Research findings prove how much power humans have that influences a dog’s personality, according to William J. Chopik, PhD. He explains many of the reasons a dog’s personality changes result from the “nature versus nurture” theory associated with humans’ personalities. Source: The Bark, November 2021. Link. We found correlations in three main areas: age and personality, … [Read more...]
It’s time to ‘re-recruit’ your employees
Instead of focusing solely on hiring new talent, HR leaders suggest companies concentrate on “re-recruiting” their existing employees to reduce flight risk and build an invested, engaged workforce. During a recent virtual conference three HR leaders agreed that employers need to invest in reskilling and tech to improve employee engagement. Source: Human Resource Executive, … [Read more...]
The (real) secret to overcoming procrastination
Most time management techniques are a waste of time without awareness of the underlying cause of your procrastination, writes Susan Fowler. Motivation is at the heart of everything you do and everything you don’t do but should, or wish you did. Fowler contends what we think is procrastination is often not it at all. Rather, our behaviors could be ineffective attempts to … [Read more...]
Decision-getting comes from understanding
Editor’s note: Thank you Mr. Malone for your tireless commitment to provide content and context to our weekly Bulletins. The most successful people I know are those who get the most decisions. So, it is vital to understand the decision-making process. Source: Vet Advantage, October 2021. Link. Decisions are made at the intersection of “what do I know” and “how do I feel … [Read more...]
In protein we trust
Rarely a day goes by without seeing content aimed at animal protein sources. Every animal health pro has a vested interest in animal protein production whether for your table at home or in the dish for pets. NAMI’s newest initiative, the Protein PACT is setting out to provide the necessary proof to secure and sustain consumer trust in the animal protein industry. PACT … [Read more...]
The climate crisis: Reducing pets’ environmental pawprints
There is a lot of coverage these days about addressing sustainability and carbon footprints. Livestock production has been heavily targeted, as has fossil fuel consumption and automotive emissions. The real challenge is understanding the total carbon cost from inception to the ultimate destroying of an item and its residual waste. In this article by Adam Green, pet food … [Read more...]
VetWatch™ then and now shows continued growth
Providing consistent data on practice visits and revenues, the VetWatch™ weekly insight reports and commentary brings practices and industry a perspective on demand, especially in the pet segments. We’ve linked to the current report and the report from a year ago. Take a few minutes to compare these commentaries. We’ve come a long ways in the past 12 months!” Source: Vet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 17, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post We’re overfeeding like crazy. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin – November 11, 2021. Link. . . . Posts from one year ago Archived posts from November 2020. Link. Why do animals hibernate? Source: Trivia Genius, November 12, 2021. Link. Bears may be the most famous hibernators, … [Read more...]
Younger stock love grooming brushes, too
Access to grooming brushes for lactating cows shows they help reduce stress, keep animals cleaner and limit injuries. They also limit damage to facilities caused by cows that otherwise rub their heads and bodies on gates, pen walls and edges of feed and water troughs. New research says the same goes for young calves as well. The study, published in the Journal of Dairy … [Read more...]
Systemic inflammation in pre- and post-partum cows
Although excessive inflammation is bad, the results of a University of Guelph study revealed why some inflammation at calving is positive. The key is discovering the balance between healthy and excessive inflammation, according to Barry J. Bradford, PhD. Inflammation is needed to drive the birthing process, and we also think it’s important for aiding in the metabolic … [Read more...]
Preparing cattle for transport saves time, money and stress
Every year after harvest, millions of cattle are trucked to graze crop residue, get to winter pasture or to be put in dry lots. With current challenges in the trucking industry, reviewing best practices is appropriate. . . .several factors should be considered when cattle are being transported. These include loading conditions, time in transit, weather conditions, comingling, … [Read more...]
Dead sows are co$tly
Complimentary Commercial Content Sow mortality has nearly doubled in the past 15 years to approximately 13 percent. Ron Ketchum estimates a midpoint cost of $1,125 per dead sow. This amounts to an estimated $2.25 per pig weaned in incremental production cost. Source: The Pig Site, November 11, 2021. Link. Also see: Sow to sales: mortality breakdowns, National Hog … [Read more...]
Diagnosing and treating itchy horses
Pruritus remains challenging for veterinarians to diagnose and treat. It is a broad issue in horses that encompasses a wide range of causes. Management and prevention are key to the welfare of affected horses. Alexandra Beckstett summarizes a presentation by Janet Littlewood, BVSc (Hons), MA, PhD, DVD, DVR, MRCVS, on the three main culprits of pruritus in horses: … [Read more...]
Feline thyroid problems linked to household chemicals
New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting could harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel water and oil. It is imperative to better understand how these persistent chemicals might … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 15, 2021
New AVMA journals website launched, managing feline stress, email authentication to get more emails through, Apple’s new subscription service for small businesses, IBPSA is migrating to a new association management software system, new learning management system and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 15, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Receiving feedback is hard, especially when it stings
Even criticism that is intended only to be helpful, that is phrased kindly, and is genuinely useful, often stings when it is delivered, writes Art Markman. It is a blow to your self-confidence, and it challenges your self-esteem. You have to suppress the urge to go on the defensive. . . “- Art Markman Source: Fast Company, October 1, 2021. Link. When you get a really incisive … [Read more...]
Decision making made clear
This simple rule of decision making is founded on principles of emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage your emotions. Source: Inc. October 29, 2021. Link. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary emotion.” INSIGHT: Certainly, think through your decision before acting but do not get caught up in analysis-paralysis. … [Read more...]
Pet Age introduces pet industry’s 2021 Power 50 list
In its inaugural Power 50 list, Pet Age recognizes the people whose vital work has made a substantial impact on the pet market. Note the cross section of businesses represented. The criteria were simple: Identify the people influencing the pet care community in positive ways, whether they be company leaders, heads of organizations or officials whose decisions affect the pet … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 11, 2021
Last week’s. . . . . . most read post Cost of veterinary care concerns consistent among generations. Link. . . . AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin – November 4, 2021. Link. . . . Archives Archived AHD posts for October 2021. Link. This 11-year-old is helping hard-to-place dogs in shelters get attention – and find new … [Read more...]
Pandemic coronavirus is widespread in Iowa deer
About 80 percent of Iowa deer tested between late November 2020 and early January were infected with the pandemic coronavirus according to a New York Times report. The deer picked up mutations and variants in similar patterns to humans across the state, suggesting humans passed infections to deer multiple times. The rapid rise in the prevalence of infections indicates … [Read more...]
Tackling listeriosis on the farm
Listeriosis is a bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. It is present everywhere in the environment and survives well in moist soil for about one year. A synopsis explaining the infection path of Listeria and how farmers can keep the infection at bay is provided here written by Clare Holmes from Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food and Biosciences … [Read more...]
10 early interventions to rescue sick calves
Scours and pneumonia are the twin challenges of every calf raiser, especially heading into winter. However, early detection along with proven interventions, will help many calves pull through temporary setbacks and thrive. . . . supportive care is more valuable than antibiotics.” - Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 3, 2021. Link. Develop … [Read more...]
The history of the Kansas City Stockyards
Kansas City once housed the second-largest meat packing industry in the nation, just behind Chicago, known as the Kansas City Stockyards. The last cattle auction took place in September 1991. The stockyards then closed because of rising costs and changing agricultural marketing patterns. Meat processing challenges have been discussed routinely in 2020 and 2021 as the … [Read more...]
Understanding how horses learn may keep veterinarians safe
Concerned about the frequency of injuries to equine veterinarians, researchers in Scotland sought to determine if the vets understood how horses learn. Vets were asked if they understood positive reinforcement. Eighty-four percent said they did, but only 19 percent were correct when tested. Nearly 80 percent of vets said they understood negative reinforcement, but only 33 … [Read more...]
We’re overfeeding like crazy
Studies show that keeping dogs lean contributes significantly to their health and well-being, writes Denise Flaim. A 14-year Purina Life Span Study found dogs with restricted diets lived 15 percent longer than those with less-restricted diets. That’s almost two years. Despite the compelling evidence for the upside of slimming down, the reality is that thin isn’t In . . . when … [Read more...]
How dogs see the world and TV
Dogs hear better than us for sure. When it comes to sight dogs see the world differently. Two articles from PetMD offer a look at dog vision, including TV watching. Sources: How do dogs see the world? Pet MD. Link. Can dogs see TV? Pet MD. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider these articles for social media or newsletters. … [Read more...]
Which dogs live the longest?
Some breeds live longer than others . This article shares dog breeds with long average life expectancies. For a canine companion that has a long average life, choose small dog breeds.” Source: Puppies and Pooches, January 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month
As the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs, epilepsy has a profound impact on quality of life for affected dogs and their owners. Epilepsy affects one in every 100 dogs and refers to recurrent seizures resulting from an abnormality in brain function. Source: AKC, November 8, 2021. Link. Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and its donors have … [Read more...]
Looking into 2022. Mark Cushing, The Bridge Club
Complimentary No one has a crystal ball, but industry insiders like Mark Cushing have perspectives worth consideration. Cushing will be the guest of The Bridge Club for a casual zoom discussion of what 2022 might present as hot topics or challenges for animal health professionals. Location: The Bridge Club Zoom Date/Time: November 17, 2021. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM … [Read more...]
Front desk persons anchor customer experiences and are more important than ever
In a post from June 7, 2016, Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR reminded front desk persons that people NEED you, and you need them. Fast forward to 2021 and we find the importance of first contact personnel setting the tone for each visit hasn’t changed. In fact, their roles may be more important than ever. Every single client that walks through your door has a worry (or need), … [Read more...]