$450M facility to meet growing pet food demandOctober 1, 2020A 1.3 million-sf brewery is set to be converted into a pet food manufacturing facility in the Old North State.
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VPN Plus+ ExclusiveHow to service a mixed-demographic clienteleOctober 1, 2020 It should go without saying, not all veterinary practices are alike. Not all regions of the country are alike. Not all communities are homogeneous. Not all clients have unlimited resources to devote to the care of their pets. Yet, over the years, we have found ourselves frequently confronted with opinion pieces, written by practice management "experts" whose advice may be distilled down to one catchy phrase: "Charge what you're worth." Those of us who have been doing this for a while know things aren't always quite that simple. My practice of 27 years was a good example. We were located equidistant from million-dollar homes and Section-8 housing. The former group of clients appreciated the fact we kept our pricing under control, the latter group absolutely required it, and we serviced every demographic group in between. The real cost of treatment A litany of very good reasons is always advanced for raising prices, including the rising debt-to-income ratios of our newer veterinarians, the need to attract skilled support staff into our clinics, and the overall rising cost of doing business, which always seems to exceed the rate of inflation. None of this is disputed; nevertheless, …
Mindful breathing: 10 minutes a day can lead to better healthSeptember 30, 2020Who knew the simple act of sitting quietly, focusing on breathing through the nose and out the mouth, and oxygenating the body could make such a world of difference?
The world has changed. What does that mean for veterinary medicine?September 30, 2020Veterinary professionals have a valuable role to play during COVID and beyond: to be part of a competent, compassionate team that helps companion animals.
Simplified retirement plan alleviates burden of paperworkSeptember 30, 2020Veterinary professionals who have yet to arrange retirement or succession plans might appreciate the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA’s) latest offering.
"Postvention" can be central in suicide preventionSeptember 29, 2020Saving the lives of animal health professionals and reducing instances of veterinary suicide is central to a new complimentary industry resource.
A clinical approach to bacteriuria in dogs and catsSeptember 29, 2020Over the past few years, it has been evidenced the urinary tract is not a sterile environment and is instead inhabited by a unique microbiota.
Heartworms in dogs: An ever-present global problemSeptember 29, 2020Heartworm in dogs is a global problem and is well documented in South America, Southern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia, Japan, and North America.
Conflicts of interest in narrative reviews can be especially problematicSeptember 29, 2020In the last few years, several scientific publications have reported on a cluster of cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs that appear to be associated with grain-free foods .
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveFood is love—So why is nutrition a problem area for veterinarians?September 29, 2020By Brennen McKenzie, MA, MSc, VMD, cVMAAs a child, I was a big fan of the Peanuts cartoons. One of my favorite characters was Snoopy, a suave, bipedal beagle who wrote novels and engaged in breathtaking aerial combat with his nemesis, the Red Baron. Though Snoopy was unlike most other beagles I have known, he had one characteristic in common to others of his breed, and indeed most dogs. When suppertime arrived, all other activities were forgotten, and he often launched into an exuberant, joyful, food-induced dance. Every feeding was a celebration for Snoopy, not only of food but of the bond between dog and owner. Few subjects generate the same intensity of emotion in pet owners as the question of what to feed our animal companions. Feeding our pets is the quintessential act of caring and love. And based on how most dogs and cats act at feeding time, it certainly seems like a highlight of the relationship for them. There is also a deep sense in most pet owners that choosing a pet food has tremendous significance for the health and well-being of their pets. Everyone wants to give their pets the "best" food that will keep them active and happy and prevent illness …