This is the work of self-management: building the intellectual, emotional and behavioral muscles to modulate our thoughts, emotions and reactions to triggers that lead to ingrained behaviors. This change doesn’t happen overnight after our big epiphanies. Source: Key Step Media, February 2018. With the right skill-building, supports, and self-discipline, we can build new … [Read more...]
Lead from where you are
It is time to update our thinking, asserts Christina Folz. She offers some tips to help you succeed as a leader: Accept failure Accept who you are Build relationships early Question everything Find people who challenge you Take initiative Source: HR Magazine, December 12, 2017. We live in a world where “traditional authority has less and less currency, … [Read more...]
Cycle counting inventories
Cycle counting is a process of counting a small, predetermined set of goods and materials frequently, as opposed to completing a full physical inventory each year. The objective of cycle counting is to determine records that are incorrect, correct the cause of errors, close process loopholes and improve upon human error. Another benefit is having inventory on hand when … [Read more...]
Best dog harnesses of 2018
Whether it is to reduce pulling, avoid trachea injuries or gain a mechanical advantage, dog harnesses are beneficial.Pat Miller updates the dog harness information from the April 2017 article we posted in AHD, March 29, 2017. Miller uses a 0 to 4 paw rating when identifying the best harnesses. Pet owners will appreciate this information. Consider using it on websites, social … [Read more...]
Tips for separation anxiety in dogs (includes video)
Treating separation anxiety in dogs can vary depending on the level of nervousness a dog feels. Every case is different, says Kimberly Alt. Some dogs will respond well to the strategies shared here, while others will require more persistence. Source: Canine Journal, November 17, 2017. Alt discusses counter-conditioning for mild separation anxiety. She reminds us that … [Read more...]
Dealing with calf dehydration issues
Heather Thomas went coast to coast to gather information from professors and producers about calf dehydration. Dehydration, loss of electrolytes and decrease in blood pH (metabolic acidosis) are the three biggest problems with scouring calves, says Geof Smith, DVM. “Rehydrating those calves is critical,” he says. George Barrington, DVM, says that means supportive treatment … [Read more...]
7 signs calves are headed down a bad health path
Ann Hoskins might have used the term mindful in explaining the “look, listen, smell and feel” strategy to help identify those calves with subtle signs of sickness. The key is to closely observe calves in the moment without making assumptions or overlooking small signs. Source: Progressive Dairyman, March 1, 2018. It’s easy to miss these simple signs when you rush through … [Read more...]
New style bee hive is attractive to old and new beekeepers
Solving the challenges of harvesting honey without donning an uncomfortable bee suit, smoking out the bees and going through steps that could kill bees in the process, the popular Flow Hive is bringing bees and beekeepers to backyards. Considering bees fall under the VFD rules, understanding this technology is important for animal health pros. Source: Fast Company, March 9, … [Read more...]
Pay attention to antibiotic use in bees
Beekeepers and their veterinarians must pay close attention to how they use antibiotics in bees, says the FDA. The agency released recommendations for using antimicrobial drugs in question-and-answer form last year. The document is written to help DVMs and beekeepers in using approved VFD prescription products. Source: Infectious Disease Special Edition, January 12, … [Read more...]
Amazon embraces chaos for its efficiency
Amazon is an eight-ton gorilla that animal health pros watch, fear; yet use for personal purchases. Sara Kessler writes about the company’s elaborate systems that have completely redefined warehouse efficiency and customer convenience. Much of the efficiency is supported by technology, robotics and ultimately moving product to people, rather than moving people to the products … [Read more...]
Veterinary Medicine Essentials: diabetes mellitus
By assembling articles on cat and dog diabetes, the dvm360 team provides a package that covers diagnostic steps and treatment plan guidance. Along with the latest updates, they offer resources to share with your veterinary team and clients. Source: Veterinary Medicine, February 15, 2018. The package includes tips on which insulin to use, how to best monitor glucose … [Read more...]
Touch birds. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
2017 was a record year for salmonella infections in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We’ve mentioned it several times in the Bulletin, but it the message to wash one’s hands after handling backyard birds needs repeating more than ever, according to Craig Coufal, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension poultry specialist. Source: High Plains … [Read more...]
9 phrases to avoid that will help you look more professional
It’s not always easy to write exactly what you want to say. We, yes even those of us at AHD, often fall back on words and phrases that come easily. Unfortunately, these often make us look weak and unprofessional. Danny Rubin offers nine words and phrases to avoid in our writing. Source: Ladders, March 2, 2018. As you compose emails, documents (and in conversation too), … [Read more...]
Opinion – The era of the buyer is underway
Consider this article in the context of telehealth and telemedicine for both B2B and B2C entities in animal health. But, think about B2C telemedicine in the digital context of voice-activated systems on counters in homes instead of a phone on your desk. Once again, I ask veterinary team members to accept sales as the creation of a transaction. Jay Malowney asserts, … [Read more...]
22 ways to critique your customer interactions
Since most animal health pros are in the business of creating or enabling transactions, then the sales meeting description used in this headline can be more universally understood as interactions. Sean McPheat relates being asked the question, “. . . what do you do after a sales meeting that ensures the next one will be even better?” Source: MTD Sales Training, February 12, … [Read more...]
Spring is gas colic season
Some types of gastrointestinal disturbances are more likely during certain seasons. In spring, gas is the usual culprit of gastrointestinal disturbances. Gas colic develops when a horse ingests forage that is high in sugar, usually lush spring grass. Excessive fermentation then occurs in the gut, which creates a buildup of gas. Source: Equus, April 2015. Although gas colic … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: Pheromones; the nose knows.
Our recent post about the Flehman response in cats led me to further investigate the pheromone topic. Googling produced several references on semiochemicals and their use in insect control. Most important was information provided by AHD sponsor, Ceva Animal Health, which helps clarify some of the confusion about pheromones and pheromone products: Pheromones are naturally … [Read more...]
Dairy calves are naturally optimistic or pessimistic
Some calves are inherently optimistic or pessimistic, as are humans, a University of British Columbia study has found. The study also assessed fearfulness through standard personality tests and found that it and pessimism are closely related. Source: Science Daily, February 18, 2018. Sometimes we are tempted to see only the herd, even though this herd consists of different … [Read more...]
Study proves that dogs are good judges of character
A study recently published in the journal, “Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews,” found that dogs can tell when someone is being rude or mean to another person. Like humans, dogs then use this information to decide how to treat people. Source: Simplemost. Dogs in the study reacted negatively to humans who refused to help their owners. “We discovered for the first time … [Read more...]
Stem cell therapy has potential, but with cautions
Meredith Rogers, MS, CMPP, reviews the advances in stem cell therapies in veterinary medicine. She notes that clinical trials are few and most evidence of efficacy comes from anecdotal reports. Rogers says the biggest obstacles preventing more frequent use of stem cell therapy are access and cost. Beyond this, no guidelines currently exist with respect to stem cell therapy, … [Read more...]
Telehealth, is reality
Telehealth, or telemedicine, is not a specific service. It is a collection of resources to enhance care and education delivery. The term, telemedicine is often used to refer to traditional clinical diagnosis and monitoring that is delivered by technology. However, the term, telehealth is now more commonly used. It better describes the wide range of diagnosis and management, … [Read more...]
Size doesn’t matter; pigs are still pigs
Sara Brown addresses the teacup, or miniature pig fad. Some people bought the pets, not realizing that miniature pigs can grow to be 40 lbs. to 300 lbs. And they still have natural pig instincts. Rooting and raiding cabinets were just two examples of pig behavior for which people weren’t prepared. Source: Pork, February 27, 2018. The Humane Society of Missouri is asking … [Read more...]
One-health approach addresses obesity in pets, people
Obesity is a tough subject for human and veterinary doctors. This article highlights the findings of "Preventing Obesity in People and their Pets: A One Health Approach," from November 2016. The conference paired speakers from human and veterinary medicine to discuss obesity in humans and companion animals. These statements stuck in our review of the content: Physical … [Read more...]
Microfiber towels are favorites for chemical-free cleaning
Look beyond the commercial messaging in this article and you will likely improve your understanding of microfiber towels. We were surprised to find so many variables in microfiber types. Source: Today, March 1, 2018. From windows to bathtubs to floors, cleaning experts continue to recommend this specific cleaning tool. With millions of fibers, microfiber lifts and holds … [Read more...]
4 habits help you learn new skills
Mike Kehoe has seen the effects of learning and development on career mobility. He has also seen what leads people to let it fall by the wayside. He found that four crucial habits can make a tremendous difference: Focus on emerging skills Get synchronous Implement learning immediately Set a golden benchmark Source: Harvard Business Review, January 31, 2018. I … [Read more...]
Survey shows what horse owners want from veterinarians
Citing insights from a rare online survey with 8,069 horse owner participants, David Rame, DVM, shares horse owner perceptions regarding equine veterinary care. The treatment received by the horse was overwhelmingly the most satisfying part of the veterinary visit (64.91 percent), followed by the veterinarian’s skill (50.16 percent), the veterinarian’s bedside manner (38.12 … [Read more...]
Raise the cull line to match the falling milk price
If a cow cannot pay for her own feed, then there is no return to your land or crop enterprise. A cow should also be paying for her own replacement. Jim VanDerlinde challenges the majority on culling decisions and explains his rationale. He shares a quick, user-friendly template to find the culling sweet spot for a dairy. Source: Progressive Dairyman, February 22, 2018. The … [Read more...]
Sympathy and empathy are vastly different
Imagine you are in a jungle and happen upon someone who has fallen into quicksand. Sympathy is jumping in with them and agreeing this is bad. Empathy is acknowledging their situation is bad and then getting a vine to help pull them out of the predicament. Source: Rework, February 14, 2018. That's empathy - seeking to understand someone else's perspective and how their … [Read more...]
The price is not always right
“If you don’t know the difference between margin and mark-up,” says Daniel Truffini, “Your revenue might be taking a hit. Don’t let anyone tell your otherwise, it’s all about the margin at the end of the day.” Trufinni makes the cost compared to. value distinction and offers three formulas to help animal health pros calculate them. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, … [Read more...]
Gut check for sales managers
Sean McPheat offers sales managers eight quality questions to ask themselves. The questions will help them concentrate as they seek to maintain a semblance kind of control and bring about the results for which they are responsible. Use McPheat’s questions to produce insight into whether you spend the right amount of time on tasks and responsibilities that are most important to … [Read more...]