Pet companies that hit the coveted 2021 Inc. 5000 list of private companies included Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming, H&C Animal Health, Pet Releaf, Nature’s Logic and Carnivore Meat Co. Source: Pet Product News, August 25, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Nicole Clausen opens Inventory 911 Toolkit course
Complimentary Commercial Content Using her experiences and those of industry inventory managers, Nicole Clausen, CSSGB, CCFP, CVBL, has opened enrollment in the Inventory 911 Toolkit. The methods, tools and tips have helped countless inventory managers take the first step of getting their inventory under control. It is an inventory manager's go-to, step-by-step blueprint to … [Read more...]
Usage rates for non-medical pet care services show positive trends
Complimentary Content Dog grooming is the marquee non-medical pet care service. Its usage rates rose from 25 percent in 2012/2013 to 41 percent in 2018/2019, dipping only slightly in the wake of Covid. Among dog owners overall, usage rates for nonmedical services edged up from 44 percent in 2012/2013 to 50 percent in 2019/2020, before dipping slightly due to the … [Read more...]
Success starts with followership
Unfortunately, too many people ignore followership and focus instead on trying to be more engaging, convincing or interesting. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2021. Link. When you give someone directions to your home or office, you first determine the other person’s location or starting point. The directions you then give vary based on where the other person is at any … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 2
Opinion In last week’s AHD Bulletin, we urged veterinary teams to consider spending more time with new and existing clients presenting new pets. We asserted the need for onboarding processes or guidelines as paramount to developing long-term relationships with pet owners, the health of pets and the revenue that flows from interactions with happy, engaged clients. AAHA’s … [Read more...]
Thoughts from the Veterinary Innovation Summit + NAVC Media eCommerce Summit
Opinion Among myriad thoughts captured during the Veterinary Innovation Summit, these present the most opportunity and challenges for veterinary teams in the next three to five years. Some are trends we see routinely as we curate content, but others are coming faster than previously perceived: Pet caregivers will drive how they wish to interact with veterinary clinics . … [Read more...]
You’re out of something. Get used to it.
Just-in-time inventory management was a great concept, even a great practice – until it wasn’t. Wasn’t IS now. Delays, product shortages and increasing costs continue to frustrate businesses of all sizes. The Great Supply Chain Disruption is a reality and it’s here. A Harvard Business School expert doesn’t see it getting better this year. Source: New York Times, August 30, … [Read more...]
Have a horse? Prepare for the inevitable.
Sponsored Content Olympic equestrians faced tough challenges, including having to fly horses into Tokyo from pre-export quarantine in Europe. But the biggest challenges arose when the horses spooked or refused during performances because of sumo statues. Also, daruma dolls startled them and a horse got punched. These challenges underscore the health and behavior … [Read more...]
Leptospirosis: diagnosis & treatment
Leptospirosis is a thing, according to Dr. Jen the Vet. She says, “Every dog, EVERY dog is at risk for lepto. Every dog ought to be vaccinated for lepto.” <Link> But what needs to occur if a patient is presented with clinical signs consistent with leptospirosis? Scott Weese, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, provides a step-by-step guide to managing suspected leptospirosis … [Read more...]
Addressing the cost of care with clients
The Bridge Club will host Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA, Adam Hechko, DVM, and Wendy Hauser, DVM, AVP, vet relations with ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance* program to discuss helping clients prepare for and understand the cost of care over their pets’ lifetimes. Hechko brings his experiences from a pilot study lead by Hauser and featured in a 3-part sponsored content series* in Animal … [Read more...]
Ask a vet to help treat a dog with ear mites
Complimentary Content Ear mites can cause infection in a dog’s ear canals. If a dog is scratching, ear mites could be the cause. The folks at Tractor Supply Company compiled a well-written tip sheet about dealing with ear mites. It recommends veterinarians be the first stop. Source: Tractor Supply Company, August 27, 2021. Link. Always schedule a visit with your … [Read more...]
Apology 101: Make things right
Good apologies all contain one key element: no finger-pointing, writes John Baldoni. He says every good apology has three operative elements: acknowledgment, acceptance and amends: Acknowledge the wrong Accept the consequences Make amends Source: SmartBrief, August 23, 2021. Link. It’s not about you. It’s about them." - John Baldoni Also see: Stop … [Read more...]
5 ways to manage the pressure you’re feeling on the job
We believe every person who interacts with customers or clients benefits from leadership resources and skills. Martin G. Moore says resilience is a core competency for leaders and shares five core principles to manage your emotions. Not only do you need to deftly regulate your own emotions, but you also have an obligation to the people you lead to stay calm and in control, no … [Read more...]
The more we give, the more we get
The most successful people in today’s uber-competitive world are givers, says Marty Becker, DVM. What I have found is that by helping others, I help myself. Giving without keeping a ledger has given me nothing but abundance in my life.” – Marty Becker, DVM Source: Veterinary Practice News, August 10, 2021. Link. It is our interactions with others that hold the key to our own … [Read more...]
Communicating without words
Nonverbal communications, including, but not limited to body language, have a significant, almost subconscious influence on most in-person interactions. The way you sit or stand, your hand gestures and your tone of voice call carry a message about your attitude and emotions. Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science. Link. More frequent and longer eye … [Read more...]
13 words and phrases to banish from crisis communications
We’ve all had to communicate during a crisis, especially animal health communications pros. Senior leadership must recognize what may be perceived as a minor issue internally will not necessarily be perceived that way externally. Choosing your language carefully is never more critical than during a crisis. Thirteen members of Forbes Communications Council shared one word or … [Read more...]
VetWatch shares remix of pet ownership
Complimentary The VetWatch Commentary thru August 14th remains positive while a bit softer. Beyond the economic measurements, the veterinarian and pet owner sentiments section draws attention to findings from an eighth wave of M/A/R/C research and information from Packaged Facts and MRI-Simmons National Consumer Study that may disrupt some generalized assumptions: … [Read more...]
Clients with new pets need more time with vets: Part 1
Opinion First impressions and first visits set the tone for the future client-veterinary team relationship. Last week, we shared how veterinarians are addressing patient and client care at end-of-life and euthanasia decision points in Death and other client kindnesses <Link>. We agree, EOL support IS an important set of services to offer, provide or outsource. “It is … [Read more...]
Join the 2nd VIS Burnout and Work-Life Balance Study in the veterinary profession
Complimentary Using the same methodology from the 2020 survey Ivan Zak, DVM, will compare data from a new survey with previous findings. He has also added a new block of questions to assess the work-life balance in the profession, noting this is a leading reason veterinary professionals consider leaving the profession. The results will be aggregated, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 19, 2021
Last week’s most read post 40 percent of U.S. wild deer have coronavirus antibodies: study. AHD Link. Cat2VetDay is August 22nd Source: Cat Friendly Homes. Link. In the United States, more than half of our 74 million cats are not visiting the veterinarian regularly. See the resources available for immediate use including, 5 reasons NOT to postpone … [Read more...]
Cattle industry commits to climate neutrality
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association released the U.S. cattle industry sustainability goals during its annual convention and trade show last week in Nashville, Tennessee. Goals include: Demonstrate climate neutrality of U.S. cattle production by 2040 Create and enhance opportunities that resulted in a quantifiable increase in producer profitability and economic … [Read more...]
Learning through livestock: Pipestone Discovery Barn brings the farm to fairgoers (video)
The Pipestone Discovery Barn gives kids who don’t grow up on a farm a chance to learn more about where their food comes from. Visitors not only get to see the baby animals, they also witness them being born. Source: KEOLAND.com, August 13, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
Intercept the annual rodent migration
START NOW to reduce the annual fall movement of rodents indoors. As the weather cools, rodents migrate to livestock and poultry houses seeking warmer conditions and food sources. The same migrations occur in cities, suburbs, ruralpolitan acreages, farms and ranches. Jim Eadie shares ways to get ahead of the migration using bait stations. He says early placement is vital … [Read more...]
Strategies to help horses work with a veterinarian
There are plenty of easy things to help get your horse ready for a vet day without drama or trauma, writes Allison Armstrong Rehnborg. Even under the best of circumstances, vet day can be a bit chaotic. Teaching a horse the basics of good manners is part of being a responsible horse owner. . . it’s not the vets’ job.” - Ryan Cottingim Source: Horse Illustrated, January 6, … [Read more...]
Equine supplements: Look closely, they may not be needed.
Horse owners are always trying this or that to get more out of their animals. Sarah Voss reminds us that supplements are not regulated by the FDA or USDA. She says: Make sure any supplement is something a horse truly needs Contact a veterinarian familiar with the horse’s history first Look at the packaging to determine the quantity of each ingredient provided Ask … [Read more...]
There are now lab-grown mouse-meat cookies for cats
There will soon be cultured meat for pet food. Say what? Current pet foods use some of the worst meat and a market for it helps keep conventional agriculture afloat. Enter biotech startup Because, Animals. It touts a reduction in carbon pollution by focusing on cultured, lab grown meat starting with cat treats. The first snack, called Cultured Mouse Cookies for Cats, has … [Read more...]
Why the rationale for canine Borrelia burgdorferi vaccination is unpersuasive
In this brief critical discussion, the authors argue that B. burgdorferi vaccines in dogs meet the criteria outlined by AAHA for a vaccine that is not generally recommended, and that these vaccines do not confer any clear benefit to public health, as Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne disease. For these reasons, they conclude that the rationale for canine B. burgdorferi … [Read more...]
Ticks hide everywhere!
Need we say more? Source: I Love Veterinary Medicine, Facebook, August 7, 2021. Link. … [Read more...]
3 must-reads on canine osteoarthritis
In observance of National Dog Month this August, DVM 360 highlighted three articles that provide effective methods for treating osteoarthritis and helping patients manage this debilitating disease so they can live their fullest lives. Source: DVM 360, August 9, 2021. Link. The articles include pointers on implementing a rehabilitation plan immediately after the diagnosis to … [Read more...]
AHD’s Augustine speaks with Ivan Zak, Shawn Wilkie on Veterinary Innovation Podcast
Kirk Augustine, Animal Health Digest founder and president, was the 110th guest on the recent Veterinary Innovation Podcast. He discussed curating content for veterinary professionals, the need for neutrality and why animal dentistry deserves more attention as oral care. Source: Veterinary Innovation Podcast, August 12, 2021. Link. Reflecting on the experience, Augustine … [Read more...]