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Audio and Video What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room? Stand up straight and send a message. How-to: Veterinary client canine enrichment "Underemployed" dogs need stimulation. Eliminate gossip in the veterinary clinic Clamp down on this culture killer. Top 5 ways veterinary technicians fail doctors Doctors weigh in on how techs leave them hanging. Top tips for telephones in the veterinary practice Treat the phone like the revenue source it is. Bring positivity to your veterinary team on down mornings Your outlook?and that of your staff?is in your own hands. Firstline receives makeover Check out the exciting changes. Top 10 reasons to come in to work sick Power though it and do your work! Or ... maybe not. How to boost positivity in your veterinary team when you're not the boss Enthusiasm among co-workers feels organic, not mandated by management.  MORE ARTICLES Back office Do veterinary team members need to follow the medical standards of their practice? A singular vision will benefit the clinic at large. Core values are front and center at the successful veterinary practice Be transparent with goals and see them met. Bring positivity to your veterinary team on down mornings Your outlook?and that of your staff?is in your own hands. Top 10 reasons to come in to work sick Power though it and do your work! Or ... maybe not. Beat back veterinary team member bickering Manage interpersonal conflict before the damage is done. Top 10 ways veterinarians infuriate their technicians Hospital howlers that send the team screaming. How team members should approach a temperamental veterinarian Choose your battles wisely, improve the team and the practice. Help! My veterinary boss doesn't follow her own policies Rules are rules and shouldn't be broken?even by those who make them. Celebrate positivity in the veterinary clinic Keep the team motivated with these easy tips.  MORE ARTICLES Building the Bond Should team members be "funny" on their veterinary practice's social media channels? Learn how to pop up in more of your clients' Facebook feeds. Watch out for the cicadas! Warn your clients that cicada consumption is bad for their pets. When veterinary clients diss their dogs Q: Sometimes when we mention a pet needs to lose weight, clients blame the animals. How do we keep these conversations positive? Take the sting out of a diabetes diagnosis at your veterinary practice Be supportive of pet owners when they're faced with their cat's diabetes diagnosis. Use these communication techniques to ease the burn of this challenging disease. Q&A: The importance of a personal veterinary-client-patient relationship Dr. Andrew Roark says despite all the advances in technology, until pets can talk, the physical exam is still essential. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. 3 remarkable stories of veterinary rehab recovery What do a pit bull suffering from fibrocartilaginous embolism, a Labrador retriever with chronic severe elbow dysplasia, and a beagle with ventral slot decompression have in common? These precious pooches are rehabilitation success stories that teach us to never give up hope. Help veterinary clients put an end to dogs eating from the litter box Offer these tips to your veterinary clients to keep their canine companions from eating their feline friend?s feces. 3 tips to connect with clients It's time to cut the cord on your old ways of communicating with clients. Get in sync with pet owners with this advice.  MORE ARTICLES Career development for managers Team members: Reignite your passion for the profession Keep things fresh and your professional outlook will remain positive. Video: Take charge of your career Dr. Robin Downing summarizes ways to take your own career in hand. 5 facts about employee rights Many team members blindly stumble through issues of breaks, overtime pay, and family leave. Find out whether your practice gives you enough—or whether you expect too much. Your employee rights were violated. Now what? Protect yourself and preserve a strong working relationship with these three tips. What equipment can do for you and your practice Using a new piece of equipment for the first time is like playing with a new toy. But the technology is more than just fun and games—here's how it can help you, your patients, and your practice. CE opportunities for managers The dvm360 Veterinary CE Center includes upcoming and on-demand web courses in client service, practice management, and career development. Check it out!  MORE ARTICLES Career development for techs A veterinary team member reacts to her pet's illness A staff member becomes a client and learns a lesson in empathy. The worst habit of veterinary technicians who are practice managers Seize opportunity and advocate for your passions. Veterinary technicians and pain management Grow your knowledge along with your value to the clinic and patients. Team members: Reignite your passion for the profession Keep things fresh and your professional outlook will remain positive. New technicians: Prove your worth in the veterinary clinic If you can demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, and a desire to better yourself, you'll reveal yourself as an important team member right away. Leading LVT weighs in on increasing veterinary technicians' value in practice Firstline editor Kerry Hillard Johnson and Kara Burns, LVT, discuss a recent gathering of veterinary technicians. How to transform your job into a career If your job isn't everything you'd dreame, the solution may lie with management. Technicians: Create instant bonds with clients The human touch may turn a clients into a permanent devotee. What? You're NOT on Facebook? Here's why you should take the plunge and join already.  MORE ARTICLES Client Compliance Welcome to a veterinarian's crazy town Population: My veterinary clients. Do veterinary team members need to follow the medical standards of their practice? A singular vision will benefit the clinic at large. Home diagnosis: always a train wreck for veterinarians Watch out for veterinary clients who think they know better than you. The incredible vanishing veterinary visit When clients start disappearing from your practice, pets don't get the care they need and the business you work for suffers. Learn the steps you can take to pull more visits out of your proverbial hat and preserve pets' health with your near-magical medical prowess. Boost veterinary client numbers with kitten classes Try using kitten classes to build a larger cat clientele at your veterinary practice. Create a thriving dental program in your veterinary practice Consider these 10 tips to make dentistry urgent for your team members and for clients. Mouth-to-mouth: Resuscitate the dental program in your veterinary practice As a critical component to pets' health, dental care deserves more than your lip service. Here's what you need to know to script your team's message. Overcoming the barriers to heartworm prevention in your veterinary clinic See how four veterinarians from across the country achieve year-round compliance. You say tomato: Veterinary vocabulary makes all the difference in client communication Do veterinarians know what they're really saying with the words they choose?  MORE ARTICLES Client Conflict How to harness a pitchfork-wielding horde for your veterinary practice In the right forum, your veterinary clients can be your best defense. Ethical dilemma: How a veterinarian should handle a case of puppy abuse A longtime client admits to an episode of abuse, and a veterinarian weighs her options. Talking to upset veterinary clients Don't ignore your emotions, but don't fight them. Keep out! How veterinary clients block you Learn how to reach out when clients put up "stay away" or "back off" signs—and get to the root of the pet's problem. Tame the abusive veterinary client Learn how to soothe ruffled tempers and help clients sheathe their claws. Ask Shawn: The case of the missing kitten Learn what to do when a veterinary client finds a lost pet and doesn't want to return him to his owners. Veterinary heroes are made, not born Every veterinary team member can be the person who can turn a client's or co-worker's day around. If there's a problem or a complaint, even if it's not because of you, help to fix it. Are you sure your veterinary clients can hear you? You can scream and shout, but until you work your communication muscles, you'll never get through to your pet-owning clients. Q&A: Make sure your veterinary patients are flea free Here's how to resist flea resistance.  MORE ARTICLES Client Education Watch out for the cicadas! Warn your clients that cicada consumption is bad for their pets. How do veterinarians even function? I really worry about some of my veterinary clients. And I know lots of people worry about me. How-to: Veterinary client canine enrichment "Underemployed" dogs need stimulation. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. Making euthanasia easier on veterinary clients Keep pet owners informed every step of the way. Sample script: 3 responses to veterinary clients who resist vaccines Consider these three ways to overcome client objections with advice from Liza W. Rudolph, BAS, CVT, VTS (Canine/Feline), a technician with the internal medicine service at Saint Francis Veterinary Center in Woolwich Township, N.J.: Me and my canine soul mate How my beloved dog Chaser led me to a career in the veterinary field and a passion for preventive care. Help veterinary clients put an end to dogs eating from the litter box Offer these tips to your veterinary clients to keep their canine companions from eating their feline friend?s feces. How to lick Lyme disease Consider these seven common myths clients believe about Lyme disease. Then learn how to respond to pet owners and protect their pets' health.  MORE ARTICLES Client Relations Say you're sorry Everyone goofs up sometimes. But a well-worded apology can help head off some potentially explosive client eruptions. 3 reasons clients don't comply Do you feel frustrated when clients ignore your recommendations? You're not alone. Use these tools to remove the common barriers that keep clients from following through. What clients want How to keep pet owners happy might seem like a mystery. But it's not. Learn the secrets to putting a smile on every client's face. Is all-natural the latest trend? The use of green products is on the rise. Diverse clients, diverse wants Different ethnic groups may share similar preferences, and learning them helps bond clients to your practice. Client communication: More important than ever When clients face tough money choices, you'll need to be prepared to explain the care their pets need. The changing face of clients Pet owner diversity calls for creative client service. Are clients spending more—or less? Pets still need care even when times are tight. Pull-ups push back at stress When stress drags down team members at Ontario Veterinary Hospital in Ontario, they pull themselves up with pull-ups.  MORE ARTICLES Client Service When veterinary clients diss their dogs Q: Sometimes when we mention a pet needs to lose weight, clients blame the animals. How do we keep these conversations positive? Refusing to euthanize a healthy pet Should a veterinarian end an animal's life if there are options for a bright future? Take the sting out of a diabetes diagnosis at your veterinary practice Be supportive of pet owners when they're faced with their cat's diabetes diagnosis. Use these communication techniques to ease the burn of this challenging disease. How do veterinarians even function? I really worry about some of my veterinary clients. And I know lots of people worry about me. How veterinary clients ruin everything So you've crafted the perfect schedule. Too bad pet owners have to show up and wreck it. Q&A: The importance of a personal veterinary-client-patient relationship Dr. Andrew Roark says despite all the advances in technology, until pets can talk, the physical exam is still essential. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. 3 remarkable stories of veterinary rehab recovery What do a pit bull suffering from fibrocartilaginous embolism, a Labrador retriever with chronic severe elbow dysplasia, and a beagle with ventral slot decompression have in common? These precious pooches are rehabilitation success stories that teach us to never give up hope. Sample script: 3 responses to veterinary clients who resist vaccines Consider these three ways to overcome client objections with advice from Liza W. Rudolph, BAS, CVT, VTS (Canine/Feline), a technician with the internal medicine service at Saint Francis Veterinary Center in Woolwich Township, N.J.:  MORE ARTICLES Client communication for managers Making euthanasia easier on veterinary clients Keep pet owners informed every step of the way. Do veterinary team members need to follow the medical standards of their practice? A singular vision will benefit the clinic at large. Top tips for telephones in the veterinary practice Treat the phone like the revenue source it is. Posts and tweets about nutrition and obesity Use your social media network to educate clients and raise awareness about nutrition and obesity with these tweets and posts. Posts and tweets about diagnostics Use your social media network to educate clients and raise awareness about the importance of diagnostics with these tweets and posts. Keep role-playing in veterinary staff meetings productive Demonstration of proper interactions is a useful training tool. Talking to upset veterinary clients Don't ignore your emotions, but don't fight them. Posts and tweets about behavior Use these Facebook posts and tweets to raise veterinary clients' awareness about behavior issues. Posts and tweets about ticks Use your social media network to raise awareness about the pet health issues related to ticks with these tweets and posts. (Sponsored by Merck Animal Health)  MORE ARTICLES Client education for managers Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. 8 substances that can result in toxicoses in certain species Some toxins are specific to cats, dogs, horses, and ruminants. We'll break down these eight for you in an easy-to-remember list. Better behavior with Steve Dale: Helping dogs with storm anxiety Thunder booms, and some dogs panic. Here's how to help your veterinary clients' pets cope. Top 10 ways for veterinary clinics to blow it on social media Your team may be mishandling Twitter and Facebook. Watch and learn. What kind of content do veterinary clients really want to see on social media? Wise use of Facebook and Twitter will result in valuable engagement. Remind clients of these dog park safety tips Help clients keep their pets safe and healthy at the dog park this summer. Veterinary team: You can combat Internet misinformation Clients will search the Web; direct them to dependable sources. Get pet owners on board with behavior programs Address behavior as part of pets' whole health. Top 10 ways to impress clients Providing outstanding service isn't always as obvious as it seems. Follow these great tips and elevate your clinic's level of customer care.  MORE ARTICLES Client education for techs What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room? Stand up straight and send a message. Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. Making euthanasia easier on veterinary clients Keep pet owners informed every step of the way. Help veterinary clients put an end to dogs eating from the litter box Offer these tips to your veterinary clients to keep their canine companions from eating their feline friend?s feces. 8 substances that can result in toxicoses in certain species Some toxins are specific to cats, dogs, horses, and ruminants. We'll break down these eight for you in an easy-to-remember list. Postoperative pain management any practice can afford Effective pain management in postoperative patients is possible no matter the size or focus of the veterinary practice. Consider the wide range of economical drugs available to help reduce pet suffering and pain. Better behavior with Steve Dale: Helping dogs with storm anxiety Thunder booms, and some dogs panic. Here's how to help your veterinary clients' pets cope. What kind of content do veterinary clients really want to see on social media? Wise use of Facebook and Twitter will result in valuable engagement. Remind clients of these dog park safety tips Help clients keep their pets safe and healthy at the dog park this summer.  MORE ARTICLES Client service for managers Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. Making euthanasia easier on veterinary clients Keep pet owners informed every step of the way. Do veterinary team members need to follow the medical standards of their practice? A singular vision will benefit the clinic at large. Top tips for telephones in the veterinary practice Treat the phone like the revenue source it is. Keep role-playing in veterinary staff meetings productive Demonstration of proper interactions is a useful training tool. Live from CVC: Get rid of phone failures at your veterinary practice Tips for teaching your team members phone skills that work, from Dr. Amanda Donnelly at CVC Kansas City. Talking to upset veterinary clients Don't ignore your emotions, but don't fight them. Veterinary team lessons from fine dining There's always something to be learned from good service. Exceed veterinary client expectations Personalized service pays off.  MORE ARTICLES Doctor Communication Zoom in on a perfect annual review Whether you're the reviewer—or the reviewee—it's time to embrace a new outlook on employee reviews. Hint: The manager may be doing them wrong. 4 ways to be a great reviewee Consider this advice to stay positive when you're being reviewed at your veterinary practice. Adjust your attitude to make way for service It's time to adjust your cat-titude to make way for service that leaves pet owners purring. Consider this advice to come up to scratch when clients visit your practice. 2 ways to pay fairly in veterinary practice Q. Illinois law states that I receive time-and-a-half for overtime, which is more than 40 hours in a work week. But when I work 35 hours one week, then 45 hours the next week, my boss doesn't pay me overtime because it balances out to 80 hours in a pay period. What's right, and what should I do? Top 5 ways veterinary technicians fail doctors Doctors weigh in on how techs leave them hanging. A patient and faithful teacher at Brock Veterinary Clinic This blue-eyed Paint gave this veterinarian a shoulder to cry on and peace I can still feel. All's fair in love and veterinary practice partnerships Power struggles, disputes and hidden agendas aren't just fodder for TV shows—they're a reality in veterinary practice, too. Five-minute wellness: Preventive veterinary care that lets the team take charge This veterinarian's unorthodox system thrilled employees, let doctors focus on medicine and quintupled practice revenue. Ask Shawn: Dissed by our veterinarian Our veterinarian constantly picks on everything we do at work. Help!  MORE ARTICLES Doctor Conflict Ask Shawn: Dissed by our veterinarian Our veterinarian constantly picks on everything we do at work. Help! How team members should approach a temperamental veterinarian Choose your battles wisely, improve the team and the practice. 4 ways to stay out of the boss's doghouse In the high-stakes world of veterinary medicine, tempers can spark easily. Ask Shawn: Pain in the heart Here's what to do when the veterinarian at your clinic doesn't believe in pain management. Drug abuse poses a load of liability problems After a recent talk I gave in Las Vegas, a veterinarian came up to the podium and told me she'd been considering applying to law school. Q&A: How should I deal with a veterinary boss that shouts and curses at me? No team member should have to deal with that verbal abuse. It's time to take the veterinarian aside. Revenge against your boss: When is it too much? A new study says that active retaliation against your boss is more serious than withholding knowledge. Do you know a "Dr. Receptionist" who jeopardizes patient care? The following is a letter sent in by a veterinarian. Let us know if you can relate—or think the receptionist deserves a break. Survey Results: Are veterinary technicians valued? Survey Results: Are veterinary technicians valued?  MORE ARTICLES Feline medicine Go with the flow when working with cats As with riding a wave or a bucking bronco, sometimes it's just best to move in conjunction with a cat rather than work against it.  MORE ARTICLES Firstline Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. CVC Washington DC: How to be an indispensable veterinary team member Tip 1: Do the tough work. Behavior: Handling a parrot with a potty mouth Check out two Q&As from a veterinary technician and parrot behavior pioneer who passed away in April. More dogs eating marijuana in Colorado Veterinarians have seen an increase in pets eating the substance. Book giveaway for veterinary team members Enter to win an autographed copy of Dr. Nick Trout's new novel inspired by real veterinary patients. Postoperative pain management any practice can afford Effective pain management in postoperative patients is possible no matter the size or focus of the veterinary practice. Consider the wide range of economical drugs available to help reduce pet suffering and pain. Cute kitten photos: Is this making you more productive at the veterinary practice? A study shows that looking at cute animals can improve productivity. Veterinarians and veterinary team members: Get crackin'! Educate clients about mosquito-borne diseases West Nile Virus is in the news again. Arm your clients with information to help keep their pets safe.  MORE ARTICLES Firstline Update What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room? Stand up straight and send a message. Watch out for the cicadas! Warn your clients that cicada consumption is bad for their pets. Should team members be "funny" on their veterinary practice's social media channels? Learn how to pop up in more of your clients' Facebook feeds. Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. Pumping up and running around: Your best team training tool Get down and dirty for the team. How-to: Veterinary client canine enrichment "Underemployed" dogs need stimulation. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. CVC Washington DC: How to be an indispensable veterinary team member Tip 1: Do the tough work. Behavior: Handling a parrot with a potty mouth Check out two Q&As from a veterinary technician and parrot behavior pioneer who passed away in April.  MORE ARTICLES Front office Managing veterinary team members with inappropriate clothing or makeup Avoid awkward conversations by citing clinic rules. Core values are front and center at the successful veterinary practice Be transparent with goals and see them met. Top tips for telephones in the veterinary practice Treat the phone like the revenue source it is. Bring positivity to your veterinary team on down mornings Your outlook?and that of your staff?is in your own hands. Top 10 reasons to come in to work sick Power though it and do your work! Or ... maybe not. How to boost positivity in your veterinary team when you're not the boss Enthusiasm among co-workers feels organic, not mandated by management. Keep role-playing in veterinary staff meetings productive Demonstration of proper interactions is a useful training tool. Live from CVC: Get rid of phone failures at your veterinary practice Tips for teaching your team members phone skills that work, from Dr. Amanda Donnelly at CVC Kansas City. Talking to upset veterinary clients Don't ignore your emotions, but don't fight them.  MORE ARTICLES Internal medicine Technicians, see the light: Don't make this cytology mistake Expert advice on cytologic examinations.  MORE ARTICLES Managing clients 5 ways to rock veterinary practice marketing Forget fancy logos, social media strategies, and branding. It's time build your marketing from the team up. Top 10 ways to impress clients Providing outstanding service isn't always as obvious as it seems. Follow these great tips and elevate your clinic's level of customer care. Don't sidestep difficult people Conflict avoidance won't solve problems in your clinic. Confront difficult situations and move on. A team-wide approach to dentistry Don't let dental recommendations go in one ear and out the other. Present a unified, consistent front so pet owners will get the message. Quick tip: Improve client compliance Medication administration made easy. Video: Overcome the practice manager's biggest challenge It's difficult to please everyone all the time. But there are measures that can be taken in pursuit of that goal. Tools for celebrating June as Adopt-A-Cat Month Celebrate Adopt-A-Cat Month by downloading materials to help promote cat adoption and feline health care. 8 people foods that are toxic to pets Most clients have heard chocolate is poisonous to pets, but do they know that other common foods may also be toxic for dogs and cats? Overweight dogs may be too much like their owners A new study shows dogs that are overweight tend to have overweight owners.  MORE ARTICLES Managing team members Managing veterinary team members with inappropriate clothing or makeup Avoid awkward conversations by citing clinic rules. Core values are front and center at the successful veterinary practice Be transparent with goals and see them met. 5 ways to rock veterinary practice marketing Forget fancy logos, social media strategies, and branding. It's time build your marketing from the team up. How to boost positivity in your veterinary team when you're not the boss Enthusiasm among co-workers feels organic, not mandated by management. Cute kitten photos: Is this making you more productive at the veterinary practice? A study shows that looking at cute animals can improve productivity. Veterinarians and veterinary team members: Get crackin'! Beat back veterinary team member bickering Manage interpersonal conflict before the damage is done. Keep role-playing in veterinary staff meetings productive Demonstration of proper interactions is a useful training tool. Top 10 ways for veterinary clinics to blow it on social media Your team may be mishandling Twitter and Facebook. Watch and learn. CVC video: Beat back negative comments Veterinary Economics and Firstline editor Brendan Howard reports live from Firstline Live at CVC Washington, D.C.  MORE ARTICLES Managing your time Top scheduling and staffing tip Teams can stay ahead by taking charge of appointments. Techs: Why you need to make yourself indispensable Making yourself an essential cog in the practice is beneficial for your career and your personal well being.  MORE ARTICLES Managing yourself What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room? Stand up straight and send a message. Pumping up and running around: Your best team training tool Get down and dirty for the team. Core values are front and center at the successful veterinary practice Be transparent with goals and see them met. Veterinary technicians: Grow your career even with a practice manager in place Expand your role even on a small team. Top 10 reasons to come in to work sick Power though it and do your work! Or ... maybe not. Cute kitten photos: Is this making you more productive at the veterinary practice? A study shows that looking at cute animals can improve productivity. Veterinarians and veterinary team members: Get crackin'! Top 10 ways veterinarians infuriate their technicians Hospital howlers that send the team screaming. Veterinary team members: Be a "10" Show your true colors stand out from the pack. Live from CVC Kansas City: Compassion fatigue—A serious issue for the veterinary team Watch for symptoms, protect yourself and your career.  MORE ARTICLES Nutrition 6 strange foods for pets Some of these foods may even be tempting to pets' human counterparts. Maybe. Participate in an online survey to decrease pet obesity Celebrate National Pet Obesity Awareness Day by finishing a short survey.  MORE ARTICLES Office efficiency Cute kitten photos: Is this making you more productive at the veterinary practice? A study shows that looking at cute animals can improve productivity. Veterinarians and veterinary team members: Get crackin'! Live from CVC: Get rid of phone failures at your veterinary practice Tips for teaching your team members phone skills that work, from Dr. Amanda Donnelly at CVC Kansas City. How team members should approach a temperamental veterinarian Choose your battles wisely, improve the team and the practice. New veterinary practice managers: Set sights on expectations Know and share what's expected of your position. Exceed veterinary client expectations Personalized service pays off. Top 10 ways to hold a disastrous team meeting If you want your team meetings to be a pointless waste of time, just follow these 10 easy steps. Online appointments: Hassle or happiness? Scheduling appointments via the internet is one more way to put technology to use for your veterinary clinic. How to transform your job into a career If your job isn't everything you'd dreame, the solution may lie with management. Top 10 ways to kill team communication Shawn McVey describes actions sure to sabotage the clear communication on which teamwork thrives.  MORE ARTICLES Pain management Veterinary technicians and pain management Grow your knowledge along with your value to the clinic and patients.  MORE ARTICLES Parasitology 10-minute drill: parasite prevention These three game-winning plays will take your veterinary team members through their paces with activities to refresh your parasite prevention skills and educate clients. How to lick Lyme disease Consider these seven common myths clients believe about Lyme disease. Then learn how to respond to pet owners and protect their pets' health. Parasites: What's your role in the veterinary clinic? When you're fighting pets' persistent parasite problems, don't give up! Here's a look at how each team member can help: Put parasites in their place How do we change the conversation with veterinary clients from the cost of parasite prevention to the value of protection? 4 recommendations your veterinary clients ignore When veterinary clients bury their heads in the sand, they miss important recommendations. Here's how to get their attention. Tips for talking to clients about ticks The weather is warming up, and you know what that means: Ticks—and along with them, Lyme disease—will be out in full force. use a practice-wide team effort to make sure your clients are prepared for the surge. Parasite prevention tip from the North American Veterinary Conference The way team members talk to clients has a lot to do with whether pets will suffer from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other parasites.  MORE ARTICLES Patient care for techs Golden years mean golden veterinary care Whether you need to launch a new senior preventive care program or just give your existing one a boost, use these five steps to help veterinary patients age gracefully. Cardboard condos for your veterinary patients Go green and make these homemade hideaways for cats. A team-wide approach to dentistry Don't let dental recommendations go in one ear and out the other. Present a unified, consistent front so pet owners will get the message. Top 5 dermatology questions clients ask technicians Use this information to successfully answer clients' questions about their pets' dermatology issues. Technicians: Why get involved with veterinary dentistry? Practicing veterinary dentistry is beneficial for clients, pets and you. 9 types of oral pathology Can you identify these common anomalies? Avoid this frequent mistake in dental anesthesia Don't assume dental procedures are of little anesthetic risk. Tools for celebrating June as Adopt-A-Cat Month Celebrate Adopt-A-Cat Month by downloading materials to help promote cat adoption and feline health care. Tips for safe vaccine administration and patient care Follow these guidelines for vaccinating pets and watching for adverse effects.  MORE ARTICLES Patient welfare for techs Technicians: Why get involved with veterinary dentistry? Practicing veterinary dentistry is beneficial for clients, pets and you.  MORE ARTICLES Personnel Management Pumping up and running around: Your best team training tool Get down and dirty for the team. Managing veterinary team members with inappropriate clothing or makeup Avoid awkward conversations by citing clinic rules. Ladies in the veterinary clinic, speak up! Women bring important things to the table, but they're not always heard. CVC video: Beat back negative comments Veterinary Economics and Firstline editor Brendan Howard reports live from Firstline Live at CVC Washington, D.C. Veterinary technicians: Make the most of your capabilities Remind doctors of your valuable skill set. Top 10 ways to hold a disastrous team meeting If you want your team meetings to be a pointless waste of time, just follow these 10 easy steps. Top reason to involve senior staff in the hiring process Having veteran staff members involved with bringing in new hires creates can create an atmosphere of mentorship. Age, style, personality: What's to blame for team conflict? Blaming superficial differences for team conflict may be too easy. The causes require specific resolution.  MORE ARTICLES Practice Marketing Should team members be "funny" on their veterinary practice's social media channels? Learn how to pop up in more of your clients' Facebook feeds. 10 veterinary pages to 'like' on Facebook These people, veterinary practices and nonprofits can help you finesse your Facebook presence. Happy birthday, dear Rex Our veterinary practice sends out birthday greetings. A closer look at nonprofits Spay and neuter clinics exist in many veterinary practices' backyards. Here's a look at the services they offer—and what it means for your practice. Veterinary professionals: Make friends and influence tweeters Why is social media like Facebook and Twitter so important? Discover your role and find answers to your top questions with this Q&A session with forward-thinking veterinary professionals using social media. Develop a discount display for your veterinary practice Use a bulletin board to display seasonal information and discounts. 8 free valentines for veterinary clients Make veterinary clients feel all warm and fuzzy with these heartfelt—and potentially profitable—love notes. How to hook veterinary phone shoppers Q&A: How can we turn phone shoppers into veterinary clients? Personal vs. veterinary practice on Facebook How to keep a distance between your practice's web page and your personal page on Facebook  MORE ARTICLES Skill Builder 15 ways to work smarter Want to get more done in less time? Plan for efficiency with these one-step-at-a-time solutions. Frame your front line's first impression Receptionists are the first and last people that your veterinary clients communicate with in every visit. Make sure they leave the right—and lasting—impression. Dental corner: Lingual squamous cell carcinoma Firstline's Dental Corner offers an up-close look at interesting and life-saving dental procedures and the technician's role in veterinary dental support and care. Be aware of body language during job interviews Seventy-five percent of a first impression comes from body language. What are your actions saying to potential employers? The critical role of nutrition for hospitalized veterinary patients Every hospitalized pet needs a nutritional assessment. Establishing realistic feeding goals is an important part of patient care to enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome. Do more, earn more Ready for a raise? Consider these six surefire steps to increase your value to your veterinary practice. Physical rehabilitation at your veterinary hospital Physical rehabilitation is the best way to help patients heal quicker, safer, and improve their overall quality of life. Multitask more efficiently with these meditation tips When you multitask, you're often running in so many different directions, it's hard to do one thing well. Here's how to multitask with a clear mind. Anesthetic monitoring savvy Understanding and interpreting data from a multi-parameter monitor is paramount to a successful anesthetic experience in veterinary practice. Consider this advice to understand these vital values and explore what to do when you encounter abnormalities.  MORE ARTICLES Skill builders for techs Bartonellosis basics Veterinary team members, you're at risk for the disease simply because you work with animals. But how much do you really know about bartonellosis? Your employee rights were violated. Now what? Protect yourself and preserve a strong working relationship with these three tips. How safe are your vaccine procedures? Many critical aspects of vaccination—from storage and handling to administration and patient safety—are in your hands. Tips for safe vaccine administration and patient care Follow these guidelines for vaccinating pets and watching for adverse effects. 5 facts about employee rights Many team members blindly stumble through issues of breaks, overtime pay, and family leave. Find out whether your practice gives you enough—or whether you expect too much. 8 people foods that are toxic to pets Most clients have heard chocolate is poisonous to pets, but do they know that other common foods may also be toxic for dogs and cats? Study: Credentialed technicians do wonders for practice revenue Need a motivational boost? If you're a licensed, registered, or certified veterinary technician, you could be worth big bucks to your practice. When to refer patients to animal-behavior specialists Great resources are available for those particularly challenging behavior cases. 10 ways any team member can help improve animal behavior Discover your role in helping animals that display not-so-perfect behavior.  MORE ARTICLES Team Building Check out these new animal cartoons Grab some laughs between veterinary client visits! The VHMA Files: Got an idea? Run with it! On the road to veterinary practice improvement, carefully crafted solutions that involve the team win the race. Adjust your attitude to make way for service It's time to adjust your cat-titude to make way for service that leaves pet owners purring. Consider this advice to come up to scratch when clients visit your practice. 4 ways to be a great reviewee Consider this advice to stay positive when you're being reviewed at your veterinary practice. Zoom in on a perfect annual review Whether you're the reviewer—or the reviewee—it's time to embrace a new outlook on employee reviews. Hint: The manager may be doing them wrong. Pumping up and running around: Your best team training tool Get down and dirty for the team. Dog bite prevention: What's your role in the veterinary practice? You can handle their bark, but you don't want a bite. Firstline Board member Mandy Stevenson, RVT, offers tips for how each team member can stay safe in practice: Oh, baby! 8 risks to avoid in your veterinary practice during pregnancy Whether you're expecting or you work with someone who is—or might one day—review this list of risks in veterinary practice and plan how to keep everyone in the workplace safe. Dental corner: Correcting a congenital cleft palate in your veterinary practice This veterinary hospital team works together to rid a Rhodesian ridgeback of a congenital cleft palate.  MORE ARTICLES Team Communication Fighting a five-finger discount in your veterinary practice Q: We have an inventory item that has repeatedly been short when counted. It's a very specific eye medication ordered in limited quantities, and only a handful of clients use the medication. One of the clients has recently been sent to collections, and she happens to be related to a team member. I fear that the missing medication is walking out of the clinic in the hands of an employee. How would you recommend that I approach this employee? We are prepared to fire her for the crime, but we have no proof that she's the culprit. Help! —Suspicious of sticky fingers Practice life: The ABCs of a clean veterinary team Editor's note: Practice Life is a new column designed to offer tools to help your practice manage daily challenges, big or small, more efficiently The VHMA Files: Got an idea? Run with it! On the road to veterinary practice improvement, carefully crafted solutions that involve the team win the race. Microchips: What's your role in the veterinary practice? Help make sure you're spreading the microchip message and improve the chances lost pets will find their way home: 5 steps to cleaner hands Use this advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to wash your hands the right way every time: When work makes you sick Sick over work—literally? Whether you only pick up the occasional pet mess or you're in the back treating animals every day, you need to know how to control zoonoses. 10-minute drill: parasite prevention These three game-winning plays will take your veterinary team members through their paces with activities to refresh your parasite prevention skills and educate clients. Dog bite prevention: What's your role in the veterinary practice? You can handle their bark, but you don't want a bite. Firstline Board member Mandy Stevenson, RVT, offers tips for how each team member can stay safe in practice: Dental corner: Correcting a congenital cleft palate in your veterinary practice This veterinary hospital team works together to rid a Rhodesian ridgeback of a congenital cleft palate.  MORE ARTICLES Team Conflict Fighting a five-finger discount in your veterinary practice Q: We have an inventory item that has repeatedly been short when counted. It's a very specific eye medication ordered in limited quantities, and only a handful of clients use the medication. One of the clients has recently been sent to collections, and she happens to be related to a team member. I fear that the missing medication is walking out of the clinic in the hands of an employee. How would you recommend that I approach this employee? We are prepared to fire her for the crime, but we have no proof that she's the culprit. Help! —Suspicious of sticky fingers Ask Shawn: Shine light on a moonlighter For the past few years, our veterinary practice's kennel business has been declining. I recently learned that an employee pet-sits for clients on the side. The other day a client approached me in an exam room asking if I was the employee who offered pet sitting. When I told him we board pets at the clinic, he said, "Oh dear, I hope I don't get someone in trouble." In fact, the moonlighting employee gave him a tour of our kennel just last week. I realize some people want a more personal approach, but the fact that the pet sitting is a secret going on behind the owner's back bothers me. Help! —Blindsided by boarding Eliminate gossip in the veterinary clinic Clamp down on this culture killer. Refocusing attitudes in veterinary practice Q: I manage a team of good workers who have a bad habit of focusing on the negative. How can I push them to put a positive spin on their bad attitudes? A Cinderella story Our veterinary practice has a list of duties all team members are responsible for, but not everyone helps out. A few of us always get stuck doing all the work and staying late, and the manager chooses to ignore the issue because the team members who don't help are her cronies who always suck up and tell her she's right. There are many reasons I love my practice, and changing jobs just isn't an option right now. What can I do? —Cinderella When bickering gets out of hand Keep veterinary team drama at bay with some simple tips from Shawn McVey. The dilemma: Handling a former veterinary associate's dirty moves Clashes between veterinary colleagues are part of human nature—but when do they cross the line? When the cat's away Q: We've been through two managers in the past two years, and our team morale is beginning to fizzle out. The practice owner is always out on farm calls, and several associates arrive late and leave early. Some of the other team members are following their bad habits. How can we stay focused when there's no leadership? Beat bullies in veterinary practice Some of my co-workers have decided they don't like me, and they criticize my work constantly. What should I do?  MORE ARTICLES Training and motivation Veterinary technicians: Grow your career even with a practice manager in place Expand your role even on a small team. The outcome of your income for veterinary team members Your paycheck as a veterinary team member may not reflect all your hard work but before you get upset, get some perspective. Technicians: Why get involved with veterinary dentistry? Practicing veterinary dentistry is beneficial for clients, pets and you. Veterinary managers: How to handle backlash from a no-gossip policy Use this sample script to prepare veterinary team members who report policy violations on how to handle confrontations. Photo gallery: 4 team retreat ideas Could your veterinary team members be just as happy—and productive—as these who are attend off-site team-building retreats? 7 steps to a great team retreat Team-building retreats leave your veterinary team stronger, happier, and more efficient. Here's your guide to planning one. Share practice goals with team members to keep them motivated Our team members seem lost and unmotivated. How can I get them on track? Happiness equals productivity at work Do you feel like you're always falling behind at work? Cheer up. No, really—being happy might help you get back on track. Veterinary technician externship guidelines Follow this advice for training student veterinary technicians during an externship.  MORE ARTICLES Veterinary managers CVC Washington DC: How to be an indispensable veterinary team member Tip 1: Do the tough work. Keep stress at bay in veterinary practice Next time you find yourself pulling your hair out, try a shift in perspective. Submit your story for Firstline's 2012 Article Contest! Tell your best veterinary team-member story. Win $300. Get published. New veterinary practice managers: Set sights on expectations Know and share what's expected of your position. Team members: Know your worth Team members need to realize that they are an integral part of any veterinary practice. Take a lesson from dolphins: Ladies, stick together Female dolphins do better when they work with their pod-mates. Top 10 reasons veterinary team members love their jobs Veterinary team members attending CVC San Diego shared the main reason they love going to work every day. Fight your fear of pet insurance paperwork Overwhelmed by the thought of recommending pet insurance because of the administrative work involved? Don't fret. These tips can simplify the process and make pet insurance pay for your veterinary practice. Video: The most common OSHA violation Record keeping can be a hassle, but incomplete documentation can get you in hot water with OSHA.  MORE ARTICLES Veterinary technicians What's wrong with my posture in the veterinary exam room? Stand up straight and send a message. Pumping up and running around: Your best team training tool Get down and dirty for the team. How-to: Veterinary client canine enrichment "Underemployed" dogs need stimulation. Veterinary technicians: Grow your career even with a practice manager in place Expand your role even on a small team. Live from CVC San Diego: 5 ways to enrich the lives of brain-dead fat cats Help veterinary clients convert chunky cats into smart, stimulated felines. Venomous snakes poisonous to pets: Part I Depending on where you live within North America, poisonous snakes may pose a poisoning threat to your clients and their pets. Top 10 ways veterinarians infuriate their technicians Hospital howlers that send the team screaming. Keep stress at bay in veterinary practice Next time you find yourself pulling your hair out, try a shift in perspective. Talking to upset veterinary clients Don't ignore your emotions, but don't fight them.  MORE ARTICLES Web Exclusive 7 steps to a great team retreat Team-building retreats leave your veterinary team stronger, happier, and more efficient. Here's your guide to planning one. CVT, RVT, LVT: Consistency, please! How do you navigate the alphabet soup of veterinary technician titles? Maybe someday you won't have to. Veterinary team handout: Principles of mutual respect This veterinary practice manager asks doctors and team members to sign off this document that shows they know team respect is crucial. How by-the-bootstraps veterinary technicians can get ahead No credential doesn't mean no future for veterinary assistants and technicians with experience. Technology as a time-saving tool See how one practice uses a computer system to stay on track. Patient recovery: Every team member plays a part Managing postoperative pain should rank as a top concern for team members and pet owners. Follow these position-specific guidelines to educate clients and help keep their pets comfortable. Time-off request form Simplify scheduling requests with this sample time-off sheet. Sample uniform policy Use this sample uniform policy to keep garment issues at bay. How to keep chatty clients on schedule Build in extra time for clients who like to talk.  MORE ARTICLES Working efficiently - technicians Video: Enhance the client-practice bond Team members' interactions can be affective, yet remain professional.  MORE ARTICLES Working on yourself 10 tests to save a veterinarian's life How well do you know thyself, doctor? Find out with these tests. CVC Washington DC: How to be an indispensable veterinary team member Tip 1: Do the tough work. Q&A: Am I owed overtime for this veterinary practice shift? An expert lays out the overtime law for Illinois then discusses the bigger issue: overtime conversations with the boss. Fit to Practice: Beat the working lunch blues Powering through the noon hour is OK. But that doesn't mean you get a free pass to eat poorly. Which learning path should I pursue to benefit my veterinary career? Q: I'm a veterinary practice manager trying to decide between pursuing an MBA or a CVPM. What do I need to consider to choose the right program for me? Message to WVC students: Exceed your boss's expectations Marsha Heinke urges attendees to aspire professional value, not just success. Keeping up appearances in your veterinary practice With my loss fresh in my mind, keeping composure at work has been harder than I expected. Be aware of body language during job interviews Seventy-five percent of a first impression comes from body language. What are your actions saying to potential employers? Fit to practice: 10 vegetables you should eat more of Want to be happier and healthier? These power foods will help you achieve that goal at your veterinary practice and at home.  MORE ARTICLES Working on yourself - technicians Multitask more efficiently with these meditation tips When you multitask, you're often running in so many different directions, it's hard to do one thing well. Here's how to multitask with a clear mind. Your role in parasite prevention and treatment Regardless of whether you work in the front or the back of the clinic, you can play a vital role in identifying and preventing hemoparasitic infections. Survey results: Quantifying the value of technicians Firstline and Banfield partnered to survey more than 2,000 veterinarians, technicians, and other team members. Here's a peek at some of the results. Smile your way to better health A new study finds happy humans—and pets—tend to live longer. BizQuiz: Are you a hard worker or a workaholic? There's a difference: One's healthy, one's not. Take this quiz to see if you or someone you know may be suffering from an overlooked work addiction. Veterinary technology programs on the rise Demand for veterinary technicians leads to new programs. Video: I want my motivation back Getting a spring back in your step may be as easy as talking to management. Your role in vaccinations You are crucial in this preventive measure in pets. Your employee rights were violated. Now what? Protect yourself and preserve a strong working relationship with these three tips.  MORE ARTICLES Working with clients Watch out for the cicadas! Warn your clients that cicada consumption is bad for their pets. Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. Do your part to prevent dog bites A few simple reminders can keep veterinary clients protected in potentially dangerous situations. A spoiled dog ... and a forgotten cat Help pet owners who don?t bring their cats to the veterinarian by asking about them. Behavior: Handling a parrot with a potty mouth Check out two Q&As from a veterinary technician and parrot behavior pioneer who passed away in April. Pet insurance conversations: Interactive map (Sponsored by VPI) When everyone on your team plays a role, you can have fast, effective pet insurance conversations that flow throughout your practice. Review this interactive map to see each team member's role—and how you can keep the discussion alive throughout the pet's visit. Sample job description for pet insurance coordinator (Sponsored by VPI) Use this job description to find the right person for your practice. Your practice needs you: Be a pet insurance coordinator (Sponsored by VPI) Taking a leadership role in pet insurance at your practice does more than simply build your program. It helps create a coordinated effort that leads to educated team members who can teach more pet owners about the value of pet insurance—and ultimately offer their pets the care they need. 10 best practices to teach clients about pet insurance (Sponsored by VPI) Use these steps to boost your education program to the next level and effectively teach pet owners about pet insurance.  MORE ARTICLES Working with clients - technicians Are those packaging freshness packets really toxic to dogs? Find out which freshness packets are toxic to dogs. Behavior: Handling a parrot with a potty mouth Check out two Q&As from a veterinary technician and parrot behavior pioneer who passed away in April. Plastic surgery for pets on the rise From Botox to braces, learn about this new trend: puppy plastic surgery. Tools for celebrating June as Adopt-A-Cat Month Celebrate Adopt-A-Cat Month by downloading materials to help promote cat adoption and feline health care. How safe are your vaccine procedures? Many critical aspects of vaccination—from storage and handling to administration and patient safety—are in your hands. Your role in vaccinations You are crucial in this preventive measure in pets. What you should know about vaccines in your pets Give your clients need-to-know facts about a vital part of their pet?s well-being. Fancy folders fortify client bonds Fancy folders fortify client bonds 10 ways any team member can help improve animal behavior Discover your role in helping animals that display not-so-perfect behavior.  MORE ARTICLES Working with doctors Q&A: Am I owed overtime for this veterinary practice shift? An expert lays out the overtime law for Illinois then discusses the bigger issue: overtime conversations with the boss. Do more, earn more Ready for a raise? Consider these six surefire steps to increase your value to your veterinary practice. 3 tips to surviving in a family-owned veterinary practice Somebody else's mom or dad, husband or wife, or son or daughter. It?s easy to feel on the outside when you have a front-row seat to personal relationships in the veterinary workplace. Use this advice from Firstline board member Shawn McVey to navigate tricky waters with style. 4 ways to stay out of the boss's doghouse In the high-stakes world of veterinary medicine, tempers can spark easily. Plastic surgery for pets on the rise From Botox to braces, learn about this new trend: puppy plastic surgery. How to tell if your boss is a psychopath Learn how to deal with your boss before you go crazy. 12 ways to manage your manager Tired of being stepped on at work? It's time to stand tall and get on top of your career by improving your communication skills. Safety 101: 8 simple equine handling tips Veterinary equine technicians: Follow these tips to keep yourself—and your team—from getting stepped on, stomped on, or kicked. 4 veterinary apps just for you From soothing music to team training tips, here are four tools that will make your job easier and help you connect with clients.  MORE ARTICLES Working with patients - technicians Your role in parasite prevention and treatment Regardless of whether you work in the front or the back of the clinic, you can play a vital role in identifying and preventing hemoparasitic infections. Mutually beneficial: Military veterans train shelter dogs In a new study, military veterans relieve stress by training shelter dogs and, in turn, make the pooches more adoptable. Top 5 dermatology questions clients ask technicians Use this information to successfully answer clients' questions about their pets' dermatology issues. Dr. Marty Becker: Top 10 ways to lose a client "America's Veterinarian," Dr. Marty Becker delivers 10 sure fire ways to lose customers. Are any of these going on in your clinic? 9 types of oral pathology Can you identify these common anomalies? Avoid this frequent mistake in dental anesthesia Don't assume dental procedures are of little anesthetic risk. Tools for celebrating June as Adopt-A-Cat Month Celebrate Adopt-A-Cat Month by downloading materials to help promote cat adoption and feline health care. Tips for safe vaccine administration and patient care Follow these guidelines for vaccinating pets and watching for adverse effects. 8 people foods that are toxic to pets Most clients have heard chocolate is poisonous to pets, but do they know that other common foods may also be toxic for dogs and cats?  MORE ARTICLES Working with team members Surviving the storm: Veterinary team survives Okla. tornado A clinic 'family' rides out the storm relying on each other. Veterinary first responders called into action Veterinarians lead emergency storm response. Check out these new animal cartoons Grab some laughs between veterinary client visits! Idea Exchange: "Morbidity and mortality" rounds for team meetings A reader tip to learn from others before you make the same mistakes. Q&A: Am I owed overtime for this veterinary practice shift? An expert lays out the overtime law for Illinois then discusses the bigger issue: overtime conversations with the boss. Structure meetings for success Use this guide to create vaccination standards of care for your veterinary practice. United States tick zones This handout gives your veterinary team the information they need about common ticks and tips to stay on top of prevention, region by region. Tackling tick talks across the map Veterinary clients are often in the dark about the risk ticks present for their pets. Use these tips to tackle tough tick talks, region by region. Message to WVC students: Exceed your boss's expectations Marsha Heinke urges attendees to aspire professional value, not just success.  MORE ARTICLES

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