Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” – Anonymous As 2023 approaches, preparing for potential recessionary effects* is important. Speaking at the AVMA Veterinary Business and Economic Forum, economist Dana Peterson shared why a recession seems eminent in 2023. R. Scott Nolen shares an overview of her comments and assertions including: Housing market changes … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 17, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Horse owners’ survival guide for fall. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 10, 2022. Link. ================================================================= 45 days remain in 2022 Source: time and date.com, November 17, 2022. Link. 43 days remain excluding holidays but only 30 days … [Read more...]
“Letters to Chewy Claus” promises food and product donations (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content The “Letters to Chewy Claus” program will give extra love and care to some of the most vulnerable pets living in shelters and rescues this holiday season with the help of Greater Good Charities. For every letter submitted to Chewy Claus before December 15, Chewy will donate one pound of food to one of their non-profit partners, up to … [Read more...]
Vetsource unveils new brand reflecting company’s growth
Complimentary Commercial Content Following the acquisitions of Vet2Pet and VetSuccess, the new Vetsource brand marks an inclusive start for its expanded portfolio of veterinary business solutions. It represents a singular brand that encompasses client engagement (formerly Vet2Pet), and data and insights (formerly VetSuccess), as well as prescription management. Source: … [Read more...]
22nd AKC National Championship draws record number of entries
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin has 5,385 entries this year, a new record. The dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion December 17 and 18 in Orlando, Florida. Source: AKC, November 15, 2022. Link. To get more information about the show, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-national-championship/ or follow on Facebook or … [Read more...]
Topical anesthetic may be a solution for needle-shy horses (video)
A recent study to evaluate the efficacy of using topical lidocaine to numb injection sites has confirmed veterinarians’ clinical impressions. Decreasing injection reactivity improves safety for equine veterinarians and handlers. . . . application of topical anesthetic just two minutes in advance of intramuscular injection can effectively reduce the behavioral reaction of … [Read more...]
Raccoons, distemper, dogs, cats and us
Commentary As winter approaches, raccoons seek to fatten up in preparation for torpor, a semi-hibernation. They group together in what is called a gaze or nursery. In 2016, John Hadidian told National Geographic, “Raccoons have adapted to urban living. They've figured out how to cope with these environments just as well or better than they used to do in the wilderness." … [Read more...]
Keep your eye on the coconut . . . oil
Includes Commercial Information Jackie Jurchenko, MSc, shares information about using coconut oil with pets in this article and infographic. She explains the different types of coconut oil, their properties and potential uses such as: Is coconut oil safe for dogs' skin? Coconut oil for dogs' itchy skin. Coconut oil for dogs' skin allergies. Source: Top Dog … [Read more...]
Canine Leishmaniasis: Update on epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention
Commentary We’re providing this paper as an update on the status of leishmaniasis. We captured these statements for animal health pros to consider: Canine leishmaniasis is expanding to the Northern Hemisphere, where it is barely known, due to climate change and the importation of dogs. Sandflies are the only proven vectors of Leishmania infantum, but direct … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club – Cushing to discuss cannabis
Complimentary Content The Bridge Club will address what a practice can do with cannabinoids, state-by-state issues, what veterinarians can say and if selling is allowed in an upcoming virtual event. No fees but registration is required. Mark Cushing, JD, is the guest speaker. Virtual event via Zoom: December 7, 2022. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST Source: The Bridge Club. … [Read more...]
The catnip craze: How and why it works
Catnip sensitivity is hereditary in only about 50 percent of cats and doesn’t develop until a cat is about three to six months old. Senior cats seem to lose their sensitivity. Average-aged cats with the catnip sensitivity gene, get a strong instant high by inhaling nepetalactone, the organic compound found in catnip. Nepetalactone binds to receptors inside a cat’s nose, … [Read more...]
Optimizing nutrition for cats and dogs
Opinion Pet food content consistently asserts the changing landscape of pet nutrition and how pet owners are seeking diets that parallel their own nutrition choices. Beyond brands, ingredients, kibble versus frozen, and fresh versus processed are among the considerations. Pet owners are responsible for their pets’ proper nutrition Too many dogs and cats are obese … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 14, 2022
Chasing customer loyalty, pet food trends driving growth, cost cutting for pet owners, pet services over $9 billion now, upcoming webinars and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 14, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How to become a better listener or how to stop talking so much
There is psychology behind why some people talk too much, says Brian Smith. For those prone to be talkers, he shares things to do to give others time to express themselves. Be mindful Stay curious Avoid speaking over others Learn to like the lull Keep pen and paper handy Source: Fast Company, October 9, 2022. Link. Also see: Search Results for: listener, … [Read more...]
5 ways to demonstrate leadership
Repeat after me. “Leadership is not a job title. Leadership is the skill to influence people to a common course of action.” Dan Hopmans shares five ways you can demonstrate your leadership. Source: Massaro Consulting, April 5, 2019. Link. Managing expectations shows your ability to see the big picture, that you understand the outside forces and complexities of even simple … [Read more...]
The power of one act of kindness
Long checkout lines, two kids and a full cart . . . the lady in front of me saw I had only two items, my dog on a leash and cash in hand. Smiling, she offered to let me go ahead of her, wishing me a good day. Researchers who synthesized results from 88 experimental studies suggest our acts of kindness and generosity, online or offline, can have meaningful ripple effects in … [Read more...]
Vet Watch trends. Do these concern you?
Commentary The latest Vet Watch trend tracking begs attention. Note the metric showing a reduction in the number of clients. It is an area where practices and the animal health pros who serve them can focus actionably. Returning clients and their pets to an active status requires individual communication supported by client base communications. Start with your own staff, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 10, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, November 3, 2022. Link. 50 therapist-approved tips to stave off holiday stress Source: PARADE, December 6, 2021. Link. For many, the holiday season is particularly difficult. The pressure to show up a certain … [Read more...]
Selecting the RIGHT replacement heifers (audio recording)
Selecting replacement heifers is expensive and time-consuming, writes Lindsey Sawin. Knowing the breeding objectives for a producer’s herd may be the most challenging part of the process. Sawin shares some parameters and tools commercial cattlemen can use to select the right females for their operation including: EPD: expected progeny differences CED: calving ease … [Read more...]
The pros and cons of orthobiologics in horses
Orthobiologics* appear to be key tools in improving equine health and welfare, writes Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, summarizing a presentation at the September Northeast Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. All orthobiologics use the body’s natural physiologic processes to reduce inflammation and facilitate the repair of injured tissues. Oke shares key concepts … [Read more...]
Dog, cat owners and veterinarians differ on pet obesity
A survey of dog and cat owners by the Association for Pet Obesity shows the challenges of pet obesity and owner education although most owners see obesity as a disease. Veterinary clinics remained the most frequent choice for pet dietary recommendations among pet owners at 41.4 percent Dog and cat owners second-most frequent choice for the best source of pet food advice … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
They don’t know what they don’t know
Writing for a groomer audience, Cliff Faver, DVM, reinforces the primary reasons for pet owner education: to get the best results. . . . if you recommend the client brush their dog, then educate them, show them the correct way and provide the right tools and products for success . . . it is good to revisit everything at the next appointment in case they have questions or … [Read more...]
How to prepare a dog for a boarding kennel
Now is the time dog owners need to prepare for boarding if they are traveling over the holidays. These authors share what to look for when shopping for a dog-boarding facility that will keep a dog secure, comfortable and unharmed. They advise dog owners to see where their dog will be housed and where he will be taken to eliminate and recreate. Source: Whole Dog Journal, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 07, 2022
Pet spending at the veterinary clinic, growth in death care business for pets, David Frei shares concerns for pandemic puppies, pet care industry’s role in senior care, keeping employees happy, tips for small business finance in 2023 and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, November 07, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Thank you notes help you and the recipient
Sending a thank-you note expresses gratitude for a person's time and effort. Source: AXIOS, October 30, 2022. Link. Thank you notes are appropriate for many business occasions and should not be limited to just interviews.” INSIGHTS: While email thanks are okay, a handwritten note will help you stand out. … [Read more...]
Is customer service bad by design?
Animal health customer service pros and their executives will want to invest the time to listen to this episode of On Point. It takes on customer service frustration and success from customers’ and employees’ points of view. The discussion among the host and two customer experience experts features relevant examples of poorly designed customer journeys and ways to improve … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 3, 2022
Last week’s most read post – Jacks, jennies, johns and hinnies; the hybrid world of donkeys and horses. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, October 27, 2022. Link. Nationwide, Petco form partnership to focus on end-to-end pet care Source: Pet Business, October 27, 2022. Link. New joint offerings are expected to be … [Read more...]
Prep dairy farms for winter now
It’s never too soon to prepare a dairy for winter. This task list from Penn State University Extension is a handy reminder for producers and a good conversation starter in person or via phone. Source: The Cattle Site, October 31, 2022. Link. Below are a few reminders when prepping the farm for the winter season. Make a checklist Barn maintenance Water Maternity … [Read more...]
BRD during weaning, backgrounding adds long-term costs
Duh! Over and over we study, measure and see the production costs associated with bovine respiratory disease. Yet the health of cattle arriving at backgrounders and feedlots continues to be a major issue despite better products, management methods and improved genetics. Health and performance will continue to be a problem for calves sold after simply removing calves from dams … [Read more...]