Socialization remains one of the simplest yet most complex components of dog behavior. Some argue it’s also the most important. The pandemic challenged pet owners new and old to help dogs adjust and socialize. Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, offers some dos and don’ts to help dogs socialize and deal with separation issues. . . . dogs don’t develop issues overnight, and they … [Read more...]
Search Results for: pandemic
Will animals at your county fair launch the next pandemic?
Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, according to the article linked here. Most have come from agricultural shows and fairs. Dr. Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at The Ohio State University, and his colleagues have documented the dangers and looked for ways to make pig shows safer. He says … [Read more...]
CDC’s latest pandemic guidelines for travel and events
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging the public to wear face masks again to prevent the spread of RSV, flu and Covid-19 over the holidays. The agency advises that those who are traveling or have weakened immune systems to wear face coverings. One need not wait on CDC action in order to put a mask on. We would encourage all of preventative measures such … [Read more...]
Outbreaks are inevitable, but pandemics are optional (video)
Experts suggest a new era of zoonoses and elevated risks demands new thinking and approaches, shares Krissa Welshans referencing “Zoonotic Diseases in Animal Agriculture and Beyond: A One Health Perspective,” a new paper from the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology. It focuses on zoonotic diseases and the importance of One Health. Source: FEEDSTUFFS, November 23, … [Read more...]
Melting glaciers may bring the next pandemic
Melting ice may bring the next pandemic, according to recent data. Genetic analysis of soil and lake sediments from Lake Hazen, the largest high Arctic freshwater lake in the world, suggests the risk of a virus infecting a host for the first time may be higher close to melting glaciers. Source: The Guardian, October 18, 2022. Link. For instance, last year, researchers at … [Read more...]
Pet surrenders climb as pandemic conditions ease
Predictions that dogs and cats adopted during the pandemic would be returned to shelters in great numbers once the pandemic ended have not proven true. Other types of pets are not having the same luck. Advocates for smaller animals are seeing the beginning of a tide of reptiles, birds, rodents and fish being given up. Source: The New York Times, October 1, 2022. Link. Small … [Read more...]
Pandemic? Likely too early to say it is over.
Covid-19 has caused more than one million deaths in the U.S. and 6.5 million deaths worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet, some want to say the pandemic is over. IDSE editorial advisory board members shared their opinions on the pandemic’s status with Marie Rosenthal, MS. “I don’t know what to call the current period, but it’s not the … [Read more...]
1 in 3 Americans think pandemic is over
Despite an uptick in Covid-19 cases in the U.S., Americans are feeling more optimistic about the trajectory of the pandemic. This latest wave of optimism that the end of the pandemic may be in reach is higher than last summer prior to the arrival of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in the U.S. It remains to be seen how the pandemic plays out in the coming months. Source: … [Read more...]
Pandemic lessons for all
Your attitude determines how you approach opportunities and ongoing success. Source: Vet Advantage, April 2022. Link. The key to capitalizing on the current situation is in your attitude, the value you bring, and your talent. INSIGHT: Business history is replete with organizations and individuals that have grown and prospered in challenging times. … [Read more...]
Pet owners unleashed: Veterinarians reflect on the pandemic’s darkest days
Two years have passed since the Covid pandemic began. Clinician’s Brief honors the strength and resilience of veterinarians through stories shared in their own words. Masks, curbside, impatience, uncertainty and perseverance are all expressed as veterinary teams found themselves in the unique role of being essential but without the same support structure afforded to human … [Read more...]
4 tips for reengaging with audiences post-pandemic
The last two years have been a steeplechase to maintain, adjust and survive. Customers may not know or remember the ways you’re doing business and your value proposition. Edward Wyatt recommends reintroducing yourself and your business to them. <Many> may not know what the old normal was like . . . communicate like an initial introduction of yourself to your stable of … [Read more...]
Pets afflicted with pandemic pounds just like us
Veterinarians blame extra treats and table scraps given to pets since the coronavirus pandemic began as the primary reason for a whopping increase of pet obesity. Banfield Pet Hospital found nearly 40 percent of cats and almost 35 percent of dogs were diagnosed as overweight in 2020, up from less than 20 percent a decade ago. Source: The New York Times, March 4, 2022. Link. … [Read more...]
Pandemic hankering: How consumers have changed their desires and behaviors
Things may never return to what they were prior to Covid-19, according to Top 10 Global Consumer Trends in a study released by research company Euromonitor International. The study identified 10 trends. Here are four that best apply to animal health efforts: Backup planners Digital seniors The great life refresh The Metaverse movement Source: MediaPost, January … [Read more...]
Pandemic coronavirus is widespread in Iowa deer
About 80 percent of Iowa deer tested between late November 2020 and early January were infected with the pandemic coronavirus according to a New York Times report. The deer picked up mutations and variants in similar patterns to humans across the state, suggesting humans passed infections to deer multiple times. The rapid rise in the prevalence of infections indicates … [Read more...]
Animal hospitals still overwhelmed by pandemic pet boon
Curbside service is now the norm. Emergency service is a concern, however. KPCC’s Larry Mantle hosted Peter Weinstein, DVM and executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association, and Evelyn Sagastume, founder of Petsadena Animal Hospital, during a live, on-air discussion last Monday. The conversation also focused on burnout, what’s changed in the vet … [Read more...]
Ditch your pandemic diet habits once and for all (includes video)
A recent report found 61 percent of Americans are trying to break unhealthy habits they created during the pandemic. University of Minnesota Medical School researchers looked at the associations between stress, psychological distress, financial difficulties and changes in eating behaviors during Covid-19. They found six key themes of eating behavior changes: Mindless … [Read more...]
New SARS-CoV-2 variants changing pandemic. What will the virus do next?
Note: We’re sharing verbatim snippets from Kai Kupferschmidt’s article. Even beyond the SARS-Co-V-2 context, the discussion of viral evolution and variant origins is valuable as animal health pros work to prevent other diseases, such as ASF, PRRS and FMD. The evolution of virulence has proven to be quicksand for evolutionary biologists. It’s not a simple thing.” – Edward … [Read more...]
CNN; Covid-19 pandemic magnifies workforce crisis in veterinary field
Opinion CNN’s Alec Snyder assembled a good situational summary of where the veterinary field is in 2021. Same story, different day? Yes. However, Synder combines different elements and challenges to end with some positivity. Between the lines and quotes are opportunities to embrace change, adapt, empower and leave a history of recalcitrant attitudes behind. Consider and … [Read more...]
Pandemic misery index reveals far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on American lives, especially on Blacks and Latinos
Opinion Social media posts are sharing the excitement of live attendance at the 2021 VMX Convention. There’s a backdrop to these return to normal accounts to keep in mind. While progress is being made, racial and ethnic gaps persist, despite an overall decline in pandemic hardship. According to the U.S. Pandemic Misery Index, 80 percent of U.S. adults experienced at least … [Read more...]
2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey reveals important post-pandemic changes for the pet care industry
It comes as no surprise that trends from the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey show steady growth in pet ownership, as well as pet owners buying more products and services online, writes Steve King, president and CEO of the APPA. However, the survey also sheds light on the resilience of brick and mortar facilities. Pet owners continue to frequent their local pet stores, … [Read more...]
Recalibrate your leadership style to match needs the pandemic created
The Covid-19 pandemic has radically altered the business landscape. Many companies experienced anywhere from a 20 to 60 percent loss in revenue in 2020, and more than 14 million Americans either temporarily or permanently lost their jobs. Source: Chieflearningofficer.com, March 11, 2021. Link. We know that effective leaders must be in tune with the emotions of those around … [Read more...]
The next pandemic is already happening. Targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it.
The next pandemic threat is likely already making its way through the population right now writes Maureen Miller, PhD. Her research as an infectious disease epidemiologist has found that there is a simple strategy to mitigate emerging outbreaks: proactive, real-time surveillance in settings where animal-to-human disease spillover is most likely to occur. Miller discusses the … [Read more...]
Pandemic pets taking toll on vets, staffs
Veterinarians and their teams across the country are seeing more new pets and more sick ones than in pre-pandemic times. The Associated Press reports despite extending hours, hiring more staff and refusing new patients, the load is heavy. Some practices have hire counselors to help staff members deal with burnout and fatigue. The numbers support the burden. Approximately … [Read more...]
No, people aren’t giving up pandemic pets because they’re bored
Opinion Finally! Award winning journalist S. E. Smith speaks up on pandemic puppy surrenders, better ways to approach animal welfare, ways to handle hardship surrenders and social media posturing. While pets adopted during the pandemic period are being surrendered, data from Shelter Animals Count appear to indicate current relinquishments are not back to pre-pandemic, … [Read more...]
Doctor explains pandemic brain fog; shares 3 helpful tips
Pandemic brain fog is an umbrella term representing things happening in our heads, such as inability to focus, difficulty sleeping and feelings of negativity. Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, says brain fog can be caused by factors that include isolation, anxiety, lack of sleep, a decreased level of exercise and more. All these feelings can tire the brain, especially the frontal … [Read more...]
A year into the pandemic, the profession is feeling the strain
NOMV stands for Not One More Vet, the largest veterinary support group in the world. It has more than 28,000 members worldwide who provide peer-to-peer mental health support and suicide awareness. AAHA’s Tony McReynolds shares discussions following several recent suicides in the veterinary community. . . . the veterinary profession had significant struggles prior to the … [Read more...]
Pandemic leadership lessons can help you
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a unique crisis for businesses. These leadership tactics can serve you and your team for years to come. Source: enterprisersproject.com, August 31, 2020. Link. In challenging times, people will step up if we let them. But if you try to solve the world’s problems on your own, your team can only stand back and watch. Bring your team into … [Read more...]
Vaccination in this pandemic time and before
Commentary Throughout this last year, we have seen more information on vaccines than ever. A plethora of it continues to be spewed on vaccine development, virus science and immunity. Much of it lacks the basic context for why vaccines work and why they are critical to disease management and population safety. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, wrote a revealing … [Read more...]
BBB: Fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic puppy trend
The Better Business Bureau indicates pet fraud reports are five times higher in 2020 than in 2017. People between the ages of 35 and 55 represented half of the fraud reported to the BBB in 2020. Source: Daily Paws, December 8, 2020. Link. According to the BBB Scam Tracker, the financial losses are astronomical as well: the average individual amount lost is $750, with the … [Read more...]
Apathy or pandemic burnout?
Nearly everyone is suffering from mental fatigue right now, says psychologist Yvonne Thomas. She shares some of the key signs of mental fatigue: You’re inefficient You don’t feel compassion for others You’re procrastinating more than ever You’re struggling with sleep and appetite Thomas also shares some coping methods: Create countdown strategies … [Read more...]