Initially viewed as ideal social venues for dogs, public dog parks now face more scrutiny for their potential risks. The authors share risks and benefits while reinforcing the need for owners to consider training and risks based on their individual pets. Consider sharing this article and a list of top local dog parks, often provided by Yelp or Rover, with dog owners on … [Read more...]
NO Rx required; FDA approves the first at-home test for Covid-19 and the flu
Commentary Home-based diagnostics are a growing trend. These technologies will continue to provide preliminary intelligence for individuals without the knowledge of healthcare professionals. As home-based technology expands, one must consider the effects on the quality of care and the parallels to animal healthcare. Authorization of a Covid-19 and flu test expands the … [Read more...]
Buckle down on biosecurity: HPAI, BIAV
Mindy Ward’s title says it all, “Buckle down on biosecurity!” We’ve assembled a group of articles referencing emerging HPAI infections in non-bird species. Most notable is AABP’s renaming of the emerging cattle disease as Bovine Influenza A Virus versus HPAI followed by assertions to keep pets away from birds. There’s significant media coverage but, as we’ve learned before, … [Read more...]
Responding to an unfair job review
It happens. Sometimes we get an employment review that seems unfair. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., shares how to respond. He says to start by reviewing your company’s handbook or HR policies to see if there’s a procedure for employees to review their performance appraisals and provide feedback. Source: USA Today, March 29, 2024. Link. During the meeting stay focused on finding … [Read more...]
Fire doesn’t discriminate. Neither do these vets.
Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinarian and leader of Texas A&M’s Veterinary Emergency Team, faces long days and short nights as the Texas wildfires rage on. Originally on a narrow mission to aid the search dog sent with A&M’s search and rescue team, Shelton and other volunteers heeded officials’ pleas for help from more veterinarians. They’re still there. The veterinarians … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 31, 2023
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...]
Worth a Glance – May 11, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 4th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from May 4th AHD Bulletin – Establishing rapport. Link. Shaping the onboarding experience. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy Vets. Link. 3 ways VMG is different from other veterinary membership organizations Source: … [Read more...]
EPA seeks to hand off pet pesticide regulation to FDA
Citing controversy, lack of action and resources to respond to untoward incidents with a popular flea coller, the EPA wants to relinquish its oversight of pet pesticide products. Under the current setup, the EPA is responsible for regulating pet pesticide products that are “not systemic,” or aren’t supposed to enter the bloodstream, while the FDA regulates “systemic” pet … [Read more...]
Unidentified parvo-like virus killing dogs in Michigan
All animal health pros need to be aware of this situation. The unidentified virus affects puppies and older dogs. When the animals are tested by veterinarians, the initial test for parvo is negative. Usually, the dogs die within three to five days. Dogs have been sent to The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsy, which did show parvo. The … [Read more...]
8 rules for working with your relatives
Family members may be ripe for hiring this summer. Rhonda Abrams recommends definitive and proactive rules when hiring family members. These rules also apply should you hire close friends or even third cousins once removed. When bringing family members into the business, discuss touchy issues like salary, schedule flexibility and reviews upfront. Then put it all in … [Read more...]
Toxic, invasive poison hemlock is spreading into gardens, yards, parks across U.S.
Poison hemlock, which resembles Queen Anne’s Lace, is often spotted along highways, in fence lines and on the edges of farm fields. Recently, populations of this toxic and invasive plant have exploded in parks, yards and gardens across the country. Poison hemlock spreads and grows its footprint during late summer and fall. Each plant produces up to 30,000 seeds that ripen … [Read more...]
Video conference success tips
You can shine during video conferences, despite common issues. Author and videographer Larry Becker shares proper camera positioning, lighting and angles to help you make solid eye contact with participants. We think we're making eye contact in a video meeting, because we're looking at the faces on our screens and responding accordingly. But the camera isn't on the screen, … [Read more...]
Enjoy a safe Halloween (video)
Halloween safety tips for children abound. However, adults who gather some spooky fun also need to take care. The folks at USA Today developed a video aimed at keeping adults safe during ghoulish festivities. Source: USA Today, October 2, 2019. Link. INSIGHTS: Be careful when out and about! Careless, excited kids, parents and pets sometimes forget to stop, look and … [Read more...]
Climate changes expand the distribution of diseases
Some experts fear climate change is expanding the distribution of diseases that can sicken or even kill dogs, putting more of them at risk for diseases their owners have never had to deal with, according to Elizabeth Weise’s report. The biggest spread in heartworm disease in the United States certainly followed the 2005 national distribution of dogs due to Hurricane Katrina.” … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens have caused 21-state salmonella outbreaks
Fifty-two people in 21 states have contracted salmonella from backyard poultry according to the CDC. Five patients have been hospitalized and 28 percent of those sickened by these home-based chicks and ducklings are children under age 5. Don’t kiss your chickens! < link > Source: USA Today, May 17, 2019. Link. Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicate that contact … [Read more...]
Goats are cute, but they aren’t easy pets
Brian Barth wonders if 2019 will be the year that goats join dogs, cats and parrots in the pantheon of animals that have gone from wild to domesticated. Barbara Jamison, owner of Puget Sound Goat Rescue, shares goat husbandry requirements about this farm animal trying to become a pet. They include: Most importantly, you must adopt at least two. Herd animals are profoundly … [Read more...]
USA Today – Obesity in dogs and cats
It is common knowledge have too many overweight cats and dogs; 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs. What is increasing is the percentage of obese pets according to new research from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. In 2018, 18.9 percent of dogs and 33.8 percent of cats were obese compared to 2013 where 16.7 percent of dogs and 27.4 percent of cats … [Read more...]
Backyard chickens may be the most pampered pets of the moment
Chicken pampering is taking over in the backyard poultry segment writes Glenn Selk. Nothing seems too much for these feathered friends. Americans have begun treating their fowl more like pets than livestock. And just as with our beloved cats and dogs, nothing is too much for our little Foghorn Leghorns. Source: USA Today, December 24, 2018. Link. The Centers for Disease … [Read more...]
Petco to stop selling cat, dog food with artificial ingredients
Petco, the second-largest U.S. pet retailer is going all-natural. To a point. Representatives for the chain say that by next May, cat and dog treats and food sold at its retail locations and online will contain no artificial flavors, preservatives and colors. Company officials believe healthier foods and snacks that replace items with artificial ingredients will make up more … [Read more...]
Infections from a dog lick are a risk but very rare
Jennifer McQuiston is one of the nation’s leading experts on capnocytophaga, the bacteria at the center of recent news stories revealing amputations and deaths from these bacteria. According to the CDC, 74% of dogs have capnocytophaga detected in their mouths The bacteria are often found in dog and cat saliva "and on occasion, you can even find this bug in human saliva." When … [Read more...]
New rules of travel rewards program
For many travelers, the current crop of award schemes are at best a distraction and at worst a false promise. With the lackluster earning rates and high-priced awards, it will be years before average travelers accumulate enough miles to book an award trip. Learn the changes and see possible alternatives in this article. Source: USA Today, February 25, 2015. With the … [Read more...]