Listening is a skill that is essential. The importance of learning how to actively listen is critical to true communication and understanding. This article explores the dynamics of listening starting with the core components of active listening: Comprehending Retaining Responding Source: Farnam Street, July 3, 2017. Listening is difficult because it involves … [Read more...]
Ditch email for a full day
Our dependence on digital communications uses up much of our attention. LaSalle Network declared a “no email day” for a weekday. Here’s what its staff learned: We move faster It builds relationships We’re more creative We learn faster It encourages call-before-email We’re more energized and productive Source: Fast Company, July 5, 2017. Sometimes we need … [Read more...]
Transportation stress adds layer of risk
Greg Henderson writes about transporting cattle, but this content is applicable to pigs and horses, as well. Transportation stress remains a primary determinant of how much work awaits feedyard employees. “Cattle that are hauled long distances go through many types of stress which could include maternal separation (weaning), transportation, water and feed deprivation and more,” … [Read more...]
5 nonverbal ways to get someone to quit talking (includes video)
If you get trapped in a conversation, try one of these nonverbal tips to get out of the situation from author Vanessa Van Edwards’ article and excerpts from her book. The fish The bookmark The pupil The touch The teacher Source: Science of People, July 5, 2017. If you’re going to have a conversation with someone who you know is likely to interrupt you, you … [Read more...]
Cesar shares good topics of interest
Cesar Milan’s team does a nice job of covering several topics in a recent newsletter. They include: Coyotes, an urban threat to dogs Choosing pet insurance Protecting pets from wild animals Camping with Canines Source: Cesar’s Way, June 21, 2017. While it’s good to be in touch with nature, sometimes nature can intrude in unwanted ways. Just because you live in … [Read more...]
Functional foods’ effect on dog, cat health summarized
The journal Research in Veterinary Science recently published a meta-analysis of functional foods research in which it summarized 17 peer-reviewed studies on dog and cat food ingredients. While there may be some benefits to pets from the ingredients, reviewers urge caution. Source: Petfood Industry, July 2017. The ultimate success of functional pet foods will depend on … [Read more...]
Petfood e-commerce IS changing the industry
STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. As the internet age matures, online pet food purchasing options are spurring growth as a legitimate retail channel. “The channel making the biggest strides is the internet channel, which now ranks as the fifth largest for pet products and as the third largest for pet supplies,” said Packaged Facts in its U.S. Pet Market Outlook report, published in May … [Read more...]
Where’s the beef?
In the past six months, wildfires, drought and floods have all caused regional changes in cattle numbers. Sara Brown reports the adjusted the geographical disbursement of the 93.6 million cattle in the US. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 5, 2017. Texas remains the state with the most total cattle, followed by Nebraska, Kansas, California, Oklahoma and … [Read more...]
Pets and hot cars don’t mix
An Ontario, California woman was arrested last Sunday on suspicion of animal cruelty after allegedly leaving two dogs and a cat inside a parked car while record-setting heat blasted away. One dog died. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers an educational poster at its Hot Cars and Loose Pets page. It also offers a chart of how hot the inside of a car gets on its … [Read more...]
Remember Beef Quality Assurance guidelines
Dan Thomson, DVM, Ph.D., reminds us to remember BQA guidelines when doing injections. Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally coordinated and state-implemented program. It provides ongoing information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers about how common-sense husbandry techniques, coupled with scientific knowledge, work together to raise cattle under optimum management and … [Read more...]
10 tips to clip like a pro
Veterinarians rarely pay much attention to clipping and clippers, but they should. Poor technique and cleaning can affect the outcome of the surgery. Clipping patients extends well beyond surgery. And, clippers are a common source of frustration. Yet they are frequently abused, poorly cleaned and dropped regularly. Source: Veterinary Practice News, June 21, 2017. When all … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: Addison Biological Laboratory featured
Congratulations to AHD sponsor, Addison Biological Laboratory, for being selected as a featured manufacturer for Spring 2017 by MWI Animal Health. The story featured Addison’s development of the first USDA conditional license for a commercial Moraxella Bovoculi Bacterin in early 2017. Moraxella bovoculi is frequently referred to as winter pinkeye. Source: Addison Biological … [Read more...]
Seven sins of decision-making (infographic)
Alaina Love says that decision-making sins can be grouped into seven categories, each of which has a distinct set of symptoms that play out in the culture of the organization. How well your organization makes decisions directly affects the quality of the people you are able to hire and retain, she says. Love shares an experience to support her perspective. It’s worth … [Read more...]
Empathy trumps cuteness in viral videos
Animal health marketers frequently find that and images of pets “sell.” Autumn Sullivan suggests otherwise. Her position is cuteness helps, especially with viral videos, while the real secret ingredient to creating viral content is empathy. The post referenced here is promotional but the message applies to marketers stretching their companies in the social media and video … [Read more...]
Farmers, harvesters, communities hurt by tough wheat harvest
It’s not all roses for animal health pros who live and work in wheat country. Mix fire, drought, low wheat acres and severe storms and you get one of the toughest wheat harvests in recent memory. Custom wheat harvester Tracy Zeorian tells it like it is for them, their customers and the communities that are their temporary homes during harvest. Source: High Plains Journal’s … [Read more...]
Dealing with July 4th fireworks and dogs
It is time to remember pets as July 4th celebrations get booming. We’ve gathered several posts about dogs and fireworks so you can review and share with staff and clients. Source: Animal Health Digest. See the posts revealed when AHD is searched for fireworks. … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Canine cardiology today podcast
Cardiology is discussed in a series of podcasts available free from VetFolio. The series includes: Episode 1: Canine Cardiology and Heart Disease – The Basics Episode 2: Risk Factors and Signs of Canine CHF Episode 3: Making Dog Owners Part of the CHF Care Team Episode 4: The Involved Pet Owner- The Key to Compliance in Long-Term CHF Therapy Source: VetFolio, … [Read more...]
Harness the cat and go for a walk
Sandy Robins shares ways to train a cat to walk on a leash. Doing so enriches the cat’s lifestyle by safely allowing her to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way of revving up her exercise routine. But, not all cats take to the harness and leash easily. Robins says kittens are easier to train than adults. Source: Catster, June 20, … [Read more...]
Compliance to payment card standards matter
This article sounds the alarm to awaken veterinary practice owners to a hidden liability that threatens the very livelihood of a practice—its ability to collect revenue. As much as 90 percent of revenue comes through credit and debit card transactions. Losing this service could devastate practices and businesses. The ability to scan a card does not make the business … [Read more...]
Why cats lick
Jane A. Kelly offers reasons cats lick their owners. She shares when your cats lick you, it can be a compliment, a sign of stress, or more. Consider using this information in social media posts, websites and newsletters. Cat owners will appreciate the perspective. Source: Catster, June 13, 2017. Kelly shares these reasons: Cats lick as a means of social When your … [Read more...]
Virtual farm tour increase understanding of how farms work
These videos about swine production are a must-see for all animal health pros. It is easy to get behind in our understanding of how today’s producers work. Consider linking to these virtual tours in blog posts, clinic websites, newsletters and social media. Source: Pork, June 26, 2017. The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) has been sharing a one-of-a-kind … [Read more...]
Speaking of BS, New York lawsuit is a pile of poo
It took researchers from Cornell to tell the real story of how much manure cows actually create. The comparisons also expose a paradigm that requires land mass to dispose of bovine waste that does not exist for human waste. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, June 26, 2017. A lawsuit filed against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation claimed that a herd of 200 … [Read more...]
Distinguish fact from fiction; call BS, BS
We decided to post this since there seems to be so much hype to sift through. We hope you’re not offended by the BS references. It can be hard to know what to do with the onslaught of fresh BS and when you can no longer distinguish fact from fiction. Source: Science of US, June 26, 2017. Inspired by two professors at the University of Washington, Science of Us talked to a … [Read more...]
Cage-free not necessarily better for hens
John Brunnquell runs Egg Innovations, the largest free-range layer operation in the industry. It didn’t come naturally. He grew up on a traditional chicken farm and can substantiate the benefits of caged egg production. However, he’s spent the last two decades perfecting his current operation. He and other industry experts admit that cage-free egg production still has a long … [Read more...]
Partnering with a trainer is a no-brainer (audio recording)
Though many studies have shown a link between pet behavior and health, most veterinary professionals don’t jump for joy at the thought of behavior consultations. Educator Mikkel Becke explains the Humane Hierarchy developed by Utah State University psychology professor Susan Friedman, PhD. This model incorporates the expertise of trainers and veterinary … [Read more...]
Cable reigns no more
The largest cable TV providers in the U.S. now have fewer combined subscribers than the single streaming service, Netflix. Cable TV had 48.6 million subscribers to 50.9 million for Netflix. The lead would be even greater if other streaming services were factored in. Source: Quartz, June 16, 2017. But Netflix’s subscriber base is still climbing, while the pay-TV market is … [Read more...]
Dr. Marty Becker talks cool cats
Dr. Becker offers tips for keeping cats cool in summer and how to prevent other seasonal hazards, such as bug bites, heartworm and sunburns. This makes good content for blogs, social media and newsletters. Source: Catster, June 12, 2017. While cats descend from desert animals and are more tolerant of heat than dogs, they have some special needs when the temperature rises. … [Read more...]
5 important articles in NAVTA’s bi-weekly
Animal Health Bi-Weekly features five important articles for veterinary nurse members. Most interesting to our AHD team are: How 3D printing is changing veterinary cancer treatments Pharmacists begin receiving veterinary education Source: NAVTA Animal Health Bi-Weekly, June 20, 2017. … [Read more...]
OSU to host canine athletic program August 1 – 3
The number-one killer of all law enforcement canines in the U.S. last year was directly related to the lack of adequate conditioning and resistance to heat stress. To help address this, Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences will offer its Advanced Canine Athletic Program August 1 through 3. Presenters include: Randel Roy; Sean Peck, DVM and Michael … [Read more...]
Use your local megaphone
Representatives often hear their customers express, “I just wish my customers understood...” Nate Birt explains why letters to the editor can effectively educate consumers. Although you won’t reach everyone in print, newspaper editors often upload those letters to the internet, where you can share content you’ve written on your website or social media. Source: Top Producer, … [Read more...]