There is a gap between the frequency of behavioral problems with dogs and identification and treatment in general practice, according to Leslie Sinn, CPDT-KA, DVM, DACVB. She references a retrospective study that analyzed more than 32 million records to understand the overall frequency of behavioral problem labels and certain psychoactive medications. To close the gap … [Read more...]
How dogs see the world: Canine vision and senses
In this article, Brian Faulkner, FRCVS, shares information on how dogs see and smell their environments. Consider it for new dog parents and for newsletters, social media or school visit content. Notable facts include: Dogs only have two types of color-sensing receptors and may be red-green color blind Most dogs have 20/75 vision; labs are an exception, as many have … [Read more...]
Health outcomes for bitches neutered prepubertally or post-pubertally
This study investigated the health outcomes of 306 Labrador/Golden Retriever crossbreed bitches that were neutered either before puberty (at six months of age) or after their first oestrus. The results suggest that there may be detrimental associations between neutering before known puberty and some musculoskeletal and immune diseases. Source: Animals, January 10, 2025. … [Read more...]
Horses with PPID may need more frequent deworming
PPID, or Cushing’s Disease, is slowly progressive even in treated horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She says the disease weakens the immune response, including waning immunity to intestinal parasites. For horse owners who may deworm horses twice a year, their PPID horse may still have long periods of parasite damage. The density also builds up in their … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
The growing intersection of genetics and health
Includes commercial references to Neogen Rather than focusing on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction, writes Andrea Bedford. As producers consider adding genomics, veterinary teams are being asked for advice, ready or not. For veterinarians, stepping … [Read more...]
The role of genetics in feline behavior (video)
Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, explains how breed-related genetic traits shape feline behavior, even when physical limitations affect a cat’s ability to act on instincts. The video is good educational content that can be shared by veterinary teams for cat parents. Boarding teams will find it interesting, too. Source: DVM360, March 20, 2026. Link. Comparing behaviors of … [Read more...]
Drinking behavior of horses: 6 facts about water intake
Consider and share these basic principles of horsemanship regarding water: Depending on body weight, in a moderate climate will drink five to 15 gallons per day Variations in water intake for individual horses may occur from day to day Diet affects water consumption Well-fed mature horses spend only five or six minutes a day drinking water in several visits … [Read more...]
Finisher sites are the weak link in swine disease biosecurity
The constant movement of pigs, people and equipment creates significant pathways for disease transmission in multi-site swine production. Recent research showed finisher sites were the most vulnerable, with an 82.4 percent outbreak rate, compared to wean-to-finish (66.7 percent) and nurseries (33.3 percent). Source: PORK, March 23, 2026. Link. The study suggests prioritizing … [Read more...]
The greening of America, potential dangers are hidden, inherent
Correctly managing spring grass growth isn’t easy, but having an effective plan in place will optimize both cattle and grass production for the remainder of the season. Don’t be too early; overgrazing slows subsequent growth and pasture resilience Early grass is water-laden; consider energy and/or dry matter supplements Hay boosts daily dry matter intake. Source: … [Read more...]
Fresh and raw pet food: who’s winning online visibility in the U.S.?
Interesting read for marketers An analysis by Bubblegum Search examined 20 U.S. retailers and manufacturers operating in the fresh and raw dog food segment, revealing trends in branded and generic search. Increasing scrutiny of pet food leads pet owners to search engines to find better options, making it a key way for brands to be discovered and stand out from … [Read more...]
Pet daycare and lodging market analysis 2026
The market for pet daycare and lodging has an active and diverse competitive environment. Industry leaders differentiate themselves by offering various amenities, including grooming, training and specialized care services. This landscape is dynamic, characterized by innovation, convenience and a growing focus on pet well-being and safety. Source: Cognitive Market Research, … [Read more...]
Why falling cats always seem to land on their feet
A study published in the journal The Anatomical Record <Link>suggests new insights into the so-called falling cat problem, particularly that cats have a very flexible segment of their spines that allows them to correct their orientation midair. The researchers found that the feline spine was extremely flexible in the upper thoracic vertebrae, but stiffer and heavier in … [Read more...]
Hoof-care journey, series update
Includes Commercial Content Jackson’s case continues to evolve, and management remains flexible and responsive. In the latest installment, the 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding’s chronic distal limb issues had reached mechanical limits requiring medical injection. The injection provided relief, complementing farriery rather than replacing it. Source: American … [Read more...]
Evaluate cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Year-to-year variations in forage quality and weather stress can show up in body condition scores even when what’s being fed appears to be the same diet. Robert (Bob) L. Larson, DVM, PhD, shares the importance of BCS checks throughout the year to support and maximize cow and bull outcomes. Source: BEEF, February 10, 2026. Link. When determining BCS, it is important to … [Read more...]
Managing large litters; 13.9 functional teats for 15.7 piglets
With larger litters and limited teat capacity, many producers have increased interest in management strategies such as split suckling and teat optimization, writes Abigail Jenkins, PhD. Sharing modern research trial perspectives, she notes there was no improvement in growth performance and inconsistent effects on mortality when split suckling was practiced. Teat loading … [Read more...]
Cows have routines, too
Circadian rhythm research shows that behavioral data contains insights beyond reproduction and health alerts. Understanding how cows structure their day may help dairies implement better management systems that work with cows’ biological clocks. The analysis of more than a decade of cow behavior data showed examples of strong circadian rhythms, or predictable 24-hour cycles … [Read more...]
Reminder: Establish clear client communication boundaries versus 24/7 expectations
In recent months, there has been a clear message sent to veterinary teams to increase and improve client communications. While important, veterinary team members can’t be expected to be available 24/7. Caitlin DeWilde, DVM, shares tips for protecting personal time and after-hours communications in this article. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2024. Link. It is okay to … [Read more...]
Women show stronger employee engagement amid higher burnout
While women’s employment engagement has fluctuated over the past four years, it has consistently maintained an edge over men's. There is a lot to consider in this four-year study, which shows that as burnout peaks for mothers and leaders, the most motivated are carrying the heaviest load. Source: Gallup, March 8, 2026. Link. U.S. women employed full-time have higher … [Read more...]
Reclaiming veterinary authority in the digital age
In this piece, My Vet Candy writes about the increasingly difficult challenge of online, non-veterinary influencers and why veterinarians are losing the information battle. Not new, the growth in “informed clients” is significant and causes increased amounts of appointment time to address misinformation. One solution is to guide pet owners toward reliable information and help … [Read more...]
New betamethasone study quantifies detection time for IM use
According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, remains detectable above thresholds published by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for 23 days after administration of 12 mg IM. The study also found that IM betamethasone use suppressed the horse’s cortisol levels for 360 hours, or 15 days. … [Read more...]
Review: Preparing the mare for breeding season
Etta Bradecamp, DVM, Dipl. ACT, ABVP, explained how veterinarians and horse owners can work together to prepare mares for breeding season in a presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. The starting point is the breeding soundness exam, she said. Source: The Horse, March 6, 2026. Link. Equine breeding success reflects long-term … [Read more...]
Livestock care during wildfire season
Benjamin Franklin’s warning, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is relevant for cattle producers as wildfire season has already begun <Link>. Dean Ruhl offers tips for handling animals before a fire and caring for them afterward in this article. He reminds us that preparation is key. Maintaining property, like mowing fencelines and creating fire breaks, is … [Read more...]
Barn monitoring could reduce insurance risks
Commercial Content Distynct and Pledge Insurance Advisors announced a joint program designed to reward livestock customers who invest in barn monitoring and proactive risk reduction. The program recognizes the role continuous monitoring plays in reducing the risk of catastrophic livestock losses and improving long-term operational resilience. Source: Feedstuffs, March 3, … [Read more...]
Practicing radical acceptance
A big part of practicing radical acceptance is letting go of the illusion that things must be a certain way before you’re allowed to take action. Seeing things as they are and being honest about what’s happening can be challenging, but denial only creates more suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, offers benefits that resistance never can. Source: Daily Motivation, … [Read more...]
Better cat grooming starts in the tub
A lot of groomers, especially those who transitioned from dog grooming, are not bathing cats as thoroughly as they should, writes Lynn Paolillo. She shares the importance of desensitizing, degreasing and thorough rinsing. Source: Groomer to Groomer, March 2026. Link. Better cat grooming starts in the tub. A good bath sets the tone for every other step: drying, combing, … [Read more...]
Adopters love their shelter pets, but 78 percent of dog owners report behavior challenges
Conclusions from a landmark new study indicate high satisfaction ratings, while more than three-fourths of adopters faced behavioral or care challenges. These findings suggest that general satisfaction measures may obscure important challenges as animals settle into their new homes. Species-specific counselling, proactive veterinary engagement, and further microchip … [Read more...]
Dogs are more like toddlers than cats when it comes to helping humans
This study fits into human-animal bond thinking and domestication dynamics. Bottom line, if you need to find something, ask a dog or kid to help. . . not the cat. A study published in the journal Animal Behaviour investigated how untrained companion dogs, companion cats and 16- to 24-month-old toddlers respond when a familiar caregiver searched for a hidden object. Their … [Read more...]
Client satisfaction stays strong according to AVMA data
Data from the AVMA’s 2025 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook offer reassuring and actionable insights into how U.S. pet owners feel about their regular veterinary practice. Kudos to the teams working hard to deliver every day. Source: AVMA, February 19, 2026. Link. Small, incremental changes—paired with intentional communication—can reinforce client satisfaction, … [Read more...]
Start NOW to reduce barriers to heartworm prevention
A growing body of evidence-based protocols can help more pets get the care they need, while also supporting practice efficiency and revenue, writes Kristin Jankowski, VMD, CCRP, and Jenni Rizzo in this article. The key lies in understanding and removing barriers at every step of care: prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Consider this article as a reminder and resource to … [Read more...]