Life can be rough at times and Covid-19 scares and protocols don’t help. They add to everyday stress. Our bodies aren’t designed to constantly be under that pressure. We have to learn healthy ways to deal with the stressors that don’t go away, says Dr. Seth J. Gillihan. “Key is being able to process the stress, so it's not building to a breaking point.” It can feel like … [Read more...]
Huddle up each morning
Two examples highlight the benefit of check-in meetings. First, a recent Nat Geo episode of The Wild Life of Dr. Ole <Link>, featured Ole Alcumbrac, DVM, hosting a stand-up meeting discussing the day, staff substitution while he would be out and follow-up required on a couple of cases. It ended with a request for questions or concerns. This is a real-world example … [Read more...]
Realizing the full potential of veterinary nurses
Kate Boatright, VMD, presents ways today’s veterinary nurses can boost practice efficiencies and improve client experiences. Veterinary nurses are patient care specialists. Their skills should be engaged in every aspect of patient care. . . . veterinary nurses are one of the most underutilized and, often, underappreciated resources. Don't let their skills atrophy!” Source: … [Read more...]
AVMA resources address diversity and inclusion in veterinary medicine
The AVMA has a suite of resources available to help veterinary professionals address and remove barriers to equity and inclusion. Creating socially conscious educational and work environments are imperatives for veterinary professionals whose oath includes public health. Veterinarians, team members, and students must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs … [Read more...]
The 5 things customers want
Randy MacLean works in distribution. His perspective on five things customers want and how to deliver them is applicable anywhere in the animal health supply chain. He believes customers are affected and influenced almost exclusively by: Availability On-time delivery No product failures Smooth (and short) interactions Acceptable price Source: Modern … [Read more...]
Saying it and doing it are different
I learned a valuable lesson from my mentor, “Saying you want something is one thing, but actually doing something about it is very different.” We prove what we desire most by our actions, not by our words. Source: becomingminimalist. Link. In too many cases, what we say we want is different from what we pursue. INSIGHT: A goal without a plan is just a wish. … [Read more...]
Join VVCA as a veterinary team
If you missed last week’s post featuring VVCA’s veterinary team memberships, you can catch it now. It is a great way to be sure virtual care grows as a team endeavor. Community activities are being scheduled and implemented, including weekly Café discussions. Team membership is cost-effective. Source: Animal Health Digest, February 11, 2021. Link. Groups of up to 10 … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 11, 2021
Clever app encourages you call your friends Source: Fast Company, February 4, 2021. Link. . . . one of the biggest regrets among people on their deathbeds was that they hadn’t kept in touch with their friends.” Data backup 101 for veterinary practice owners – Sponsored Content Source: Lucca Veterinary Data Services, February 1, 2021. Link. Data backups are important … [Read more...]
Covid-19: Here to stay
It is more evident Covid-19 is here to stay. It transmits easily, readily develops new strains and is as tough as flu, HIV and measles. Experts recommend we must realize that our lives will not be the same from now on, even with effective vaccines fully available and distributed worldwide. Quite literally, a new Covid-19 industry is developing to address the goods and services … [Read more...]
Why pigs don’t wear masks
Opinion Relating the challenges of pandemic mask wearing may be a reach, but swine veterinarians and producers have been fighting Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) since the late 1980s. Most animal health pros realize the importance of pathogen reduction. Air filtering has become a primary method of reducing risks in swine units where herd density … [Read more...]
Overtime pay for dairies is closer than you think
Dairy farming is not a 40-hour per week job, but with labor laws becoming more restrictive, employers may have to treat it as such. Dairy personnel must keep cows healthy, but the economics of overtime or additional workers will likely have dairy owners between a rock and a hard place. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, February 4, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: For dairy veterinarians and … [Read more...]
Year-round chicken care calendar featured
Kenny Coogan provides a chronological guide for chicken care. It shows the commitment required to manage a flock. With Easter coming soon, this is a good resource to use on social media and in newsletters. Source: Backyard Poultry, February 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Economic value of U.S. insect pollination services much higher than previously thought
The economic value of insect pollinators was $34 billion in the U.S. in 2012, much higher than previously thought, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. They also found that areas that are economically most reliant on insect pollinators are the same areas where pollinator habitat and forage quality are poor. Source: Swanson … [Read more...]
When to call the vet for a horse
The veterinarian is too often the last to know when something is amiss with an animal. Harry Werner, VMD, shares four levels of concern when horse owners are confronted with a sick or injured horse. The category lists will help horse owners focus their thinking and decision-making based on specific clinical signs and circumstances. He also recommends proactive planning and … [Read more...]
7th National Thoroughbred Owner Conference to be virtual and monthly series
Complimentary The 2021 Thoroughbred Owner Conference will take place as a free series of virtual panels over nine months. The conference series will be live and interactive, with expert speakers and panelists on topics relevant to Thoroughbred ownership. Source: Bloodhorse Partners, February 4, 2021. Link. The conference series will be held on the first Tuesday of each … [Read more...]
Justine Lee, DVM, discusses Leptospirosis sp. on Pet Life Radio
Complimentary In a recent episode of ER VET, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT, discussed canine leptospirosis. She says, “If your dog lives in the city and weighs ten pounds or more it is at risk. Tune in to learn about this deadly disease!” Resources like this are great for client education, social media posts and newsletters. Source: Pet Life Radio, ER Vet. Link. The … [Read more...]
Amateur sleuths find kidnapped dogs
Using tactics that would have made Sherlock Holmes proud, employees, friends, friends of friends and strangers all helped save a dozen kidnapped Portland, Oregon, dogs February 2nd. As doggy day care owner Sunni Liston handed a dog to its owner, a thief got in her van and took off with her phone, purse and the dogs in her charge. Thanks to phone tracking, social media and brave … [Read more...]
Giving feline injections at home is easy
Cat owners may be more squeamish about needles and injections than cats when home injections are required for diabetes or advanced kidney disease. Whatever the reason for the injections, keep in mind that cats don’t have needle phobia. The pet is not going to fear the shots.” Source: Tufts Catnip, January 13, 2021. Link. INSIGHTS: It is often hard to be an expert in your … [Read more...]
7 ways to help a shy cat
Pam Johnson-Bennett, CCBC, is a pioneer in cat behavior consulting and has shared her expertise in eight books. She says shy or timid cats need help feeling comfortable. She offers tips to help shy ones come out of their shells. Source: Modern Cat, Link. INSIGHTS: Timidity is a common problem, especially for newly adopted cats and kittens. Consider this article for social … [Read more...]
Proactively educating clients about pet health insurance impacts the CARE pets receive
Complimentary Sponsored Content – Part 2 of a February 2021 series In the first post, a study by Wendy Hauser, DVM, and team, <link> showed clients and veterinary team members felt better about pet health insurance discussions when done proactively. In this second post we review the effects of how proactive pet health insurance client education impacts the care … [Read more...]
Dr. Jen the Vet presents the top 5 deadly bugs in practice
Sponsored by Virox® Technologies Animal Health Chatfield’s talk will explore the top 5 deadliest pathogens seen in everyday practice and how to prolong your life despite them. Speaker: Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM Event: Viticus Virtual Summit Date and time: February 18, 2021, 2:55 p.m. EST. Registration: Link. Source: Virox® Technologies … [Read more...]
Registration still open for Viticus Virtual Summit
Complimentary No airplanes, no noisy slot machines and with no secrets to leave behind, the Viticus Virtual Summit promises new experiences beyond normal Zoom meetings. Summit offers veterinary professionals a virtual laboratory experience, interactive sessions and hands-on demonstration videos. Register for a front-row seat as Viticus streams live … [Read more...]
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean YOU have to be cold
Much of the U.S. is experiencing gelid (also known as extremely cold) weather. Stephanie Thurrott shares ways to embrace the cold months learned from people who live in Sweden, Iceland and Canada. Eh?! Source: Today, December 10, 2020. Link. Also see: Brrrrr! How cold is too cold for pets? AHD, January 21, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Talking to yourself can improve career growth
Self-talk is one of the more effective tools to thrive at work, home or play, writes Bryan Robinson, PhD. The silent conversations we have with ourselves can make or break our happiness and success. He says the simple act of talking to yourself in the third person, helps with self-control and yields benefits of calm, clarity and confidence. Source: Forbes, February 3, 2021. … [Read more...]
Lest we forget our Valentines
Emily VanSchmus shares the history of why we celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is THIS Sunday, February 14. There’s still time to plan! People have been sending Valentines since 269 A.D. Source: Better Homes and Garden, January 11, 2021. Link. Happy Valentine's Day animal health professionals! … [Read more...]
VVCA Practice groups provide superb access for veterinary teams
Complimentary – includes discount offer! The updates to the Veterinary Virtual Care Association’s (VVCA) new Community are in place and gathering momentum. Employees from sponsoring companies can register at no charge by using the code issued to each sponsor. Groups of up to 10 individuals may join under a Veterinary Practice Team membership purchased by an individual … [Read more...]
6 ways diversity and inclusion will change in 2021
Get ready for uncomfortable conversations. From the squeeze chute to the C-suite, knowledge about diversity, equity and inclusion will take place this year, according to Amber Cabral, author and diversity and inclusion consultant. She predicts six trends that, at last, indicate true change will take place. Remote work will be more common Workforce diversity will … [Read more...]
Can you actually convince your customers to act?
A common statement from DVMs and clinic staff members is, “I don’t want to be a salesperson.” Yet, if one’s actions contribute to or create a transaction, that is technically a sale, a transfer of money and often title in exchange for a product or service. David Brock reminds us that we can help them to open up and consider a change. Then we can help them learn and consider … [Read more...]
Overcoming 4 WFH challenges for remote Gen-Z workers
It will require thoughtful use of resources to advance Gen-Z’s contribution in a virtual workspace. According to a new study by Ten Spot, 54 percent of Gen-Z workers report being less productive when working from home. Source: Forbes, February 2, 2021. Link. The main challenge factors and solutions are: Distractions: requires time management and structure Boredom: … [Read more...]
Managers need leadership training
Driven by the incredible pace of change in globalized business and the new will of the workforce that prioritizes development and flexibility, today’s business world is agile and dynamic. Source: Gallup, January 21, 2021. Link. This habit of reserving high-potential develop for the top layers of a company is a major blind spot for executive leaders, and it threatens the … [Read more...]