Michael Nordine notes the benefits of paying credit cards ahead of the due date, monitoring credit utilization rates, how credit companies report and the reasons to use autopay. He shares credit card debt is at an all-time high. It increased by 18.5 percent in 2022 to $930.6 billion. Source: Better Report, July 3, 2023. Link. It’s also important to not regularly use more … [Read more...]
Quotes that epitomize Myers-Briggs types
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is one of the more widely used and studied psychological tools. It is a personality test designed for self-reflection and growth. Millions have used the test to gain new perspectives on how they and others perceive and respond to the world. The author shares 16 quotes that epitomize every Myers-Briggs type. Source: Inspiring Quotes. Link. … [Read more...]
Fireside Chat with AVMA CEO Dr. Janet Donlin (video)
ICYMI. Discussing the next 40 years of veterinary medicine, Janet Donlin, DVM, and Sean Callanan, MVB, MRCVS, CertVR, Ph.D., DipECVP, FRCPath, cover wide-ranging opportunities for those entering the veterinary profession. Source: Adtalem Global Education, July 5, 2023. Link. (9:27) … [Read more...]
Ways to increase productivity and provide more pet care
We shared this first-of-its-kind empirical study from IDEXX in February <Link>. It delved into how veterinary teams can keep up with the escalating demand for care and grounds anecdotal evidence in data to provide steps to help veterinary practices address capacity constraints. The Practice Productivity Index reveals that clinics can save nearly 1,700 to 2,000 hours a … [Read more...]
The inside-out approach to customer centricity
Being customer-centric sounds easy but it is tough to execute well. These authors share five customer centricity models indicating there is more than one way to be customer-centric. The article is good perspective as strategies are modeled for 2024 and beyond. You can’t transform your customers’ experiences unless you align the organizational culture—especially the day-to-day … [Read more...]
Enter the “I protect pigs” biosecurity photo contest
This APHIS photo contest seeks to capture the essence of biosecurity in pig farming. Photographers’ photos can play a vital role in educating the world about the pig biosecurity protocols that keep our pork industry safe. Source: PORK, August 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with youth groups and swine producers on social media, in newsletters and with local radio and … [Read more...]
Foreign animal disease outbreaks on minds of producers
More than 65 percent of persons interested in swine health and production are concerned about foreign animal disease getting into the U.S. hog population based on this snapshot of a National Hog Farmer reader poll. Qualitative measurements help animal health pros identify opportunities to support producers’ prevention efforts to keep animals and the food chain safe. Source: … [Read more...]
Virtual fencing, rotational grazing as a climate adaptation strategy
A lot of wire has been strung to create separate pastures and save grasses for grazing in the last few years of drought. The photo here is an example. Now, the advancements in virtual fencing can be used to contain animals within a desired area, exclude them from undesired areas, or move them to new landscapes without the need for physical fences. Morgan Lawrence shares how … [Read more...]
Insect control strategies for horse owners
Includes Commercial Content Owning and keeping horses healthy requires a significant commitment beyond time to train and ride. Alayne Blickle shares the importance of an integrated, multitiered insect control plan to combat flies, mosquitoes, midges and other insects that create nuisance and health issues for horses and their owners. Source: The Horse. Link. A successful … [Read more...]
Does the world need another dental treat? The inventor of Greenies™ says, “Yes.”
Complimentary Commercial Content Why would the well-known inventor of GREENIES™ return to the treat market after selling to MARS? Curious, we asked veterinary-publishing veteran and podcast host-for-hire Brendan Howard to interview Joe Roetheli, PhD, to find out and learn about Yummy Combs® dog treats. The result is the podcast linked here. Two things are clear. Roetheli’s … [Read more...]
Share this with pet owners when asked for a pet insurance recommendation
Complimentary Commercial Content Veterinary teams often dread the question, “Which insurance do you recommend?” Pawlicy Advisor is a tool that provides accurate and transparent information about multiple pet insurance companies to help pet owners compare and choose the insurance benefits that best fit their pets specific needs and budgets best. Regardless of the insurance … [Read more...]
SUPERZOO’s new logo represents business with fun
We are delighted to unveil SUPERZOO’s new logo, which perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of the event and our dedication to continually elevate the pet retail experience.” - Mike Karsting, WPA Source: Pet Business, August 15, 2023. Link. SUPERZOO is underway August 15th through 18th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. … [Read more...]
Animal rights groups bring in more than $800M annually
Nearly one-third of animal rights extremist attacks documented in 2022 targeted farmers and food workers, putting them and animals in danger, according to reports from the Animal Agriculture Alliance.* The major animal rights extremist groups like PETA are effective fundraisers and acquire millions of dollars annually to support lobbying efforts, public relations campaigns and … [Read more...]
Health economist; increasing number of drugs in short supply (video)
No drugs at any price? Geoffrey Joyce, PhD, believes the escalating drug shortage problem illustrates a major shortcoming of capitalism. He says the problem boils down to the nature of the pharmaceutical industry and how differently the markets for brand and generic drugs operate. Current shortages include widely known drugs such as the antibiotic amoxicillin; the heart … [Read more...]
Highlights from the Agricultural Media Summit
The Agricultural Media Summit took place July 30th through August 2nd in Palm Springs, Calif. The nation’s largest gathering for ag media is a joint meeting of Agricultural Communicators Network, Livestock Publications Council and Ag Media Council. A few highlights from the event mirror the challenges animal health pros face. First, the panel discussion, “How Different … [Read more...]
Yellow’s exit predicted to raise overall shipping rates
Commentary The cost of fulfillment is a considerable factor in what veterinary clinics and retailers pay at the point of sale especially when measured as a percent of net income versus gross sales. In recent weeks we have urged animal health pros to consider improving replenishment planning, adjust inventory levels and to better understand how the cost of moving products … [Read more...]
Climate connections
Across our planet, animals and the diseases they carry are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz, writes Zoya Teirstein. She shares concerns about a warming planet, pathogens and diseases. Source: AP, Grist, July 18, 2023. Link. Across the planet, animals — and the diseases they carry — are shifting to accommodate a globe on the fritz. And they’re not alone: Ticks, … [Read more...]
Predatory journals: caution required, says veterinarian
Commentary Lisa A. Fortier DVM, PhD, DACVS, warns veterinary and readers about predatory journals and publishers noting hundreds of thousands of articles with questionable or nonexistent peer reviews are dumped into the scholarly market. NOTE: Knowledge is power but knowledge without action can be useless <Link>. The reality Dr. Fortier shares is a primary reason … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 10, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 3, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from August 3rd AHD Bulletin – Weight stigma infiltrates work. Link. Addressing relentless licking by dogs. Link. Covetrus® expands GreatPetCare™. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Summer bugs cost farmers and ranchers
Bug populations reach their high points this time of year. Cassandra Olds, PhD, shares the economic costs of various pests, current control methods, pesticide resistance and reminds us that sanitation is key. Summer flies, grubs, bots, deer flies, ticks, plus mosquitoes can create all sorts of problems for livestock producers. Source: Successful Farming, July 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Super Zoo schedule set for August 15th through 18th
North America’s largest pet retail event in Orlando, Florida, will draw as many as 20,000 attendees and more than 1,100 exhibitors. Produced by the World Pet Association, it is a comprehensive marketplace to debut products, reveal bestsellers, as well as management and e-commerce solutions for pet retailers. Source: World Pet Association. Link. Includes video (0:46) With … [Read more...]
PIDA’s board approves new strategic plan, value proposition
The Pet Industry Distributors Association has set new goals for the coming years that include retailer education and advocacy on behalf of everyone in the pet care community. The plan is to provide ways to connect manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the supply chains. Source: Pet Product News, August 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted the strategy names smaller … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 7, 2023
Postbiotics making inroads in pet foods and supplements, AI use by European pet techs, bonus programs for small business, approves new label regulations for pet food and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Head the warning . . . AI captures ALL
A recent discussion among media writers included a warning - artificial intelligence captures everything and does not discern what is real or fake. Therefore, heed the warning before jumping on your soapbox to bloviate before double-checking facts. Source: Media group discussion, Animal Health Digest team. … [Read more...]
Yes, animal chiropractic is a thing
Commentary Having a conversation* with Dr. O (William Ormston, DVM) is mind-expanding. He is a veterinarian with a passion for exploring, learning, teaching and sharing the benefits of animal chiropractic, a branch of physical medicine. We are pleased to share this recent article. For a four-legged animal to move correctly, it requires every bone, muscle, ligament, tendon … [Read more...]
Kudos for Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team’s pop-up vet clinic results
A free pet clinic manned by a staff of about 80 was part of the annual Operation Border Health Preparedness in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. It is a sparsely populated area and one of the more economically-distressed regions where high unemployment rates and low per capita income make the expense of pet care hard to meet. One thousand, twenty-two house pets, mostly dogs, … [Read more...]
Hauser: Client relationships with veterinary team critical to positive practice experiences
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares the importance of client relationships with the practice team. She says effective reminder systems and efficient hospital operations aren’t enough. Clients want a practice team who treats them and their pets as individuals and works to create a partnership. Hauser’s advocacy and guidance could be represented by CVRP instead of VCPR, denoting the … [Read more...]
Viticus Group announces time-sensitive WVC Annual Conference early registration price
Complimentary Commercial Content Early registrants for the 2024 WVC Annual Conference can take advantage of a limited time $96 registration price. Registration sales open on September 6th. The 96th WVC Annual Conference will be held February 18th through February 21st, 2024 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Source: Viticus, WVC press release, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 3, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 27th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from July 20th AHD Bulletin – 6 signs YOU are the bully at work. Link. 12 plants and herbs that naturally repel mosquitoes. Link. Goal setting made easy. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
Equine network debuts brand for new horse owners
The Equine Network announced My New Horse for equestrians just getting into horse ownership or riding. Partners Kent (aka Kent Feeds) and W.F. Young assert the brand will deliver a community and resources to new horse persons at the beginning stages of ownership. The website will feature content created by industry experts, Kent nutritionists and editors of respected … [Read more...]