The evolution of two coaching traditions continues to shape how we practice coaching today, writes Chris Morgan. He defines the two main approaches and asserts the importance of integrating mental-state alignment and behavioral execution to achieve a more reliable and sustainable shift in team performance: Behavior-based coaching: rooted in behaviorism, focused on shaping … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 9, 2025
We are pleased to provide IBPSA members with our weekly AHD Bulletin. We believe boarding and pet services professionals can have a significant role in supporting pets’ quality of life and advocating for best health practices for the animals they see routinely.” – Kirk Augustine, AHD Founder, president From this week’s Fast BITES There are still openings for Bold and … [Read more...]
Calf castration. The younger the better!
Sponsor Content When, why and the best modern practices for castration are the topics for the last segment in this week’s episode of Doc Talk with host Dan Thomson, MS, PhD, DVM. He explains the benefits of castrating calves in the first week of life compared to waiting until weaning, since the bull's testicles don’t produce testosterone until they hit seven to 10 months of … [Read more...]
Understanding probiotics and their role in dairy production [Podcast]
Sponsor Content In this podcast episode, Stephen Lerner, PhD, explains the science and practical applications for probiotics and enzymes in dairy farming. He says microbial solutions are becoming mainstream in dairy management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional treatments, and transforming animal agriculture by improving gut health, feed efficiency, immune … [Read more...]
Are veterinary teams obligated to discuss the option of pet insurance?
In February 2024, Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discussed the veterinary team’s role in pet owner education, including lifetime costs of pet care and pet insurance options. They debated the pros, cons and limitations veterinary teams experience during a Veterinary Breakroom podcast. Fast forward to this year. Jennifer Sperry, DVM, broke down key differences … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 11, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 4, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 4, 2025 AHD Bulletin – A habit of daily learning pays off. Link. A customer is a transaction. A client is a relationship. Link. 2025 AAHA One Health guidelines: Navigating cross-disciplinary partnerships. Link. New World screwworm webinar … [Read more...]
2025 AAHA One Health guidelines: Navigating cross-disciplinary partnerships
Commentary This should be an eye-opening read for any animal health professional. My doctors have never asked ANY questions about pets in the home, nor do I know anyone whose doctors have done so. This indicates that reaching the level of collaboration described in the new 2025 AAHA One Health guidelines will take a Herculean effort. EVERY animal health pro can help with … [Read more...]
What is natural disaster clustering? Why does it matter for the economy?
As a follow-up to our August 5th post, “Climate disasters devastating to small businesses” <Link>, we’re sharing this research about disaster clustering. The article is worth considering by animal health pros with significant fiduciary responsibilities or those who lead expansion decisions into new geographies. The authors share the way in which overlapping natural … [Read more...]
A customer is a transaction. A client is a relationship.
In Mike Figliuolo’s article, “11 Commandments of Outstanding Client Service,” he emphasizes moving from having customers to having clients, solve versus sell, and being on time. It’s a good reminder for animal health pros at all levels and worth reviewing. Source: thoughtLEADERS, LLC, LinkedIn, August 27, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Canine dysfunctional behavior might be similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans
Canine dysfunctional behavior is idiopathic and currently poorly understood, but is thought to mimic some autism-like behaviors in humans, writes Kate Mornement PhD, CAAB. She describes common symptoms that are believed to indicate canine dysfunctional behavior in this article, reviews some of the research and most importantly, how to manage these behaviors. Source: Whole … [Read more...]
National Pet Health Insurance month is here
Sponsor Content September is Pet Health Insurance Month. It is a great time to explore how pet insurance can be a game-changer for pet parents and veterinary professionals alike. It’s more than a safety net; it’s a way to ensure pets get the care they need without financial stress. Now through September 30th, connect with an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance representative to … [Read more...]
Pet dental care: Evolving for convenience and better health
Includes Commercial Content The pet dental and oral care segment is expanding beyond the traditional bone-type products for dogs, writes Lindsey Beaton. She says dog and cat owners are more educated on the importance of oral care and are interested in making dental care more convenient. The trends are giving rise to supplement chews, powders and functional foods. Science … [Read more...]
A year-long chronicle of hoof care, training & partnership through a farrier’s eye
Esco Buff, CF, APF, PhD, has started a unique, yearlong challenge to chronicle the hoof-care journey of Jackson, a 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding used primarily for trail and pleasure riding in the southeastern U.S. Supported by Triple Crown Nutrition, Buff expects to gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of equine care and the dedication it … [Read more...]
When rescue isn’t rescue: The problem with saving horses from kill pens
There’s a lot to think about in Allison Bowling’s letter to the Paulick Report editor here. From her experiences with the differences in how horses are represented, she opines on comparing ethical rescue versus exploitation. In small animal rescue, she writes, euthanasia is a devastating but real consequence of the overabundance of unwanted pets met by limited capacity for … [Read more...]
July VetWatch metrics
Commentary The July VetWatch® commentary indicates practices are doing a good job of managing visit revenue when presented with pets. It is no surprise that pet owners express concerns about rising veterinary services costs and pet food prices, especially when higher spending on essentials, affordability of healthcare and overall consumer prices keep rising (2.7 percent in … [Read more...]
The joy of sharing life with a dog or cat comes with a solemn responsibility
Commentary Routine diagnostic tests for dogs and cats are the secret arsenal to uncover hidden threats early and protect a beloved companion’s future, according to this article. Secret arsenal? Simply that “secret” is used should raise eyebrows among animal health professionals. Secret? . . . Whose fault is that? Can clients name the two or three diagnostic tests their … [Read more...]
ALEC adopts resolution in full support of veterinary telemedicine
The American Legislative Exchange Council adopted a resolution in full support of veterinary telemedicine. Notably, the resolution states: 1) veterinarians should be allowed to practice to the full extent of their professional training through telehealth, and 2) no laws or regulations should require a client and patient to meet a veterinarian in person before they receive a … [Read more...]
Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association’s DEI publications now permanently open access
The first comprehensive publications on diversity, equity and inclusion in veterinary medicine are now free and permanently accessible online. The 2-part collection consists of 20 review articles and editorials written by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, social workers and educators. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2025. Link. "In our current political and economic … [Read more...]
Doodle mania has become a billion-dollar business
Despite the assertions of people like Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, to reduce extreme conformations in dog and cat breeds <Link>, the doodle craze continues to drive interest, breeding experiments and value. We’re sharing Allie Conti’s article sans graphics, which describes how crossbreeding poodles with other breeds has created a billion-dollar business. It’s a long read, but … [Read more...]
Preconditioning pay$
A quote from a March 2022 post remains top of mind, “Preconditioning starts when the calf hits the ground.” It’s truly a “Begin with the end in mind” statement. Many preconditioning articles can be found in the AHD archives <Link>. It’s no surprise to see the topic in media several times a year and considering a calf’s economic value, it is no wonder. In this article, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 27, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 21, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 21, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Many problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds. Link. 8 Gen Z habits that make others say, “Huh?” Link. Time management or prioritization? Link. Expert views on the importance of recordkeeping. Link. … [Read more...]
Emma Milne: The (many) problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds
Commentary Kudos to Kristen Green Seymour, who took on the challenge to share the bent of several topics Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, covers in this video interview. Like her, we recommend this article and video as “required” for all animal health pros. We found reading the article while listening to it was most helpful. It doesn’t matter which side you’re on. This discussion … [Read more...]
Healing dogs with their own cells: The promise of regenerative medicine
Commentary Part of our curation commitment at AHD is to capture articles that may drive animal owner questions to veterinary team members. This article fits that profile. Consider sharing it with clinic teams as a discussion topic so they present a consistent position when asked about regenerative options. Source: AKC Canine Health Foundation, August 19, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Vets urge smarter parasite control to combat drug resistance
Commentary The topic of parasite resistance is not new to U.S. livestock production. However, the British Veterinary Association’s actions described in this article are important. Many foreign production environments are more condensed than those in the U.S. and can foretell future domestic production issues. The BVA’s new policy position warns that routine, blanket … [Read more...]
Veterinary team targets FAD hotspots to protect U.S. livestock
This article is informative and timely. The related article* linked at the end of this post describes how researchers found a gap between biosecurity perception and practice on farms, as well as a reliance on veterinarians for biosecurity-related advice. The health and protection of food animals from foreign animal diseases remains a significant concern and efforts to stay … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 21, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 14, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 14, 2025 AHD Bulletin – When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer. Link. Combine disease. A good reminder for livestock producers. Link. The hidden costs of fear in businesses. Link. Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms. … [Read more...]
False consensus: Same buzzwords, different priorities, no actions
Commentary At first blush, this article was a pass, but advice it offers kept surfacing. Though it originates in manufacturing, we’re all trying to align our teams and focus on investing our talents and resources in the best places. Beyond the words, there is a real cost to misalignment, writes Robyn M. Bolton. She shares perspectives and actions from the Strategic … [Read more...]
Analgesic relief during castration. The right thing and it pays
Sponsor Content A study at Kansas State University demonstrated how lidocaine-infused castration bands help calves transition through the painful castration phase more smoothly and comfortably than after standard castration practices. Increased lying time versus controls between days 21 and 35 post-banding demonstrated how Solvet’s LidobandTM improves calf comfort as … [Read more...]
Understanding feline behavior for better diagnosis, stronger bonds
What a great statement, “The human animal bond is bilateral!” Christine Won shares some quotes from Dr. Carlo Siracusa’s presentation at the 2025 AVMA Convention explaining the importance of understanding feline behavior as a fundamental key to a more accurate diagnosis. He called for an integration of behavioral signs into the clinical reasoning process. Source: AVMA, … [Read more...]
Top 5 pre-season tips for hunters and their hunting dogs
Early hunting seasons are a month away. For hunters and their dogs, now is the time to listen to the ball games on the radio and get ready for days in the field. Ruth Ann Lobos, DVM, shares good advice to acclimate and condition dogs before opening day: Refine their off-season nutrition plan Take inventory and refresh the first aid kits (for dogs and hunters alike) … [Read more...]