The old way of recruiting with its lengthy recruiting cycles, delays in responding to candidates and impersonal communications is broken, writes Susan Peppercorn. She shares tips for how to reimagine hiring during this Great Resignation period. Source: Fast Company, April 4, 2022. Link. It all comes down to creating differentiation in your recruiting practices. When you … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 31, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – we have a tie! It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Week. Link. Solutions to toxic situations. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 24, 2022. Link. =================================== Survey: 1 in 5 pet owners had pet recommended by health professional Source: Petfood Industry, … [Read more...]
Scientists decode pig emotions from their sounds
Swine language is the new talk of the town. Researchers in Europe recorded 7,414 sounds from 411 pigs in different scenarios from birth to death. They also measured heart rate and monitored behavior. The researchers then developed an algorithm to determine if pigs were experiencing a positive or negative emotion or something in between. Due to the impact of emotions on … [Read more...]
How eggs get their color
Easter egg coloring is still popular. Coloring can be done a variety of ways including choosing different breeds of chickens. Source: Backyard Poultry, July 4, 2021. Link. Also see: Do hens need roosters to lay eggs? Hobby Farms, March 16, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Cat wheezing: What it is, why it happens, when to see a veterinarian (video)
This article includes a recommendation for cat clients to capture videos of their cats’ issue as part of a vet visit decision process and background for potential diagnosis. While telemedicine terms are not used, the “when in doubt, see a vet” guidance could include a virtual visit. Consider the opportunity to share this article along with some telemedicine information via … [Read more...]
AAHA’s updated Pain Management Guidelines: A paradigm shift in managing pain
The 2022 AAHA Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats mark the first update of the guidelines since 2015 and there have been big changes. Tony McReynolds shares some of the most important changes from discussions with members of the pain guidelines task force including: incorporation of the last eight or nine years of research and development and understanding in pain … [Read more...]
Why some people think rats are the perfect pet, for fun and comfort
While short-lived, rats bred for companionship make good pets. Corey Bassett, DVM, says they are calm, do not tend to bite the hand that feeds them and seem to bond emotionally with cage mates and owners. Unlike Ben, the leader of a violent pack of killer rats in the 1972 movie, The American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association recommends buying domesticated, socialized rats from … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 28, 2022
Member webinar to discuss using photos of customers’ pets, a DVM working to save pets in war-torn Kyiv, onboarding new staff, MetLife Pet Insurance’s new reward program, Boehringer Ingelheim invests in Televet, Inc as their preferred veterinary health technology platform in the U.S., inflation reasoning and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 28, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Stop asking how someone is doing and what to say instead
Saying, “How are you doing,” is a simple question but does anyone really want to know? Further, does the person asked wish to reveal a candid answer? Kristin Hendrix advocates a positive approach for responding and suggests we ask for people to share something positive. Source: Leadership Vitae, March 24, 2022. Link. Tell me something good.” … [Read more...]
Form I-9 alert: Policy allowing expired documents scheduled to end
Beginning May 1, employers will no longer be able to accept expired identity documents when verifying an employee's work eligibility on Form I-9. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ending its temporary Covid-19-related policy of allowing employers to use expired List B identity documents for I-9 purposes. List B identity documents include driver's licenses and state ID … [Read more...]
Building meaningful feedback loops
Leaders should use feedback loops to get constant, near-real-time insights into how to better solve problems and make better decisions, says Mike Allen. Receiving quality information isn’t a given, and it’s a major leadership mistake to assume so. Allen writes about the importance of constructing feedback loops to receive consistent and quality information. Feedback loop: A … [Read more...]
Veterinary compensation varies across U.S. states
Complimentary Content In newly published research by Galaxy Vets, DVMs in Delaware earn the highest average salary ($132,304.00) compared to the lowest average DVM salary, which is in New Mexico ($76,645.00). The article also contains a state-by-state comparison table of veterinary salaries. Location does play a role in what a veterinarian can earn. As does the type of … [Read more...]
Territorialism on the rise
Research indicates a shift in what workers value in their workplaces and workspaces. Stephen Denny shares what he calls the New Territorial Imperative and the shift of values in how workers feel about their primary work territory. The human need for territory and the status it confers is as old as the human race itself. We need to give thought to this New Territorial … [Read more...]
How to follow up with someone who’s not getting back to you
Non-verbal communication skills are vehicles to success in this digital age. But, without a response, communication is not effective. While it is frustrating and sometimes disappointing, not getting a response doesn’t mean they’re ghosting you. Forty-seven percent of emails are opened or discarded based on their subject line alone. Rebecca Zucker shares key things to keep in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 24, 2022
Last week’s most read post Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 17, 2022. Link. =================================== Click here for a free 7-day trial --> Link #TalkatooTerry Your dog can go vegan – but cats are natural born killers Source: The Guardian, … [Read more...]
Tips to reduce dairy farm expenses
Dairy veterinarians are often asked about cost reductions. Certainly, fuel prices now add more cost to equipment and cost of goods requiring transportation. Making small financial changes can certainly add up to big savings. The author shares where to focus to help shave some costs while maintaining production levels and producing high-quality milk. Source: The Bullvine, … [Read more...]
Before they buy that farm store goat
Local farm stores have added goats to the chicks and ducklings they sell this time of year. As cute as they are, there are important considerations before taking a goat home. The articles here speak to diligence, veterinary involvement and legal considerations for potential goat owners. Sources: What to Know Before You Buy a Goat, Backyard Goats. June 23, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
Parasite control for mares and foals
Complimentary Sponsored Content Merck Animal Health’s Wendy Vaala, VMD, DACVIM, shares the importance of life-stage parasite control protocols for horses as well as two key takeaways: Avoid any unnecessary drug administration, including dewormers, during the first 60 days of pregnancy Although any worm can affect a foal, the most significant parasites are ascarids … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 21, 2022
Packaging recycling, sustainability and innovation plus feline health care and canine depression are key topics in this edition. Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, March 21, 2022. Link. IBPSA offers business resources, staff education, and legislative support. IBPSA Members include the owners and employees of pet boarding and daycare facilities, groomers, dog walkers, pet … [Read more...]
Amazon privacy settings you should enable
Many of us are not aware of our Amazon privacy settings. We could be sharing too much information with the company. Settings can be changed at any time. Charles Slocs shares the importance of privacy settings, browser history and more . . . Amazon has made it very easy for its users to view and change all of their privacy settings.” Source: Tech Source Online, December 5, … [Read more...]
How craving attention makes you less creative
This TED talk is good for introspection and consideration. Trying to gain followers and likes only to be left feeling inadequate and less creative can be addictive. In his candid TED talk, Joseph Gordon-Levitt explores how the attention-driven model of big tech companies affects our creativity. . . . <there is> a more powerful feeling than getting attention. . . it’s … [Read more...]
Prepare clients to be financially prepared from the start
Getting a pet has financial consequences that often surprise pet owners. Boo Larsen shares data from the recent Synchrony Lifetime of Care study along with three ways to help prepare clients for the cost of care: Prepare new pet owners for costs they may not anticipate. Recognize that an invoice of $250 or less may cause anxiety. Be upfront and open about the … [Read more...]
Galaxy Vets announce 24-hour work week, same as full-time
Galaxy Vets is introducing a 24-hour workweek. All employees, as well as the relief workforce, who commit to at least 24 hours over seven days in any of Galaxy Vets’ general practice, ER or telemedicine settings are eligible to receive a full benefits package and equity. We are taking this step because we want our people to be able to afford a better work-life balance and … [Read more...]
Unifying the old guard and new team members
The last two years have brought great change in employee makeup. Beyond the dynamics of four generations working together, there are camps of us versus them when new hires arrive. If your organization has become divided, Ron Carucci presents ways to start putting the pieces back together and reuniting people. The arrival of new faces can be unsettling, especially if those … [Read more...]
Future bound: Dr. Eleanor Green
Complimentary Sponsored Content Mike McFarland, DVM, shares a discussion with industry icon, Eleanor Green, DVM, about her career path, women in veterinary medicine, becoming the first female dean of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, her passion for horses and more. I don’t think it’s a women’s profession or a man’s profession . . .”- … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 17, 2022
Last week’s most read post Gen Z wants this more than flexibility at work. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, March 10, 2022. Link. =================================== Delta variant of COVID-19 found in cat Source: My Vet Candy, March 11, 2022. Link. This apparent interspecies transmission is the first published example … [Read more...]
Benefits and challenges with multi-species grazing
Land use and stewardship are two of the hot topics producers and landowners face. Adaptive grazing with more than one species of livestock can multiply regenerative benefits, shape landscape, and add income to operations. Source: Noble Research Institute. Link. Adaptive grazing uses higher livestock densities for short durations between long periods of rest to allow complete … [Read more...]
Scheduling castration for bull calves
For bull calves, there’s no good time for castration. In today’s market however, producers use castration as a key component to any preconditioning program. Neutering can greatly influence market price premiums or discounts. Despite common perceptions, numerous studies have shown weaning weights are similar for bulls and steers. 62 percent of commercial cow-calf herds used … [Read more...]
Gene-edited beef cattle get regulatory clearance in U.S.
The cattle cleared by the FDA have genes altered with CRISPR technology giving them short, slick coats that let them more easily withstand hot weather. Cattle that aren’t stressed by heat might pack on weight more easily, making for more efficient meat production.” Source: ABC, March 7, 2022. Link. U.S. food regulators said short-haired cattle produced through gene editing … [Read more...]
Coccidia in dogs and cats
Coccidia are a major issue for puppies and kittens under eight weeks old and can even kill them. After the first exposure, Coccidia parasites may remain present in the animal's intestines, and they're just waiting to take advantage of any digestive upset, writes Marty Greer, DVM. The bacteria is rarely the initial cause of the diarrhea, but once diarrhea starts, the Coccidia … [Read more...]