Laundry stacks up fast in veterinary clinics. The pandemic taxed existing machines as disinfection took a higher priority. Machines that have bigger capacities, speed cycles or built-in pretreat features have been developed to reduce laundry time. Ecofriendly or green choice models add more options from which to choose. Consumer Reports’ washer buying guide reviews … [Read more...]
Stress-free air travel tips
Cramped, chilly or hot, noisy planes can make air travel a real hassle. Consumer Reports offers some no- or low-cost tips to consider for your upcoming trips. Animal health pros who travel infrequently may find something to make the travel to upcoming conventions less stressful. Source: Consumer Reports, February 2020. Link. See information on air pressure, seat choices, … [Read more...]
Getting ready for snow
Snow across the northern plains signals the need to consider snow removal tools. If you already have a snowblower it is time to get it out and perform regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Make sure couplings, hydraulics and lights are serviced and working on blades and snowplows. Do any blade repairs now before snow starts to accumulate. For those looking at getting … [Read more...]
We ARE being watched
'Who is watching you?”' is the cover story of the current issue of Consumer Reports. Our increasingly digital world has created mountains of data and there are few laws to safeguard the information. There are ways to take better charge of your privacy. We’re sharing three topics below that are available without subscriptions. Source: Consumer Reports, October 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
Packing the perfect suitcase
We’re an industry on the go. Managing the amount of luggage you need is important and can be cost effective. Paring down can make travel more enjoyable. Your trip will be easier—and cheaper—if you take less and pack efficiently Source: Consumer Reports, November 1, 2018. Link. Follow these steps to pack your suitcase like a pro: Make a List—Strategically Pare Down … [Read more...]
You’re not free to move about the country
Stress-free flying sounds like an oxymoron. Consumer Reports’ Mandy Walker addresses the frustrations of high prices, endless fees, cramped seats, long lines and crazy connections. She shares strategies to fly saner, safer and cheaper. Source: Consumer Reports, October 2016. See: Secrets to Stress-Free Flying: Fed up with endless fees, cramped seats, long lines, and … [Read more...]
Insect repellents in the age of Zika
Humans and animals get diseases from ticks and mosquitoes. The article provides the latest information about various vector-borne diseases and a rating of human insect repellents. Combining insect repellents for humans with repellents for animals will lower disease transfer risks for all. Source: Consumer Reports, July 2016. Three insect repellents qualified as Consumer … [Read more...]
Is pet insurance worth it?
Consumer Reports analyzed policies from three providers to determine whether pet insurance was a good deal. The analysis was done using one dog and one cat. Source: Consumer Reports, May 2016. The insurance trade group says that accident and illness coverage per year averaged $473 for dogs and $285 for cats in 2014. Accident-only policies ran $158 and $132, … [Read more...]