Fast Bites will return as soon as website updates and repairs are corrected. The link below provides members with an alternate way to sign in to the member hub. Source: IBPSA, April 27, 2026. Link. NOTE: IBPSA is pausing the Annual Conference in 2026. However, the IBBY Award Celebration will be held during the inaugural Canis Conference in October. Register to attend … [Read more...]
Banking PTO, self-preservation in an era of job insecurity
New data highlights just how pervasive unused PTO has become, and how it could be a major red flag for costly employee well-being issues. Source: HR Executive, April 27, 2026. Link. Time off is becoming more and more about self-preservation or job insurance, says Michael Baynes. Employees are holding onto time off as a buffer to use for possible job searches, as well as … [Read more...]
NEW 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats
For veterinary teams managing diabetic patients, this is a meaningful update. The LinkedIn post below shares a high-level look at how care is evolving. Source: AAHA, LinkedIn, April 27, 2026. Link. Full version of 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats <Link>. Also see: Guidelines at a glance <Link>. … [Read more...]
The 3 most common skin-compromising conditions in horses (audio)
Includes commercial links This article and recording reinforces the importance of staying alert to conditions that can compromise dermatological health. Moisture, sun and insects are the primary categories to monitor. The content is a good review for veterinary teams and provides a timely educational opportunity to share on social media or in newsletters. Source: EQUUS, … [Read more...]
Flesh eating Vibrio vulnificus found in Long Island Sound
In recent years, scientists have documented Vibrio sp. expanding into places that were once too cold to support the bacteria, pushing as far north along the U.S. East Coast as Maine and appearing with more prevalence in temperate seas around the world. A small number of Vibrio sp. can sicken and even kill people and pets. Vibrio is reportedly present in water bodies across … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 30, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 23, 2026. Link. Miss something? Here’s a link to all of April 2026 AHD posts. Link. ========================== The hardest-working staff at the airport? These two good boys. Source: The Washington Post, April 26, 2026. Link. Five days a week, and sometimes weekends, the herding dogs punch the clock … [Read more...]
17 polite habits most people secretly dislike
Plenty of etiquette rules have changed in the past decade. And sometimes, the behaviors you think are polite can backfire. This interesting read may help interactions with customers, clients, colleagues and family. Source: Reader’s Digest, September 29, 2024. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 20, 2026
IBPSA is pausing the Annual Conference in 2026. However, the IBBY Award Celebration will be held during the inaugural Canis Conference in October. Register to attend <Link>. This week’s Fast Bites: BARK Rangers at National Parks. Link. Service dogs interpret the needs of their humans. Link. First-ever pet-centric private aviation terminal. Link. … [Read more...]
Jackson transitions to barefoot
Jackson’s case continues to reinforce a central principle in chronic care: Successful outcomes are rarely the result of a single intervention but rather the thoughtful sequencing and integration of multiple approaches. Source: American Farrier’s Journal, April 15, 2026. Link. Following the previous phase of Jackson’s management, in which mechanical simplification was paired … [Read more...]
The Bird Bath launches “Terminal,” a new veterinary market intelligence platform and practice database
The Bird Bath, an animal health information and insights provider, launched Terminal, a new veterinary market intelligence platform designed to help business-side stakeholders in veterinary medicine access, analyze and act on industry data in one place. To view Terminal and the subscription model click here <Link>. Source: PR Newswire, April 21, 2026. Link. The dataset … [Read more...]
Free guide to win visibility in AI search
AI tools like ChatGPT are changing how pet owners find veterinary care. Gain an edge in online visibility using LifeLearn’s free guide to optimize AI discovery: 5 Minutes to Winning Clients in the Age of AI Search. Source: LifeLearn Animal Health, April 21, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 13, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet industry surveys from a) Australia , b) Canada, and c) United Kingdom Legislative updates from a) New York, b) New Jersey, and c) Iowa Source: IBPSA, April 13, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9th. Link. Personal responsibility, leadership maturity, the power of introverts, emotional support animals, and … [Read more...]
TV for dogs booms, but are they watching?
Do dogs actually watch TV and does it do them any good? The research is mixed, writes David Silverberg. He highlights differences in platforms and potential benefits to desensitize dogs or help senior dogs engage. Source: BBC, April 9, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New ISU guides help hog producers manage heat stress
Swine producers have new resources available from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to mitigate summer heat stress. These resources are available for download from the ISU Extension store: Heat Stress in Swine Production: Breeding Herd Considerations Heat Stress in Swine Production: Basic Research Source: National Hog Farmer, April 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 16, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 9, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Building adherence with CAPC data. Link. Personal responsibility. Link. 7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity. Link. Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine. Link. Keeping cows on track … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
The power of introverts
Introverts are a third to a half of the population. Yet, in a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. Still relevant, Susan Cain’s passionate talk asserts that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated. Source: TED2012, February … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
What is an emotional support animal?
ESAs have grown in popularity in the past few years, but the rights and regulations surrounding them remain hazy. Michelle K. explains that in order for a dog (or any animal) to legally be considered an emotional support animal, it must be prescribed by a registered doctor or mental health professional as a means of treatment for a diagnosed mental illness. ESAs and Service … [Read more...]
Second skunk rabies case confirmed in Missouri
Rabies cases are always a good reason to communicate with clients about wild animal safety and basic pet vaccination. Wild animals are often found under sheds, farm buildings and junk piles. Pet owners who play with or exercise their pets in parks and forests can encounter rabies-spreading animals near brush and rock piles. Working with local media can be an effective way to … [Read more...]
Taming aggressive rooster behavior
Never introduce a new rooster to a flock that already has a rooster, writes Rhonda Crank. Her timeless article shares rooster behaviors and ways to manage their natural aggression. She also addresses keeping the flock safe and how to avoid attacks on people. Source: Backyard Poultry, May 4, 2021. Link. In the rooster world, he who runs away, walks away, or hides is the … [Read more...]
Benefits of adopting the PRRS-resistant pig
“PRRS has been the most frustrating thing we’ve had to deal with as veterinarians,” says Jason Hocker, DVM. “The virus changes and adapts and seems to always be one step ahead of us. It’s something we’ve not been able to make a lot of progress on as an industry.” The decades-long PRRS trajectory could finally be changing with FDA approval of the gene edit used in PIC’s … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
New World Screwworm: Regulations, readiness and response
The first Cattlemen's Webinar of 2026 will be led by Julia Herman, DVM, NCBA beef cattle specialist veterinarian, and Sigrid Johannes, senior executive director of government affairs. They will review NWS, provide a regulatory update and outline what changes may impact producers in the months ahead. This webinar promises to equip producers with the knowledge and action … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 30, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey deadline extended through April 6th. Link. Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers goes global. Link. Dog Aging Project, CBS. Link. Human-animal interactions are a win-win for all, Psychology Today. Link. Source: IBPSA, March 30, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26th. Link. … [Read more...]
Don’t let OSHA changes take you by surprise
Includes Commercial references Compliance is not a place to cut corners, writes Jarden Mandeville. He emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the changes to OSHA requirements, including MSDS sheets, personnel training, appointing a compliance officer and more. Source: INSIGHT, Patterson Vet, April 2025. Link. Practices risk financial penalties, reputational … [Read more...]
Shake wet laundry. Shave dryer time, energy use
Veterinary clinics, groomers and boarding establishments face loads of laundry as part of the normal routine. The shake method shared here is a simple way to help laundry items dry efficiently and reduce energy use. Source: The Spruce, February 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Road to the Horse 2026 recap (includes videos)
The 2026 Road to the Horse competition took place in Lexington, Kentucky, last month. Nick Dowers took the title, winning the Road to the Horse for the third time. The format of the competition is simple: the first two days, four Wild Card competitors compete for a spot in the Championship Competition. These competitors choose a colt from the Remuda provided by the Pitchfork … [Read more...]
Monitor calf health following exposure to wildfire smoke
In the weeks and months following a wildfire event, producers should remain vigilant and monitor calves for signs of respiratory disease or illness, writes Brock Ortner. He explains what happens when smoke particles settle in the lungs, making watching for early signs of illness important. Ortner says one practical approach is the D.A.R.T. method, which helps producers … [Read more...]