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...]
You’re never done transitioning, so get good at it
We all have transitions, or changes, in life whether we make them ourselves or they’re made for us. Aviah Wittenberg-Cox, author of Seven Steps to Leading a Gender-Balanced Business, says mapping out transitions on a timeline from zero to 100 years will give you an idea of how many transitions you’ll experience. Source: Harvard Business Review, July 5, 2018. Link. Longevity … [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...]
Hold tax records long enough for comfort
This article will help reduce what is often a closet full of old tax records. When you boil it all down, keeping tax returns to seven years after filing is good – generally. Source: DVM Management, June 19, 2018. Link. Important note: Although you can discard backup records, do not throw away the filed copies of any tax returns or W-2s. Often, these returns provide data … [Read more...]
How women can succeed by rethinking old habits
Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith discuss self-limiting behaviors that are simply part of being human. Their combined experiences with women in virtually every sector taught them that even women at the highest levels can undermine themselves with specific self-sabotaging or self-limiting behaviors that are different from those that most frequently undermine men. Not all … [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...]
Effect of refrigeration of clinical canine urine samples on quantitative bacterial culture
This study is meaningful to all veterinary teams. A group from Louisiana State University examined the effect of 24 hours of refrigeration on urine samples collected from dogs with signs of urinary tract infection (UTI). From a group of 104 dogs, bacterial growth was identified in 35.6 percent (n = 37), 33.7 percent (35), and 31.7 percent (33) of the immediately processed, … [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...]
Med students learn from zoo patients and vets in Harvard program
A rotation at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston is demonstrating to Harvard Medical School students that animals and people share the same environment. Offered for the last three years, Harvard students work alongside zoo veterinarians monitoring animal health and collaborating in diagnoses and treatments. Source: New York Times (paywall). June 29, 2018. Link. “I would never … [Read more...]
AAHA newly accredited practices for May and June
Twenty-three AAHA practice teams completed accreditation since May 15, 2018 to claim the coveted Accredited Practice status. Take a few minutes to view the list to find a practice you call on or where someone you know works. These teams meet the highest standards in veterinary medicine. Give them a call, send a note or email them your congratulations. Source: AAHA Red, June … [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...]
Mosquito repellents from DEET to gin and tonic
Protecting animals and humans from mosquito bites is important as the insects can be vectors for multiple diseases. Mosquito repellants can help. Research completed in 2015 and updated in 2017 <link> shows that products containing DEET proved effective and lasted for a relatively long time but there are alternatives too. DEET isn't the only weapon. Products containing … [Read more...]
Listening session about the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, July 10
Join the HSVMA at 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, July 10 as they host Heather Prendergast and Ken Yagi from the National Credential Task Force for an online discussion about NAVTA's Veterinary Nurse Initiative. Attendees will be able to ask questions after the overview. This session is FREE for members and non-members! Also note the request letter we received on July 3, 2018 from … [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...]
Independence week tribute
Yesterday was the official Independence Day we celebrate. July 4th means many things to our country’s men, women and families. Baxter Black, DVM, is an icon <link>. He is a cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and entertainer of the agricultural masses. Baxter shared his perspectives on July 4th and the American Flag in the videos we’ve shared here. Photo by … [Read more...]
The immune system and the pathogenesis of depression
The discovery of “why” is part of many animal health pros’ scientific makeup. We investigate to understand and then study more to be sure we understand. For several months, our industry has been focused on suicide and its underpinnings, including depression. This article references studies that have shown a link between chronic immune responses and the development and presence … [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...]
Latest JAVMA
We’ve linked you to the table of contents for this issue of JAVMA. The following summary is from the JAVMA news segment: Veterinarians, caught in a chronic opioid shortage, are turning to other anesthetics that may be less effective. In other news, the social climate at veterinary colleges is improving overall, but among students, sexism, racism, and homophobia may be … [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...]