Sound the alarms and call in the techs! A recent survey of new dog owners conducted by Merck Animal Health found 73 percent of those who brought home a pooch this year are considering rehoming the animal once the pandemic ends. This decision, Merck says, likely stems from a lack of knowledge about animal care. 25 percent of respondents claimed they do not have enough … [Read more...]
Search Results for: pandemic
TODAY, free webinar: Emergency and disaster response in a pandemic
Free webinar sponsored by Virox® Animal Health Members from the University of Florida’s Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service will share how their unit has responded to state disasters and local emergencies. They’ll also share what has changed since Covid-19. Lawrence Garcia, DVM, and Brandi Phillips will include how to prepare for a disaster that may affect your … [Read more...]
Pandemics: Beyond “women and children first”
Jenifer Chatfield DVM, DACZM, DACVPM, outlines the factors involved in determining who will receive a vaccine. She discusses common questions as we wait for a Covid-19 vaccine: Who gets the vaccine first when it becomes available? Who gets it if the supply is limited? Who decides who is at the front of the line? Source: DVM 360, October 21, 2020. Link. Like … [Read more...]
Your pandemic meltdown has an upside if you allow it
If the least inconvenience or someone’s action sent you into an uncharacteristic fit, a bawl fest, a rant or even silence lately, you’ve probably experienced your version of a pandemic meltdown. Yet, meltdowns can have an upside. They let us release tension. Once it’s released, we can think more clearly because we’re not spending the energy to hold things together. The author … [Read more...]
Dealing with the pandemic 15#
The pandemic 15 pounds! It’s a discussion topic among friends and has been mentioned on talk shows. For some of us, it is a reality as food is comforting during times of stress or anxiety. Lisa Drayer shares how using a hunger meter can return food to being just food. When you feel a pull toward food, create space between you and the food to see where you are on the hunger … [Read more...]
The dilemma of pandemic pet pounds
The challenge of obesity in dogs has been exacerbated by the pandemic lockdown. The WFH messages promoted to date involve pets getting more exercise, but Kim Kavin’s Washington Post story indicates many dogs have packed on extra weight. On the other hand, dogs that have lost weight might have a few aches and pains from the increase in activity. Dog owners should work with … [Read more...]
What have we learned from the 2020 pandemic?
“Don’t let a good crisis go to waste,” is an overused, but sometimes appropriate quote. Crises can reveal vulnerabilities in business that were otherwise hidden. These authors look at reinforcing those cracks before the next challenge emerges. The context is dairy. The value extends beyond a dairy setting. They share 15 lessons from their observations of the last few … [Read more...]
Rats on the rise during the pandemic?
Researchers at three universities indicate the number of people reporting rat sightings has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Citing past examples, researchers share that rat populations increase after natural catastrophes. Source: Dairy Herd Management, August 31, 2020. Link. The two most common rats found in the United States are Norway and Black rats. Both … [Read more...]
Growing during a pandemic
With social distancing and other safety measures in place, a virtual component to your business strategy is vital. Cost-effective and instantaneous, digital marketing can serve as a lifeline for business during these uncertain times. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, May 4, 2020. Link. Complementing the local outreach strategy, look for ways to inspire and champion your community. If … [Read more...]
TODAY! Webinar: Pandemics and Preparedness in the Anthropocene
Provided by Virox Animal Health™ The Virox team has been diligent in providing education for animal pros during the pandemic. Today, June 25th, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, Virox will host Dr. Craig Stephen, who will explore how global changes, including climate change, globalization and urbanization will affect zoonotic disease risks and management. He will also propose general … [Read more...]
Pandemic metrics unclear on alcohol use
Early data from some sources indicated alcohol use was increasing during the work-from-home period brought on by the pandemic. Recent information shows it was skewed due to channel shifting and point of sale pricing variances. You’ll be interested in the Nielsen analysis, as well as HR management guidance to reduce potential WFH abuse. Source: HR Daily Advisor, June 1, … [Read more...]
Storm clouds on the next pandemic horizon (video)
Scientists believe another pandemic will happen during our lifetime. A global team has developed a pattern-recognition system to identify diseases in wildlife with a high potential for zoonosis. . . . our behaviors on a global scale are facilitating the movement of a pathogen from an animal population into humans” Source: BBC, June 6, 2020. Link. The surveillance system scans … [Read more...]
Pet separation anxiety likely after pandemic pause
The pandemic WFH pause has some silver linings. For pet-owning families, pets and people became much more attuned to each other’s behaviors and idiosyncrasies. Animal health pros have been proactive in assessing the potential for pet separation anxiety issues as family members return to work and summer activities leaving pets alone at home. Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, shares ways … [Read more...]
3 keys to post pandemic retailing
Mark Kalaygian shares three factors for pet specialty retailers to consider when devising a strategy for doing business in a post-pandemic environment: Recession realities New weapons for brick and mortar locations Craving contact Source: Pet Business, May 26, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: Stop, look and listen to Kalaygian’s assertions. Veterinary clinics that have … [Read more...]
Pandemic puppies can be pricey
Those impulse decisions to get a puppy during this Covid-19 pandemic can be costly if budgets aren’t set and stuck to. Adoption fees are just the beginning. From annual exams to insurance to spaying and neutering, costs add up. Wall Street Journal’s Amanda Burton offers realistic ownership costs to consider. Source: Wall Street Journal, May 22, 2020. Link. When all is said … [Read more...]
Beef topics: anaplasmosis, water and pandemic processing
Anaplasmosis, availability of water and its quality, and keeping processing teams aligned to limit coronavirus transmission concerns were among recent beef production discussions. Producers may have skimmed this information and need help with answers. It is also important to support the National Cattlemen’s Association’s Beef Quality Assurance trainings to help raise the … [Read more...]
7 top ways to support employees during the pandemic
When you are an essential health care worker, the processes that work for other businesses don’t always apply to us. Still, there are universalities to managing and supporting people. Diane Adams, Sprinkler’s chief culture and talent officers, suggests that, among other activities, employer engage with employees with: Daily check-in calls Consistent communication … [Read more...]
A pandemic positive
The massive shift in people working remotely during the pandemic has not only made people reassess what is most important to them, but also demonstrated that a better work-life balance is within reach, through a flexible work schedule. Source: Forbes, May 19, 2020. Link. With flexible work being the default in a world that must adhere to social distancing, the argument that … [Read more...]
Veterinary practice in a pandemic: 6 experiences
Brendan Howard shares a close-up look at how Covid-19 is affecting U.S. clinic finances and operations. The article underscores the diverse nature of veterinary practices, even during ordinary times. Source: VIN News Service, May 1, 2020. Link. INSIGHTS: It is good to see Brendan Howard’s byline again. … [Read more...]
Pandemic realities forcing some pets back to shelters
Pet shelters and rescue organizations experienced rapid increases in adoptions and fosters since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Now, some shelters are preparing for a large influx of pets as the realities of owners’ jobs and home losses hit hard. It hasn’t happened yet, but Brenda Barnette, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services, expects more pets will … [Read more...]
Pandemic may be turning point for workplace mental health
Experts say mental health issues and stress were already on the rise among employees before the coronavirus pandemic, and they certainly won’t just disappear post-pandemic. The disaster finds more employees struggling and employers playing catch-up in the rush to help. Source: Human Resource Executive, May 11, 2020. Link. “The pandemic has forced us to make changes and to … [Read more...]
Guidance for expanding veterinary care during the pandemic
Ontario inadvertently became a laboratory for implementing telemedicine and adjusted VCPR practices during the pandemic < link >. Scott Weese, DVM, shares the Guide to reopening veterinary medicine in Ontario, as a resource for veterinary teams as they prepare to provide more veterinary services while still minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We’re going to … [Read more...]
Veterinarian: my career prepared me for the Covid-19 pandemic
Kimberly Pope-Robinson, DVM, speaker, author and coach, recently shared how learning resiliency to cope with her professional life helped her navigate through emotional roller coaster challenges, including the current pandemic. Source: 1 Life Connected, April 27, 2020. Link. Pope-Robinson shared four key areas that are helping her now and that can apply to anyone, not just … [Read more...]
VCPR limits vet care during pandemic
The Veterinary Innovation Podcast hosted a frank discussion May 5th about difficulties vets face when navigating unclear, inconsistent, and rapidly changing VCPR regulations in the face of a global pandemic. Covid-19 has been the impetus for a temporary relaxation of current VCPR laws in some states. Those changes have been the catalyst for some heated conversations about … [Read more...]
The pandemic beard quest explained
Growing a beard while homebound and avoiding coronavirus may seem like a silly choice, but it is an act that has powerful psychological and social effects. In both history and Hollywood, beards stand for toughness, strength, adventurousness and even aggression writes Jacqueline Detwiler. Source: Forge, March 31, 2020. Link. Men grow quest beards as a way to mark a period of … [Read more...]
Equations for a happy life, even during a pandemic
The involuntary new pace of Covid-19’s social distancing has slowed lives and allows us an opportunity to think a little more deeply about life, writes Arthur C. Brooks, Ph.D. In our go-go-go world, we rarely get the chance to stop and consider the big drivers of our happiness and our sense of purpose. Brooks shares three equations for well-being to start managing your … [Read more...]
American Heartworm Society issues guidance for pandemic
Conditions under which a veterinarian can delay annual heartworm tests during the Covid-19 crisis is just one of the topics covered in new recommendations released by the American Heartworm Society. Source: Veterinary Practice News, April 7, 2020. Link. The recommendations explore: scenarios when a veterinarian can delay annual heartworm tests, but can still prescribe … [Read more...]
Training companies offer free products and services during pandemic
The group at Training Industry pulled together a list of free training products and services companies our industry is now offering. Here are some of the categories: Coronavirus preparedness and response training Training for remote work Remote work and remote training products and services Other services NOTE: The article includes a link to a PDF of the book … [Read more...]
Getting our minds around pandemics and their history
Context is key when seeking to understand how our current situation with SARS-CoV-2 fits in the overall view of pandemics. The selections below warrant a hard look. “F-E-A-R has two meanings: 'Forget Everything and Run' or 'Face Everything and Rise.' The choice is yours.” – Zig Ziglar Source: Visualizing the history of pandemics, Visual Capitalist, March 14, 2020. … [Read more...]
Leading and working through a pandemic
HBR is publishing daily articles and resources on how to manage yourself, your team, and your company through the coronavirus crisis. The resources are provided at a dedicated Coronavirus Special Coverage page < link >. HBR opened access for these resources to all visitors, so this content can be easily shared with your own teams, colleagues and network. Source: … [Read more...]