Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 24, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the August 24th AHD Bulletin – Quotes that epitomize Myers-Briggs types. Link. Customer experience thoughts for Link. The inside-out approach to customer centricity. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]
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Slick mutation keeping Puerto Rican dairy cows cool
Heat stress costs the U.S. dairy industry as much as $670 million yearly. Scientists predict it could cause a 6.3 percent drop in milk production by the end of the century. However, some dairy cows in Puerto Rico have a natural mutation recognized as “slick,” which gives them an advantage in hot humid conditions. Slick cows have a shorter coat and more active sweat glands than … [Read more...]
Studies show need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention
These two articles address issues with protecting against African swine fever infections and the spread of disease. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the importance of biosecurity for pork producers is paramount. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 14, 2023. Link. Source: PORK, August 17, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: An industry colleague who recently interviewed … [Read more...]
Dental chews for dogs: worth the hype
Contains Commercial References Kate Basedow, LVT, shares some of the benefits daily dental chews offer dogs but also warns about the Kcal content. She says scientific studies have shown giving a dog a dental chew every day can help: Decrease plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup Decrease gingivitis Improve bad breath Source: Whole Dog Journal, August 24, 2023. … [Read more...]
How much should a dog drink?
Healthy dogs need to drink about an ounce per pound of their body weight daily, but many factors can affect their consumption, writes Eileen Fatcheric, DVM. Regardless, the chart shown here is a good resource to share with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or with local reporters, especially during hot periods. It’s also helpful for owners when their dogs’ diets are … [Read more...]
CBD and THC use in cats
Dawn McClusky, DVM, shares an article by Lisa Sams Ebner, DVM, MS, DACVAA, CVA, referencing a study to determine the safety and palatability of cannabinoids. In the study the most common adverse effects included vomiting, lethargy, and ataxia. The study was funded by Canopy Animal Health. Source: Clinician’s Brief, March 2022. Link. Ebner reminds veterinarians that … [Read more...]
Veterinary ophthalmologist explains how dogs see the world
Instead of 20/20 vision, dogs have the equivalent range of 20/40 to 20/50, explains Jaycie Reisberg, DVM, DACVO. That means that what people clearly see at 20 feet, a dog sees as if he was standing 40 or 50 feet away. However, dogs are much more sensitive to detecting motion. Source: Daily Paws, September 5, 2022. Link. Canines are dichromatic, having two types of cones in … [Read more...]
Pheromone diffusers can help calm cats
Pheromone diffusers can be helpful for pet owners, veterinary teams and pet services personnel to help calm cats of all ages in various scenarios. While not an end-all-be-all, pheromones can be used to help ease aggression and social tension. Pheromones are not a substitute for providing a safe, secure, and enriched environment for cats. Especially in multicat households, … [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...]
Considerations for fresh pet food diets
Pet food choices are not simple anymore. Variations include kibble size, shape, nutrition sources, canned diets and, more recently, fresh options all making calorie control a challenge for pet owners and veterinarians. Cailin Heinze, VMD, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), shares her perspectives on some of the terms, delivery methods, marketing efforts and more in this opinion … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 16, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 10, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from August 3rd AHD Bulletin – Hauser: Client relationships with veterinary team critical to positive practice experiences. Link. Less is more – Patrick Malone. Link. Work-life balance is the wrong goal. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences … [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...]
Marketing cull cows
Cull weight and cull cow price are significant elements of profitability for cow-calf producers. Other factors amount to decisions, decisions, decisions. Do we: Buy hay? Pray for rains so pastures hold out? Sell cull cows early? Find an alternative feed source? The cull cow market is variable from one year to the next, and producers need to be flexible and innovative.” - David … [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...]
Discourse on rewarding A performers while hoping for Bs
James Heskett lobs a topic for consideration in this article. He expresses the hypocrisies that occur when leaders hope for collaboration and teamwork for the benefit of the organization but provide incentives for individual performance. . . . we speak of the desirability of good long-term business performance, but almost all incentives, especially those imposed by markets, … [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...]
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...]
In 1975, a cat co-authored a physics paper
August 8th was International Cat Day. Cat owners around the globe celebrated the often puzzling furry felines. Jack H. Hetherington, PhD, had a cat in 1975 that became a coauthor to a renowned physics paper. Editing the final draft it was discovered he had used “we” instead of “I”. Unwilling to go back and replace the plural voice in the document, he did the next best thing. He … [Read more...]
Less is more
One of the bigger problems in the modern workplace is wasting time on things better handled by someone else . . . or not done at all. Source: AXIOS, July 27, 2023. Link. It's striking how often I find people doing things we once cared about but no longer do. INSIGHTS: Be ruthless when allocating your time and energy … [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...]
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...]
Livestock producers reminded to protect against anthrax
Two confirmed cases of anthrax in North Dakota are a reminder to livestock producers to take action to protect their animals from the disease, especially in areas with a history of the disease. Effective anthrax vaccines are readily available, but it takes about a week for immunity to be established and must be administered annually for continued protection. Source: BEEF, … [Read more...]
One of these bees is not like the others
A well-known Sesame Street tune comes to mind when reviewing Tod Oder’s article on the types of bees in the U.S. While animal health pros have more responsibility in the treatment of disease in honey bees, there are many more types of bees to consider. Drought conditions are hard on pollinator populations, too. I saw four types in my own backyard this last weekend drinking … [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...]
Addressing relentless licking by dogs
Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, addresses excessive licking in dogs in this article worthy of sharing with dog owners whose pets are always using their tongues. A dog’s relentless licking is most frequently related to pain, illness, or injury, but it also could be his way of exploring the world or just telling you he cares about you.” - Debra M. Eldredge, DVM Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Livestock guard dogs growing in popularity
Livestock guard dogs are an increasingly popular tool in livestock management, writes Terri Queck-Matzie. Most weigh more than 100 pounds and are bred to live outside with livestock and not as a pet for people’s homes. Anatolian shepherds, Akbash, Great Pyrenees, Kuvasz, and Central Asian shepherds are breeds recognized by the AKC. Source: Successful Farming, July 11, 2023. … [Read more...]
Essential oils generally not safe for cats
There is a common misconception essential oils must be safe because they come from plants. Rather, many of them are toxic, writes Barri J. Morrison, DVM. For cats, essential oils are not safe and can quickly cause toxicity. They are rapidly absorbed by mouth and through the skin, where they accumulate in the liver. Cats do not have the liver enzymes needed to break down the … [Read more...]
Furniture pros pick furniture cats are less likely to scratch
Despite well placed scratching posts, many cats are clever about finding alternatives to them, writes Catherine Holm. Curious, she engaged furniture professionals to identify the most durable furniture materials for cat owners’ homes. Consider sharing this article with cat owners on social media and in newsletters. Other articles exist in the AHD archives*, including … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 31, 2023
Target, CoComelon launch pet-centered toys and videos for toddlers, Chewy’s Katy Nelson, DVM, profit tips for small business owners, business insurance basics, shifting to digital payments and more. . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, July 31, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]