Local farm stores are now featuring baby chicks. Rachel Hurd Anger asserts it is imperative to be prepared before bringing chicks to a new home. She offers seven areas of preparation to ensure a nurturing environment. Consider this article for social media posts or e-newsletters to help animal owners prepare for new chicks as well as the Easter bunny. Source: Hobby Farms, … [Read more...]
Get back on track when your day gets derailed
More the norm than anomaly, stuff derails us from our planned schedules. Deb Knobelman, PhD, shares ideas to manage frustration and getting overwhelmed when the unexpected happens. A change in schedule does not mean the whole day is ruined. Source: The Medium, September 2018. Link. With the right framework plus the right mindset, anything is possible. . . . the perfect plan … [Read more...]
When you need a good laugh (SPARK videos)
NAVC’s Spark team captured situational stories from veterinarians that reveal how laughable some situations become when dealing with people and their animals. You’ll find these enjoyable and worth a few minutes for some comic relief. Source: NAVC Spark, March 27, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Kudos to the Spark team for capturing the stories and the expressions as veterinarians … [Read more...]
Reduce the stigma of mental health issues at work
Experts tell us that one in four adults will struggle with a mental health issue during his or her lifetime, write Diana O'Brien and Jen Fisher. Those suffering may hide it at work for fear that they may face discrimination from peers or even bosses. The authors share five ways managers can help drive a more empathetic culture and help overcome the stigmas people … [Read more...]
Evaluate your affect on your team
Do you have a positive impact on your team or do you just get in their way? Effective leaders constantly evaluate their performance, especially as it relates to the people they serve. And, they are ruthless when it comes to self-evaluation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, March 21, 2019. Link. The good news is that as a leader, you have the greatest influence in motivating your … [Read more...]
7 strategies to manage a micro-manager
Micromanagement is a big driver of dissatisfaction and attrition in the workplace, writes Victor Prince. He typifies a micromanager as someone who focuses more on how you do a job than the results. He offers seven strategies to manage a micromanaging manager: Diagnose the situation Channel their energy Focus on the future Build trust through transparency Demand … [Read more...]
2+2 programs expand the reach of veterinary education
Kaitlyn Mattson explains how veterinary colleges partner with universities to educate students across state lines. The approach may help states without a veterinary college retain their talent and meet the need for more veterinarians. Her article shows various 2+2 programs and participating schools. Prospective veterinary students from states that lack an AVMA Council on … [Read more...]
Discover why dog owners do not use heartworm preventives
Ceva Animal Health US is sponsoring a 1-hour webinar presented by Vetsymposium. The free event features presenters who will discuss why only one fourth of dogs get heartworm prevention. Attendees gets one hour of CE credits and will: Gain an understanding of why owners choose not to give their dogs heartworm preventives from their clients' perspectives. Learn about the … [Read more...]
Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care
The recent study, Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy <link to report>, identifies the need for solutions that allow more people to obtain veterinary care for their animals. The study also sought understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices veterinarians have about access to care. The highest level of agreement expressed … [Read more...]
Dingoes are unique, Australian species, not feral dogs
The latest findings from a study published in Zootaxa provide further evidence of specific characteristics that differentiate dingoes from domestic dogs, feral dog, and other wild canids such as wolves. There is no historical evidence of domestication once the dingo arrived in Australia . . .” Source: Vet Practice Magazine, March 19, 2019. Link. “In fact, dingoes play a vital … [Read more...]
Mr. Rodgers is still relevant
Tres Roeder, MBA, grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and says the lessons he learned shaped his attitudes and informed his business life. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of Fred Rogers’ children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which aired from 1968 to 2001. Then, as now, Fred Rogers modeled the best in all of us and reminded everyone of the good and … [Read more...]
Hoof issues identified in dairy heifers
We haven’t worried about hoof issues in heifers, until now. Corkscrew claw syndrome is an emerging heifer hoof issue and common rearing practices may be to blame. The syndrome was most prevalent in heifers housed in freestall barns. “What’s good for cows, and how we have learned to manage cows, isn’t necessarily good for heifers,”Nigel Cook, MRCVS. Source: … [Read more...]
Live streams show consumers modern pig farming
The National Pork Board and South Dakota State University (SDSU) are collaborating to show consumers how pigs are raised. Speakers who are part of the pork checkoff’s Operation Main Street can include a live-streaming video tour of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Center in presentations to civic groups, culinary, pre-vet students, chefs and others. Source: … [Read more...]
U.S. pork essentially free of veterinary residues
It’s official. Veterinary drug residues in pork do not pose a health concern to U.S. consumers. Results from a survey recently published by an Agricultural Research Service scientist, found almost no veterinary drug residues, and none at levels that approached U.S. regulatory limits. The survey included more than 1,000 pork kidney samples. Source: Feedstuffs, March 21, … [Read more...]
Gaming helps employees understand biosecurity risks
Researchers sought to discover how human risk attitude affects the adoption of biosecurity and the ability to control disease spread. Using video games called digital field experiences, a team from the University of Vermont discovered the weakest biosecurity point in swine operations is the personnel. The findings will likely apply to other production scenarios as well as in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal well-being IS as people problem
Taking care of animals is more challenging today because we know more about their needs and behaviors. Still, day to day management often falls into the category of chores. It should instead rise to the category of opportunity. With consumer and ecological pressures rising, we’ve been seeing a variety of changes in how we care for animals. Yet, one common denominator to … [Read more...]
Easy equine fitness plan (includes video)
Equine veterinarian Melinda Freckleton, DVM, helps a reader with divided time develop a schedule to exercise her out-of-shape horses. Her guidance is worthy of social media posts and inclusion in e-newsletters. Before you embark on any fitness program, make sure that each of your horses is sound and ready to ride. Is he healthy? Is he shod or trimmed … [Read more...]
DVM develops scale to help determine the right time to say goodbye
Alice Villalobos, DVM, is an oncology veterinarian in Hermosa Beach, CA. She has dedicated much of her career to helping pet owners manage end-of-life issues for their pets. In fact, she created an animal hospice program she named “pawspice,” which focuses on extending a pet’s quality of life. To help owners make these tough decisions, Villalobos created a decision tool based … [Read more...]
Opinion – AVMA shares regional stories
Several regional stories get covered by the AVMA SmartBrief. Cancelled equine events, Lyme disease incidences, infection and parasite prevention and itchy pets all received recent media coverage from local sources. Last week we highlighted two stories published by mainstream media sources: TIME about anti-vaxxers <link> and USA Today about pet obesity … [Read more...]
Quiz: Are you a cat at heart?
Just for fun, see if you have the personality of a cat. Tally your answers to five questions to determine what kind of cat personality you possess and what type of cat would be your best match! Source: Modern Cat, March 21, 2019. Link. Also see: Video: Cats Chasing Shadows! Link. Check out this funny compilation of cats playing with shadows! … [Read more...]
Explaining cat behavior problems and how to handle them
Cats, like us, have their good days and not-so-good days. Cat behavior problems almost always have an underlying cause, writes Angela Lutz. She identifies frequently seen cat behavior problems and offers ideas to handle them. Aggression toward humans or other cats Litter box problems Excessive vocalization Urine marking Source: Catster, March 13, 2019. … [Read more...]
Anesthesia-related challenges heightened in rabbits
The number of house rabbits in the U.S. continues to grow. One 2014 source estimated there could be 7 million pet rabbits at that time with steady increases in numbers since. Rabbits have a higher risk for anesthesia-related mortality and GI complications as compared with cats and dogs due to certain anatomic, physiologic and behavioral features. David Eshar, DVM, DABVP (ECM), … [Read more...]
8 tips for year-round dog paw health
Mother Nature designed dog paws to take a licking and keep on ticking, but they can still get cuts, scrapes, burns and frostbite, writes Marty Becker, DVM. He shares tips for optimal dog paw health year-round. Do a weekly dog paw check Watch out for burrs Do regular dog paw trims Keep dog paws dry Treat painful dog paw cracks Ban the burn Salt on dog paws also … [Read more...]
Labrador retriever most popular dog for 28th year
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) has announced that the loveable Lab remains the most popular breed in the United States. Additionally, AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth consecutive year. The dogs in the top 10 remained the same in positions one through eight. Yorkies and German Shorthaired Pointers flip-flopped their 2017 ranking in 2018. Source: … [Read more...]
Millennials fuel growing market for posh pet items
Millennials are fueling a growing market for luxury pet items as they put raising children on hold or chose to be childless. One example is street-inspired clothing for dogs with price tags that reach $202 each. Millennials are also dropping cash on pricey foods and day care for their pets. Many are treating their pets as if they were kids and devoting a growing share … [Read more...]
New strain of canine distemper virus arrives in North America
The Asia-1 strain of canine distemper virus (CDV), which had never before been reported in North America, most likely entered the continent last fall with a dog rescued from a Korean dog meat farm. Dogs that are already immunized against CDV likely are not at risk from the Asian strain. But if the virus comes into contact with wildlife, it may take a serious toll on … [Read more...]
Leisure time is important. Find the right amount for you.
Much has been written about work/life balance. Workaholics believe that balance is impossible. Others have opted out of the rat race entirely to a life of total leisure. For maybe the first time there is an indication of how much discretionary time is optimum. Source: The Atlantic, February 21, 2019. Link. The paper, which analyzed data covering about 35,000 Americans, … [Read more...]
Stop worrying about being liked
True or False? Likability is a crucial sales trait. If you answered False, you are correct. Being likable is not necessary to succeed in sales. And those who focus on it as a priority are destined to fail, says J. Keenan. He explains that customers care far more about the value of what they’re buying than they do about the person selling it to them. Be an … [Read more...]
Leadership abounds during March Madness
There is a reason only four of the 68 coaches in this year’s NCAA Division 1 tournament were once regular-season NBA team players. It is because coaching requires a different skill set AND mind-set than playing. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. Great leaders model the behavior they expect from their followers. . . . A great leader invests in others and they in turn … [Read more...]
It’s spring. Clear the clutter.
“When our space is a mess, so are we,” writes Libby Sander. Her research and that of others has shown that our physical environments significantly influence our cognition, emotions and behavior, affecting our decision-making and relationships with others. Cluttered spaces can have negative effects on our stress and anxiety levels, as well as our ability to focus, our eating … [Read more...]