Take a break and enjoy! The winners of the 2018 Audubon Photography Awards competition were announced this week. More than 8,000 images in professional, amateur and youth categories were entered. Plus, all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces were represented. This year’s competition celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the species protected by … [Read more...]
Med students learn from zoo patients and vets in Harvard program
A rotation at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston is demonstrating to Harvard Medical School students that animals and people share the same environment. Offered for the last three years, Harvard students work alongside zoo veterinarians monitoring animal health and collaborating in diagnoses and treatments. Source: New York Times (paywall). June 29, 2018. Link. “I would never … [Read more...]
Work is natural and good for dogs
I’m caring for one of my adult childrens' dogs this holiday week. At age 5, she’s a good girl with shades of narcissism golden retrievers possess. That said, she’s out of her element at Grandpa’s. I have decided she needs a job. So, I’m working with her on retrieving a heavy bumper on a long rope twice a day for fifteen minutes. The rope keeps the bumper from being a toy and … [Read more...]
Independence week tribute
Yesterday was the official Independence Day we celebrate. July 4th means many things to our country’s men, women and families. Baxter Black, DVM, is an icon <link>. He is a cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and entertainer of the agricultural masses. Baxter shared his perspectives on July 4th and the American Flag in the videos we’ve shared here. Photo by … [Read more...]
Enjoy winning photos from The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy recently announced the winning entries of its 2018 Photo Contest. Take a break and enjoy the majesty of nature. Source: The Nature Conservancy, June, 2018. Link. From the grand prize to the judges’ special recognition, you’ll like what you see. Be even more awed when you look at this year’s Judges’ Favorites. Link. … [Read more...]
Fly control around horses is important
Flies, fly control methods and fly products for horses are presented in this Equus advertising section . The material is worthwhile even though it may be promotional. Source: EQUUS, May 30, 2018. Link. Climate conditions vary every season, and different fly species can move into new areas with the changing weather. Here’s a quick rundown of the ways you can curb the insects … [Read more...]
Quarter horse history emphasizes one type of horse
Quarter horse enthusiasts will enjoy the history, debates and stories in this two-part article. The discussion unfolds in 1950. Source: AQHA Journal, June 8, 2018. Link. There has never been but one type of Quarter Horse since the breed’s inception so many years ago. That description is lost through the various interpretations. But there was a time, not so many years ago, … [Read more...]
The Phoenix Zoo: Diverse care for a diverse population (video)
For many veterinarians, zoo animals were part of their original dreams of becoming an animal doctor. It is at zoos that we encounter rare species, learn of captive populations held to preserve genetics and see species that pique our curiosities. The Phoenix Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 species that are endangered or threatened. This diverse population … [Read more...]
These dogs sniff cybercrime
The Connecticut State Police is training dogs to sniff out the hard-to-detect chemical in electronics. They’re helping law enforcement personnel find child pornography on hard drives, find hidden phones, even track calls on SIM cards. This is worth a read simply to be reminded how sharp dogs can be trained to be. Source: CNET, June 11, 2018. Link. Where we might smell … [Read more...]
Do dogs understand time?
Are dogs just very good at guessing, or do they really understand and keep track of time? Matt Soniak explores the topic in this interesting article. Source: Pet MD. Link. A review of research on the subject by psychologist William Roberts found ample evidence that many different animals are sensitive to time. “They can learn to go to a particular place for food at a … [Read more...]
Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards accepting entries
The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards (link) is in its fourth year and is delivering goofy animal moments caught on camera. The deadline for entries is June 30. Take a few, fun minutes to look at the photos that have already been received at the link below. You may even want to enter your own shots. Source: Huffington Post, May 23, 2018. Link. The entries for the 2018 … [Read more...]
Opinion: Fly services have potential
There is historical rationale in the recommendation for veterinary practices to add a fly control service for their clients. More than 35 years ago, we had master fly-baiter contests and awards to help promote fly control at a time when our industry was just learning the science behind preventing production losses and transfer of diseases such as pinkeye and anaplasmosis. In … [Read more...]
Opinion – Manage maggots and bots in dogs and cats
Images of screwworm infestations in newly born kittens, ferrets and rabbits before 1966 still bring nightmares. Clear are the memories of tiny, near-hairless, days-old animals lying across my palm while we systematically removed screw worms from holes nearly the size of a pencil eraser. Fly control product stations were everywhere on our farm. We bought ducks to help clean … [Read more...]
Opinion – The boundary you didn’t know you were missing
“Sir, yes sir!” We hear these words in movies with military references. This do-it-or-die attitude has crept into our approaches to management, education and employee empowerment. As in other industries, our newest, brightest animal health pros are super achievers who sometimes find themselves in new jobs that become routine. I’m oversimplifying but consider the efforts we … [Read more...]
29 dogs sleeping in hilarious positions (includes slideshow)
Animal health pros and their customers love their dogs. Dog owners are often seen showing pictures of their dogs to friends and family sometimes before they show photos of their children. Pawsome compiled some photos of canines whose need for sleep has them in funky positions. Source: Pawsome, May 2018. Link. Dogs will nap literally anywhere they want as long as they are … [Read more...]
Outdoors not possible? Bring nature to your desk. (videos)
For some, it's not always possible to take a midday hike or a break in the park during the workday. But there’s good news. Studies show that just looking at pictures or videos of nature can boost our health and happiness. The effects aren't as strong as the outdoors, but a few positive cognitive benefits are better than none. Haley Goldberg rounded up eight relaxing nature … [Read more...]
Dog and cat people have much in common
Karen B. London, PhD, shares the results of a 1,000-person survey that reveals similarities and differences between cat and dog people. “We are more alike than we are different,” she writes. “That’s not just a fact, it’s a perspective on life, and it applies to people with pets.” Source: The Bark, April 2018, Link. Although studies comparing cat people and dog people … [Read more...]
Red wolf puppies born in North Carolina (videos)
In what appears to be a repeat performance, a new litter of red wolf cubs was born at The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina. This litter appears to be half the size of the one reported last year. (Link) Nonetheless, these add to the limited population of these animals remaining. Source: WRAL-TV via AVMA SmartBrief, April 24, 2018, Link. The first 30 days … [Read more...]
Labs still atop U.S. dog breeds
Labrador Retrievers have captured American’s hearts for 27 years and continue to reign in the latest breed rankings from the American Kennel Club. Source: Quartz, April 24, 2018, Link. There are 196 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club in total. For a full list of how they all stack up click here. … [Read more...]
National Park Week is next week
National Park Week runs April 21 through 29 and Earth Day is Sunday, April 22. Parks across the country will host special programs and events, including a fee-free day, Saturday April 21. Take some time to enjoy what our park system has to offer. Source: National Park Service. (Link) The theme for National Park Week is “Park Stars,” celebrating everything from starry skies … [Read more...]
Baxter Black still here; says mules are peculiar
Baxter Black is NOT hanging up his hat on poetry. He continue to be a mainstay on U.S. Farm Report and recently talked about mules. ENJOY! Source: Drovers, March 26, 2018. Black’s previous commentary on leaving the ranch generated hundreds of responses by those worried that he would no longer offer poetry and humor. … [Read more...]
2018 ATV-UTV roundup; 11 new options to consider (slideshow)
Whether you own a two-acre property in the suburbs, a suburban acreage, love to explore the outdoors or work on a farm this ATV-UTV review is worth reading. Source: Beef, March 28, 2018. When it comes to getting around quickly while spending less on fuel, ATVs or four-wheelers, and utility or side-by-side vehicles, are the answer. While they’ll never replace your pickup, … [Read more...]
Farts: funny, diverse and sometimes lethal
Little did Dani Rabaiotti, a PhD zoology student at the Zoological Society of London, know that a simple question by brother would propel her into the literary world. She didn’t know the answer to, “Do snakes fart,” so she turned to Twitter. And, as quickly as a gaseous dog can clear a dining room, she had the answer and then some. Virginia Tech ecologist Nick Caruso saw the … [Read more...]
Bacon: America’s meat candy (includes slides)
For bacon’s sake! For years, we’ve been in the age of bacon mania where consumers can’t get enough of delicious cured pork belly and bacon-flavored foods. Sara Brown shares a slide deck that shows bacon’s rise to fame. Source: Pork, March 26, 2018. America's favorite meat has a long history of making people smile. … [Read more...]
Opinion – The era of the buyer is underway
Consider this article in the context of telehealth and telemedicine for both B2B and B2C entities in animal health. But, think about B2C telemedicine in the digital context of voice-activated systems on counters in homes instead of a phone on your desk. Once again, I ask veterinary team members to accept sales as the creation of a transaction. Jay Malowney asserts, … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content: Pheromones; the nose knows.
Our recent post about the Flehman response in cats led me to further investigate the pheromone topic. Googling produced several references on semiochemicals and their use in insect control. Most important was information provided by AHD sponsor, Ceva Animal Health, which helps clarify some of the confusion about pheromones and pheromone products: Pheromones are naturally … [Read more...]
Off the Leash animated episodes (includes videos)
Rupert Fawcett's "Off the Leash," is a cartoon strip that features sweet and funny moments that represent our wonderful canine friends. It has now been adapted into animated episodes. These short videos are fun to watch, ironic and make good content for social media posts or websites. Source: Modern Dog, March 1, 2018. Featuring the secret thoughts and conversations of … [Read more...]
Speaking of smells
Fun results from research. While exploring semiochemicals , Kirk discovered references identifying smells humans find most pleasant or repulsive. Jacob Shelton’s list is designed to sort by age, sex and region. For example, cinnamon rolls are ranked in the top five in any U.S. region but are ranked 18th internationally. Source: The best smells in the world, … [Read more...]
8 new trucks for 2018
“The 2018 lineup of trucks combine technology, style and plenty of muscle,” says Burt Rutherford, senior editor. Whether you use a truck to pull trailers or haul hay or just want a fancy ride that’s not a luxury sedan, there’s plenty for everyone in 2018. Source: Beef, February 2018. Check out the lineup of full size and heavy duty trucks for this year. We think you’ll … [Read more...]
50 best horse movies
It’s not always possible to go riding, so horse enthusiasts often watch horse movies. Many of these have captured imaginations and were catalysts for dreams. Source: Horse Network, 2014. See where your favorite movie(s) rank in this list. Here’s the top 5 of 50: War Horse Seabiscuit The Man from Snowy River Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron National … [Read more...]