The Dog Stop continues its mission to make exceptional dog care accessible to more communities nationwide. The company plans to double its 2024 store openings this year, bringing The Dog Stop to major markets in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, Washington and all NFL metros nationwide. Source: vmsd, January 7, 2025. Link. With over … [Read more...]
National 4-H Council receives a $15 million grant from Lilly Endowment
The grant will help advance its 4-H Beyond Ready initiative, a comprehensive program that will equip 10 million youth by 2030 with essential career and character development as fundamental elements for work and life. Lilly Endowment's investment shines a light on the importance of character development in youth programs. We can provide more outreach, programs and support to … [Read more...]
Bird flu may be reaching the boiling point
Scientists are increasingly worried about bird flu based on four key signals. The H5N1 virus has spread uncontrolled in animals, including cows frequently in contact with people. Additionally, detections in wastewater show the virus is leaving a wide-ranging imprint, and not just in farm animals. Some experts say they have lost faith in the government's ability to contain the … [Read more...]
The small producer’s impact on the beef business
Seventy-nine percent of farms with beef cows have 49 or fewer cows, writes Bryan Sanderson. Small producers are not just suppliers of beef. They are important parts of rural economies, ag supply chains and local job markets. Small beef producers help sustain a resilient and dynamic beef industry by contributing to local economies, maintaining agricultural diversity, creating … [Read more...]
Water: Critical, undervalued nutrient in dairy calves
Optimizing water intake for calves and cows is important, especially as winter temperatures are consistently below freezing in some areas. Beyond keeping water sources open and clean, Alison Pfau emphasizes the importance of providing warm water to calves, which reduces the amount of energy their bodies would need to warm colder water to rumen temperature. Source: Wisconsin … [Read more...]
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing makes a difference (video)
We introduced our readers to adaptive grazing in a recent post <Link>. Carbon Cowboys films explores how working with nature can improve our soils, foods and rural communities. In this excerpt, Don Jackson shares the changes seen in the first six months, including the amount of forage produced, the improved health of their cattle and the increase in beneficial … [Read more...]
Encouraging equine hydration in winter
Horses prefer to drink water that is between 45°F and 65°F and drink the most water within three hours of consuming a meal. The author shares things to encourage horses to drink since winter environments often create situations that reduce horses’ desires or access to water. The average adult horse should drink about 1 gallon of water for every 100 pounds of body weight, so … [Read more...]
Senior horse health perspectives
While weight loss and chronic diarrhea are common clinical challenges in senior horses, Nanna Luthersson, DVM, focuses on the importance of dental health and regular checks in this article. She offers tips to help prevent dental issues in senior horses as they age. Source: My Senior Horse, January 3, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: This is good content to share with horse owners … [Read more...]
5 tricks to help clients develop healthy treat-giving habits
It is important for veterinarians to adopt a proactive approach when counseling owners about treats, writes Raj Naik, DVM, DACVIM. Acknowledging the emotional factors, it is possible to get poor treat-giving habits under control by understanding the behavior behind them and working with the client to develop a personalized plan that satisfies both owners and pets. Source: … [Read more...]
Vaccination protects ratter dog from disease
Katie weighs 12-ish pounds, is four years old and is a mix of at least four breeds. She’s a tough native Texan thriving in Brooklyn, New York, ridding it of more rats than you can imagine. Her trip from Texas to the Big Apple was unremarkable, but one night at a playground, she revealed her calling – killing rats. She recently got her 364th rat kill in a year. Sarah Darby, her … [Read more...]
Study: Button dogs DO understand words recorded on soundboards
Research conducted at the University of California, San Diego, shows that dog participants successfully associated words their owners had recorded onto soundboards with the correct outcomes in real life and responded to those words without any other cues. Noting the research as a comprehension study, Federico Rossano, PhD, shared some of the dog participants are currently using … [Read more...]
Spasms or tremors in dogs and when to call a veterinarian
Minor dog muscle spasms are generally not an emergency. But spasms accompanied by other symptoms or a change in behavior or level of alertness can be serious or worse, shares Barri J. Morrison, DVM. Dogs returning to boarding routines or puppies coming for the first time may exhibit spasms. Morrison’s article is a good review for pet services and veterinary teams as the new … [Read more...]
Dog Aging Project offers insights on how dogs are being fed
Includes Sponsored Content Janice O'Brien, PhD, joins Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ACVPM, to share some early findings from the Dog Aging Project’s large database. The conversation focuses on the latest data about dog owners and their nutritional decisions for their pets. Source: Chats with the Chatfields, YouTube, October 21, 2024. Link. The Dog Aging … [Read more...]
Crate size decisions for those new puppies as they grow
Includes Commercial References “There are three crate sizes in my garage, shared a friend, but I’m not sure I have the right size for this new, larger-breed puppy my son received at Christmas.” Mary Cope, PhD, shares how to choose crates for dogs as they grow and develop. Her guidance makes good content to share with new pet owners and clients on social media. Source: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 6, 2025
Feline Pet Care Provider Certifications raise the bar, pet industry M&As on the horizon, perceived benefits of limited ingredient foods and treats, AI prompts for small business, bird flu and more . . . Source: IBPSA, January 6, 2025. Link. Note: Webinar: Comfort-driven enrichment for pet lodging facilities, January 22, 2025. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. (CST) Link. … [Read more...]
How to lead when you’re not in charge: leveraging influence when you lack authority
Clay Scroggins and Andy Stanley provide a practical and empowering framework for developing the skills and mindset needed to lead effectively, even when you're not in charge, writes PM Kimemia. He highlights seven things he learned from reading the book. Source: PM Kimemia, Facebook, December 23, 2024. Link. Influence is not about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about … [Read more...]
Complaining rewires the brain to stay negative and depressed (video)
Recent research shows that the act of complaining goes beyond simply releasing frustration; it can actually rewire the brain, making negativity a default setting and even setting the stage for prolonged feelings of sadness and depression. Negativity can be contagious and spending time around people who frequently complain can significantly affect our own mental health and … [Read more...]
When the climb slows
For those who’ve been at the top of their game for a while, the inevitable truth is this: cresting happens. Source: Giant Leap Consulting, December 2024. Link. The true test of a seasoned leader isn’t how high you climb or how hard you fight to stay at the top, but how you respond when the climb slows down, when the world no longer expects you to be the one with all the … [Read more...]
California fires sending deadly smoke for miles
Air quality is suffering in a widespread area in California. Wildfires fueled by the Santa Ana winds are devasting property and pushing smoke into the atmosphere. Beyond the immediate wildfire crises, the smoke will increase risks to people and animals over the next several days locally and likely spread across the U.S. in time. Consider educating animal owners about reducing … [Read more...]
Praise ending with “-est” is the worst kind of praise to give
Shawn Anchor’s statement, “If you want to enhance others, do not compare them,” was enough to stop and read his premise. Despite the article’s age, his assertions deserve consideration and offer potential value for animal health pros. Our industry is challenged to find and keep good employees. Comparison praise, as Anchor describes it, may be a societal culprit to consider … [Read more...]
Buffett’s 2003 message rings true for 2025
Commentary Our industry is growing in many directions to meet the demands of all involved but most importantly, animal owners. Warren Buffett’s direction to his management about reputation is clear and applicable to our animal health businesses as we charge into 2025. His direction from 22 years ago is needed today more than ever. Let’s be sure that everything we do in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 19, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 12, 2024. Link. Most read posts from December 12, 2024 AHD Bulletin Are you asking the right questions? Link. Better flooring creates fewer slip-ups. Link. Bred heifers need individual care, nutrition during winter months. Link. USDA offers support to address rural veterinarian shortage. … [Read more...]
Review: Conjunctivitis medications: topical and oral solutions
There are almost as many medication options to treat conjunctivitis as there are reasons for inflammation of the conjunctiva. Renee Carter, DVM, DACVO, outlines different treatment options for the various causes of infections in the eyes of cats and dogs. Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2022. Link. Image credit: PetSure … [Read more...]
Virtual fence projected to benefit ranchers, pollinators, profits
Virtual fencing technology is a promising option for livestock management, say researchers from Oklahoma State University. It reduces reliance on physical fences by allowing managers to remotely plan and establish virtual boundaries using GPS collars that deliver auditory and electrical cues. VF technology may be valuable in protecting patches of habitat for pollinators and … [Read more...]
Lori Teller, DVM, joins Guardian Vet as Chief Veterinary Officer
As CVO, Dr. Teller will provide visionary leadership to further develop GuardianVets’ technology-enabled services, which include after-hours triage and daytime call overflow support to meet the evolving needs of their clients and thrive in a competitive landscape. Source: GlobeNewsWire, GuardianVets, December 17, 2024, Link. … [Read more...]
Kansas State University researchers develop test to detect ASF on surfaces
Kansas State University researchers have published the findings of a study that looks at a seemingly simple way to add another layer of protection for the U.S. swine industry against Asian Swine Fever. K-State scientists relied on simple environmental sampling techniques to collect PCR samples. Source: AgriMarketing, December 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Barkpass acquired by Steve Zeidman to expand leadership in pet licensing, dog park management
Steve Zeidman, a 25-year veteran in the animal care technology industry and entrepreneur, acquired Barkpass, a software company specializing in pet licensing and dog park management, from founders Josh and Bri Larson. Barkpass has revolutionized how communities handle pet-related administrative tasks, making life easier for pet owners and municipal officials. Source: … [Read more...]
Elanco receives FDA approval for three combinations in finishing heifers
Elanco’s work to shift the narrative on livestock from climate culprit to climate opportunity to help protect customers’ social license to operate underscores the FDA approval of combination feeding with Experior, the first FDA-approved product with a gas emissions claim. FDA-approved combination feeding of: Experior and MGA Experior, Rumensin and MGA Experior, … [Read more...]
Lameness comes with a hefty price tag
When thinking about the effects of lameness, most managers typically consider the cost that goes into preventative measures or treatments such as trimming, bandages, blocks, and antibiotics, Eric Ronk shared recently. He describes these as direct costs but asserts the importance of considering the economic impact on other areas of the operation, including fertility, culling and … [Read more...]
Tricks for making shipping day a success
Too much stress when transporting cattle hinders the immune system, making them more vulnerable to disease. This article shares best practices from a cattle trucking company. Preweaning, prehandling and sorting, and being prepared before the truck arrives is prioritized to help the cattle remain calm, relaxed and load quietly onto the trucks. Source: Baldy Advantage, October … [Read more...]