From the IBPSA blog: Termageddon is offering IBPSA members a 10 percent discount on website compliance service to manage risk from a growing list of privacy laws <Link>. Gallagher offers IBPSA members affordable, comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed specifically for individuals, families, and business owners with options available … [Read more...]
Black cat bias
Black cats face lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates at shelters, according to research conducted by Robert Carini, PhD. He says it’s clear that ideas rooted in stereotypes around black cats are strong and enduring. Source: AAHA Trends, June 13, 2025. Link. The study found that “white cats had the most favorable euthanasia and adoption outcomes while brown and … [Read more...]
4 ways to fix ‘tech neck,’ according to a physical therapist
The more you succumb to the default smartphone posture, the more you stretch out the muscles of your neck, making them longer and weaker. Patrick Suarez, OCS, SCS, says the solution is a series of upper back exercises to strengthen, not stretch, the muscles to promote strength and proper alignment. Source: Popular Science, October 18, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Trainer says dog parks are one of the biggest gambles owners take
Complimentary Commercial Content Method K-9’s owner, Stephanie, discusses the risks associated with dog parks. Her warnings about recall, other dogs’ behaviors, bullying and more are worth sharing with pet owners on social media or linked in newsletters. Source: Method K-9, Facebook. Link. Almost every dog in our board and train program has either been bullied or … [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...]
Reminder: For indoor cats, well-being requires more than physical safety
"Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs, impacting their physical and emotional health and resulting in more caregiver concerns about behavior," said Dr. Ilona Rodan, chair of the FelineVMA’s Feline Welfare Committee. The FelineVMA asserts five pillars to support a healthy feline environment that can reduce … [Read more...]
When it comes to horse hay, cost matters but nutrient content matters more (videos)
Bob Coleman, PhD, shares information for forage growers and horse owners in this article and videos. He notes more than 85 percent of horse owners buy their hay but may not understand or check the hay’s digestible energy, crude protein or nonstructural carbohydrates. Source: Paulick Report, April 22, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Insects could help turn farm food waste into sustainable livestock feed at industrial scale
Researchers have found a sustainable and large-scale way to turn farm food waste into animal feed using black soldier fly larvae. The researchers found that the larvae grown on food waste with the new, novel bio-conversion unit provided a nutritious, high-quality protein source for livestock feed. Source: DVM 360, October 13, 2025. Link. Unlike the common house fly, the … [Read more...]
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Elanco’s Credelio against New World screwworms in dogs
The FDA's emergency use of Credelio is temporary and only valid while the threat of screwworm remains. This is the first time the FDA has granted such an authorization for treating New World screwworm. Elanco warned that Credelio, part of a drug class called isoxazolines, has been linked to side effects such as tremors and seizures in some dogs. Source: Reuters, October 24, … [Read more...]
BiomEdit awarded $2 million to develop AI model reducing cattle methane emissions
BiomEdit, an animal health biotechnology company, has received nearly $2 million from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge to develop the Rumen Digital Twin, an artificial intelligence model aimed at reducing methane emissions in cattle while enhancing productivity and welfare. Source: Feed & Grain, October 24, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Chewy Vet Care opens first Miami location
Chewy Vet Care Aventura opened its doors on Friday, October 24th, as the 14th Chewy Vet Care location. Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, shared this about the opening, “We are thrilled to bring Chewy Vet Care to Miami. It is an exciting moment for pet healthcare as more pet parents are embracing a lifestyle where their pets’ well-being is at the center of everything … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 23, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door. Link. AAHA resources complement vet tech support, development. Link. Free book; guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions. Link. What do they value? … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door.
Temple Grandin is synonymous with livestock handling practices and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals. In this fascinating article, Pam Caraway shares a discussion with her about overcoming barriers as a woman in agriculture and her mission to support students' education and careers at her life stage. In the Women in Field video linked in the article, she asserts these … [Read more...]
AAHA resources complement veterinary technician support, development
While National Veterinary Technician Week has ended, the opportunity to involve, develop and use veterinary technicians in practice teams remains every day. Connor Dunwoodie pulled together resources in this article, beginning with the 2023 AAHA Technician Utilization Guidelines and Veterinary Technician Utilization Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, October 14, 2025. Link. … [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...]
Free book offers guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions
Complimentary Content There is no question that animal health pros in all settings are challenged when a pet owner struggles with an aggressive dog or a serious behavior issue that impacts human and animal safety or quality of life. When deciding to euthanize a dangerous animal, pet owners turn to veterinary professionals. It can be hard to find resources or the right words … [Read more...]
Menopause, mindset and medicine: The conversation vet med needed.
Discussing how menopause affects women across veterinary medicine, this Bridge Club TableTalk is an open, revealing, honest, sometimes humorous and compassionate discussion about an often hushed topic. Sharing how it affects veterinary medicine professionals Liz Barton, MA VetMB, MCIPR, FRCVS, brings her experiences, research and helpful resources <Link> to the … [Read more...]
What do they value?
Editor’s note: Whether a sales rep, pet services provider, a retail associate or part of a veterinary clinic team, when a transaction is involved, a sale is taking place. Sales interactions with clients of the practice have much in common with distribution reps calling on it. So, consider these tips for managing those barriers to sales success. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
What neuroscience teaches us about reducing phone use
Our brains aren’t well-suited for smartphones. We might not like this reality, but we cannot ignore it. Fixing the issues this causes requires more than minor tweaks. We have to drastically change our relationship to our devices if we hope to control their impact. Source: Cal Newport, October 13, 2025. Link. There are bundles of neurons in your brain associated with your … [Read more...]
Mental health myths that may hold us back
Author Joe Nucci, MA, says trauma is real, but so is the casual misuse of the term and others used in the therapy culture. His article is timely, considering our industry’s mental health challenges and the effects many experience during shorter days. A licensed psychotherapist, he puts mental health misinformation in context in his material. This article shares insights from … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 20, 2025
Attention: IBPSA has received several strange email “bounce” notices that indicate there may be some sort of spam being sent out under our name. IBPSA has NOT sent any communications with the subject line: “Chase” or “Chase Bank.” Notices for pet services businesses and IBPSA members: Webinar reminder: Tofu litter; A clean, green kennel solution <Link> In the … [Read more...]
11th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium focused on ethics and responsibility
Negative reports on the dog breeding industry are not uncommon. To learn how to improve this market segment, more than 200 breeders attended the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices.” It was sponsored by Petland and the AKC. Source: Petland, October 20, 2025. Link. There was a huge emphasis <at the Symposium> on … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
What it takes to be America’s top house cat
Jason Bittel and photographer Dina Litovsky share a behind-the-scenes look from 2025 Cat Fancier's Association International Cat Show and Expo, which took place October 11th and 12th in Cleveland, Ohio. Organized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the show drew nearly 10,000 people and 550 cats. Source: National Geographic, October 20, 2025. Link. The CFA allows owners to … [Read more...]
Most canine masses go undiagnosed
Commentary These results are potentially a wake-up call for practices. One must trust that most of the lumps and bumps are being measured, noted and follow-up appointments to check on them are being set. The malignancy rate is yet another reason to urge pet owners to consider pet insurance early in the animal’s life. A 2025 HT Vista survey of more than 240 veterinarians* … [Read more...]
How to read pet food labels
AAFCO’s Pet Food Label Modernization project is underway, explains Jean Hofve, DVM, but in the meantime, pet food labels and language remain confusing. She shares how to interpret product names, nutrition facts and what to expect from upcoming label changes. Source: Animal Wellness, October 17, 2025. Link. Also see: Search Results for: pet food labels, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Dog, Cornell, find minimally processed food can enhance metabolic function and overall health.
Complimentary Commercial Content The results of a first-of-its-kind, year-long metabolomic study led by Cornell’s Heather Huson, along with Farmer’s Dog veterinary nutritionists, found that feeding dogs food from the company can meaningfully impact metabolic health and support healthier aging in dogs. The results are a milestone for understanding canine metabolic health and … [Read more...]
Dogs and the parent-child parallel
Seeking a science-based understanding of how dogs see their person, Lydia Patrick shares what she learned about dog parent paradigms. Source: Newsweek, June 8, 2025. Link. Dogs don't truly recognize humans as a maternal figure in a biological or identity-based sense … but they often see humans as a source of safety and security; the way kids see their moms.” – Jennifer … [Read more...]
Tick dragging, canine-style
Tick exposure risk varies over the seasons of the year and there is seasonality to what tick species dogs or people are likely to encounter, writes Scott Weese, DVM. His recent experience with his own dog and the article are relevant for veterinary teams, retailers, pet services personnel and pet owners as fall progresses. Source: Worms and Germs, October 21, 2025. … [Read more...]
Recognizing pasture asthma
Pasture asthma is different from severe asthma, writes Cyprianna E. Swiderski, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM. Horses with pasture asthma often improve within hours to days of being brought into stalls and away from inhaled pasture particulates. Although veterinarians have previously referred to pasture asthma as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heaves, pasture-associated … [Read more...]