Practice Manager

If we posted this story on Facebook or Twitter, almost half of you would see it. And if you aren't greeting clients via social media, you're missing out on the chance to strengthen bonds&mdashp;not to mention you're passing up free advertising.

Once clients are out of your sight, your veterinary practice is probably out of their mind. Find out how to sends the most effective and cost-efficient client reminders.

Brenda Tassava, CVPM, CVJ, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and author of Social Media for Veterinary Professionals (Lulu, 2010), shares the most common social media problems she sees-and explains how to properly promote your practice.

Famous words from famous people to brighten your day.

A new ban in New York City will hopefully put an end to drunken puppy-buying.

A new bill proposed in California tries to stop the "inhumane suffering of fish."

A new study says that new parents are more likely to have overweight pets.

Help clients understand what you'll expect from them at time of service.

Studies show where the best-or worst-biters are located in the U.S.

Q: I've worked as a practice manager for 10 years and I still can't get people to take responsibility. What can I do to encourage my team members to step up to the plate? -Burnt-out

The dentist's chair: That's where I was when the tornado sirens sounded recently. The situation was most unpleasant. It's not like my jaw was numb and the drill was spinning. I was only in for a cleaning. Still, I can think of more comfortable places to be when disaster literally looms in the air.

Managers listen up: Your receptionists have spoken and they have a lot to say about your management style. Check out this list of management failures-created by attendees in continuing education courses on reception skills-and see if you fall into any one of these five categories. Then study the solutions so you can better serve your team.

Studies say "morale boosting" office treats are doing more harm than good.

Answer choice for the image quiz: A Labrador with PU/PD and hepatomegaly (sponsored by Dechra)

Want to have a good day at the veterinary practice? Clock in with a smile, researchers say.

That first phone call is the most important point of contact your practice will have with a client. But receptionists who overstep their boundaries or demonstrate poor phone skills do more harm than good. Here's how to respectfully get pet owners off the phone and into your clinic.

In-home sales parties can be a good reminder for how you should be connecting with clients.

Does your team argue instead of looking for solutions? Could your team use help handling upset clients? If so, this Team Meeting in a Box is for you. The tools teach how to communicate during conflict.

Experiencing withdrawals now that Kate and William's wedding is over? Put on your royal thinking cap and test your knowledge of dog breeds and English royalty.

Banfield: Diabetes, cats

A New Zealand study says more than two acres of land are required to provide food for one dog's lifetime.

With a first-of-its-kind procedure, a Siberian husky gets a new lease on life.

A new study says that active retaliation against your boss is more serious than withholding knowledge.

A new U.K. study says you could be risking your dog's health by leaving it home alone for more than five hours at a time.

According to a new study, cats experience the greatest fondness for female owners.

Educate your clients on how to keep their pets safe inside and out.

As caregivers in the veterinary profession, we enjoy the privilege of being a part of the end of many pets' lives. To do this honor justice, we created what we call a "tender culture" at our practice. This refers to taking special care of our euthanasia clients from the time they make the appointment to the time the remains are presented. We train our staff to be compassionate throughout the entire process, and knowing about our procedures might be helpful for your team-as well as your clients.

A new study finds happy humans-and pets-tend to live longer.

Dogs and cats often suffer from itchy skin, while exotic pets tend to have digestive issues.