One core objective of Animal Health Digest’s curation service is to provide animal health pros a look at what consumers are seeing and reading in a B2C context. 5W’s Pet Industry AI Visibility Index 2026 provides visibility to what consumers are accessing on popular AI tools. This new research report analyzes which pet brands appear most frequently across AI-generated … [Read more...]
The ability to say “I know that I don’t know” could be considered a sign of wisdom
Tommy Blanchard, PhD, presents fuel for thought applicable to client-veterinarian interactions in this article. His perspective on metaknowledge is worth your attention, particularly as it relates to the blind spots we all carry. Most people don’t know what they don’t know, but think they do. Coming to understand and correct your metaknowledge can make you a better teacher … [Read more...]
Turn feline visits into lasting relationships
Recent research by the Catalyst Council has led to a deeper understanding of the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. Catalyst Council leaders share actionable opportunities in this edition of Feline Findings from the CATalyst 2026 State of the Cat 60,000-household survey report. Change the … [Read more...]
Free-range, indoor-outdoor cats can carry similar disease risk as feral cats
Owned cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised may carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats, even when they receive veterinary care, regular meals and shelter. Study results* show that how people manage their pets plays a major role in shaping disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Researchers highlight that strategies … [Read more...]
Routine deworming is giving way to targeted, data-driven strategies in cattle
Parasites are not going away, but the way they are managed is evolving, shares Andrea Bedford. The goal is no longer the complete elimination of parasites but rather smarter management of them. Takeaways from an episode of The Bovine Vet Podcast [1:02] present the benefits of changing from a calendar-centric parasite control schedule to precision parasite management that … [Read more...]
16-year study proves air filtration is critical tool to reduce disease risk, protect herd productivity
A University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine study shows that farms with commercial air filtration systems experience a significantly lower risk of PRRS outbreaks compared to unfiltered operations. The study results provide evidence not only for pigs and PRRS risks but support the investment sophisticated air filtration requires. Source: PORK, April … [Read more...]
The pet economy is splitting in two
The middle of the pet marketplace is fading away, says Marshall Morris, explaining we are in a K-shaped economy. He offers perspectives for brands that choose to play in premium segments versus store brands. Morris notes the category showing the most resilient growth now isn’t food. It is "preventive" wellness: supplements, OTC treatments and functional ingredients. These … [Read more...]
Hill’s releases its first World of the Kitten Report
Complimentary Building upon Hill's World of the Cat Report, the World of the Kitten Report is positioned as a comprehensive, evidence-based guide that delivers expert insights into optimal kitten growth, nutrition, socialization and veterinary care, to help ensure healthier, happier feline companions across the globe. Hill's encourages a shift in focus to the first 12 … [Read more...]
Understanding and managing procrastination in veterinary medicine
Procrastination is caused by underlying conditions of a person’s existence and expectations, not just poor time management. Dustin Kieschnick, PsyD, discusses the various contexts that may result in procrastination in this video. For many animal health pros, the explanation may confirm or enlighten the “whys” of putting things off. Source: Not One More Vet, YouTube, January … [Read more...]
What vet schools don’t teach about canine osteoarthritis
Matt Brunke, DVM, DCVSMR, CCAT, believes chronic, whole joint disease is primarily driven by pervasive inflammation, not a cartilage disease as it is often positioned in veterinary schools. His article asserts the need to reframe osteoarthritis as a disease of the synovium and to think in terms of inflammation management versus pain management. Brunke comments on NSAIDs and … [Read more...]
Checklist to prepare for pasture turnout
This is a good time to review herd health programs, which should include fly control* and vaccines, says Randy Saner in his checklist of management decisions that need to be considered before pasture turnout. Consider sending articles to local producer clients as a reminder, especially considering the concerns over New World screwworm flies and the value of cattle in today’s … [Read more...]
Gen Z longs for eras where tech was more simple
Commentary David Nield’s article landed in my inbox at the perfect moment: 55 minutes into a failed attempt to reach a human being at my bank. In that span, I encountered spam calls, phishing emails and a chatbot stuck in an endless loop. The actual fix took under five minutes once I reached a banker. If this is progress, it’s no wonder nearly half of Gen Z adults say … [Read more...]
How Simon Sinek changed business strategy to an infinite game
Steve Denning provides an informed look at how Simon Sinek moved business strategy toward an infinite mindset where organizations are resilient enough to adapt, innovate and thrive indefinitely. Since publishing The Infinite Game, Sinek’s vision for Just Cause has morphed into the ongoing creation of genuine value for customers. Source: Forbes, April 27, 2026. Link. The … [Read more...]
Test your knowledge: Communicating choices under pressure
Complimentary Calm, confident guidance and listening is critical to addressing animal owner perceptions, questions and decisions. Because high stress can temporarily narrow a client’s ability to absorb information or weigh choices, it helps to acknowledge their emotions first. Doing so supports more thoughtful participation and lowers chances that decisions made under … [Read more...]
CDC: Tick season off to a fast start
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an early advisory to the public this week to guard against ticks. The CDC’s tracking system shows that weekly rates of emergency room visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017. The warning is a reminder to communicate with animal owners about the need to protect their animals and themselves … [Read more...]
An update on canine influenza virus vaccine options
Canine influenza virus vaccines TruCan Ultra by Elanco and Nobivac NXT by Merck, were introduced in 2025. Each of these elicit significant disease-sparing responses in experimentally infected dogs, as measured by reduction in CIV-induced pulmonary lesions, writes John Ellis DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVM. His article focuses on new additions to the prophylactic armamentarium for CIV, … [Read more...]
Review: Timing BRD vaccination for better outcomes
BRD is considered to be a disease of management. Yet, despite more than four decades of research, programs and education, we’re still fighting to convince some producers that calves do better when receiving BRD vaccines and the resulting immunity before going through stressful events. Understanding the major benefits of vaccinating calves on the farm before they undergo the … [Read more...]
Done. Delegated. Deferred: Ending rumination key to professionals’ health
Rumination is relatively easy to manage in cows, but failed structures and processes create debilitating issues for veterinary professionals. Gershon L Alaluf, DVM, MBA, DBA (c), shares what not being able to turn off work does to veterinarians in this thought-filled article. It reminds one of the adage, “In the absence of strategy, chaos prevails.” Studies show rumination … [Read more...]
Two industries, one mission, mostly disconnected
There is something about pets that overrides conventional career logic, writes veterinary nutritionist Megan Sprinkle, DVM. She shares her observations from a trip to Global Pet Expo 2026 and contrasts parallel industries with a common customer commenting on the opportunity of shared purpose. Source: Animal Health News and Views, April 2026. Link. Diverse perspectives and … [Read more...]
Laminitis risk assessment survey
This 8-question survey helps identify the likelihood a horse will develop laminitis. The survey has educational content accompanying each question and answer. Consider reviewing the survey as a tool, then communicate about it with horse owners. Individual results can be downloaded making them shareable and easy to discuss. Source: EQUUS, April 2026. Link. Horses who have … [Read more...]
Reminder: Cattle need fly relief NOW!
Horn flies, stable flies, house flies or horse flies must be controlled NOW, writes Mark Z. Johnson. It’s not rocket science as flies multiply rapidly and dead ones don’t reproduce. He reviews fly species and how to get after them before they take over. Source: BEEF, April 22, 2026. Link. The beef cattle industry loses millions of dollars each year due to external parasites. … [Read more...]
Rethink milk fever: The immune-calcium connection in transition cows
New research is helping reframe hypocalcemia through what is being called the calci-inflammatory network which is a model that links calcium dynamics directly to immune function during the transition period. It offers a more integrated way to understand milk fever; one that connects metabolism, inflammation and mineral dynamics. Calcium is not simply a nutrient to maintain but … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 23, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 16, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 16, 2026 AHD Bulletin – When you start to find employee requests irritating. Link. The wise leader. Link. Credit card surcharges by veterinary practices may not meet resistance. Link. How to identify and address grooming neglect. Link. Erase 10 … [Read more...]
Credit card surcharges by veterinary practices may not meet resistance
Scratch Financial’s article positions credit card surcharges or swipe fees as a potential benefit for veterinary practices. Note the best practices for implementing surcharging at veterinary practices. Staff training, notice periods and state-by-state guidelines should be considered. Source: AAHA Trends, April 10, 2026. Link. Data suggests that when implemented … [Read more...]
When you start to find employee requests irritating
Commentary This article will resonate with leaders at all levels. The pressures to “be on” can often become overwhelming and signal the need to adjust. Part of being a leader is fielding requests from employees that never abate. The authors approach the topic from an unmet needs and triggers perspective, then identify four core longings beneath every leadership … [Read more...]
Plants that mosquitoes hate
Commercial Content Plant Addicts’ mosquito-repellent plants category features beautiful, natural options that help keep mosquitoes away, avoiding harsh chemicals. From fragrant herbs like lavender and citronella to vibrant flowering plants, these selections are both practical and pretty for any garden or patio. NOTE: Not all mosquito-repelling plants are pet … [Read more...]
The dog soundscape: What it means for everyday care
This recent summary article will provide veterinary teams with insights into environmental noises that affect dog behaviors. The study <Link> catalogued 79 common sounds and explored how dogs respond emotionally. From barking and household appliances to traffic and weather, the findings challenge some long‑held assumptions and offer practical guidance for those who care … [Read more...]
5 secrets to stronger hooves (audio)
Genetics aside, there’s plenty that can be done to improve a horse’s hooves through diet and management. As warmer weather arrives, consider sharing these hoof care tips with horse owners to encourage stronger hooves in any horse: Optimize nutrition Stick to a consistent shoeing schedule Maximize opportunities for exercise Consider feeding a hoof supplement … [Read more...]
“Watch out” for heifers out of first-calf heifers
Getting the most out of replacement heifers was the focus of a presentation by calf and heifer specialist Bethany Dado-Senn, PhD, at the recent Central Plains Dairy Expo. She shared benchmarks from birth to 12 months of age, highlighting specific areas along each growth stage, including possibly managing heifers out of first-calf heifers separately. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, … [Read more...]
Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine
A must-read Today’s pet parents want to be active participants in decisions about their pets’ health, not passive recipients of one-time services. Chewy Health’s Mita Malhotra asserts that practices that prioritize long-term partnership over episodic service often see stronger patient health outcomes, deeper trust and greater lifetime loyalty from clients. Nearly 82 … [Read more...]