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...]
Vaccinating unhealthy animals by Scott Weese, DVM
In part 3 of his series on vaccination, Scott Weese, DVM, addresses the challenges and decisions to vaccinate unhealthy animals or not. Vaccine labels don’t say to NOT use them in unhealthy pets, but they also don’t give any guidance for vaccine use in such animals.” Source: Worms and Germs, October 27, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
QSM Diagnostics and Mella Pet Care integrate platforms for infection testing
Complimentary Commercial Content Mella and QSM Diagnostics have unveiled the addition of the QSM OTTER eQ instrument platform in the Mella Desktop Application. The test improves antibiotic stewardship for veterinarians by increasing the accuracy of identifying bacterial infections. The integration with Mella reduces duplication and allows for the test results to be sent … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 31, 2022
Albertsons introducing pet Rx savings card, most dog-friendly communities, luxury brands entering pet market, pet assistance for budget strapped owners, hiring a copywriter is a good idea and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, October 231, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
How to read a scientific paper
David W. Ramey, DVM, confirms the challenges veterinarians face to stay current with biomedical reading. He says a system for reading and evaluating scientific papers is important to avoid getting overwhelmed and shares an algorithm for deciding if a paper is worth the time to read it. . . . it is reasonable to assume veterinarians are already behind in their reading and they … [Read more...]
Managing negative responses
No matter how skillful you are, in today’s environment you are likely to encounter negative reactions. Source: Vet-Advantage, October 2022. Link. Switching pronouns from you to it, that or this may seem like a small thing now, but in a leadership conversation this simple act is extremely powerful in helping your customers separate themselves from the problem at … [Read more...]
The 25-minute meeting — REALLY?!
Commentary This SmartBrief survey graphic underscores the need for better meetings. Too often meetings are called without intention and result in more meetings. Two articles address meeting overload, restructuring them and improving results. The Nano Tools for Leaders® from Wharton Executive Education offers tips to halve the time and double the impact of your meetings. … [Read more...]
Smart device syncs pet food formulation with dog behavior
Complimentary Commercial Content Artificial intelligence may be able to suggest what pet food formulations match a dog’s behaviors. A collaboration between two Mars divisions, IAMS dog food brand and Whistle pet activity trackers, resulted in a system that uses data on a dog’s behaviors to determine what diet may be best for that pet specifically. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
GFI #263 – understanding new rules for livestock antibiotics
University of Idaho Extension Educator Carmen Willmore helps animal health pros understand the new rules surrounding livestock antibiotics. By rule, commonly used over-the-counter antimicrobials will require a prescription from a veterinarian as part of a valid VCPR. GFI #263 is slated for final implementation on June 11, 2023. Source: Animal Health International, INSIGHT, … [Read more...]
Bull fitness advice for the off-season
Bulls’ work is done for now, but their soundness and health are important for next breeding season. Experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute share their advice on how to keep bulls healthy and ready for the next breeding season. . . . one of the main reasons bulls are culled is due to feet and leg problems causing lameness.” Source: Drovers, October 21, … [Read more...]
National Cat Day is October 29th
Since 2005, National Cat Day has focused on informing the public about the need to rescue cats. Over time it has also become a celebration of the most popular four-legged pets in America. Consider using some of these resources in communications to support this day of feline recognition. Source: National Today. Link. Also see: Morris Animal Foundation, October 21, 2022. … [Read more...]