Heather Marcoux tackles the growing diversity of service dog breeds and their roles. For a growing number of individuals with specific physical, neurological or mental health needs, different types of service dogs are invaluable partners in day-to-day life. Legally, most of these types of service dogs are welcome in places where pet dogs are not. Unfortunately, the practice of … [Read more...]
Parasite education? There’s an APP for that
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has designed an app to help strengthen skills in the microscopic identification of fecal parasites in veterinary clinic settings and for individual study. The Veterinary Internal Parasite Flash Card App < link > includes approximately 100 veterinary internal parasites found in dogs, cats, small mammals, reptiles and … [Read more...]
MIT study challenges goal setting
Dr. Jeanne Ross, a researcher at MIT's Sloane School of Business, says that goal-setting is an incomplete strategy for high-performance teams. Ross suggests that organizations should put their attention on formulating hypotheses, and then rapidly (and repeatedly) testing these new ideas. Source: Forbes, April 16, 2091. Link. A goal is not always meant to be reached; it … [Read more...]
Stay sharp when your ability to focus declines
We live and work in an increasingly disruptive world. Research shows interruptions occur about every 12 minutes in the workplace and even more frequently in other settings. Authors Dr. Adam Gazzaley, a neuroscientist, and Dr. Larry Rosen, a psychologist, explain how our ability to pay attention works and what we can do to stay focused. Researchers say our ability to pay … [Read more...]
Speak up when it matters
Speaking up is hard to do. We all like to think that if we see something questionable, we’ll say something. However, we are strikingly bad at anticipating how we’ll feel in future circumstances and it can be incredibly difficult to speak up in the moment. In fact, research suggests that most people tend to not act, and then rationalize their inaction. Source: HBR Ascend. … [Read more...]
5 reasons leaders fail
When leadership fails, it is often due to a successful characteristic morphing into its evil twin. Just as with the Force in Star Wars, there is a negative associated with every positive. Don’t let these pitfalls negatively impact your leadership. Source: Inc., February 11, 2013. Link. Leaders fail due to certain social-psychological blinders that inhibit their capacity to … [Read more...]
Male or female, humping is a normal dog behavior
Humping behavior is mostly associated with male dogs, but it is not uncommon in female dogs, writes Sassafras Lowrey. The behavior is usually a sign of heightened arousal, but not necessarily sexual. Lowrey sought information from Nik Hof, Chair of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, to address common concerns and methods to manage the behavior. Sorce: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
The role of gut-microbiota in animal health, well-being
The complex microbial community in the gut of animals plays a critical role in pathogen control, immune function, nutrient provision and intestinal morphology. Animals are born with no effective gut microbiota. Inoculation and colonization begins as the animal exits the birth canal. Each animal’s microbiota is unique, but 90 percent of the contributing organisms are of the … [Read more...]
Let chicks outside at the right time
Marissa Ames discusses when new chicks can leave the brooder to get exposed to the outdoors. She provides an informative growth and temperature chart to help chicken owners keep weather in mind so chicks manage the transition from brooder to the outdoors as well as possible. Source: Countryside Daily, March 13, 2019. Link. Whether chicks are outside or in, always ensure they … [Read more...]
PickyOrSick.com, a new science-based resource helps cat owners
A new website from Kindred Biosciences, Inc., helps owners recognize changes in eating and drinking behavior in their cat and directs them to a veterinarian. The site provides research-backed information and always directs owners to make an appointment at their local veterinary clinic. Note how often people search the internet about cat illness in the announcement. Source: … [Read more...]
JAVMA talks student debt, salaries
With nearly half of veterinary clinics seeking a new associate DVM in the next decade, <link> practice owners need to stay abreast of both salaries and indebtedness of students arriving on the job scene. Salary trends appear strong while debt continues to increase. Source: JAVMA, May 1, 2019. Link. (abstract only) . . . the mean full-time starting salary was $82,425 . … [Read more...]
Employment opportunities in veterinary profession exploding
The 2013 National Research Council comprehensive study of current and future workforce needs in the veterinary profession concluded there was little evidence of workforce shortages in most areas of the profession. Today however, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a projected increase of 15,000 veterinarian positions will be needed between 2016 and 2026. While it’s very … [Read more...]
Assessments help you succeed. Get a free one before April 30.
Purpose Unlimited is offering a free assessment to AHD subscribers until April 30. Assessments can help you identify what you need to know about yourself in order to be more successful. When you understand your natural behavior style, what drives your behavior and your level of emotional intelligence, then you can learn how to capitalize on your strengths and overcome your … [Read more...]
Screen time has little impact on teen well-being
A new study casts doubt on the widely accepted notion that spending time online, gaming, or watching TV, especially before bedtime, can damage young people's mental health. Published in Psychological Science <link>, at least one of three studies included in the report normalized results for specific content affect. Perhaps we’ve been misled? Source: Science Daily, … [Read more...]
Rapid fertility evolution has beef bulls in demand on dairies
Corey Geiger explains why some dairy managers are using beef genetics in their dairy cow herds. Earlier use of heifers, sexed semen and improved pregnancy rates are part of the reasons for this shift in fertility strategies. This April, 4284 bulls were declared active by A.I. organizations . . . but only 1,074 of those bulls had milking daughters. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
Consolidation continues as nearly 3,000 U.S. dairy farms closed in 2018
Consolidation is happening throughout the animal health industry. Hoard’s team provides a series of articles that project a picture increasing cow numbers on fewer farms. While market conditions are a primary factor, attrition due to dairy farmers’ age, absence of succession options and carrying costs also contribute to this trend. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman. Dairy farm … [Read more...]
Differentiating dog farts
Sassafras Lowrey shares perspectives on dog flatulence. She writes that the occasional fart from your dog shouldn’t concern us. However, excessive farting can be a symptom of something more serious. The articles here are good content for social media and e-newsletters. Source: Dogster, March 28, 2019. Link. Some amount of dog farts is normal for most dogs. However, excessive … [Read more...]
Kitten season in full swing
This is the time of year when every unspayed, queen (female cat) is likely to have a belly full of babies or a litter by her side. Kitten season occurs because the queen has evolved into a seasonally polyestrous creature. This means she comes into heat only during a particular time of year, during which she is capable of having multiple pregnancies, writes Nancy Kay, DVM. Peak … [Read more...]
Cats know their names: why it’s harder for them than dogs
In a new study in the journal Scientific Reports, psychologist Atsuko Saito showed that cats know their names even when called by a stranger. She notes domestic cats are still evolving, thanks to closer human interactions as cats spend more time indoors. The inclusion of Japan's cat cafes as study sites was an interesting twist on behavior research. Source: National … [Read more...]
Dogs have masters. Cats have staff.
Collen Kirk’s recent paper investigated consumers' psychological ownership and their economic valuation of pets <link>. She discusses the juxtaposition of dogs versus cats and how that plays out in economic terms. Her results clearly show that the animal’s behavior is what makes people willing to pay and that psychological ownership is a driving factor in dog owners’ … [Read more...]
Gorillas, snakes and sharks provide close encounters for veterinarians (Spark videos)
The veterinary community’s love for animals isn’t restricted to cats and dogs. The Spark crew shares stories from DVMs whose experiences went beyond everyday practice and landed them in some unpredictable situations. Source: NAVC Spark, April 2019. Link. Videos feature the following DVMs: Sonia Hernandez meets a Bushmaster snake Doug Mader encounters a Whale shark … [Read more...]
Deadline? Ways to ask for more time
Most of us have left a meeting or discussion mumbling this to ourselves or a colleague about a deadline, “YHTBKM!” Often, there’s no discussion in spite of the group’s knowledge that the deadline is not realistic. Deadlines are one of the bigger sources of workplace stress. Employees worry that by asking for a deadline extension, their managers would think they were … [Read more...]
Busting game-based learning myths
Gamification has been perceived as frivolous in workplace learning, writes Ryan Timpany. But, its considerable power to deeply engage learners in all demographics is benefiting learning and development teams. He reviews three common myths holding businesses back from exploring game-based approaches: Myth #1 - A serious subject can’t be conveyed, let alone taught, by … [Read more...]
Your friends influence your success
Warren Buffett dispenses words of wisdom at the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska. People from around the globe attend to hear the sage’s message. Sometimes it focuses on investing, sometimes management and sometimes personal development. Source: Inc., March 10, 2018. Link. In 2004, Buffet said, “It's better to hang out with people better than you. … [Read more...]
New website vets dog breeders and rescue dogs for consumers searching for pets
The company, Good Dog <link>, aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process of getting a dog. The company is centralizing pet searching onto one platform where only responsible sources are included. Each breeder, shelter and rescue that is listed is vetted based on a set of standards created by Good Dog’s advisory board of leading veterinary and academic … [Read more...]
NPPC cancels World Pork Expo 2019 to avoid risk of African swine fever
The 32nd World Pork Expo has been cancelled to prevent any potential for African swine fever to enter the U.S. swine herd, despite negligible risk associated with holding the event, The health of the U.S. swine herd is paramount; the livelihoods of our producers depend on it. Prevention is our only defense against ASF, and NPPC will continue to do all it can to prevent its … [Read more...]
Opinion – New TV program, Animal ER Live, demonstrates the complexity of veterinary care
The launch of Animal ER Live on Nat Geo WILD is a game-changer for animal owner perceptions of veterinary hospitals, veterinarians and veterinary staff members. Animal ER Live joins current family friendly veterinary programs featured on the network that include Secrets of the Zoo, Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER, Dr. Oakley, Yukon Vet and the network’s number-1 series, The Incredible … [Read more...]
Rethinking telehealth programs (includes video)
While telehealth is considered new to animal health, the human health industry is rethinking the programs to improve adoption and provide patients with top-notch care. Plus, industry leaders hope to enable providers, physicians and nurses the power to deliver it effectively. The trends and metrics are compelling, as well as the changing focus on deliverables. Such trends … [Read more...]
5 Ps of managing customer experience
Chad Storlie tackles the critical elements of managing customer experiences (CX). CX has come to the forefront in nearly every industry as companies seek to differentiate how they deliver their offerings to customers in a way that is unique to customer needs, fulfilling, immediate, low effort, information personalized, and a service that they would recommend and purchase … [Read more...]
Advancements improve long-term outcomes for navicular syndrome (includes video, fact sheets)
Navicular syndrome is an overly simple name for a complex condition that is most accurately described as podotrochlosis or podotrochleitis, says Tracy Turner, DVM. Veterinarians believe navicular is caused by mechanical stress and strain due to the constant pressure between the navicular bone and DDFT, which leads to the degeneration of those and other structures that make up … [Read more...]