This free tool is a first success for the AVMA's Economic Advisory Research Council, which is tasked with "organizing and efficiently using the veterinary profession's scarce resources.” Kudos to all involved in providing this resource to all veterinary practices. Source: DVM 360, June 30, 2017. The chart of accounts will allow practitioners to better organize their … [Read more...]
Fight mosquitoes, help fellow humans
Population control methods we now see as emerging practices in animal health are rooted in a lengthy history of reducing human risk from malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Since 2007, Bill Gates has been seeking solutions to age-old mosquito challenges. He remains hopeful we can eradicate malaria and the mosquitoes that carry it. Source: LinkedIn, August 16, … [Read more...]
Speaking of tapeworms
Sometimes there’s more to the human-animal bond than we want to admit. More interactions with wildlife as our cities expand into their habitat increase opportunities for new challenges, including a wide variety of Echinococcus spp. tapeworms. Dogs act as an intermediate host between wildlife and humans in some species. Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2017. Surveillance in … [Read more...]
Ringworm calls for carpet and surface cleaning
Treating Microsporum canis in pets is straightforward. Veterinary teams frequently make recommendations for cleaning the home, but the efficacy of these recommendations has not been evaluated. Decontamination of hard surfaces involves thorough mechanical cleaning followed by disinfectant application. Less is known about successful decontamination of carpet with … [Read more...]
Understand feline sexual aggression
There are good reasons to neuter a male cat during the first six months or so of his life. In addition to population control, neutering eliminates or at least reduces the occurrence of some undesirable sex-related behaviors. Source: Catster, August 2017. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, notes that about 10 percent of neutered cats will continue to display unwanted behaviors. “Owners … [Read more...]
How much food to feed a cat
Feeding a cat is not complicated, but is based on many variables. These include its weight and age, food-type selection, its activity level, and whether it is pregnant or nursing. Source: Catster, June 19, 2017. Cat owners are often puzzled by the question: “How much should I feed my cat?” Catster unpacks information needed about feeding a cat. INSIGHTS: Animal health pros … [Read more...]
Richest salespeople share 5 key habits
Whether you sell in a traditional, carry-the-bag mode, a retail setting or a professional services business, there are key habits that most top-earning reps use regardless of industry: They prioritize quality over quantity They only sell to the top If it doesn't make them money, they don't do it They understand the difference between outcomes and to-dos They … [Read more...]
Sales is all about doing
You can apply Jeffrey Gitomer’s perspectives on acting on what you know. In sales, “thought conversion” is critical. Convert the lessons you hear, the things you observe, and the things you know and believe to be true, into positive action. He shares seen keys to convert listening and knowing into doing. Source: Ingram’s Magazine, November 2016. In your personal … [Read more...]
Tackling antimicrobial resistance in livestock
Antimicrobial resistance is a hot topic worldwide. Helen Ward reviews recent research from the United Kingdom and discusses some of the issues and on-farm stewardship results. Source: Feed International, August/September 2017, page 24. Antimicrobial policies have been generated around four key principles: Disease reduction strategies Correct use of medicines … [Read more...]
Effective opening statements help make meetings matter
The number of producer meetings I have attended over the last two decades are innumerable. Unfortunately, most have been a waste of your time and a waste of your company’s money unless your sole objective was to create goodwill. If you have watched the mergers and acquisitions in our industry, you know that goodwill is the value of a business not related to assets or … [Read more...]
Animals can get bored
Animals can feel boredom, according to Charlotte C. Burn, a biologist at The Royal Veterinary Collge of the University of London. Her essay in the August issue of Animal Behavior, explains that boredom is felt by some animals left alone for long periods. Source: NPR, August 10, 2017. We need to look inward too, at our own homes. “As for the pets we live with,” Burn says, … [Read more...]
How to leave work on time
Jennie Maier shares her scheduling technique that helps manage time proactively. For those not into strict time planning, she also shares some easy-to-do starting steps. Source: The Muse, August 2017. The trick to making this work is sticking to the schedule after you’ve created it. To be honest: There have been plenty of days when I’ve had to change it up. But overall, … [Read more...]
Gain more experience in less time
We all recognize the importance of job and life experience. Yet, for many new leaders, experience can be hard to come by. Naphtali Hoff shares ways to shorten the normal timeline of gaining experience in today’s fast moving employment and leadership environments: Go for training Volunteer Find a mentor/peer group Read/watch leadership experts Reflect and take … [Read more...]
NAVTA bi-weekly topics
As lobbying continues for veterinary technicians to be called veterinary nurses, NAVTA returns to topics for its members in this edition. We found the reference to Should electronic pet records be accessible online? an interesting read and another issue-rich platform to discuss. Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, August 15, 2017. … [Read more...]
Grain-free pet foods not healthier than others
If a pet is overweight, a grain-free food will not help it lose weight faster than another food. Animal nutritionists and veterinarians agree that there is no data to support the idea that grain-free diets are better for pets. “Claims like no gluten, no grains and no soy generally mean no science.” Source: Washington Post, August 15, 2017 (paywall). Some pet owners have a … [Read more...]
Beef’s trending headlines
Burt Rutherford shares five trending headlines. Senseless cattle killings in the Southwest have cattlemen and law enforcement concerned. On a lighter note, a new smartphone app helps you analyze manure to determine forage quality. Source: Beef, August 14, 2017. Also see: Beef’s 2017 lineup of mid-range tractors, and skid-steer and track loaders … [Read more...]
Your dog’s as fat as you
Obviously, no animal health professional would ever say that. But many are afraid of offending obese clients in the process of discussing their pet’s obesity. Ernie Ward, DVM, presents the dynamics of discussing obesity and shares communication strategies to avoid possible client embarrassment. Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 9, 2017. Reframe the discussion in … [Read more...]
Research examines prejudging clients’ ability to pay
Veterinarians and their team members are renown for “judging the size of a client’s pocketbook.” This skill is often associated as a reason for a lack of compliance to product recommendations as well as routine visits. But, a study recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology posits that the face alone might provide clues to someone’s social class, … [Read more...]
The art and science of starting new calves
To be successful at starting cattle, cattlemen must become as knowledgeable about animal behavior as about disease treatments and health products. Drs. Tom Noffsinger and Dee Griffin share perspectives on pre-conditioning and handling. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 7, 2017. Weaning begins the day the calf is born,” says Noffsinger. “How you handle that momma cow is … [Read more...]
Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certificate Program now available
With all the information published about millennials’ focus on pet life quality, this new certificate program will help participants meet these needs. During this program, participants will: Understand the unique field of animal hospice Learn how palliative care differs from conventional medicine Learn best practices in hospice care Understand what to expect in … [Read more...]
Blanket training aids in dog comfort
Have blanket, will travel. A blanket can help dogs handle adventures away from home shares, Karen London, PhD. It is a technique used commonly with service dogs that helps them relax. With training, the blanket indicates to the dog where to sit or lie down. Source: The Bark, July 24, 2017. Once a dog has been to multiple places and happily goes to lie down and stay on his … [Read more...]
The latest from Dr. Andy Roark (recorded interview)
Hear Dr. Roark talk about social media as a "relationship accelerator" in a recent interview with DVM 360 on Your Veterinary Voice. The interview and other topics are part of his recent newsletter. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, August 2, 2017. Dr. Roark on such topics as social media as a "relationship accelerator," that scary E-word (entrepreneurship) and new graduates coming … [Read more...]
How cats say, “I love you.” (includes client handout)
Cats demonstrate their devotion to their humans in important and obvious ways if you know what to look for. Using the client handout in this article will help cat owners decipher the silent ways cats share affection. Source: Veterinary Medicine, July 25, 2017. Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, DABVP covers three area where cats share affection: Territorial tenderness … [Read more...]
SuperZoo’s new product showcase winners
SuperZoo attendees voted for the best products across nine key pet categories during this year’s July show. Source: Pet Product News, August 2, 2017. See 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each of these categories: Grooming; Aquatics; Bird; Cat; Equine; Reptile; Small Animal; Dog; Miscellaneous. … [Read more...]
August is National Vaccine and Immunization Month
Stay up to date on current vaccinations, Lyme disease prevention and how to keep practices in top shape. Four informative session are available on VetFolio: Vaccines: Current Protocols and Recommendations Introducing the Next Generation of Lyme Disease Vaccine Technology; sponsored by Zoetis Healthy, Wealthy and Wise Lyme Disease: The Latest Research and … [Read more...]
Beat the mid-summer slump
Unless you’re on vacation, dragging yourself into the office during the summer can sometimes feel like the last thing you want to do. It’s not just because the weather is perfect and you couldn’t imagine spending the entire day indoors. Sure, the office might be the last place you want to be because your colleagues are gone, and your productivity might feel like it hinges on … [Read more...]
12 reasons pets need heartworm protection
Here is a handy list of reasons to protect dogs, cats and ferrets against heartworm infection. Provided by the American Heartworm Society, it is available in both a slide show and list form. Source: Linked In, July 26, 2017. There’s no such thing as heartworm “season.” Chances are, you don’t live in a heartworm-free zone. Pets with heartworms are found across the United … [Read more...]
AQHA Daily Health Archive
A colleague contacted me looking for good references for an article he was working on. I sent him to the AQHA website. So, in the spirit of supporting animal health pros who post equine information on websites, blogs and social media, we’re linking you the health archive on the AQHA website. Source: AQHA Daily. Scroll through many topics presented as original and sponsored … [Read more...]
Laser pointer play ill-advised
It is common for people to be amused by the behavior of a frantic dog pouncing on a moving dot of light from a laser pointer. Karen London, PhD, shares why this game is not advised for dogs. Source: The Bark, July 26, 2017. No matter how much dogs respond to them, I recommend against the use of laser pointers. It’s just too likely that the game will negatively affect the … [Read more...]
Opinion – Keep dogs safe on beaches
Good content often falls short of the whole story. In this case, the article presents good considerations for sharing a beach trip with a canine. However, references to ensure the pet is protected from diseases easily shared in a public area are missing. In community parks or dog parks, the risk of leptospirosis can be as significant at beaches. The risks are not just from … [Read more...]