Report on pet insurance inflation/overall value* via NBC News video (4:33), pet prenups, creating marketing videos, little known small business tax incentives/credits and more . . . Note: 2023 Flow Business Conference registration pricing increases September 1st and the conference hotel block closes on the same day. Register here <Link>. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, … [Read more...]
Cat myths debunked
Redirecting cat owners from myths and misinformation can be challenging. Some beliefs can be dangerous to cats and anthropomorphizing them has not helped. Consider sharing this article on social media or in newsletters to help cat owners shift their thinking away from feline myths. Source: Modern Cat. Link. The author addresses myths such as: declawing is a minor procedure, … [Read more...]
Customer experience thoughts for managers
Managing and coaching a group of people hasn’t really changed over the years. Today, however, customer experience is at the forefront of every interaction and transaction. Source: Repertoire, October 2023. Link. You just have to find out what is important to that customer and how your product/service meets that need.” – Patrick T. Malone INSIGHTS: Malone shares the best … [Read more...]
Considerations for fresh pet food diets
Pet food choices are not simple anymore. Variations include kibble size, shape, nutrition sources, canned diets and, more recently, fresh options all making calorie control a challenge for pet owners and veterinarians. Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), shares her perspectives on some of the terms, delivery methods, marketing efforts and more in this opinion … [Read more...]
Ways to increase productivity and provide more pet care
We shared this first-of-its-kind empirical study from IDEXX in February <Link>. It delved into how veterinary teams can keep up with the escalating demand for care and grounds anecdotal evidence in data to provide steps to help veterinary practices address capacity constraints. The Practice Productivity Index reveals that clinics can save nearly 1,700 to 2,000 hours a … [Read more...]
The inside-out approach to customer centricity
Being customer-centric sounds easy but it is tough to execute well. These authors share five customer centricity models indicating there is more than one way to be customer-centric. The article is good perspective as strategies are modeled for 2024 and beyond. You can’t transform your customers’ experiences unless you align the organizational culture—especially the day-to-day … [Read more...]
Enter the “I protect pigs” biosecurity photo contest
This APHIS photo contest seeks to capture the essence of biosecurity in pig farming. Photographers’ photos can play a vital role in educating the world about the pig biosecurity protocols that keep our pork industry safe. Source: PORK, August 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with youth groups and swine producers on social media, in newsletters and with local radio and … [Read more...]
Foreign animal disease outbreaks on minds of producers
More than 65 percent of persons interested in swine health and production are concerned about foreign animal disease getting into the U.S. hog population based on this snapshot of a National Hog Farmer reader poll. Qualitative measurements help animal health pros identify opportunities to support producers’ prevention efforts to keep animals and the food chain safe. Source: … [Read more...]
Virtual fencing, rotational grazing as a climate adaptation strategy
A lot of wire has been strung to create separate pastures and save grasses for grazing in the last few years of drought. The photo here is an example. Now, the advancements in virtual fencing can be used to contain animals within a desired area, exclude them from undesired areas, or move them to new landscapes without the need for physical fences. Morgan Lawrence shares how … [Read more...]
Marketing cull cows
Cull weight and cull cow price are significant elements of profitability for cow-calf producers. Other factors amount to decisions, decisions, decisions. Do we: Buy hay? Pray for rains so pastures hold out? Sell cull cows early? Find an alternative feed source? The cull cow market is variable from one year to the next, and producers need to be flexible and innovative.” - David … [Read more...]
Taking care of thirsty pollinators
Complimentary Commercial Content Without bees, our environment would be drastically different as 60 percent of the fruit and vegetables would disappear, as well as approximately 25,000 species of flowering plants. Each of us can create a bee-friendly habitat in our own yard or gardens to make a difference for bee populations on the local level.” The National Wildlife … [Read more...]
Insect control strategies for horse owners
Includes Commercial Content Owning and keeping horses healthy requires a significant commitment beyond time to train and ride. Alayne Blickle shares the importance of an integrated, multitiered insect control plan to combat flies, mosquitoes, midges and other insects that create nuisance and health issues for horses and their owners. Source: The Horse. Link. A successful … [Read more...]
Physics of how cats almost always land on their feet
Felines exploit the physical laws of classical mechanics: by placing their front paws close to their body, they reduce their moment of inertia, writes Manon Bischoff. He also shares the physics scientists used to explain acceleration and velocity as the falling distances change for cats who are built to contort and land on their feet. Source: Scientific American, July 24, … [Read more...]
Social companionship can help dogs live healthier and longer
A recent study showed that dogs who had social companionship with humans and animals has a larger influence on healthy aging than family finances, household children and the pet parent’s age. Published in Evolution, Medicine and Public Health, the study surveyed human parents of more than 21,000 dogs to reach this conclusion. Source: The Washington Post, August 15, 2023. … [Read more...]
Zoetis names 10 pet shelters receiving Apoquel® grants
Complimentary Commercial Content Zoetis For Shelters is a program that connects animal shelters with animal care through savings on Zoetis’ products to help save more pets. Acknowledging the 10th anniversary of Apoquel® (oclacitinib tablet), a grant program was announced in May for shelters that met eligibility criteria, including an annual intake of at least 100 dogs and … [Read more...]
Does the world need another dental treat? The inventor of Greenies™ says, “Yes.”
Complimentary Commercial Content Why would the well-known inventor of GREENIES™ return to the treat market after selling to MARS? Curious, we asked veterinary-publishing veteran and podcast host-for-hire Brendan Howard to interview Joe Roetheli, PhD, to find out and learn about Yummy Combs® dog treats. The result is the podcast linked here. Two things are clear. Roetheli’s … [Read more...]
Share this with pet owners when asked for a pet insurance recommendation
Complimentary Commercial Content Veterinary teams often dread the question, “Which insurance do you recommend?” Pawlicy Advisor is a tool that provides accurate and transparent information about multiple pet insurance companies to help pet owners compare and choose the insurance benefits that best fit their pets specific needs and budgets best. Regardless of the insurance … [Read more...]
SUPERZOO’s new logo represents business with fun
We are delighted to unveil SUPERZOO’s new logo, which perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of the event and our dedication to continually elevate the pet retail experience.” - Mike Karsting, WPA Source: Pet Business, August 15, 2023. Link. SUPERZOO is underway August 15th through 18th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. … [Read more...]
Animal rights groups bring in more than $800M annually
Nearly one-third of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger, according to reports from the Animal Agriculture Alliance.* The major animal rights extremist groups like PETA are effective fundraisers and acquire millions of dollars annually to support lobbying efforts, public relations campaigns and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 14 , 2023
Animal actors idled by Hollywood strike, pet expense inflation growth, cost-cutting strategies during slow economy, overcoming small business challenges and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 14, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Health economist; increasing number of drugs in short supply (video)
No drugs at any price? Geoffrey Joyce, PhD, believes the escalating drug shortage problem illustrates a major shortcoming of capitalism. He says the problem boils down to the nature of the pharmaceutical industry and how differently the markets for brand and generic drugs operate. Current shortages include widely known drugs such as the antibiotic amoxicillin; the heart … [Read more...]
Understanding the role of the practice manager
Carolyn Becker CVPM, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CVT, brings her own experiences to this overview of the complexities of being a veterinary practice manager. She asserts the role of a practice manager varies wildly between hospitals, and from day to day. Plus, any task that does not clearly fall to someone else usually lands on the practice manager’s shoulders Balancing the needs of the … [Read more...]
Building rapport with questions
When the customer has answered that initial question and you have acknowledged their response, the next appropriate follow-up question is, “And what else?” Source: Vet Advantage, December 2022. Link. By asking “what else” you are demonstrating that you really do care, and the customer is more likely to reveal the real issue. INSIGHT: ALWAYS acknowledge the customer’s … [Read more...]
Yellow’s exit predicted to raise overall shipping rates
Commentary The cost of fulfillment is a considerable factor in what veterinary clinics and retailers pay at the point of sale especially when measured as a percent of net income versus gross sales. In recent weeks we have urged animal health pros to consider improving replenishment planning, adjust inventory levels and to better understand how the cost of moving products … [Read more...]
New pet food label guidelines approved by AAFCO
Under new dog and cat food label guidelines pet food will soon have nutrition labels similar to human food. The labels approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials will list ingredients, nutrition facts, plus handling and storage instructions to improve consistency and inform consumers. Source: Pet Food Processing, July 31, 2023. Link. The association is … [Read more...]
Climate connections
Across our planet, animals and the diseases they carry are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz, writes Zoya Teirstein. She shares concerns about a warming planet, pathogens and diseases. Source: AP, Grist, July 18, 2023. Link. Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz. And they’re not alone: Ticks, … [Read more...]
Pet benefits a desired trend in employee retention
Nearly half of Gen Z and millennials would be more likely to stay at an employer that offered pet benefits according to a survey by Nationwide. The benefits they want include: 40 percent: Pet insurance 29 percent: Paid time off to care for a pet 27 percent: A pet-friendly office 14 percent: Leave to care for a new pet, sometimes called “paw-ternity” Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 10, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 3, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from August 3rd AHD Bulletin – Weight stigma infiltrates work. Link. Addressing relentless licking by dogs. Link. Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Speaking of feral hogs. Watch this!
A trucker shared his experience with a large sounder of feral hogs south of Altus, Oklahoma! Drivers beware. Source: KWTV - NEWS 9 via Facebook, August 8, 2023. Link. (0:19) … [Read more...]
Summer bugs cost farmers and ranchers
Bug populations reach their high points this time of year. Cassandra Olds, PhD, shares the economic costs of various pests, current control methods, pesticide resistance and reminds us that sanitation is key. Summer flies, grubs, bots, deer flies, ticks, plus mosquitoes can create all sorts of problems for livestock producers. Source: Successful Farming, July 29, 2023. … [Read more...]