In his November 10th final letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, Warren Buffett, age 95, stated he would be going quiet, saying, “I was late in becoming old – its onset materially varies – but once it appears, it is not to be denied.” Buffett will officially retire at the end of 2025. Looking beyond the obvious financial matters and succession, Ben McKimm unpacks 10 … [Read more...]
Volume IV of CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights released
Newly released data from the CATalyst Council shows cats now represent a record high 23 percent of all clinical visits, a strategic weight for the entire veterinary industry. Commenting on the sustained momentum, Kristin Wuhrman, CATalyst Council vice chair, predicts practices that lean into understanding cats more deeply than before will lead future industry growth. The … [Read more...]
Study: Veterinarian perception of professional conduct
This study of Australian veterinarians gives a thought-provoking look at how they define professionalism. The perceptions of what matters vary by gender, age and career stage are notable. The perceived importance of study statements generated the high/low rankings here: Highest mean score was veterinarians must hold the health, welfare, and respectful treatment of … [Read more...]
No one is more invested in your career than you are
Stacy Pursell shares wisdom from one of her clients in this post. She warns against complacency and reminds readers that employers take care of themselves first. Her guidance her to “act rather than react” is good counsel. Source: Career Corner, LinkedIn, November 17, 2025. Link. Instead of being told what the next step will be in my career by my current company, I’m … [Read more...]
Research: Using AI gives individuals a false sense of confidence.
As AI use increases, we have to consider where, when and how its tools are integrated. This article provides a perspective about trusting the computer and maintaining our thinking skills. Research published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior offers insights into the effects of AI. The study discovered that AI tools almost reversed the Dunning-Kruger effect, a … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Dog training apps have inherent value, some risks
Dog training has gone digital. While the best of these digital programs offer real-time access to training and behavior professionals, the field remains unregulated. Colette Kase shares the importance of veterinary professionals understanding this rapidly emerging field and focuses on meeting challenges in this growing field. Dog training apps have the potential to prevent … [Read more...]
Most wild honeybees in U.S. expected to be Africanized
Wild honeybees recently moved into Todd Fitchette’s attic. As editor of Western Farm Press, he shared his story and why experts told him these feral bees are a concern from California to Texas. They’re a threat to humans and while not stated directly, can be a threat to pets. Source: Western Farm Press, November 13, 2025. Link. “The difference is in their attitude. … [Read more...]
Study reveals T cells drive PRRSV vaccine protection
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 20, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 13, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ownership model frames lasting change. Link. Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication. Link. Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market. Link. The three best questions to ask at the end of a job … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication
Vaccine hesitancy, compliance and adherence are everyday challenges in veterinary hospitals that are not going away. “Same stuff, different day” apathy can become the norm when veterinary teams face anti-vax sentiment. Yet we know the importance of vaccination to prevent disease and must address client objections to best serve their pets. Each time an animal health pro reads … [Read more...]
Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market
Bizrate Insights surveyed a representative sample of 1,044 U.S. online shoppers aged 18+ in August 2025 to explore consumer loyalty, what matters most now and how businesses can adapt to keep customers coming back, even in uncertain times. Their responses include pet care as a category. The results show that almost 90 percent of shoppers changed their purchasing behavior … [Read more...]
Support the KCAHC workforce initiative
When holiday groups gather, there are often discussions about graduating early, careers, job changes and opportunities for self-advancement. The animal health industry has opportunities for all types of people. That is the objective for the “What is Animal Health” workforce recruitment initiative. The “What is Animal Health” handout makes it easy to share the scale and impact … [Read more...]
Early castration improves animal welfare, safety, and on-farm economics
Sponsor Content Recent research confirms the importance of fall calving in the beef segment and year-round calving in dairies in North America. Estimates show that more than 80,000 bull calves will be born this November and December: a third in beef operations and two-thirds in dairy operations. The AABP recommends that pain management be considered the standard of care … [Read more...]
Podcast: Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
The insights in this podcast are more relevant today than when it was recorded. Beckie Mossor, RVT, and Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, discuss the common and often-debated topic of what to feed pets. They also offer practical advice on working with pet owners and helping them make smart pet food choices. Last week’s AHD post about measurement and educating pet owners … [Read more...]
H5N1 influenza, ostriches and a debacle of unnecessary proportion
Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the bird flu fiasco on a British Columbia ostrich farm. The incident shared in his article underscores the importance of mandated reporting for all producers, regardless of species. “A producer’s errant choice went from an issue with one group of infected birds to having a convoy on the (quarantined) farm, massive misinformation, dodgy “media” … [Read more...]
Cornell study: We’re feeding too much colostrum
Cornell’s groundbreaking 2024 study shows that feeding just 2.5 liters of today’s high-quality colostrum works better than four liters, improving absorption efficiency by 24 percent while eliminating painful colic symptoms in calves. The author says the colostrum modern cows produce today is fundamentally different than it was 20 years ago. We’ve improved the genetics, … [Read more...]
The effect of fall in swine production
Four industry experts share helpful strategies to boost farm health and productivity this fall in this article from Jennifer Shrike. The Q3 State of the Pork Industry Report video is included [1:00:38] and is worth the time if you’re working with or marketing in the swine production sector. The guest experts name a) manure management dangers, b) monitoring heavier weights in … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 13, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 6, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Speed eating cats, skateboarding dogs . . . Thailand’s pet boom. Link. Everyday cat behaviors, early health signals, behavioral, bonding trends. Link. Gratitude is never garbage. Link. If you don’t train, don’t complain. … [Read more...]
If you don’t train, don’t complain. You are to blame.
In a candid Facebook post, dog behavior specialist Deb Nabb compares what we expect from humans versus the silly expectations people place on dogs. The examples are spot on and may provide a few illustrations animal health pros can share with impatient pet owners. For example: Human - Given 20-plus years to complete an education and become a productive member of society. … [Read more...]
The 2025 “They Ate What?!” X-ray contest results are in. You’re invited to score, too!
We look forward to seeing the images from these outrageous cases every year. As you review the entries, VPN asks you to score each one. The entry with the highest average score will be crowned this year's People's Choice. Voting runs from October 22nd to December 31st. Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 22, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Drs Roark and Benson. Extend your value in tougher times.
Listen as Andy Roark, DVM, and Jules Benson, DVM, share where veterinary teams can act during tougher financial times. Roark asserts that the real competition practices face is inaction, not the practice down the road. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, Cone of Shame Podcast. Link. [1:24] As times get tough, <veterinary teams> need to be better at customer service, educating … [Read more...]
Toss the kibble cup to feed dogs less
Commentary* Nancy Kerns shares her own challenges with feeding her dogs the right amount of food versus an estimated volume. She advocates for weighing the kibble using a kitchen scale, which she has written about before <Link>. A recent situation analysis of overweight dogs identified a complex web of interactions between dogs, their breed background, their … [Read more...]
NASC quality seal extended to treats and large-format chewables
The National Animal Supplement Council is expanding its quality standards for treats and large-format chewables to bring the same level of trust, transparency and quality assurance to them that already exists for pet health and nutritional supplements Products called “functional treats” are a particularly challenging segment, offering everything from calming support to joint … [Read more...]
Everyday feline behaviors as early health signals: Behavioral and bonding trends
In this edition of Feline Findings, Gina Fortunato and Kristin Wuhrman share information from Volume II of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report. It clearly shows the commitment cat owners have to their cat(s). Veterinary teams can boost the owner-cat relationship by educating clients about subtle shifts they may observe in their cats’ behaviors. Tracking … [Read more...]
University of Nebraska-Lincoln working to understand, reduce methane emissions
Reducing methane emissions can yield climate benefits quickly compared to other greenhouse gases due to its shorter half-life. A moderately heritable trait, methane production is influenced by several factors, including diet, feed intake, animal and microbial genetics and stage or phase of production. This article shares how researchers at UNL are exploring genetic tools and … [Read more...]
Convenience, connection matter just as much as price
In this article, My Vet Candy reviews survey results from a paper titled, “U.S. Residents' Self-Reported Access to Veterinary Care and Implications for Care-Seeking Decisions.” The survey of more than 1,100 adults asked what “access to veterinary care” meant. In summary, the results show most people value and respect veterinary professionals, but they often feel shut out and … [Read more...]
The empathy problem: Balancing emotion in decision-making
Commentary Nearly all of us have moments where emotions influence our choices or cloud our judgments. We were intrigued by the subject line of an email that read, “Your brain is tricking you - here’s how to fight back.” Reading further, we found the discussion of heuristics and current decision-making practices among managers relevant for animal health pros. Researchers … [Read more...]
Energy medicine for dogs and cats
As alternative ways of supporting animals become more mainstream, a variety of modalities are represented. Barrie Sands, DVM, CVA, HMCT, EMP, reviews therapies that may address physical, emotional and energetic imbalances in the body. Many of the energy modalities include hands-on healing, movement and breathwork that pet owners can learn to do at home. Fans of Cesar Millan … [Read more...]
Pigs, purpose and PTO: Managing Gen Z
Commentary This article is helpful for anyone managing or working with Gen Z individuals. Amanda Reever, DVM, asserts reasons to challenge long-standing leadership norms when it comes to Gen Z. Reever says Gen Z isn’t afraid of hard work, but they expect it to mean something. They bring curiosity, adaptability and digital fluency to <their jobs>, but they also … [Read more...]