Veterinary clinics and veterinary professionals are increasingly falling prey to online hacks and internet scams. From spearfishing to catfishing to drug diversion, veterinarians and veterinary technicians are vulnerable to schemes targeting their social media profiles, personal data, and professional licenses. This week we tackle this frightening topic that affects us all. This is an important conversation you should have with your team (and family) today!

We're back with another dermatological dilemma we confront (nearly) every day: the itching dog! Atopy, insect bite, and food allergies fill our schedules, challenge our teams, and frustrate everyone (especially the poor pet suffering from incessant itching)! This week we're joined by veterinary dermatologist Dr. Candace Sousa. She shares her insights and advice on diagnosing and treating itchy dogs, as well as the latest trends and tips in testing and treatment. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney have a wide-ranging conversation that will help any veterinary practice more confidently help itching patients.  

Emotional blackmail in veterinary practice by clients and colleagues is a common experience for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor have a raw and candid discussion about how it feels to be taken advantage of, emotionally manipulated, and deliberately hurt by clients and coworkers seeking to harm others. 

CBD products for pets are everywhere these days! We know pet owners and veterinary professionals have plenty of questions, and we've got answers! This week veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor are joined with Phyto Animal Health CEO Ian Quinn to review the current legal and regulatory status of CBD, where veterinary professionals can find the latest clinical research, and answers to many of our most pressing questions. If clients are asking you about CBD for their pets, this podcast is for you! In addition, Ian shares his favorite CBD companies (in addition to his own), and why a COA is essential when selecting CBD products. Ian also shares how much pot he thinks might be fatal for Willie Nelson! (jk, but he does) BONUS: Ian shares his favorite pot joke at the end! (It's really corny...but funny!)

Itchy pets can be one of the most frustrating signalments seen in veterinary practice. This week we chat with Board-certified veterinary dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Hillier from Zoetis, to discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis, treatment and client communication strategies for allergic dermatitis. This is a high energy conversation that walks you through the practical (and shockingly simple) steps your veterinary team needs to take to ensure better treatment - and compliance - with your dermatology recommendations. 

This week we review breaking news about the Veterinary Nurse Initiative (VNI) with lead attorney Mark Cushing from Animal Policy Group. Veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary nurse (RVT) Beckie Mossor review the latest developments and objective from the VNI lead lawyer. Whether you support or object to the VNI, this is a conversation all sides can benefit from listening -- from start to finish!

Fake news! Corporate conspiracies! It seems like nearly every week there’s a new viral veterinary news story that, well, isn’t as truthful as veterinary professionals might prefer.  This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor take on Fake Veterinary News, fake veterinary professionals (maybe even those that claim to be “animal behaviorists,” have a CBS television show and will be featured at VMX in a keynote!?), and how to scientifically and politely dispel these myths. This episode is a must-listen for your team to stay ahead of breaking news, communicate more effectively with your clients, and learn how to spot fake news stories. 

Standards of veterinary medical care can be complicated and confusing — and downright tricky to agree upon. This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor explore how a veterinary clinic should choose protocols, what protocols should be enforced, and what treatment options should be more flexible?  This lively discussion should spark your team to more closely examine how we decide to do the things we do in veterinary medicine. 

Happy 2019! This week we share some of the things we are - and are not - looking forward to in 2019 for veterinary professionals. Host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss the veterinary nurse initiative (VNI), telemedicine, organized veterinary medicine, corporate practices (and find out why Dr. Ward calls the future of veterinary medicine “the ‘Walmartization’ and ‘Amazonation’ of the profession”) and upcoming medical advancements. Dr. Ernie Ward shares why he believes veterinarians need to fight for animal welfare (and end factory farming!) and cautions about economic uncertainty in 2019. Find out which host’s family may be expanding, and which may be contracting! 

Happy Holidays! It’s the “most wonderful time of the year” in veterinary practice! Or is it? This special holiday edition of our podcast, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney, along with registered veterinary Technician Beckie Mossor detail veterinary clinic staff holiday scheduling drama, co-worker gift dilemmas, party alcohol rules, and how to remain cheery when our clients are dreary! If you’re searching for your lost sanity, pop in your earbuds and give this episode a listen!

Are you socialized? How do you find friends as adults? Are we expanding our social networks beyond the veterinary profession? This week, host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney along with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor talk about making friends and finding fulfillment outside work. The trio share tips on maintaining friendships, online communities to meet new friends, and the benefits of socialization. And find out Cyndie’s plans to write a book about, “How to Date other Moms.”

When is enough too much? When (and how) is it okay to say, “No”? Is it clear or murky? This week host veterinarians Ernie Ward and Cyndie Courtney with registered veterinary technician Beckie Mossor discuss establishing healthy boundaries with veterinary bosses and co-workers, clients, and friends and family. Failure to set boundaries is an issue that leads to veterinary professional burnout, poor patient care, and lower job satisfaction. Share this episode with the entire team!