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...]
The best way to feed a cat
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the best way to feed cats is to replicate normal feline feeding behaviors, such as hunting and foraging),and to feed frequent small meals that the cat can savor alone. Source: Catster, March 25, 2019. Link. Also see: How to Feed a Cat, Cat Friendly Homes. Link. Cats prefer to eat multiple small meals … [Read more...]
The business of dogs (infographic)
TruDog created an informative infographic. We highlighted some data that caught our attention: Role in the Family Best Friend: 66% Snuggle Buddy: 59% Guardian: 37% Child: 33% Therapist: 25% Source: TruDog, 2019. Link. 67% of millennials consider their pet their “fur baby” ― and treat them accordingly How Much Is Spent Every Month on Pets? … [Read more...]
Tick removal resources here in time for tick season (includes videos)
Tick season here. Resources are available to help pet owners deal with tick removal and media will cover this topic as spring lets us get outside with our pets, friends and families. These resources about tick removal work well for social media, in-clinic education and e-newsletters. Source: Pets-WebMD. Video: How to Remove a Tick From Your Pet. Link. Video: How … [Read more...]
Prepare for chickens before bringing them home
Local farm stores are now featuring baby chicks. Rachel Hurd Anger asserts it is imperative to be prepared before bringing chicks to a new home. She offers seven areas of preparation to ensure a nurturing environment. Consider this article for social media posts or e-newsletters to help animal owners prepare for new chicks as well as the Easter bunny. Source: Hobby Farms, … [Read more...]
Evaluate your affect on your team
Do you have a positive impact on your team or do you just get in their way? Effective leaders constantly evaluate their performance, especially as it relates to the people they serve. And, they are ruthless when it comes to self-evaluation. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, March 21, 2019. Link. The good news is that as a leader, you have the greatest influence in motivating your … [Read more...]
7 strategies to manage a micro-manager
Micromanagement is a big driver of dissatisfaction and attrition in the workplace, writes Victor Prince. He typifies a micromanager as someone who focuses more on how you do a job than the results. He offers seven strategies to manage a micromanaging manager: Diagnose the situation Channel their energy Focus on the future Build trust through transparency Demand … [Read more...]
2+2 programs expand the reach of veterinary education
Kaitlyn Mattson explains how veterinary colleges partner with universities to educate students across state lines. The approach may help states without a veterinary college retain their talent and meet the need for more veterinarians. Her article shows various 2+2 programs and participating schools. Prospective veterinary students from states that lack an AVMA Council on … [Read more...]
Multiple reasons prevent access to veterinary care
The recent study, Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy <link to report>, identifies the need for solutions that allow more people to obtain veterinary care for their animals. The study also sought understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and practices veterinarians have about access to care. The highest level of agreement expressed … [Read more...]
Dingoes are unique, Australian species, not feral dogs
The latest findings from a study published in Zootaxa provide further evidence of specific characteristics that differentiate dingoes from domestic dogs, feral dog, and other wild canids such as wolves. There is no historical evidence of domestication once the dingo arrived in Australia . . .” Source: Vet Practice Magazine, March 19, 2019. Link. “In fact, dingoes play a vital … [Read more...]
Mr. Rodgers is still relevant
Tres Roeder, MBA, grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and says the lessons he learned shaped his attitudes and informed his business life. 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of Fred Rogers’ children’s show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which aired from 1968 to 2001. Then, as now, Fred Rogers modeled the best in all of us and reminded everyone of the good and … [Read more...]
Live streams show consumers modern pig farming
The National Pork Board and South Dakota State University (SDSU) are collaborating to show consumers how pigs are raised. Speakers who are part of the pork checkoff’s Operation Main Street can include a live-streaming video tour of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Center in presentations to civic groups, culinary, pre-vet students, chefs and others. Source: … [Read more...]
Gaming helps employees understand biosecurity risks
Researchers sought to discover how human risk attitude affects the adoption of biosecurity and the ability to control disease spread. Using video games called digital field experiences, a team from the University of Vermont discovered the weakest biosecurity point in swine operations is the personnel. The findings will likely apply to other production scenarios as well as in … [Read more...]
Opinion – Animal well-being IS as people problem
Taking care of animals is more challenging today because we know more about their needs and behaviors. Still, day to day management often falls into the category of chores. It should instead rise to the category of opportunity. With consumer and ecological pressures rising, we’ve been seeing a variety of changes in how we care for animals. Yet, one common denominator to … [Read more...]
Easy equine fitness plan (includes video)
Equine veterinarian Melinda Freckleton, DVM, helps a reader with divided time develop a schedule to exercise her out-of-shape horses. Her guidance is worthy of social media posts and inclusion in e-newsletters. Before you embark on any fitness program, make sure that each of your horses is sound and ready to ride. Is he healthy? Is he shod or trimmed … [Read more...]
Opinion – AVMA shares regional stories
Several regional stories get covered by the AVMA SmartBrief. Cancelled equine events, Lyme disease incidences, infection and parasite prevention and itchy pets all received recent media coverage from local sources. Last week we highlighted two stories published by mainstream media sources: TIME about anti-vaxxers <link> and USA Today about pet obesity … [Read more...]
Quiz: Are you a cat at heart?
Just for fun, see if you have the personality of a cat. Tally your answers to five questions to determine what kind of cat personality you possess and what type of cat would be your best match! Source: Modern Cat, March 21, 2019. Link. Also see: Video: Cats Chasing Shadows! Link. Check out this funny compilation of cats playing with shadows! … [Read more...]
Labrador retriever most popular dog for 28th year
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) has announced that the loveable Lab remains the most popular breed in the United States. Additionally, AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth consecutive year. The dogs in the top 10 remained the same in positions one through eight. Yorkies and German Shorthaired Pointers flip-flopped their 2017 ranking in 2018. Source: … [Read more...]
Leadership abounds during March Madness
There is a reason only four of the 68 coaches in this year’s NCAA Division 1 tournament were once regular-season NBA team players. It is because coaching requires a different skill set AND mind-set than playing. Source: Purpose Unlimited. Link. Great leaders model the behavior they expect from their followers. . . . A great leader invests in others and they in turn … [Read more...]