An abusive relationship is tough, no matter the circumstances. Imagine having to choose between fleeing one with your pet or leaving it behind to an unknown fate. More domestic violence shelters are slowly opening their doors to victims and pets, yet only 3 percent do so currently. Construction is underway in New York City for the country’s first shelter custom-built for … [Read more...]
Team member discounts and the IRS
Practices can determine the discount provided to their team member. Even though discounts are a popular benefit, practice management must follow Internal Revenue Service regulations or owners, managers and team members may face hefty fines. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, May 2018. Link. Veterinary team members have always considered discounts a substantial benefit, but they … [Read more...]
HR and the #MeToo movement
We believed this topic required a longer post than normal. Workplace sexual harassment is not new and efforts to stamp it out have not made much of an impact. One analysis indicates “much of the training done over the last 30 years has not worked as a prevention tool—it’s been too focused on simply avoiding legal liability.” Human Resource Executive® reached out to five of … [Read more...]
Women can overcome being interrupted and talked over
Women are interrupted twice as often as men in meetings, writes Eleanor Beaton. She provides seven tips for women to get their voice heard: Interrupt back. Sit in the power seat Speak in shorter sentences Get feedback on your meeting style Cultivate allies Take credit Make direct eye contact and lean in Source: Inc., June 6, 2018. Link. No one likes … [Read more...]
When hungry becomes hangry
There’s no question we are obsessed with food. We track what we eat, avoid eating, eat irregularly, eat like mice or eat like a ravenous dog. When we get hungry, we sometimes get grumpy, which leads to becoming hangry. Many people feel more irritable, annoyed, or negative when hungry – an experience colloquially called being “hangry.” The idea that hunger affects our feelings … [Read more...]
Accommodate clients with disabilities
Beckie Mossor, RVT, shares the attitudes necessary to interact with animal owners who have disabilities. The way pet owners are treated at the practice or at a retail facility directly affects their understanding, compliance and overall satisfaction with their pet’s care. It affects customer retention as well. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, June 2018, page 29. … [Read more...]
Food label claims consumers are more likely to buy
Food labels impact the animal health industry overall. This survey shows how labels affect purchase intentions. More than half of shoppers surveyed say antibiotic claims have an impact on their purchase intent. With almost 30% saying such claims have a strong or high impact. Source: State of the plate, May 22, 2018. Link. Issues surrounding food animals and the protein they … [Read more...]
Vaccine protocols, protocol shifts and immune status
Robert Lynch, DVM, writes The area of most confusion related to herd health management on dairies continues to be the vaccine program. It is rare to find just one vaccine protocol for any farm. The protocol at the vet clinic is different from the copy in the main farm office, which is different from the copy back in the manager’s office. Lynch blames a lack of understanding … [Read more...]
Corralling pasture brush: A systems approach
Regardless of what kind of brush or overgrowth producers must manage, it has to be done properly to achieve desired results. Brush and trees are beneficial as shade for livestock and cover for wildlife, but dense infestations from fence to fence erode ranch profits due to limited forage production. Brush control is an expense against income in a changing economy, so its … [Read more...]
Fly control around horses is important
Flies, fly control methods and fly products for horses are presented in this Equus advertising section . The material is worthwhile even though it may be promotional. Source: EQUUS, May 30, 2018. Link. Climate conditions vary every season, and different fly species can move into new areas with the changing weather. Here’s a quick rundown of the ways you can curb the insects … [Read more...]
Quarter horse history emphasizes one type of horse
Quarter horse enthusiasts will enjoy the history, debates and stories in this two-part article. The discussion unfolds in 1950. Source: AQHA Journal, June 8, 2018. Link. There has never been but one type of Quarter Horse since the breed’s inception so many years ago. That description is lost through the various interpretations. But there was a time, not so many years ago, … [Read more...]
Prepare as avian disease makes headway in U.S.
As backyard chicken production grows, the recent diagnosis of Newcastle disease in backyard chickens in California’s Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties is prompting warnings in Colorado. “Because the virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects such as shoes, clothing and equipment, other flocks in close proximity can quickly become … [Read more...]
Behavioral assessments essential
The American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Feline Practitioners, and the American Animal Hospital Association all include behavioral health in their guidelines and highlight behavior as an essential part of animal health and routine wellness visits. Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB presents information about conducting assessments on behavioral symptoms that will … [Read more...]
JAVMA’s latest issue
The June issue of JAVMA has something of interest for almost any animal health pro. We’ve shared three abstracts here: Clinic devises novel approach to employee’s child care conundrum, Link. Rabies exposures and pre-exposure vaccination practices among individuals with an increased risk of rabies exposure in the United States, Link. Quantification of vitamin D3 in … [Read more...]
The Phoenix Zoo: Diverse care for a diverse population (video)
For many veterinarians, zoo animals were part of their original dreams of becoming an animal doctor. It is at zoos that we encounter rare species, learn of captive populations held to preserve genetics and see species that pique our curiosities. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened. This diverse population … [Read more...]
These dogs sniff cybercrime
The Connecticut State Police is training dogs to sniff out the hard-to-detect chemical in electronics. They’re helping law enforcement personnel find child pornography on hard drives, find hidden phones, even track calls on SIM cards. This is worth a read simply to be reminded how sharp dogs can be trained to be. Source: CNET, June 11, 2018. Link. Where we might smell … [Read more...]
Help dogs get through their fear of thunderstorms
Marybeth Bittel shares six tips to deal with a dog's fear of thunder. They include: Watch your own behavior during a thunderstorm Use a Thundershirt Switch environments when it starts to thunder Increase exercise before a thunderstorm starts Use counterconditioning during a thunderstorm Try desensitization if your dog is scared of thunder Bittel … [Read more...]
Underestimated canine flu cases increase exposure risk
The highly contagious canine influenza virus H3N2 currently causing outbreaks across the U.S. is of an avian origin compared to the first strain of canine influenza, H3N8, was an equine influenza. More than 2,600 dogs have come down with the flu this year, which Edward Dubovi, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says is a gross underestimate. “I guarantee the … [Read more...]
Cats decide whether they prefer wet or dry food
Purina provides a forum that highlights the differences between about wet or dry cat food. With healthy cats, the choice is really about the cat, not its health. Moisture content is the main difference, with dry food around 20 percent moisture and wet food at 65 percent or more. While wet food may appeal to many cats, Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Dr. Dorothy Laflamme … [Read more...]
Never ignore these depression symptoms
Suicide and depression have garnered worthwhile attention in animal health media lately. Mainstream media is now inundated with suicide and depression information following the high-profile deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. Depression is the leading risk factor for suicide. It's also the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the World … [Read more...]
GlobalVetLINK Joins Amazon Web Services for cloud solutions
GlobalVetLink (GVL), Ames, Iowa, has migrated its online animal health documentation platform to Amazon Web Services (AWS) joining companies such as Airbnb, Netflix and GE. The transition from a traditional data center to AWS allows GVL to better support current users, improve certificate creation, enhance technology and features and gain help with customer data security and … [Read more...]
New findings with bovine pinkeye
Bruce Addison and Austin Springer with Addison Biological Laboratories discuss pinkeye in terms of primary and co-factor infections. Their laboratory experiences are further explained by electron microscope photography showing how M. boviculi attaches to M. bovis. Although the company suggests further research, results suggest M. bovoculi does not attach well to the surface of … [Read more...]
When traditional goal setting doesn’t work
A goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-sensitive. This is right in most cases. However, in some cases you could spend all your time in the goal-setting process while the market passes you by. So, consider these ideas when you need a non-traditional approach. Source: Fast Company, June 4, 2018. Link. Instead of focusing on changing your habit … [Read more...]
What a dog can teach us about customer service
Customers, prospects and their companions are not compliance issues that need to be corrected based on arbitrary rules. Nor are employees. In fact, excellent customer service and happy employees go hand in hand. You simply don’t get one without the other. Ask Charlie Mitchell. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. The station manager could have turned his encounter with Charlie … [Read more...]
Protect yourself from mosquito, tick and other bug bites (video)
The CDC reports the rate of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases has tripled over the past decade. Share this video on websites, social media and in targeted e-blasts. Include a pet message as well. Source: NBC News, June 8, 2018. Link. The video shares 5 tips for protecting yourself from bugs: Cover up Use insect repellent Replace outdoor lights with yellow bug … [Read more...]
Take Your Pet to Work Week starts June 18
Take Your Pet to Work Week kicks off June 18. The event with Take your Cat to Work Day™ on Monday and ends Friday with Take Your Dog to Work Day®. Pet Sitters International has a free toolkit filled with tips and promotions to help celebrate the week. Plus, the website offers all the social media information you could want. Source: Pet Sitters International. Link. May 23, … [Read more...]
Benefits, flexibility help retain employees
A recent Harris Poll of 800 employed adults affirms that lifestyle fit is key to attracting and retaining employees. About half of those surveyed would leave their job for a position with benefits that fit their needs, including more paid time off, enhanced healthcare coverage and a more generous 401(k) plan. Forty-two percent of participants said they would quit if another … [Read more...]
5 mindsets that contribute to poor results
John R. Stoker discusses five specific mindsets may cause you and others to behave in unproductive ways that diminish results and stifle your ability to work well with others: To be right, not wrong To be respected, not disrespected To be in control, not out of control To be appreciated, not unappreciated To be safe, not unsafe Source: SmartBrief, April 30, … [Read more...]
Coyote range expanding across North and Central Americas
News stories about coyotes snatching pets are not unusual these days. It’s no wonder. Despite widespread management as a pest species, coyotes have expanded their geographic range by an estimated 40 percent since the 1950s, at least twice as much any other North American carnivore during the same time period. Source: ZooKeys, May 22, 2018. Link. Various interacting factors … [Read more...]
Hormones by the numbers
Amanda Radke addresses myths surrounding beef and hormones. This information is well-referenced and realistic. Use it to reeducate yourself and share it with consumers who blame animal-based protein for hormonal problems. Source: BEEF, May 8, 2018. Link. A pre-pubescent girl would have to eat 10.7 steers’ worth of beef and a pre-pubescent boy would need to 8.2 steers’ worth … [Read more...]