Cold calling remains effective today for several key reasons, writes Nicole Attias. It is easy to avoid making the calls on the phone or in person, but the strategy is time-proven even as digital marketing and the use of AI increases. She shares these top three reasons to make the call: Immediate feedback Direct human rapport Targeted outreach Source: Selling … [Read more...]
Getting to YES
Every practice employee is an ambassador for that practice and, as a result, has a responsibility to aid in the sales process. Source: Veterinary Advantage, October 2024. Link. “(Inaction bias) is a little devil driving the tendency to do nothing because the risk of making a wrong decision feels too high,” says Brian Sullivan. INSIGHT: Think of it as leadership – helping … [Read more...]
NO Rx required; FDA approves the first at-home test for Covid-19 and the flu
Commentary Home-based diagnostics are a growing trend. These technologies will continue to provide preliminary intelligence for individuals without the knowledge of healthcare professionals. As home-based technology expands, one must consider the effects on the quality of care and the parallels to animal healthcare. Authorization of a Covid-19 and flu test expands the … [Read more...]
5 red flags that show you don’t understand your Gen Z employees
Gen Z is shaking things up, writes Cheryl Fields Tyler. She shares five signs of ineffective engagement and ways for companies to improve: Not realizing Gen Z is more skeptical of AI than millennials Assuming you can attract them without strong company values Treating DEI as old news and not essential Failing to harness Gen Z’s enthusiasm toward their employers … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 9, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 3, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the October 3rd AHD Bulletin – “Social license to operate” topic drives equine gathering agenda. Link. Probiotics, prebiotics for feline digestive health. Link. Non-antibiotic approaches to canine recurrent UTIs. Link. Plain speak matters. Link. … [Read more...]
Ollie acquires DIG Labs, rolls out new Foodback Loop™ to elevate health services
Ollie, a subscription-based fresh dog food company, has acquired DIG Labs, an AI-powered diagnostic company, providing real-time, image-based pet health screenings across stool, weight management, skin and coat, dental care and more. The company shared its Foodback Loop™ is a revolutionary, closed-loop, and proprietary process that leverages over 20 million first-party data … [Read more...]
New products from World Dairy Expo
Mark Moore shares new products that garnered attention at World Dairy Expo that took place in Madison, Wisconsin, from September 28th to October 4th. Featured are management products that promise to help streamline some of the processes on farm. For animal health pros working with dairies, learning about new products outside your own offerings can be beneficial during a … [Read more...]
Worker safety includes teaming with veterinarians
Working with livestock always includes opportunities for someone to get injured. National Safety Month is behind us, but attention to safety requires continual attention. Every day, about 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury. Two articles from the NCBA BQA library are timely as fall cattle work progresses. Understanding the animals, as well as the best … [Read more...]
Walmart is expanding pet care services
Walmart is opening five more pet services centers after testing the first location near Atlanta. The centers offer vet visits and grooming. The pet services centers will have their own dedicated entrance next to a store under the Walmart name and staffed by employees of vet care and pet product company PetIQ. Source: CNBC, October 8, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Pet Product News top dog product picks of 2024
It is always a good idea for animal health pros to scan through new products. Treats, chew toys, a clear pet gate, a board game to play with a dog, car seat, functional supplements, special collars and more are featured here as winners of PPN's Editors' Choice Awards. Source: Pet Product News, October 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Pedigreed cat sales now outpace moggie cats
Cats Protection is the UK's leading cat charity. The charity’s 2024 report on cats and their stats indicates 45 percent of all cats acquired between March 2023 and March 2024 were pedigreed or purebred cats, compared to 43 percent moggies. The remainder was made up of cross-breeds. These data represent a significant shift in trends leading the organization to share concerns … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 7, 2024
Poopcopter is the world’s first aerial bound self-guided dog poop removal system, Fire Prevention Week, improving employee performance, dogs traveling, pet spending continues, the evolution of pet food processing and more . . . Note: The APPA is seeking speakers for The Pet Summit to take place from March 24th-26th, 2025, in Orlando, Florida alongside the Global Pet … [Read more...]
VHMA announces new certification for Veterinary Management Professionals; the CVOM
The Certified Veterinary Office Manager program is intended to certify qualified management professionals with a focus on fundamental administrative office tasks, including team leadership roles. To qualify for the exam, candidates must have one year of experience in a veterinary practice, have accomplished specified tasks, and have two letters of recommendation. Source: … [Read more...]
Managing risk
Risk comes in all forms and with variety, volume and velocity of different degrees. Known or unknown, the next disruptors are already in play. Ingraining risk management into every function within an organization can not only enhance resilience, but also lead to better strategies and outcomes.” Source: weforum.org, January 8, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Involve the practice’s … [Read more...]
Celebrate National 4-H Week (video)
National 4-H week celebrates how the organization helps prepare youth for success in college and careers. From October 7th through October 14th, the week will be marked by activities across the country, showcasing the talents and accomplishments of 4-H members. Whether through community service projects, leadership workshops or educational fairs, the week will shine a spotlight … [Read more...]
FDA Safety Communication update: Evaluating plastic syringes made in China for potential device failures
In its August 16th update, the FDA recommendations have not changed. It recommends the following: Use syringes not manufactured in China, if possible. At this time, glass syringes, pre-filled syringes, or syringes used for topical purposes are not included. If you only have syringes manufactured in China, then continue to use them as needed until you are able to use … [Read more...]
Synchrony’s new technology connects pet insurance and CareCredit to streamline pet care payment processes
Synchony’s patent-pending new reimbursement technology is an advancement in the often-complicated process of managing pet healthcare expenses. For pet owners who have both CareCredit and Pets Best pet insurance, this technology simplifies the payment process by directly reimbursing insurance claims to the CareCredit health and wellness credit card. Source: Synchrony, October … [Read more...]
Recognize vet techs during National Veterinary Technician Week
“Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives,” is the theme for the 2024 National Veterinary Technician Week. October 13th through 19th has been set aside to appreciate and celebrate the support these important individuals provide in exam rooms, labs, operating rooms and interfacing with animal owners of all species. Source: NAVTA. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 3, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 26, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the September 26th AHD Bulletin – The story no one talks about: the cost to produce food. Link. Changing weather patterns call for a change in deworming habits. Link. Conservation advocacy soars in ‘24 Bird Photographer competition. Link. USDA network … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 30, 2024
Congratulations to the winners of the Pet Care Business Excellence Awards, aka the IBBYs. Halloween shopping underway for pets, pushing your comfort zone, solutions for pets reluctant to take medications, supplement business growth, advancing urinary tract health and more . . . Source: IBPSA, September 30, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Patterson invests in animal health business with acquisitions in the U.S. and U.K.
Patterson Companies, Inc., announced it has signed two separate acquisition agreements for its animal health business: Infusion Concepts in the United Kingdom Mountain Vet Supply in the United States. Source: Patterson Companies, Inc., September 26, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Charity Halloween pet costume contest to benefit the Veterinary Hope Foundation
This charitable event hosted by The Bridge Club aims to build excitement for the "Give is the Word" benefit in March 2025 during the WVC Annual Conference, while raising awareness for the Veterinary Hope Foundation. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and anyone connected to the veterinary profession are invited to dress their pets in one of the … [Read more...]
Cat gut microbiome may help treat feline diseases
Sponsored Content Felines possess several unique gastrointestinal traits distinct from other companion animals, writes Hill’s Renea Creech, MS. She explores the role of some of the different bacterial species of the cat GI microbiome and their role in feline health and disease. Understanding the GI microbiome and its diverse microbial populations holds significant promise … [Read more...]
Non-antibiotic approaches to canine recurrent UTIs
Various non-antibiotic measures show promise in managing canine UTIs and reducing the amount of antibiotics used to fight infections. The authors assert combining conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies may offer a more holistic approach to managing UTIs in dogs. Source: Innovative Vet Care, September 27, 2024. Link. A combination of approaches may … [Read more...]
Probiotics, prebiotics for feline digestive health
Gut dysbiosis describes a microbiome imbalance. In a cat’s gut, the bacteria microbiome has a direct effect on overall health, influencing digestion, immune system function and nutritional metabolism, as well as moods and mental health. Scott Gavaletz, DVM, recommends the use of probiotics under two circumstances: a) as a first line in treating diarrhea, and b) to replace … [Read more...]
Nonmedical pet services: A tangled web of competition
The high cost of pet food and of veterinary services top the list of significant challenges that pet owners currently face, writes David Sprinkle, referencing Packaged Facts’ February 2024 data. The high cost of nonmedical pet services such as grooming, boarding, daycare and training weigh in at a lower level, but these services remain part of the picture for a robust pet … [Read more...]
AVMA retirement option promises reduced administrative work, lower management costs
Complimentary The AVMA Trust Retirement Plan is available to practice owners and self-employed veterinarians. It leverages the power and size of the AVMA community to offer a 401(k) that will reduce the administrative burden of managing retirement plans for veterinarians. It provides a product that meets the unique needs of veterinary small businesses with lower management … [Read more...]
Plain speak matters
It does not matter if it is a salesperson to the DVM, or the DVM, vet tech, front desk service rep or kennel manager to the client, clear and concise communication works well throughout the practice or pet services business. Source: Veterinary Advantage, August 2024. Link. It’s about clarity, efficiency, and making your message stick. People crave straightforward, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club discussion of challenges, solutions for veterinary technicians
In a virtual conversation, The Bridge Club facilitated a lively discussion about what is an age old topic of using veterinary technicians fully, defining their roles, legal issues and working toward more national governance. Catherine Haskins and Shannon Norwalk, RVT, welcomed Sam Geiling, CVT, Becky Mosser, RVT, and Mark Cushing, JD, to share perspectives and opportunities in … [Read more...]
Success with supplements
Health and wellness trends are driving a pet supplement market positioned to surpass $2.7 billion <Link>. Many veterinarians are concerned about quality, writes Graham Garrison, who shares the opportunity to help practices realize revenue benefits that accompany selling supplements. Packed Facts’ survey <Link> indicates online purchases outpace in-store sales giving … [Read more...]