Includes commercial references Living two to five years versus domestic cat lifespans into the late teens, feral cats need more than food to live longer, writes Dan Seymour. The causes for a brief life include untreated injuries from fights or accidents, exposure to extreme weather, infectious diseases spreading through colonies, parasite burdens that slowly weaken them and … [Read more...]
AI helps owners find lost pets
Includes commercial references One in three pets goes missing during their life, according to the Animal Humane Society. AI has now joined the ranks of microchips, GPS and social media to help find lost pets. These four success stories demonstrate its positive results. Source: The Washington Post, March 21, 2026. Link. “As controversial as AI is right now, this is one of … [Read more...]
The role of genetics in feline behavior (video)
Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, explains how breed-related genetic traits shape feline behavior, even when physical limitations affect a cat’s ability to act on instincts. The video is good educational content that can be shared by veterinary teams for cat parents. Boarding teams will find it interesting, too. Source: DVM360, March 20, 2026. Link. Comparing behaviors of … [Read more...]
Drinking behavior of horses: 6 facts about water intake
Consider and share these basic principles of horsemanship regarding water: Depending on body weight, in a moderate climate will drink five to 15 gallons per day Variations in water intake for individual horses may occur from day to day Diet affects water consumption Well-fed mature horses spend only five or six minutes a day drinking water in several visits … [Read more...]
Equine laminitis and black walnut wood residue
Very small quantities of black walnut wood residue in shavings can cause laminitis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, may result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses. These signs generally occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the contaminated shavings. The symptoms frequently begin with mild laminitis and swelling of the legs and … [Read more...]
The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart
Walmart is partnering with The Farmer's Dog to offer human-grade dog meals across its nationwide retail network. The products are set to be available for the first time in Walmart stores and online in April. The move puts Walmart directly into the premium pet food conversation. Source: Yahoo, March 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Chronic conditions dominate Nationwide’s most common pet health problems
More than one million Nationwide-insured dogs and cats generated 3.3 million pet insurance claims in 2025, revealing that pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions. Canine trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 Feline trends: Digestive issues lead again with chronic conditions climbing Source: Nationwide, March 5, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 26, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – All work and no play? Link. Active listening: 6 strategies so others feel seen, heard, understood. Link. Understanding your window of tolerance. Link. ========================== Study: Humans preferred for empathy, but AI … [Read more...]
Active listening: 6 strategies for helping others feel seen, heard and understood
March is Listening Awareness Month, making Stephanie Baxter’s article timely. Paying close attention when people are speaking is a skill we can all improve. She says research suggests that active listeners are better liked and more adept at making others feel seen. People who listen attentively are often considered more trustworthy. Baxter shares six strategies for boosting … [Read more...]
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties seeks public comments on specialty certification for veterinary pharmacists
Participation from animal health pros at all levels is important. Please participate. Simply skimming the petition is educational. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties received a petition to recognize Veterinary Pharmacy as a BPS specialty certification. The public comment period is at this link <Link> and will close at 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026. Source: Board of … [Read more...]
Fresh and raw pet food: who’s winning online visibility in the U.S.?
Interesting read for marketers An analysis by Bubblegum Search examined 20 U.S. retailers and manufacturers operating in the fresh and raw dog food segment, revealing trends in branded and generic search. Increasing scrutiny of pet food leads pet owners to search engines to find better options, making it a key way for brands to be discovered and stand out from … [Read more...]
All work and no play?
Play is good for your health, and it could make you and your team more productive at work. When we're in a playful state, we're in a more exploratory, open-minded, experimental place, and that's usually where solutions come from.” - Piera Gelardi Source: AXIOS, February 19, 2026. Link. To find more opportunities to play, identify the grown-up version of the thing you loved … [Read more...]
Why everything feels like too much right now: Understanding your window of tolerance
If you’re feeling like everything is too much, like your capacity has shrunk, like you’re reacting more strongly to things that wouldn’t have bothered you before, like you’re exhausted by interactions that used to be manageable, you’re not imagining it. Your window of tolerance has likely narrowed, writes Malynnda Stewart, PhD, BCPA. Stewart shares her own story and how … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 16, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses: Wednesday, April 1st, 1:00 p.m. CST <Link> Participation wanted: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. <Link>. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12th. Link. The Global Pets Industry Trend Report, Client Communication Boundaries, Dog Grooming as Pet Wellness, and … [Read more...]
Pet daycare and lodging market analysis 2026
The market for pet daycare and lodging has an active and diverse competitive environment. Industry leaders differentiate themselves by offering various amenities, including grooming, training and specialized care services. This landscape is dynamic, characterized by innovation, convenience and a growing focus on pet well-being and safety. Source: Cognitive Market Research, … [Read more...]
NASC quality seal now available for treat products + Clean Label Project*
NASC officially launched its Treat Program, extending the organization’s compliance requirements and coveted Quality Seal to treat products for dogs, cats and horses. The program addresses a long-standing source of regulatory confusion in one of the pet industry’s fastest-growing and most valuable segments. Source: Pets+. Link. The NASC Quality Seal on a treat product … [Read more...]
Review: AAHA’s Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines
March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who have served since World War II. In recognition of these canine heroes, AAHA created a quick starter guide to fielding calls from working dog handlers, straight out of the Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs Guidelines Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, March 13, 2026. Link. PDF of quick starter guide … [Read more...]
Marigold delivers 17 Irish Doodle puppies in a single day
Large litters are common if you’re raising pigs, but Marigold’s 17 Irish Setter/Poodle puppies were quite a surprise. Possibly a record for the particular crossbreed, the largest litter on record still belongs to Tia, a Neopolitan Mastiff that delivered 24 puppies. All of Marigold’s puppies survived. Source: Dogster, March 12, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Why falling cats always seem to land on their feet
A study published in the journal The Anatomical Record <Link>suggests new insights into the so-called falling cat problem, particularly that cats have a very flexible segment of their spines that allows them to correct their orientation midair. The researchers found that the feline spine was extremely flexible in the upper thoracic vertebrae, but stiffer and heavier in … [Read more...]
Lessons learned from 2025’s EHV-1 outbreak
Article by Merck Animal Health The 2025 EHV-1 outbreak in Texas exposed event-wide risks of inadequate biosecurity. As horse travel and events ramp up again in 2026, equine health experts are urging owners and organizers to apply lessons learned last year. With collaboration between owners, event organizers and veterinarians, outbreaks can be avoided. Source: Paulick … [Read more...]
Hoof-care journey, series update
Includes Commercial Content Jackson’s case continues to evolve, and management remains flexible and responsive. In the latest installment, the 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding’s chronic distal limb issues had reached mechanical limits requiring medical injection. The injection provided relief, complementing farriery rather than replacing it. Source: American … [Read more...]
Grand champion lamb sells for $1M
The grand champion market lamb sold for a record $1 million March 13th at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 13-year old Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, exhibited the lamb. Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the grand champion market goat, which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. Miller will earn a guaranteed … [Read more...]
Avian flu strikes more Indiana poultry facilities
In the past 30 days, APHIS has confirmed 77 avian flu outbreaks that affected 41 commercial farms and 36 backyard flocks, with 13.98 million birds affected. Indiana had eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the past week in three counties: including 20,600 birds on a commercial turkey meat farm and 3 outbreaks on duck meat farms Wisconsin reported two major … [Read more...]
Be cautious with chickens as pets in the house
Easter is April 5th this year and farm stores are already stocking baby chicks, some of which may become pets. Janet Garman shares considerations for would-be chicken owners and guidance if the chicken is going to be in the home, sanitation being a top priority. Source: Backyard Poultry, August 1, 2022. Link. Also see: Common concerns with backyard or urban poultry … [Read more...]
New working with large animals course for first-year vet students at Iowa State University
A NEW course in the College of Veterinary Medicine exposes first-year veterinary students to swine, sheep, cattle and horses in an effort to help with the shortage of rural and large animal veterinarians across the country. Mandatory for all first-year students, "Large Animal Clinical Skills" introduces them to livestock and horses <Link>. The addition of the course … [Read more...]
Zoetis expands Human-Animal Bond Certification Scholarship to include veterinary technician students
NAVC and HABRI announced that Zoetis has pledged its continued support for veterinary students across the U.S. by offering free Human-Animal Bond Certification throughout 2026. New this year, the scholarship is now available to veterinary technician students. Source: NAVC, March 10, 2026. Link. Veterinary and veterinary technician students may register for the Human-Animal … [Read more...]
F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide approved to prevent and treat NWS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical solution) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis). Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 10, 2026. Link. The FDA concluded it is reasonable to believe … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 19, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 12, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Imposter syndrome (video). Link. Low-stress handling isn’t just for animals. Link. 2026: What’s next in the pet business? Link. Livestock care during wildfire season. Link. Webinar TODAY!: The Untapped Feline Patient: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 9, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Opt in for the Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. IBPSA's official work days Legislative news from New Hampshire and New York Source: IBPSA, March 9, 2026. Link. From the blog: Grooming services: Achieve the best people and profit potential without the headaches, October 15, 2025. Link. Also see: Animal Health … [Read more...]
2026: What’s next in the pet business?
The Global Pets 2026 Industry Trend Report <Link> shares the 7 trends poised to influence the pet businesses this year. The onward march of AI A business model for every pet owner Retail: comfort and convenience Building loyalty Macroeconomics and geopolitics Inflation, tariffs and supply chains Gut health and functional nutrition Source: Pets … [Read more...]