Complimentary Content This Netflix documentary is touted as “must see TV.” It delves into how dogs came to be companions, along with scientific and emotional insights about these unique animals humans love so much. Dogs smell in color, have noseprints and are both prey and predator.” Source: Netflix, YouTube, Official Trailer. Link. [1:35] … [Read more...]
2024 CATalyst Report provides critical insights on feline health for animal health pros
The CATalyst Council’s first-of-its-kind data set and the resulting reports will help animal health pros in animal health companies, shelter and adoption organizations, and the veterinary community. It provides insights on feline wellness and nutrition as well as relational dynamics between cat owners and their veterinarians. In addition to the top three issues veterinarians … [Read more...]
New insights into canine olfactory performance
As hunters take to the fields and dogs are tested for their detection abilities, new research sheds light on factors that influence dogs’ olfactory abilities. Researchers studied 411 untrained family dogs of various breeds, finding these factors: Age matters in olfactory performance Temperature and humidity did NOT matter Sex and neutering status had no effect … [Read more...]
Red flag: 8 ways to budget for the cost of owning a new dog
Commentary We sometimes see consumer-facing content that misses the mark. Sadly, thousands of pet owners will read this and, trusting the internet, act on some of the suggestions. Here are three of the eight suggestions that were not well thought out: Buying pet food in bulk: Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when not used up within four to six weeks … [Read more...]
Tap water. Safe or not for pets?
Water quality and safety is a growing concern for people and their pets. In areas where flooding and storms breach water processing plants and manure containment systems concerns are amplified. Angela Beal, DVM, FFCP, discusses the potential risks and benefits of tap water and other sources. Consider the article for social media and newsletters and include the importance of … [Read more...]
54 pet product manufacturers, service providers earn 2024 Pet Innovation Awards
The Pet Innovation Awards Program highlights the most innovative companies, services and products in the highly competitive pet care industry. The awards encompass a range of pet care industry categories, including apparel, grooming and cleaning, food and treats, health, housing, toys, training, retailers and services. Source: Pet Product News, August 2024. Link. The 2024 … [Read more...]
Study: Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life
Scientists have discovered that aging is not gradual or linear, and that humans age dramatically at two key points in their life in two accelerated bursts: first at the age of 44, and then again at 60. The study found decreases in the ability to metabolize caffeine and alcohol at 40 and again at 60. Analysis on separate male and female datasets found similar results suggesting … [Read more...]
Seek to understand workflows before you pivot
Implementing a major change to a business used to happen once every five or 10 years, but with advancements in artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and digital transformation, businesses must adapt much more frequently, writes Mike Chisholm. He shares the importance of understanding workflows, realizing the bottom-line significance of frontline employees and the value … [Read more...]
The top 3 skills you need to succeed in an AI-driven world
David C. Edelman and Mark Abraham say we all need to increase our AI readiness in the workplace, fast. They share the top three skills that workers will need to succeed in an AI-driven world and how to develop these skills: Curiosity An understanding of data Unwavering accountability Source: Fast Company, August 14, 2024. Link. Photo by Steve Johnson on … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 15, 2024
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 8, 2024. Link. Most read posts from the August 8th AHD Bulletin – Adjusting to your customer. Link. Inflation pinching pet owners, forcing pet spending decisions. Link. Communicating value for technician appointment fees. Link. Study: Two, 200mg doses of iron dextran better than 1 dose of … [Read more...]
Immunity, more than just giving a shot, let’s review
Commentary I like the title of this article. It reminds me of so many conversations about vaccine timing, maternal antibodies, labels saying “for the vaccination of healthy animals,” booster dose timing and more. In the article here, Jason Anderson, DVM reviews what it takes to mount an immune response sufficient enough to create immunity. Giving a shot of vaccine does not … [Read more...]
Considerations for cow bedding
Waterbeds for cows always conjures a comical mental image. But, considering dairy cows will rest in a lying position 14 or more hours per day <Link>, choosing the best bedding is an important decision for dairy producers. Amber Adams Progar reviews the pros and cons of different bedding types in this article. Source: Progressive Dairy, June 12, 2024. Link. Related: … [Read more...]
Weese: Perspectives on H5N1 in Colorado cats
Scott Weese, DVM, shares thoughts on Colorado cats diagnosed with avian flu. He advises a focus on infection control, against symptom biases and acknowledges the need for increased surveillance. The risk posed by cats to people and other animals is completely unclear at this time.” Source: Worms and Germs, August 11, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: We noted Weese didn’t mention … [Read more...]
CE Course: Keeping controlled substances under control
Sponsored Content If you manage, dispense, use controlled substances in-clinic or sell them, keeping abreast of the controlled substance regulations, safety steps and potentials for diversion is important. Join presenter Lauren R. Forsythe, PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP, online for a 1-hour Race-approved CE course compliments of ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. Source: ASPCA® Pet … [Read more...]
5 new trending terms every small business owner should know
Jamie Johnson shares terms and trends that may help business owners better serve customers and capitalize on opportunities others are missing. The terms he says are trending as they are more frequently used in business vernacular are: Blitzscaling Hyperpersonalization Niche marketing Circular economy Micromoments Source: CO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, August … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 12, 2024
Inflation busting strategies, benefits of an expense audit, declining pet adoptions, when tech works against you, understanding micro-influencers and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, August 12, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
TikTok 2024 Shopping Trend Report: “Bending Reality” or something else?
Commentary Today’s TikTok’s trends look like how businesses were valued and sustained in the mid-1900’s without the internet. Today’s digital tools may help with this so-called bending, but this bending seeks traditional values, dependable benefits and reasonable access. It’s a good thing. Source: Small Business Trends, August 12, 2024. Link. We are witnessing an era of … [Read more...]
A 6-year wait for a saddle is worth it
For more than 30 years, Nancy Martiny has improved her craft of making horse saddles. In a business dominated by men, Martiny has built one based on making saddles that can’t be found anywhere else. Today, the wait for a “Nancy saddle” is six years or more. She makes her saddles for working horses and the cowboys and cowgirls who ride them. Source: The New York Times, August … [Read more...]
Lab-grown meat approved for UK pet food
The United Kingdom has approved the use of lab-grown meat in pet food. This makes it the first country to legalize the product for this use and the first European country to legalize it for sale for any purpose. The approval was in response to an application by a UK startup called Meatly, making it the first company in the world to receive authorization to sell cultivated pet … [Read more...]
VetPrep partners with Chewy Health to launch free PowerPrep NAVLE Sessions for veterinary students
VetPrep’s PowerPrep NAVLE sessions will now be available free of charge to veterinary students thanks to a sponsorship commitment by Chewy Health, the health arm of Chewy. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the NAVLE exam through a series of 10 expert-led sessions, seamlessly integrating VetPrep into students’ study … [Read more...]
ARS, APHIS: Trichinella no longer a risk
ARS and the Animal and USDA's Plant Health Inspection Service conducted a national survey by sampling 3.2 million pigs raised under the U.S. Pork Quality Assurance Plus program and found zero animals infected with trichinella. Data obtained from testing support the conclusion that pork from pigs managed under the PQA+ program do not pose a public health risk.” Source: PORK, … [Read more...]
Declining cull cow numbers reflect shift from beef-on-dairy trend
Dairy producers are enjoying the cash flow improvements from the beef-on-dairy market, which is lowering the number of cull cows marketed and increasing the purchases of semen. The beef-on-dairy trend is also challenging the number of replacement dairy heifers available and prioritizing the purchase of gender-sorted dairy semen. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, August 5, 20234. … [Read more...]
Incorporating BQA into practice
Beef Quality Assurance education and practices remain one of the more important efforts for and by cattle producers. Ongoing support and leadership from veterinarians is vital to continue seeing producer successes and consistent quality beef products. BQA-certified operations are estimated to provide 85 percent of U.S. fed-beef. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM, shares the … [Read more...]
The promise of electroarthrography for equine cartilage assessment
One primary challenge when diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis is accurate assessment of the quality of cartilage in the patient. Researchers from the Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Toronto believe they can advance cartilage assessment with their groundbreaking work on a novel non-invasive technique called electroarthrography. The technology EAG is a … [Read more...]
PPID caution: Trailering prior to testing could produce false positive result in horses
Research completed by Boehringer Ingelheim and Middle Tennessee State University determined that a 40-minute trailer ride gave multiple false-positive PPID diagnoses up to 30 minutes post-trailering when using a basal ACTH test. The results are a warning for horse owners and veterinarians to avoid a horse getting incorrectly diagnosed. Source: The Paulick Report, July 31, … [Read more...]
RECOVER initiative issues new CPR guidelines
Aiming to standardize cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices and make outcomes more comparable to human cases worldwide, multiple discipline specialists collaborated to develop new recommendations when performing lifesaving CPR on pets, including: Chest compression techniques Chest depths and techniques Breathing support Medication dosages and … [Read more...]
4 acupressure points for dry, itchy skin in dogs
Brief, daily acupressure sessions can be used to enhance pruritis treatments, write Amy Snow and Nancy Zidonis. They share how to stimulate specific acupressure points for dry skin that traditional Chinese medicine calls “wind heat.” Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, August 4, 2024. Link. INSIGHTS: Sharing this article and acupressure method for pet owners to do at home … [Read more...]
Tangible tick tactics with Dr. Dryden (podcast)
Michael Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, often known as Dr. Flea, discusses strategic methods for avoiding ticks, shares tips for preventing secondary disease and offers insights into why tick strategies have changed. He speaks about tick range expansion that impacts how veterinary teams can help animal owners reduce the risks in different regions. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
AI is a powerful tool, but not for small businesses
While AI's potential is vast, its practical applications and benefits for small businesses remain a contentious topic, writes Louis Mosca. He reminds us that significant human oversight and intervention are still needed when implementing AI. Source: Forbes, July 29, 2024. Link. The extent to which AI can drive revenue and enhance productivity varies widely depending on the … [Read more...]
SuperZoo preview
Flipping through Pet Business’ SUPERZOO preview gives animal health pros a look at consumer-facing marketing and product trends. Taking place in Las Vegas August 13th through 16th, the convention is where the retail pet industry comes together to discover the latest products, trends and innovations, along with well-rounded education sessions. Source: Pet Business, Link. … [Read more...]