Ways to connect with customers, 15 AI Tools for businesses, legacy payment processes drain profits, CBS assertions on pet insurance and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 18, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Most-read 2023 posts by Patrick T. Malone
Bringing the perspective and discipline from his work with leader and sales groups, Patrick T. Malones’ contributions frequently are among the top 10 AHD posts opened each month. This week, we’re sharing the most-read Malone posts from 2023. Source: Animal Health Digest Don’t be afraid to ask the sensitive questions. Link. Trust lost. Link. How to deal with an … [Read more...]
The expanding threat of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in shelter dogs
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions. Climate change is a factor as carriers expand their ranges. The resulting risks affect dogs and humans alike. Source: Vet Candy, September 2023. Link. The study underscores the vital … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy in pets: A look at adverse event rates
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is a concern for people and pets alike, especially if it results in reduced rabies vaccination coverage writes J. Scott Weese, DVM, DACVIM. He also acknowledges that concerns about adverse events are real but ultimately de minimis making the risk:reward worth it. Weese shares results from studies referencing adverse events in dogs and … [Read more...]
Total e-commerce sales vs. total retail sales in North America
Retrospective metrics show where and how discretionary money is being spent, including the expansion of online purchasing. This article shows growth rates from 2019 to 2022 in the retail sector. Online retail sales grew much faster than total retail sales during the pandemic, significantly increasing the e-commerce penetration of retail in North America. Analytics show … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 14, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 7, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 7th AHD Bulletin – 7 dangers dogs may face in the fall. Link. Leading behavioral change. Link. Cryptosporidium parasite is endemic to even the tidiest dairy farms. Link. Health management of early weaned beef calves. Link. Views of this … [Read more...]
Fall and winter prep for smaller swine herds
Colder months bring unique challenges to small swine herds in terms of disease prevention and control. Swine extension educator Casey Zangaro reminds us that not all swine operations are optimized for heat, light and biosecurity. Keeping the heating, lighting, nutrition, health management, environmental management, bedding and recordkeeping on point assists in the upkeep of … [Read more...]
Preweaning protocols during a strong cattle market
Weather and vaccine choice play roles in calf health response, writes Heather Smith Thomas. She interviewed Daryl Meyer, DVM, and Chris Chase, DVM, PhD, who shared their experiences with video sales, preconditioning vaccines, optimal nutrition and weather interference during processing. In calves over 3 months of age, most of the injectable vaccines you’d give will not have … [Read more...]
Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math.
There are lots of variables when calculating the maintenance energy requirement for a pet and its owner. One of them involves honesty about how many treats and how much table food must be accounted for in addition to any prepared diet. The math need not be scary since charts are available and are easy to share with pet owners. MER Calorie (kcal) needs = 1.6 [70 x (weight in … [Read more...]
Practical advice about heartworm preventative lapses
ICYMI. Andy Moorhead DVM, MS, PhD, Dip. ACVM, shares case examples that represent real-world lapse scenarios and offer guidance on heartworm diagnostics, management, client education and prevention. Not every lapse in preventive adherence . . . carries the same level of exposure risk, nor do the same set of diagnostic recommendations or client communication considerations … [Read more...]
What is written on a dog’s face?
Boarding and daycare personnel often spend as much or more time with pets than their owners. These persons focus on animal-to-animal interactions and behaviors routinely. However, but it is also important that we understand how dogs communicate with people. Linked below is a research paper that evaluates the impact of facial phenotypes on communication between humans and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 11, 2023
12 pet industry companies named to 2023 Inc. 5000, vaccine hesitancy, remote vet visits, groomer software, small business Saturday ideas, youth-centered programs to attract more DVMs, Disney World’s pet hotel and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 11, 2023. Link. September is National Preparedness Month. Remember to update your emergency action plans. … [Read more...]
Mastering the art of arguing productively
Commentary Only once we understand the other side of any issue can we be confident that we fully understand our own, writes Yonason Goldson. His perspectives on argument, societal intolerances and ultimately win-lose thinking is worth the 4-minute read. We probably don’t need the new word, quodlibet because we’ll struggle to pronounce it. It is easy to agree with his … [Read more...]
Report from KVP International highlights sustainability efforts at Mars, MWI, Zoetis
Shared by an industry colleague, this Bowman Report Special Edition looks at sustainability in the veterinary industry. Contributions from Mars Veterinary Health, MWI Animal Health and Zoetis reveal the steps major animal health companies are taking to become more environmentally responsible. Also, a Packaged Facts analysis spotlights important insights into what consumers want … [Read more...]
Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership
Commentary Veterinary teams are consistently criticized about basic pet care costs. Sadly, those same people rarely complain about the cost of new toys or treats and have no idea what basic care for pets costs annually. Pets provide joy and companionship, but costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time owners who don’t know what to expect.” – Adriana Morga Every … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 7, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Here’s how much workers are demanding for a new job. Link. Empathy – the secret sauce. Link. The need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by … [Read more...]
Yes, dogs and cats get dementia. How to spot signs of it.
Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are common conditions as we age. They’re likely common in aging pets, too. Estimates range from 14 to 35 percent of the dog population age 8 and older may be affected. Nearly one-third of cats ages 11 to 14 and 50 percent of cats 15 and older are likely impaired. This article presents signs of dementia, medical conditions that mimic it … [Read more...]
Ways to spot signs of depression in dogs
The end of summer and early fall activities often change the daily schedules of dogs in our homes. These changes can trigger depression often typified by a lack of vitality similar to how dogs act when they are affected by an underlying medical condition or pain. . . . whether situational or related to the dog’s life experiences dog owners need to look at their dog’s basic … [Read more...]
Understanding the climbing cost of veterinary care (article, podcast)
Sharing her experiences working with animal owners, as well as her own pets, Jennifer Sperry, DVM, addresses reasons why veterinary care costs have increased. Among them are better educated and trained personnel, advances in medical technology, 24-hour monitoring, specialty care and meeting client expectations. . . . insured clients seem to be able to do more for their sick … [Read more...]
Dolly Parton launches Doggy Parton fashions at Petco
Another celebrity has entered the pet accessories business. The Dolly Parton Collection offers pet owners some glitzy apparel, accessories and toys at Petco for a limited time. A portion of every purchase will help fund and support Willa B Farms, a rescue where displaced animals of all kinds find love and care. Source: Pet Product News, August 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Rocky Mountain spotted fever on an alarming rise
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a disease spread through bites of ticks that live primarily on dogs, remains rare, but its frequency is rising. It is at epidemic levels in northern Mexico. In Baja California, there were 92 cases in 2022 which prompted a team of Mexican and U.S. scientists to pluck ticks off dogs, scour homes for larvae and warn residents to keep their dogs off … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 4, 2023
In the eyes of the law pets are property, study shows vet schools transmit culture and attitudes, future proofing digital assets, a possible link between respiratory and digestive issues in dogs, avoiding normalizing the Monday blues and more. . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, September 4, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
The best way to apologize (video)
Apologies take time. They take intention. They require we seek to understand, not excuse our actions. Three elements of apology are shared in this video and apply to personal and professional relationships: Take the victim’s perspective Accept responsibility Make an offer to repair* Source: TED-Ed via Linked In, September 1, 2023. Link.(5:04) INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Why kindness at work pays off
Research suggests that kindness yields positive outcomes for businesses, writes Andrew Swinand. He shares a few simple routines to integrate into your everyday work life that will spread kindness and help create a culture of kindness at your organization. Reach out with intention . . . recognize, acknowledge people . . . practice active listening” Source: HBR Ascend, July … [Read more...]
Leading behavioral change
While there are many challenges in today’s practices, they are all challenges of behavioral change. Source: Forbes, February 17, 2023. Link. In 2023 more than ever, leaders need to be less strategy experts and more human experts. INSIGHT: Influence begins when the leader suspends, temporarily, their point of view and starts from the potential follower’s point of view. … [Read more...]
Canine vaccine hesitancy, including rabies, prevalent among U.S. dog owners
A study out of Boston University School of Public Health highlights the concerning levels of canine vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. Published in the journal Vaccine, the study results revealed 53 percent of dog owners express some level of skepticism about vaccinating their pets. They expressed concerns about safety, efficacy and necessity. The researchers don’t believe canine … [Read more...]
Euthanasia rates across U.S. animal shelters reach 3-year high
More dogs than cats are coming into shelters in many major cities, driven largely by an increase in strays, according to Shelter Animals Count. Animal intakes at public and private shelters across the country are expected to reach a 3-year high this year . . . adoptions or owner returns are not keeping pace.” SAC Source: AXIOS, September 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Telehealth is good for people and pets
Telehealth medicine brings medical resources to people who can’t get to a doctor’s office or hospital. In the same way, veterinary telehealth can bring care to pets whose owners can’t make it to a veterinary clinic. But not in California. Veterinary telehealth is so restricted it is sparingly used for follow-up care or for emergency triage. This editorial by the Los Angeles … [Read more...]
Health management of early weaned beef calves
Many producers are facing rapidly disappearing forage resources. Additionally, available forage may have decreased nutritional value. Both factors are considerations in early weaning decisions shares Terry Engelken, DVM, MS, who urges producers to proactively plan to ease the transition for younger, lighter weight calves. Early weaning can be a profitable way to stretch … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 31, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Quotes that epitomize Myers-Briggs types. Link. Customer experience thoughts for Link. The inside-out approach to customer centricity. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]