Once raccoons choose to get into poultry coops, homes or buildings, they are indomitable. They are considered super-predators if they break into poultry enclosures or discover birds free-ranging. Erin Snyder shares ways to keep raccoons from becoming a problem. Source: Hobby Farms, December 13, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Synder’s article is worthy of sharing on social media or … [Read more...]
Cat vomiting: 7 causes, how to help
Includes Commercial Content Cats vomit. The sounds are familiar to cat owners who are often apathetic about the occurrences. Some causes of cat vomiting are relatively benign and may even resolve on their own while others can be more serious. Elizabeth Racine, DVM, shares common causes, what vomiting requires more than casual attention, vomit color charts, various remedies … [Read more...]
Cannabis product use in cats and dogs in the U.S.
Sharing the results from a pet owner survey, Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM, CVCH, offers a view of how pet owners are using cannabidiols, their perceptions of its efficacy and attitudes about trying cannabis or cannabidiols. The results underscore the need for veterinary education and the legal ability to discuss administering cannabis in companion animals. . . . only 21 percent … [Read more...]
Mutt mail. Subscription boxes for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The number of pet subscription boxes filled with items curated by pet loving marketers continues to grow. The Happy Puppy Tips team shares a few options in this article. Our AHD office dog, Li’l Buddy, is a benefactor of a family member who subscribes to one of these services for their Golden Retriever. A new toy or two comes home after every … [Read more...]
Resources to help pet owners from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance
Sponsored Content Whether veterinary clients are getting a new pet, adding a pet or entertaining people with their pets during the holiday season, ensuring a safe and healthy home is important. A few helpful resources delivered via social media, emails and newsletters can make a difference. ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance creates content ready to download and share that saves … [Read more...]
FDA issues warnings of unapproved antimicrobial animal drugs
Nine manufacturers and distributors received warning letters with concerns citing unapproved and misbranded antimicrobial animal drugs in violation of federal law. The animal products mentioned in the warning letters are marketed and labeled for minor species such as aquarium fish and pet birds. They contain antimicrobials that are important in human medicine, such as … [Read more...]
Marijuana is among the 2023 Top 10 pet toxins
Marijuana and carprofen were again among the Top 10 Pet Poisons for all species this year. They first appeared on the annual year-end list in 2022. In the 2023 case data, marijuana-related incidences accounted for the sixth-highest toxin overall for pets and was also sixth for dogs. The article includes the top 10 for cats and dogs. Chocolate was first for dogs and lilies was … [Read more...]
NOMVision December edition
ICYMI. The dedicated work continues to advance a veterinary profession that honors and elevates sustainable well-being. NOTE the request to participate in an online research study <Link>. Source: NOMV, December 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Dr. Kwane Stewart honored as 2023 CNN Hero
Kwane Stewart, DVM, was named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year last week during the 17th annual CNN Heroes Event that took place at New York City’s Museum of Natural History. The California veterinarian and Colorado State University graduate started serving unhoused people and their pets more than a decade ago. With the help of his brother, they founded Project Street Vet, a … [Read more...]
How to talk about your strengths and weaknesses in an interview
Includes Commercial Content When interviewing for a new job or a new role being confident in your strengths and weaknesses can help differentiate yourself from the competition. From humble beginnings in 1949 <Link>, the Clifton Strengthfinders have helped people identify and understand their talent DNA. Gallup’s Tim Hodges and Bailey Nelson share several strategies to … [Read more...]
Fired? Terminated? Ways to forgive yourself and move on
Not all annual reviews go as planned. Company market opportunities change, new management adjusts strategies or individual performance is not ideal. Getting fired or terminated can be a traumatic personal and career experience even if it may have been out of your control. Erica Lamberg shares what experts say are specific steps that can help ease the sting and get you on the … [Read more...]
Self-assessments. It’s annual review time.
The adage, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” comes to mind when reviewing Marlo Lyons’ guidance for preparing for annual reviews. She advocates doing a self-assessment ahead of time and shares five steps to create a self-assessment draft: 1) Focus on the entire year 2) Consider company and functional goals 3) Look for alignment with those goals 4) Seek … [Read more...]
Winter Solstice. Shortest day and longest night of the year.
Today marks the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. Along with shorter days, many people experience seasonal affective disorder. From reducing stress to easing feelings of loneliness and depression, encouraging research shows dogs could bring the dopamine boost our brains need during the darkest of days. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Along with … [Read more...]
I feel the need for speed
This is the era of speed, indeed. The winners will narrow their focus to the tasks that truly matter — and activate. Focus is a force multiplier on work." Source: AXIOS, November 30, 2023. Link. Too many people confuse motion with movement. INSIGHT: Knock it out and move on. … [Read more...]
Veterinary community invited to participate in Vet Med artificial intelligence survey
Complimentary Content Administered by the American Animal Hospital Association, the Digitail survey aims to explore the perception and utilization of AI tools among veterinary professionals. It will provide an opportunity for veterinary professionals to influence the future development of AI tools, ensuring they benefit both practitioners and patients. Source: Digitail, … [Read more...]
2023 was a record year for Global Alliance for Rabies Control
Rabies surveillance and prevention is everyone’s job. World Rabies Day 2023 was the most impactful event to date. The GARC hopes to build on the participation success and move closer to eliminating rabies deaths in humans by 2030. The widespread participation in World Rabies Day 2023 is a testament to the growing global awareness surrounding rabies prevention and … [Read more...]
The role of the personality hire. Bringing the workplace vibes.
Commentary Often seen shouting “You’ve got to fight for your right to par-tee,” Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce is a unifying figure on and off the NFL gridiron. Unique personalities that click with staff and reflect corporate branding have a substantial business impact, especially when, like Kelce, they are also highly competent. In these two articles, … [Read more...]
Packaged Facts – pet industry is now “omnimarket,” not just “omnichannel”
Combining retail and pet services is becoming more common, according to Packaged Facts Pet Services in the US, 2nd Edition 2023. At the consumer level, franchising can combine some of the advantages of local, operator-owned with corporate efficiencies. At the industry level, franchising exemplifies how the pet market has entered a new era of multiple-front competition driven in … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 11, 2023
Fromm family’s Danielle Opetz, Pet care accessibility, longevity drugs to extend dog lives, small business insurance, APPA’s acquisition of online education and conferencing platform, small business sales trends and more . . . Resources to remember: IBPSA Infectious Disease Cleaning Standards Thrive Master Group for facility owners and general managers via Zoom, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, 2023. Link. Most read posts from the December 7th AHD Bulletin – Pay attention to others. They’re not thinking of you. Link. Lapsing client numbers increasing. Link. The average pet owner has 72 “pet panics” per year. Link. ============================================ Top 10 veterinary … [Read more...]
Winter manure regulations in effect
Not all states have the same regulations. Some states ban winter manure spreading outright, while others allow it under certain conditions. Chris Torres and Jennifer Kiel share regulations by state governing when manure can be spread. Source: American Agriculturist, December 11, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Equine, backyard poultry and livestock hobbyists may not be aware of … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Dairy heifer’s follicles may predict their future
Heritable trait research continues to be a scientific frontier in animal production decisions and stewardship of animals as a resource. Too many ovarian follicles, at too young of an age, likely means a shortened herd life for dairy females.” Source: Dairy Herd Management, September 2017. Link. Follicle numbers are a moderately heritable genetic trait in dairy cows which may … [Read more...]
American Angus Association releases cow longevity prediction
Expected progeny differences have been applied to improve the genetics of beef cattle for almost four decades. The new Functional Longevity research expected progeny difference trait’s purpose evaluates how long Angus cows will stay in the herd and how many calves they will produce. At its most basic, functional longevity looks at how long a sire’s daughters will stay in the … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
Terms from the poultry farming glossary
There’s a flock of terms used when describing birds on poultry farms. Elsbeth Upton offers a glossary to help us keep the keets, poults, peachicks, cygnets and squabs properly assigned to the right birds. Source: Backyard Poultry, April 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Last week’s post about variations in peafowl garnered a lot of views <Link>. … [Read more...]
What’s new in preventing and treating laminitis in horses?
Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis is a form of laminitis that develops in the face of high circulating insulin levels. It can typically be managed but only if diagnosed quickly, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc. She reviews interesting research including the use of radiographs to monitor and measure changes in the lucent zone which is parallel to the coffin bone. Treating acute … [Read more...]
Fine-tuning horseback riding senses to recognize lameness
Not all riders pick up lameness cues from the saddle. Christa Lesté-Lasserre, MA, offers 10 cues for horse enthusiast to learn. A bit more attention may help avoid more serious injuries. “With guidance, people can become much more aware of these subtle signs in the saddle,” shared Sue Dyson, Vet MB PhD. Don’t try to ride it out!” Source: The Horse, December 12, 2023. … [Read more...]
Correcting cat shenanigans
Includes Commercial Content Veterinary team members need to be aware of what cat owners and retail advocates are reading. After all, the veterinarian is the last to learn there is a problem with a cat at home. Education is critical, writes Nora Caley, who shares some products that can be used to help curtail some of the behavior problems in this retailer-focused article. … [Read more...]