Each year, Pet Product News seeks to honor innovative products that strengthen the relationship between pets and people. If your role is in the non-OTC categories, knowing about these products may help you address concerns from a pet owner or even rationalize your own inventory choices in advance of mass merchandising pressures. Source: Pet Product News, January 2018, page … [Read more...]
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Human capital an issue for hog industry
Human capital has long been a challenge for the protein sector overall, but has recently become a real concern for the swine business within industry and academia, said Maynard Hogberg, Iowa State University. He noted the pressing issue for both is that of the increasing need for scientifically trained personnel. This comes at a time when there are fewer swine faculty within … [Read more...]
Products bring solutions to livestock handling (slideshow)
Livestock handling continues to evolve. Handling animals without stressing them is still one of the biggest challenges livestock producers face. Several new chute and animal-handling systems were among the products Farm Progress editors uncovered at recent farm shows. Source: Beef, November 28, 2017. The last decade has brought a move forward in understanding how animals … [Read more...]
Low stress handling yields benefits
Stockmanship practices are important to prevent physical defects such as bruising and stress-related injuries on beef tenderness and grade. These practices also influence public perceptions, as consumers increasingly expect producers adhere to animal-welfare standards as a necessary component in their perception of beef quality. Source: Drovers, November/December 2017, page … [Read more...]
Calving starts in fewer than 50 days
March 1 is often a target calving date. The third trimester is a critical time for beef cows who are not only growing a calf, but also trying to maintain their own condition, in spite of cold weather. Sandy Johnson shares insights into the critical third trimester. Source: Drovers, November 9, 2017. Producers need to take note of the start of the third trimester because … [Read more...]
2017 swine research reviewed
Sow space, boar pheromones, sow barn energy consumption, cool sows and flu’s cyclical nature are part of topics reviewed in this research-specific issue of National Hog Farmer. Flipping through the pages exposes a picture of the intensity of maintaining swine health while improving production conditions with the pigs in mind. Source: National Hog Farmer, December … [Read more...]
Enrich the lives of older pets. Don’t ignore them.
The cold that has enveloped most of the U.S. lately has no doubt exacerbated some aging symptoms in older pets. Older animals may suffer from osteoarthritis or neurologic conditions that limit physical activity. Beyond physical activities, cognitive issues increase, sensory capabilities decline and anxiety may follow as older pets often become ignored. Source: Clinician’s … [Read more...]
Stop Googling; call the equine DVM (includes video)
It can be a challenge for horse owners to know when to handle a problem themselves or when to call in the veterinarian. Natalie Voss provides symptoms and situations arranged as red flag emergencies, orange flag potentially important and yellow flag cautionary potential for a health issue. The article also includes a link to a video featuring Emily Dean, DVM who discusses “when … [Read more...]
Handling work when your child is sick
The United States has 25.8 percent of its children living with just a mother or a father. Today, almost half of households with kids in the U.S. have parents who both work full-time. Working parenthood alone presents a massive logistical and emotional challenge, but when your child is ill, that challenge ramps way up. Daisy Dowling shares a few strategies to help get through … [Read more...]
Made in America
Made in Japan no longer means what it did two generations ago. With the help of quality guru W. Edward Deming in post-war Japan, “cheap, low-value” was changed to, “high-value, expensive” and led to Japan developing a burgeoning export business. Today, we are challenged to know where our animal health products are made. Three company representatives discussed their products, … [Read more...]
What to know about bathing cats
Bathing a cat sends chills to most cat owners and veterinary teams alike. Still cats sometimes truly need a good bath. JaneA Kelly looks at five times you should wash your cat and how to make cat baths as stress free as possible. Source: Catster, December 26, 2017. In some cases, you can just clean your cat using unscented, hypoallergenic wipes or dry shampoos rather than … [Read more...]
Cabin fever affects horses, too
Natural horsemanship reminds me to look at every situation as if I were a horse, shares Tim Hayes. He relates how cabin fever can affect both horse and rider. Spending 20 or 30 minutes, three to five times a week connecting with our horses is mentally and emotionally meaningful to him. Source: Horse Network, December 2017. If I can’t ride, I can still visit, says Hays. I … [Read more...]
Reframe your purpose to find meaning at work
It’s not unusual to hear an animal health pro say, “been there, done that.” Some deliver that comment with tones of frustration or contempt. John Coleman offers perspectives on the value of reframing purpose to reinvigorate meaning in your job. Source: Harvard Business Review, December 28, 2017. Working with a sense of purpose day-in and day-out is an act of will that takes … [Read more...]
Editor’s Viewpoint
There is clarity as AHD begins its third year. This lucidity that is there is an equal, enthusiastic desire for solid industry information by entry level clinic clerks to extended-career executives. You tell us this when you click on posts, read articles and send us emails. Your ongoing readership helps guide the media sources we review for you. You’ve encouraged us to … [Read more...]
Test your equine dental knowledge
Test your knowledge of horses’ teeth. Consider sharing the quiz in posts, emails and newsletters. Source: AQHA, December 14, 2017. Horses have a unique dental structure. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, horses' teeth are divided into two major sections: the incisors, which are the teeth seen in the front of the horse's mouth, and the cheek … [Read more...]
Extreme weather requires preparation
Caring for horses often presents challenges when rain, drought or snow dominate the headlines. The Equus team discusses ways to prepare for abnormal extremes. This is good content for social media posts, websites and to use in training sessions with horse owners. Source: Equus, November 2014. For horse people, the weather is a constantly changing variable that has a direct … [Read more...]
Sponsored content: Free guide to goat farming
More people are raising goats. While the goat farming resources are many, too much information can be a detriment. There are different suggestions for manger design, theories about feeding kids and vague generalities about goat milk quality. Customers need guidance. A free guide from Countryside is now available for downloading. Source: Countryside Daily, December 16, … [Read more...]
Opinion – Cats, boxes and digital communication
A story of cats in boxes has been the rage this year. Beyond its novelty, is the reality that the story appears in a medium not affiliated with an animal health publication. This is another example of the realities of the human-animal bond, the digital evolution, continual scrutiny of animals in the food chain and zoonotic risks place animal health topics into non-traditional … [Read more...]
Sexual harassment; HR needs help
Research indicates that one in three women experience sexual harassment, although a staggering 71 percent never report it. Human resources professionals are routinely conflicted by the balancing act of providing support to the victim while still serving the company. Empowering HR to be proactive about handling sexual harassment cases will improve company morale, and it will … [Read more...]
Be more productive without burnout
I recently crossed paths with a colleague at a networking session. The discussion went like this. Me: “How have you been?” Colleague: “Busy and I hope it is productive.” Me: “I’m curious, could you share how you measure that?” Colleague: “Hah, I wish I knew!” Ten years ago, this conversation would have continued to award busy as a badge of achievement. Today, … [Read more...]
Reading with your children
With all we post about work-life balance, this information on book reading will be meaningful to those with infants at home. Lisa Scott shares new research about reading to infants. Shared book reading with young children is good for language and cognitive development, increasing vocabulary and pre-reading skills, and honing conceptual development. Source: The Conversation, … [Read more...]
Colder weather makes horses stiff
Cold, damp weather causes increased stiffness in both muscle and connective tissue, including tendons and ligaments in horses. Older animals experience the effects more profoundly. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, offers some supportive measures to offset the effects of cold. Source: Horse Network, December 5, 2017. Research has proven that exposure to cold causes increased stiffness … [Read more...]
I almost listened in your meeting, but didn’t
If we all plan better meetings, we’ll dread them less, says Jenni Maier. She put together a list of all the reasons people don’t listen in meetings, as well as a few quick fixes. Animal health pros in management, sales and marketing, as well as those setting one-on-one meetings for reviews or issue resolution can apply these tips. Here’s why people don’t listen: You didn’t … [Read more...]
It’s not always safe to rub cat bellies
Dog lovers who visit homes with cats often get fooled by cats offering their bellies. There are lots of places cats like to be petted, but if you try to pet a cat’s belly, you’ll likely be met with claws and teeth. Source: Catster, December 8, 2017. There are some cats who love belly rubs, but they’re few and far between. The cat belly is a very vulnerable place. Unlike … [Read more...]
Telemedicine and its impact of veterinary medicine
The AVMA House of Delegates recently voted to implement a new policy regarding telemedicine. When using telemedicine tools, the veterinarian must have an established veterinarian–client–patient relationship (VCPR). Clients should be aware of the advice giver’s identity, location, licensure status, and potential privacy and security issues with electronic … [Read more...]
Elevating the role of veterinary nurses
It is important for animal health pros to understand the Veterinary Nurse Initiative and its empowerment for this work force. It aims to standardize the profession’s educational requirements, scope of practice, requirements to maintain the credential, and title protection, and to rename the role from veterinary technician to veterinary nurse. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, … [Read more...]
Not all dogs need cute winter coats
Winter coats for dogs are cute, but they likely aren’t needed? Carol Bryant discusses which dog breeds should wear coats in the winter and how to choose one. This is good information for pet owners that can be deliver via social media, newsletters and have available in-house. Source: Dogster, December 5, 2017. Bryant shares the following on canine couture: Fiction: All … [Read more...]
Best books for last minute-holiday gifts
Here are 11 gift possibilities for someone in your network. Professional development books can be easily personalized individuals based on their contribution to your career or how you may be mentoring them. Source: The Muse, December 5, 2017. Titles include: The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills by Daniel Coyle High Performance Habits: How … [Read more...]
Cat kisses send real messages
The cat kiss is much different from anything humans do, says Denise LeBeau. But, cat owners know their feline friends show their affection toward us, and each other, quite often. LeBeau explores cat kisses, whether real or perceived. Source: Catster, November 22, 2017. The best way to show your cat how much you love him is to not plop a big kiss on his face. It’s best to … [Read more...]
How to get a tiny bit more sleep
Melissa Dahl shares a new concept from Matthew Walker known as the sleep opportunity. This is the number of hours in which you give yourself the best chance of sleep, meaning that you’re in bed, your eyes are closed, and your phone is, preferably, turned off and stowed far away. You will not necessarily sleep this entire time, but at least you’ll be giving yourself the … [Read more...]