Hundreds of cattle died from extreme heat and humidity in Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska in late July. Kansas State University updated an online weather tool, Kansas Mesonet, in June to use National Weather Service forecasts to predict comfort levels for cattle a week ahead of time because day-of weather warnings are too late. They just couldn't handle the extra stress of the heat … [Read more...]
Genomic study links whorls and behavior in horses
Scientists have found a possible genetic link between whorls and behavior in Quarter Horses. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, shares findings from a study of the association between facial hair whorl characteristics and behavioral responses to a fearful stimulus in horses. Source: The Horse, April 3, 2023. Link. It has been reported that horses with whorls above the eye line are … [Read more...]
Causes of surgical site infection unclear in post-colic surgeries
Commentary Surgical site infections are a major concern regardless of the species. There are myriad articles and studies of specific surgery types and conditions. Surgery suite sanitation and infection control papers add more content to libraries. Estimates suggest that four percent to 10 percent of horses will experience colic at least once in their lifetimes. Although … [Read more...]
Does cuddling lead to better-behaved dogs?
Scientists refute the notion that all canine moms provide the appropriate nurturing needed to produce healthy and well-adjusted puppies. Stanley Coren, PhD, shares research showing the differences in pups from dams that spent a lot of time touching, manipulating and caring for their pups compared to others that were more inattentive. . . . a puppy with a high frequency of … [Read more...]
Bug spray with DEET is NOT safe for dogs (video)
When dogs are exposed to DEET whether it is through their skin or if they ingest it by licking their fur or licking where you’ve applied the spray, it can cause wobbly walking, shakes, seizure, diarrhea and vomiting.” - Cristine Hayes, DVM, DABT, DABVT Source: News19, August 3, 2023. Link. DEET is so dangerous for pets, the ASPCA recommends removing pets from the area when … [Read more...]
Super Zoo schedule set for August 15th through 18th
North America’s largest pet retail event in Orlando, Florida, will draw as many as 20,000 attendees and more than 1,100 exhibitors. Produced by the World Pet Association, it is a comprehensive marketplace to debut products, reveal bestsellers, as well as management and e-commerce solutions for pet retailers. Source: World Pet Association. Link. Includes video (0:46) With … [Read more...]
PIDA’s board approves new strategic plan, value proposition
The Pet Industry Distributors Association has set new goals for the coming years that include retailer education and advocacy on behalf of everyone in the pet care community. The plan is to provide ways to connect manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the supply chains. Source: Pet Product News, August 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted the strategy names smaller … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 7, 2023
Postbiotics making inroads in pet foods and supplements, AI use by European pet techs, bonus programs for small business, approves new label regulations for pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Yes, animal chiropractic is a thing
Commentary Having a conversation* with Dr. O (William Ormston, DVM) is mind-expanding. He is a veterinarian with a passion for exploring, learning, teaching and sharing the benefits of animal chiropractic, a branch of physical medicine. We are pleased to share this recent article. For a four-legged animal to move correctly, it requires every bone, muscle, ligament, tendon … [Read more...]
Less is more
One of the bigger problems in the modern workplace is wasting time on things better handled by someone else . . . or not done at all. Source: AXIOS, July 27, 2023. Link. It's striking how often I find people doing things we once cared about but no longer do. INSIGHTS: Be ruthless when allocating your time and energy … [Read more...]
Work-life balance is the wrong goal
To James Kerr’s way of thinking, life is never in “balance.” Sometimes work needs to take top priority, sometimes family does and sometimes we need to take the top spot for ourselves on the importance list. He favors work and life integration. Work and life integration involves finding ways to harmonize and blend your work responsibilities with your personal life in a way that … [Read more...]
Hauser: Client relationships with veterinary team critical to positive practice experiences
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares the importance of client relationships with the practice team. She says effective reminder systems and efficient hospital operations aren’t enough. Clients want a practice team who treats them and their pets as individuals and works to create a partnership. Hauser’s advocacy and guidance could be represented by CVRP instead of VCPR, denoting the … [Read more...]
Building trust from the start: Why first impressions matter
Commentary We’re all selling something although not all of it goes onto an invoice. Perhaps it is seeking a raise or better hours, an extra day of PTO, trading for a new car, finding qualified buyers for the last three puppies out of a litter, getting support for a service club event or helping our child sell the last two cases of cookies, we’re all selling … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 20th AHD Bulletin – 6 signs YOU are the bully at work. Link. 12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes. Link. Goal setting made easy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
New antibiotic regulation shines a light on the need for veterinarians
It has been almost 60 days since USDA’s GFI #263 rule on over-the-counter antibiotics was implemented. The key elements are establishing a VCPR and obtaining a prescription. Courtney Love interviewed two veterinarians to see how the rules change has impacted their practices noting the need for rural veterinarians. Source: Successful Farming, July 28, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Livestock producers reminded to protect against anthrax
Two confirmed cases of anthrax in North Dakota are a reminder to livestock producers to take action to protect their animals from the disease, especially in areas with a history of the disease. Effective anthrax vaccines are readily available, but it takes about a week for immunity to be established and must be administered annually for continued protection. Source: BEEF, … [Read more...]
One of these bees is not like the others
A well-known Sesame Street tune comes to mind when reviewing Tod Oder’s article on the types of bees in the U.S. While animal health pros have more responsibility in the treatment of disease in honey bees, there are many more types of bees to consider. Drought conditions are hard on pollinator populations, too. I saw four types in my own backyard this last weekend drinking … [Read more...]
Equine network debuts brand for new horse owners
The Equine Network announced My New Horse for equestrians just getting into horse ownership or riding. Partners Kent (aka Kent Feeds) and W.F. Young assert the brand will deliver a community and resources to new horse persons at the beginning stages of ownership. The website will feature content created by industry experts, Kent nutritionists and editors of respected … [Read more...]
Addressing relentless licking by dogs
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, addresses excessive licking in dogs in this article worthy of sharing with dog owners whose pets are always using their tongues. A dog’s relentless licking is most frequently related to pain, illness, or injury, but it also could be his way of exploring the world or just telling you he cares about you.” - Debra M. Eldredge, DVM Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Livestock guard dogs growing in popularity
Livestock guard dogs are an increasingly popular tool in livestock management, writes Terri Queck-Matzie. Most weigh more than 100 pounds and are bred to live outside with livestock and not as a pet for people’s homes. Anatolian shepherds, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, and Central Asian shepherds are breeds recognized by the AKC. Source: Successful Farming, July 11, 2023. … [Read more...]
Essential oils generally not safe for cats
There is a common misconception essential oils must be safe because they come from plants. Rather, many of them are toxic, writes Barri J. Morrison, DVM. For cats, essential oils are not safe and can quickly cause toxicity. They are rapidly absorbed by mouth and through the skin, where they accumulate in the liver. Cats do not have the liver enzymes needed to break down the … [Read more...]
Texas study finds alarming rate of heartworm in cats
A study conducted in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of Texas revealed the prevalence of D. immitis infection in shelter cats. The study analyzed 122 paired samples of serum and DNA from cats in 14 towns within the region to detect the presence of heartworm infection. Using multiple analysis tools the results were alarming: 18 percent of the shelter cats tested … [Read more...]
Pet treat sales in 2022 fueled by inflation, not volume
Packaged Facts analysis shows the pet treat market is slowing despite the popularity of treats. The group projects the pet treat market will continue to grow over the next five years capitalizing on key opportunities including: value-positioned treats treats for cats treats featuring alternative proteins U.S. retail sales of pet treats reached $11 billion in … [Read more...]
Furniture pros pick furniture cats are less likely to scratch
Despite well placed scratching posts, many cats are clever about finding alternatives to them, writes Catherine Holm. Curious, she engaged furniture professionals to identify the most durable furniture materials for cat owners’ homes. Consider sharing this article with cat owners on social media and in newsletters. Other articles exist in the AHD archives*, including … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 31, 2023
Target, CoComelon launch pet-centered toys and videos for toddlers, Chewy’s Katy Nelson, DVM, profit tips for small business owners, business insurance basics, shifting to digital payments and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
How to confront someone at work
Hot days certainly take a toll on our bodies, but they can also test our tempers <Link>. . . . hot and especially humid weather is known to be associated with increases in aggression and violence, as well as a lower general mood.” Weather aside, conflicts in the office are inevitable, and the only option is to deal with them, BUT do so in a positive, professional way. … [Read more...]
Self-coaching helps motivate you
We need to step onto the field as our own coaches and motivators. Here are a few ideas to build your “tough situation” self-coaching skills. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, June 21, 2023. Link. When bad days hit get moving.” INSIGHTS: Tough situations are inevitable. How you react is manageable. … [Read more...]
Employers share employees need training on how to behave in the office
From eye contact to empathy, business leaders shared concerns about employee business behaviors in a survey conducted by ResumeBuilder.com. The results show that employees need refreshers on how to do such things as hold workplace conversations, dress appropriately, take lunch breaks and even make eye contact. Some employers are now offering etiquette classes. Being … [Read more...]
Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™
Complimentary Content Covetrus announced the expansion of GreatPetCare July 20th. Access to GreatPetCare is offered for free to veterinarians and their clients in the U.S. to help enable vet practices' ability to realize workflow efficiencies, improve outcomes and enhance animal owners’ experiences. . . . 64 percent of pet parents consider veterinarian-recommended … [Read more...]
Want loyal customers? Teach them something new.
Research indicates consumers are 131 percent more likely to buy from a brand after they engage with early-stage educational content. Meanwhile, 70 percent of customers in a groove study say understanding how to use products and services is important to winning their business. Customer education programs are important differentiators for nearly any business.” Source: … [Read more...]