Commentary Don’t let the cowboy hat and big beard fool you. Ashley Nicholls is an Australian turned Canadian and 2026 Nuffield Scholar <Link>. He says the ways we’ve learned to work with animals may be the missing framework for team cohesion and communication. The concept of low-stress people handling Nicholls promotes is based on the work of Temple Grandin, a renowned … [Read more...]
Where medicine meets intuition
Commentary Beyond the science, data, diagnostics and evidence-based decision making is gut instinct, writes Adam Christman, DVM, MBA. Intuition does not replace science; it directs it, he says. His advocacy for pet owner intuition, coupled with the veterinarian’s instincts, is not to be dismissed. “Going with your gut is not about being impulsive. It is about being … [Read more...]
Imposter syndrome (video)
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei shares turning a perceived weakness into a positive tool. Source: Axios, Just Lead, YouTube, February 20, 2026. Link. <BQ> “Take your insecurities and turn them from weaknesses into strengths.” INSIGHTS: Everyone has some degree of insecurity. … [Read more...]
Reminder: Establish clear client communication boundaries versus 24/7 expectations
In recent months, there has been a clear message sent to veterinary teams to increase and improve client communications. While important, veterinary team members can’t be expected to be available 24/7. Caitlin DeWilde, DVM, shares tips for protecting personal time and after-hours communications in this article. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2024. Link. It is okay to … [Read more...]
Women show stronger employee engagement amid higher burnout
While women’s employment engagement has fluctuated over the past four years, it has consistently maintained an edge over men's. There is a lot to consider in this four-year study, which shows that as burnout peaks for mothers and leaders, the most motivated are carrying the heaviest load. Source: Gallup, March 8, 2026. Link. U.S. women employed full-time have higher … [Read more...]
$1,000 dog grooms are here as part of pet wellness
Dog owners interviewed for this article believe pet grooming is essential to pet health. Some groomers are turning away clients who don’t maintain their pets’ grooming. Some owners are performing maintenance grooms between professional grooms to save money. Source: The New York Times, March 9, 2026. Link. Businesses and investors are paying attention, and the pet … [Read more...]
Reclaiming veterinary authority in the digital age
In this piece, My Vet Candy writes about the increasingly difficult challenge of online, non-veterinary influencers and why veterinarians are losing the information battle. Not new, the growth in “informed clients” is significant and causes increased amounts of appointment time to address misinformation. One solution is to guide pet owners toward reliable information and help … [Read more...]
Webinar: The Untapped Feline Patient: Turning Insight into Action
Sponsor Content The next Veterinary Practice Health webinar on Thursday, March 19th, will feature results from the CATalyst Council 2026 State of the Cat report. It uncovers what holds cat owners back from seeking care, and where real opportunities exist. It promises to be timely, practical and full of insights practices can put to work right away. Presenters Jane Brunt, … [Read more...]
Tips for traveling with a cat
Commercial Content Traveling with a cat requires preparation, writes Jennifer Grota, DVM. She offers practical tips clinics can share with cat owners on social media or in newsletters. Clinics can add their own recommendations along with the article. Source: PetMD, February 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Cat age in human years
Determining a cat’s age in human years isn’t as simple as multiplying their age times seven. The big surprise is that cats reach the equivalent of 15 human years in their first year of life and 24 human years by their second. The chart from the article is a good resource for bulletin boards, exam rooms or clinic communications. Find it in a PDF form here … [Read more...]
Shoeing the road horse
Complimentary The American Farriers Journal shares insights from hoof-care professionals to help the horses that run the roads in the new Shoeing the Road Horse report. Offered free as a downloadable PDF <Link>, it can also be found in the AHD library at the link below. Source: American Farriers Journal, March 2026. Link. Images: Link. … [Read more...]
Vaccination time: spring check-ups for horses
While a standard vaccination program for all horses does not exist, spring vaccinations are an important component of ensuring horses’ immune systems are optimized during the highest risk period for disease exposure. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, the five core vaccinations that all horses need include: West Nile virus, … [Read more...]
New betamethasone study quantifies detection time for IM use
According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, remains detectable above thresholds published by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for 23 days after administration of 12 mg IM. The study also found that IM betamethasone use suppressed the horse’s cortisol levels for 360 hours, or 15 days. … [Read more...]
Review: Preparing the mare for breeding season
Etta Bradecamp, DVM, Dipl. ACT, ABVP, explained how veterinarians and horse owners can work together to prepare mares for breeding season in a presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention. The starting point is the breeding soundness exam, she said. Source: The Horse, March 6, 2026. Link. Equine breeding success reflects long-term … [Read more...]
Rabbit education for every community
Complimentary Just in time for Easter bunnies, the House Rabbit Society has a new video that shares the objectives and progress of the organization. With a focus on educating rabbit enthusiasts, HRS has global reach that is reflected in its resources. Animal health pros can explore HHS resources at https://houserabbit.org/classes and https://houserabbit.org/handouts. The … [Read more...]
Barn monitoring could reduce insurance risks
Commercial Content Distynct and Pledge Insurance Advisors announced a joint program designed to reward livestock customers who invest in barn monitoring and proactive risk reduction. The program recognizes the role continuous monitoring plays in reducing the risk of catastrophic livestock losses and improving long-term operational resilience. Source: Feedstuffs, March 3, … [Read more...]
Recent FDA approvals include first oral treatment for canine lymphoma
The FDA granted full approval for the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, plus three conditionally approved animal drugs and cleared new generics for cats, horses and cattle. Source: AVMA News, March 5, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
AHN inaugural newswire shares Viticus, WVC successes.
Animal Health Newswire is a newly launched news distribution service built specifically for the animal health industry. AHN’s first release highlights Viticus Group’s success with WVC Vegas 2026. The company welcomed nearly 18,500 participants, delivered more than 900 hours of CE, and featured 57 hands-on labs, a conference record. During the event, Viticus also opened … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Scoring system reveals parasites affect equine skin, coat condition. Link. Practicing radical acceptance. Link. Short online programs for overcoming depression led to improvements. Link. You are in charge. Link. Review: The … [Read more...]
Free 10‑minute online programs aimed at overcoming depression led to real improvements
This research will grab the attention of those working to improve mental health among animal health professionals. The researchers found two specific intervention types meaningfully reduced depression. Many people believe that to start overcoming depression, they need a therapist, medication or a radical change in their environment, writes Benjamin Kaveladze, PhD. However, … [Read more...]
Review: The suture station: One stop for improving suturing skills
Includes Commercial Content Suture knots and skills can always be updated and reviewed. As veterinary technicians are empowered to practice at the full level of their training, these skills offer veterinarians more flexibility to move on to another patient. At the link below is a large library of webinars, videos and resources covering suturing and knots. Source: … [Read more...]
You are in charge
Your reality is formed from what you read, see, listen to and experience. It's no longer mostly shaped by the "news.” Source: AXIOS, February 10, 2026. Link. It's possible, if not likely, that the biggest threat to future happiness and success is landing on the right side of information inequality.” INSIGHTS: You can choose to do nothing but at what personal cost. … [Read more...]
Practicing radical acceptance
A big part of practicing radical acceptance is letting go of the illusion that things must be a certain way before you’re allowed to take action. Seeing things as they are and being honest about what’s happening can be challenging, but denial only creates more suffering. Acceptance, on the other hand, offers benefits that resistance never can. Source: Daily Motivation, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Participation sought for Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. Request to update any job postings in member portal Legislative news from Virginia Source: IBPSA, March 2, 2026. Link. Also see: Do you have a minors policy for your pet business?, Pets+, December 17, 2024. Link. Readers share whether they do or not and … [Read more...]
Better cat grooming starts in the tub
A lot of groomers, especially those who transitioned from dog grooming, are not bathing cats as thoroughly as they should, writes Lynn Paolillo. She shares the importance of desensitizing, degreasing and thorough rinsing. Source: Groomer to Groomer, March 2026. Link. Better cat grooming starts in the tub. A good bath sets the tone for every other step: drying, combing, … [Read more...]
Petland showcases transparency, collaboration with responsible USDA-licensed breeders
Petland, a specialty pet retail franchise company, is highlighting a cornerstone of its mission: unprecedented transparency and direct collaboration with responsible, USDA-licensed breeders who are committed to raising behaviorally appropriate, healthy pets. Source: Pet Age, February 27, 2026. Link. Petland sources puppies exclusively from responsible hobby breeders and … [Read more...]
Adopters love their shelter pets, but 78 percent of dog owners report behavior challenges
Conclusions from a landmark new study indicate high satisfaction ratings, while more than three-fourths of adopters faced behavioral or care challenges. These findings suggest that general satisfaction measures may obscure important challenges as animals settle into their new homes. Species-specific counselling, proactive veterinary engagement, and further microchip … [Read more...]
Dogs are more like toddlers than cats when it comes to helping humans
This study fits into human-animal bond thinking and domestication dynamics. Bottom line, if you need to find something, ask a dog or kid to help. . . not the cat. A study published in the journal Animal Behaviour investigated how untrained companion dogs, companion cats and 16- to 24-month-old toddlers respond when a familiar caregiver searched for a hidden object. Their … [Read more...]
World’s oldest horse supported by superior care, nutrition, devotion
When Paige Blumer, hospital manager for an animal dentist and oral surgeon in Leesburg, Virginia, got her first horse, Fancy, at age 5, she had no idea it would become a lifelong friendship. Today, they are still side by side. Now 37, Fancy was recognized by Guinness World Records as the World’s Oldest Horse and her 38th birthday (and Blumer’s) is April 1. Blumer credits expert … [Read more...]
Scoring system reveals impact of parasites on equine skin and coat condition
A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science marks an advancement in understanding the relationship between parasites and horse health and a scoring system projected to improve welfare outcomes in equine populations. Researchers evaluated the parasitic loads of horses at the University of Connecticut while simultaneously applying the new skin and coat … [Read more...]