don’t talk about your product? The answer to the first three questions is “You … [Read more...]
Getting smart on equine sarcoids
The immune system seems to play an integral role in the development of sarcoids. Reducing stress, providing a high-quality, forage-based diet, and even adding immune-supporting herbs may help. Young to middle-aged horses are most prone to sarcoids, . . . , and common sites of development include the abdomen, sheath, ears, muzzle, or around the eyes. They might also appear at … [Read more...]
Colostrum is more valuable than we thought
It is well understood that the calf’s first meal is of vital importance. For the most part though, the reason it is so highly valued is the immunoglobulins (Ig) transmitted through that first feeding and its exceptional energy level. Research is now showing that colostrum is packed full of signalers that are working to position the calf for success in both immunity and … [Read more...]
Make the carrier a cat’s new BFF
While the problem of getting cats into carries is legendary, it is solvable, says Liz Baker, DVM. Cats find comfort in a familiar place to hide and feel safe when they are under stress. We can use this knowledge to help our cats and reduce their fear and anxiety when they face a stressful situation. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, June 18, 2018. Link. Dr. Baker says to make … [Read more...]
3 recommendations for new kittens
Karen Primm, DVM, shares her recommendations for new kittens for a fun and happy home life after she’s covered the basics for the medical side. A hide-able, grazing-bowl-free option A good scratching post, along with a regimen of FELISCRATCH by FELIWAY® <save the couches> A carrier that opens on the top and front Source: FIRSTLINE, June 15, 2018. Link. … [Read more...]
Geriatric pets have different needs than senior pets
Dogs older than 10 years and cats older than 14 years are considered geriatric, not senior, according to Mary Gardner, DVM. Geriatric pets do not have the same issues as senior pets and need to be treated differently. Educating clients and providing useful tips helps the pet and family members, who usually are frustrated and scared of what lies ahead. Source: Veterinary Team … [Read more...]
Giving feedback is difficult
Why is it so hard to tell our employees (or our spouses and friends, for that matter) that they’re doing something that’s not working and need to change? Most often, we’re worried about the other person’s reaction. What if she gets angry? What if he cries? What if she tells me I’m an idiot? What if he gets super defensive and starts blaming me? Another thing that makes it … [Read more...]
Close the gaps in client communications
Some practices have not realized the significance of the gap between what a veterinarian tells a client and what the client actually hears. “The Opportunity” is a white paper that was written after working with healthcare teams and owners for five years. It offers a survey tool with the same name. <link> The paper includes comprehensive data analysis and encourages … [Read more...]
Keep customers coming back
Lots of money, effort and time go into acquiring customers. But, not nearly enough thought goes into keeping them coming back. Sure, there’s the occasional offer or the “We’ve missed you” discount. All too frequently, we don’t pay attention unless they’re unhappy or turn up missing. Then, we get busy and try to get them back. Source: Hampton Roads Business Journal, June 21, … [Read more...]
Work is natural and good for dogs
I’m caring for one of my adult childrens' dogs this holiday week. At age 5, she’s a good girl with shades of narcissism golden retrievers possess. That said, she’s out of her element at Grandpa’s. I have decided she needs a job. So, I’m working with her on retrieving a heavy bumper on a long rope twice a day for fifteen minutes. The rope keeps the bumper from being a toy and … [Read more...]
Newly discovered tick can be managed with existing products
Researchers at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences recently identified a nymphal longhorn ticket or bush tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Susan Little, DVM, PhD, said the finding wasn’t too surprising based on recent reports from New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia. Source: Oklahoma State University June 21, 2018. Link. Originally from East … [Read more...]
You, Lone Star ticks and allergies in meat eaters
This article falls into the category of “YHTBKM.” Zoya Teirstein writes about the proliferation and migration of the Lone Star tick and risks associated with it, including a meat allergy that can be life-changing. It only takes one bite from a lone star tick for an unsuspecting victim to develop a meat allergy that can last months, years, or even an entire lifetime. Source: … [Read more...]
Modern technology helping to manage smelly pigs
The battle between swine producers and their neighbors over the hog production smells may be getting some new technology beyond tree and bush windbreaks. Electrostatic precipitator technology from commercial industries is being tested at Iowa Select Farms. Source: National Hog Farmer, June 19, 2018. Link. John Stinn, environmental projects manager, says, “the electrostatic … [Read more...]
Heartworm cousin infects women’s face
Here’s another reminder that mosquitoes are risky to humans, wildlife and our domestic animals. Consider sharing this story within your networks to help educate people on the need for assertive mosquito control. Source: The Washington Post, June 19, 2018. Link. The case — and shocking images — were published Thursday in a report titled “Migrating Dirofilaria repens” in the … [Read more...]