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...]
Engagement for boomers: What they want, how to give it.
Commentary Employers can no longer expect a new hire to build tenure. The total separations rate of U.S. jobs is 47.2 percent as of 2021, including voluntary and involuntary turnover. Additionally, age influences attrition rates with millennials twice as likely as boomers to quit their jobs. All things considered, workers nearing retirement age are good candidates to fill … [Read more...]
Building trust from the start: Why first impressions matter
Commentary We’re all selling something although not all of it goes onto an invoice. Perhaps it is seeking a raise or better hours, an extra day of PTO, trading for a new car, finding qualified buyers for the last three puppies out of a litter, getting support for a service club event or helping our child sell the last two cases of cookies, we’re all selling … [Read more...]
Data-driven decision making for pet care professionals
Sponsor supported content Gingr’s Alison Fisher joins Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, to discuss using pet services data to increase customer experiences, use staff more efficiently and drive revenue. Engerdahl also shares what PACCC does for pet care professionals and their employers. Source: PACCC, YouTube, July 26,2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Squirt bottle is NOT a good tool to train cats
Complimentary Commercial Content Grandma did it, as did Aunt Bessie and Mom. Even Google seems to approve. But when it comes to working with cats to deter so-called misbehaviors, a squirt bottle filled with water is ineffective and counterproductive. Pam Johnson-Bennett explains why and how to help cats learn to behave to meet their owners’ expectations. Source: Cat … [Read more...]
Customer trust in supply chains overestimated
Commentary Last week we urged veterinary clinics to consider adjusting their quantities on hand and reorder points ahead of the possibility of a UPS strike <Link>. While the strike appears to have been averted <Link>, our assertions were based on information similar to that shared in this article. Many of the Covid-19 pandemic-era supply chain challenges remain … [Read more...]
Best joint supplements for dogs
Includes Commercial Content We were pleased to see some familiar brands in this article. Barri J. Morrison, DVM, reviews where supplements fit to help manage a dog’s mobility during the development of arthritis and degenerative joint disease. They are used alone or concomitantly with medications and other remedies. Joint supplements are one of the most common long-term, … [Read more...]
Two out of three dog owners believe their dogs couldn’t survive in the wild
Includes Commercial Content Today’s dogs live a luxurious life, according to recent study findings. Two in three dog owners claim their dogs could never survive in the wild without them. The study was commissioned by Now Fresh and conducted by market research company OnePoll. Responses indicated four in five dogs would rather stay inside than go outside if it’s rainy and … [Read more...]
MSC-certified Alaskan pollock, insect protein added to Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
Complimentary Commercial Content Hill’s new Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin line extension delivers the same science-led, tailored nutrition and key benefits as the original Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin products, but now features more sustainable seafood according to Dr. Karen Shenoy. . . . new formulations of Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin … [Read more...]
Strategies to keep coworkers from being a meeting hog
Karin Hurt shares ideas for addressing team members who dominate meetings. She suggests enlisting the talker to help draw out those who don’t speak up. Source: Asking for a Friend, July 12, 2023. Link. Also see: How to help your team member speak up in meetings, Asking for a Friend, May 11, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Straight talk about veterinary workforce issues
Dr. Lori Teller, AVMA president, addressed some of the major issues affecting the veterinary workforce during the AVMA convention. The article here provides a summary of her comments, including perspectives on what is termed as an abundance of misinformation currently driving conversations about veterinary supply and demand. Teller notably mentioned: Normalizing trends … [Read more...]
UPS is preparing contingencies ahead of looming strike. ARE YOU?
Commentary The impending UPS strike is a signal for veterinary hospitals to plan ahead. While we can hope the strike ends without delivery disruptions, adjusting inventory levels sooner rather than later is a solid strategy ahead of the August 1st strike date. For “A” and “B” products critical to day-to-day functions, moving reorder points to create a 30-day to 45-day … [Read more...]
Running with the bulls. Tradition, bravery, craziness?
Ernest Hemingway was fascinated by the running of the bulls and bullfights. His depictions of Spain, festivals and the bulls likely increased the popularity of the events. Thought to originate in the 13th century, La Fiesta de San Fermín originated in 1591 when three festivals - the San Fermín festival, town fair of Pamplona and a celebration of bullfighting were combined … [Read more...]
Wag! launches Cat Food Advisor to support feline nutrition
Following the acquisition of Dog Food Advisor, Wag! is extending its commitment to providing valuable guidance and support to pet owners on their pets’ nutrition with the launch of the Cat Food Advisor <Link>. . . . the Cat Food Advisor site offers education and unbiased, science-backed reviews of cat food.” Source: businesswire, July 6, 2023. Link. “Our goal is to help … [Read more...]
It’s important to use all the otitis options (with video)
Amy Mohl, DVM, shares tips on getting recurrent Malassezia spp otitis under control. Citing a retrospective case series, the study excerpt shares key pearls including: Anesthetized ear flush procedures are underused for treatment of chronic otitis externa. Flushing with sterile saline can remove thick debris, which can be an impediment to successful management. Source: … [Read more...]
Looking back while charging forward
As the third quarter of 2023 begins, the animal health industry continues to adapt to ever-changing new norms. Dr. Google’s influence may be diminishing as new information sources expand in the B2C sector capitalizing on major publications’ use of their databases from other markets. It is important to remember media sources still influence animal owners’ understanding and … [Read more...]
Bear cam livestream returns for salmon run
Need a few minutes break? Watch bears catch salmon in Alaska. The famous bear cam livestream at Alaska’s Katmai National Park is back for its 12th year running, documenting the park’s brown bears as they find the best salmon fishing spots in Brooks Falls. Watch the YouTube livestream at the link below and spot the bears jumping, diving and even belly-flopping to catch their … [Read more...]
Check your assumptions at the door to avoid medical gaslighting
Commentary Medical patients around the country are complaining about a phenomenon known as medical gaslighting. Most doctors aren’t intentionally trying to gaslight their patients, nor do they even realize they’re doing it, according to Karen Lutfey Spencer, PhD. But there can be serious consequences including loss of trust. It is logical to extrapolate the consequences of … [Read more...]
Seven times, seven ways
Speaking to the challenges of modern communications, Matthew Kirchner shares how today’s myriad modes of communication make memory and recall more difficult. He reminds us that few people will remember an instruction, request or message delivered only one time as recent research indicates our attention spans are getting worse. Kirchner explains his mantra of seven times, … [Read more...]
How does laminitis affect the hoof? (video)
Complimentary Commercial Content Mike Barker explains how laminitis affects the horse's foot. The video is part of a curation of hoof care highlights <Link>. Source: American Farriers Journal, YouTube, June 17, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Chewy expands CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings
Commercial News Item As B2C commercial offerings expand, animal health pros need to understand what is available to pet owners and what may influence decisions about preventative care and treatments. “ – Kirk Augustine Chewy recently announced the availability of CarePlus insurance and wellness offerings that feature expanded coverage options and prices from two providers, … [Read more...]
Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses
A scientist in Pakistan recently shared study results that indicate using platelet-rich plasma can be a safe, effective approach to hastening wound healing in horses. Muhammad Talha Sajjad, DVM, MPhil, PhD, found PRP gel encourages re-epithelialization and accelerates skin wound healing by promoting wound contraction and stabilization of the collagen fiber arrangement. … [Read more...]
Skipping rocks and back to basics
Commentary . . . contains commercial content Every week our AHD team reviews hundreds of media items. Much of the content is about new, progressive trends or the personality of the month. When reading some recent pieces, I was reminded of helping my grandson learn how to skip rocks. The basic lesson starts with finding a flat rock, not too big, not too little . . . then … [Read more...]
How horse wounds heal (infographic)
Complimentary Sponsored Content Consider this visual guide to educate horse owners about the four stages of wound repair and the steps required to help horse wounds heal. Source: The Horse, June 7, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Best to know what dog owners are reading about metronidazole
Commentary The Whole Dog Journal headline reads, “Metronidazole Works Like Magic in Dogs.” While the information Eileen Fatcheric, DVM, shares about diarrhea and how veterinarians approach resolution is informative, publishing this information in a pet owner publication may be an editorial faux pas. Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 1, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: We cannot … [Read more...]
Identifying and controlling the hidden costs of veterinary inventory
Complimentary Commercial Content Beyond a good explanation of ABC inventory groupings, this article identifies two hidden inventory costs: ordering costs and holding costs. Ways to use an online pharmacy to help control costs and service clients using home delivery are also presented. Source: Vetsource. Link. INSIGHTS: Inventory management is an important role for … [Read more...]
Dewormer classes for small ruminants
The Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program offers a variety of resources for the growing number of people raising goats and sheep. The links shared here provide infographics on dewormers and include various brands. Source: Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program, Facebook. Link. Dewormer classes for small ruminants. <Link-1>, <Link-2>. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Petco presents: The Ultimate Dog(g)
Commentary Veterinary teams in private or corporate practices need to be aware of this ad campaign and consider what it is telling dog owners. It is disappointing to see the less money theme perpetuated at a time when many veterinary practices are still dealing with staffing challenges, appointment availability and levels of services. It takes a Dogg to know a dog. And … [Read more...]
Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s?
Well-intentioned dog kisses are sometimes hard to resist, but Leslie Bass, DVM, suggests it is best to avoid them. She also emphasized the importance of oral care and suggests we treat our own wounds instead of letting dogs lick them. Source: Daily Paws, December 22, 2023. Link. One family of bacteria that we have in common is Porphyromonas, which causes periodontal disease. … [Read more...]
What we do to make our pets happy
Complimentary Sponsored Content Elanco’s Wag Stats infographic shares research on the ins and outs of our relationships with our pets and how we care for them. We noted: 36 percent share food with their pets 21 percent kiss their pets on the lips 69 percent have no idea if leptospirosis is prevalent in their area 36 percent don’t know if Lyme disease is … [Read more...]