When three-fourths of prospects and clients use the phone, it deserves focus. In this article written for AHD, Rick Purnell shares recent Salesforce data and addresses generational avoidance of using the phone. 61 percent of customers prefer to speak to someone via phone when they need help 75 percent of customers believe calling a business will give them the quickest … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2026
Veterinarians, pet owners under systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study #2
Commentary By now, you’ve probably read plenty of industry takes on the results of part two of the PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Or, you’ve seen articles in mainstream media emphasizing affordability of care for pets. Press releases and articles may sensationalize the findings below, but the study reveals much more than recalcitrant … [Read more...]
Why veterinarians recommend using a broker for pet insurance
This article is a good read for veterinary teams willing to promote pet insurance benefits but hesitant to direct pet owners to specific pet insurance brands. To support those discussions, Animal Health Digest created a “Pet Insurance Guide.” The guide is a free tool designed to save time, advance pet health insurance conversations, and highlight the benefits for clients, their … [Read more...]
The business of pragmatism
In high-performing cultures, a "Yes" is expensive. It means resources have been allocated and focus has been locked. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2026. Link. A ‘Yes’ without the capacity to back it up isn't ambition. It is a breach of trust.” INSIGHTS: When your heart says “Yes,” make sure your head is on board. … [Read more...]
KCAHC shares available resources at National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference
Commentary Momentum beyond metrics describes the experience KC Corridor representatives found when sharing workforce recruitment and educational resources available through the collective efforts of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor and the exploreahcareers.com website. “We may never know exactly how many students choose animal health because of something they heard, … [Read more...]
New food pyramid is a significant reset of U.S. nutrition policy
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 from HHS and USDA seek to deliver a clear, commonsense message to the American people: “Eat real food.” Kristin Bakker’s article shares potential benefits to American food animal producers. Source: Feedstuffs, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 26, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA Compliance reminders New Jersey legislative update Free three part symposium: Pet End-of-Life Legal & Emotional Guidance presented by the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Animals and the Law Upcoming member webinar: The Modern Reservation Strategy: Turning Online Inquiries into High-Trust, High-Value … [Read more...]
25 ways to grab and hold customer attention, revenue
Commentary The collective promotional experiences of pet retailers and service providers are shared in this article. The takeaway from it is not whether the ideas shared are relevant for your business or locale, rather the ideas are local or community-centered. Source: Pets+, July 6, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Innumerable articles, experts and KOLs bemoan declining overall … [Read more...]
Pets and Mental Health Resource Center available online
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mental Health America launched the Pets and Mental Health Resource Center in October 2025. The online hub features resources, information and tools that highlight the powerful role companion animals can have in supporting mental health. It is available on the Mental Health America website at www.mhanational.org/pets. Source: … [Read more...]
This little piggy is a commitment: a guide to responsible pet pig ownership
Many pet pigs end up in rescues after owners realize they were unprepared for the specific needs of owning a pig. Before bringing a pig as a pet into your life, it’s essential to understand what keeping pigs actually involves, from size and space to time, money and even legal considerations. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Kevin Spencer has … [Read more...]
First consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, sometimes called “doggy dementia,” is common, but under-recognized. Early CCDS signs are subtle and often mistaken for normal aging. A consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS as shared in this article, is a step toward practical, real-world diagnosis. Source: AKC Canine Health Foundation, January 13, 2026. … [Read more...]
Treatment duration for pneumonia in dogs and cats: Systematic review
The most commonly used antimicrobial treatments for dogs and cats are not evidence-based, writes Scott Weese, DVM. Most antimicrobial treatment durations currently used in dogs and cats are probably way too long when we compare them to what’s done in human medicine for comparable conditions. Some of the differences are striking. Weese says a new systematic review entitled … [Read more...]
AQHYA releases “AQHA Achieve,” a virtual knowledge contest for youth
Here’s a fun way to engage young horse enthusiasts in your community. Share this with your equine connections and remember to include local teachers, 4-H, FFA and equine group leaders. Include local media, as well. The three-phase virtual program from the American Quarter Horse Youth Association offers youth worldwide an accessible way to compete, learn and earn recognition. … [Read more...]
Frozen chicken should come from the grocery, not the coop
When temperatures fall below 60°F, chickens begin to experience cold stress, which can be severe and lead to death in extreme cases, writes Marisa Erasmus, PhD. She shares various factors that affect chickens’ susceptibility to cold stress. The article is relevant for poultry operations of all sizes, including the chickens in backyard poultry coops. Source: Modern Poultry, … [Read more...]
Good help is hard to find. Ways to attract, keep top farm employees.
Retaining exceptional employees in agriculture production requires innovative strategies that go beyond traditional compensation. Wesley Tucker shares strategies from a brainstorming session at The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers on how to link exceptional employees to the farm for the long haul. Source: Missouri Ruralist, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Boost herd health and performance through the transition period
The importance of managing the transition period from dry-off to peak milk rightfully dominates dairy management topics. In the article shared here, Zoetis’ Matthew Boyle, DVM, shares best practices that set transition cows up for success. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 15, 2025. Link. Boyle emphasizes the opportunity to make small adjustments in each of the three … [Read more...]
Ensure the bulls will be ready when their time comes
While January, February and March are typically a loafing period for breeding bulls, husbandry during winter remains important to ensure they are healthy when it’s their time. Beth Reynolds summarizes winter bull management in two categories: nutrition and breeding soundness. She says managing the impacts of cold weather on breeding soundness in herd sires requires being … [Read more...]
Extension beef specialist concerned about lower quality hay from 2025
Jeff Lehmkuhler has never seen lower hay quality than what he witnessed in 2025. With winter weather extremes and spring-calving cows in their third trimester, he recommends pulling forage samples to document what nutrient levels exist in unique lots of hay, then adjust accordingly. Communicating the importance of nutritional sampling is a simple action for veterinary teams … [Read more...]
Review: Tips to reduce the chance of hypothermia in calves
It never hurts to review and refresh calving processes. In this article, Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson explains how to identify, prevent and manage cold stress in baby calves, including precalving nutrition of the cow that can reduce the chances of hypothermia. Consider positioning this article in social media posts or link it in newsletters. A few minutes to send it out … [Read more...]
Vetmedin chewable tablets receive full FDA approval for delay of congestive heart failure in dogs label indication
Emily Singler, VMD, shares that for the first time the FDA has granted full approval for an indication for an animal drug that was previously approved under the FDA’s expanded conditional approval authority. Vetmedin® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets label has officially expanded to include an indication for the delay of the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with stage B2 … [Read more...]
USDA approves TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), a ½ mL Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs
Building on TruCan B Oral, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) the first USDA-licensed ½ mL oral Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs. This is the second recent expansion of Elanco’s Tru vaccine line, with TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 receiving USDA approval in July of 2025. Source: Elanco, January 16, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Patterson Veterinary relaunches refreshed NaVetor Veterinary Cloud Software, acquires full rights
Patterson Veterinary announced it has acquired full ownership of NaVetor, a cloud-based veterinary practice management software, strengthening its long-term commitment to delivering trusted, easy-to-use, innovative cloud software for practices of all sizes. The company also relaunched NaVetor with several updates and enhancements. Source: Globe Newswire, January 27, 2026. … [Read more...]
Solvet launches CattleZen to reduce stress, boost health in cattle
CattleZen is a proprietary blend of maternal bovine-appeasing substance and a calming pheromone that, when applied just above the muzzle, stimulates a calming effect. The product will be officially launched at the 2026 CattleCon NCBA trade show, providing producers with an opportunity to learn about the science, performance benefits and practical use of the product. Source: … [Read more...]
Trupanion celebrates 25 years
Trupanion, Inc., is celebrating its 25th anniversary as part of many milestones that have transformed how pet parents around the world approach care for their four-legged family members. Source: Trupanion, January 27, 2026. Link. At our core, we provide more than just a product; we provide a solution grounded in the philosophy that nothing should stand between a pet and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 29, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 22, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 22, 2026 AHD Bulletin – College women far outnumber men in law, medical, vet schools and it matters. Link. RHDV-2 confirmed in North Carolina. Link. 5 common dog ailments that respond well to laser therapy. Link. PetSmart rolls out omnichannel … [Read more...]
Rewriting the role of manager, team size, span of control
Although teams of over 25 are growing, most managers still lead relatively small ones, according to Gallup Workplace. Jim Harter shares that finding an optimal team size depends on how organizations answer these four key questions: How engaged is the team? How much time do managers spend on individual contributor work? Do managers have the right talent for the … [Read more...]
College women far outnumber men in law, medical, vet schools and it matters
Commentary This article adds depth to the ongoing discussion of how many DVMs to educate and how many institutions we need to do it. Woven into our industry’s discussions are gender pay variances, work-life balance, the expectations recent graduates have for daily work hours, full empowerment of veterinary technicians and the rural vet shortage. For those interested in … [Read more...]
PetSmart rolls out omnichannel veterinary support program
PetSmart is partnering with pet health platform Vetster to offer virtual veterinary support services at select stores in the U.S. The company says that through Vetster's secure medical platform, PetSmart associates can gain real-time access to licensed veterinarians where regulations allow. The services are meant to complement, rather than replace, in-clinic visits. Source: … [Read more...]
USDA announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge
The New World Screwworm Grand Challenge funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread. As part of the commitment USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and … [Read more...]
Me time
Each day brings plenty of windows for reflection . . . during your commute . . . at the dentist . . . waiting for that friend who's always late. Daydreaming has surprising perks, but scrolling gets in the way. Source: Axios.com, January 8, 2026. Link. We pick up our devices 50 to 100 times a day . . . they constantly fill our minds with content that crowds out time to … [Read more...]