Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
Rabies is NOT a thing of the past
In her first-person account, Mary McNamara shares how her dog, Harley, recently tangled with a bat—a striking reminder that rabies is still present today. Thanks to vaccination, Harley and millions of other dogs remain protected. McNamara points out that the disease’s near disappearance can be traced to efforts like the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s … [Read more...]
“What Else?”
To fully understand the situation, you need the customer’s perception of the NEED, its IMPORTANCE, QUANTIFY it, then consider the positive/negative CONSEQUENCES and LOOK at the options. Many times, you need to ask follow-up questions. Examples are included in this article. Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2022. Link. Every practice team member is in SALES . . . and has … [Read more...]
Which coaching approach is the best fit? Behavior-based versus mental-state
The evolution of two coaching traditions continues to shape how we practice coaching today, writes Chris Morgan. He defines the two main approaches and asserts the importance of integrating mental-state alignment and behavioral execution to achieve a more reliable and sustainable shift in team performance: Behavior-based coaching: rooted in behaviorism, focused on shaping … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 9, 2025
We are pleased to provide IBPSA members with our weekly AHD Bulletin. We believe boarding and pet services professionals can have a significant role in supporting pets’ quality of life and advocating for best health practices for the animals they see routinely.” – Kirk Augustine, AHD Founder, president From this week’s Fast BITES There are still openings for Bold and … [Read more...]
Are veterinary teams obligated to discuss the option of pet insurance?
In February 2024, Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discussed the veterinary team’s role in pet owner education, including lifetime costs of pet care and pet insurance options. They debated the pros, cons and limitations veterinary teams experience during a Veterinary Breakroom podcast. Fast forward to this year. Jennifer Sperry, DVM, broke down key differences … [Read more...]
When is a dog a senior?
Old age is not a disease, yet some health issues are more common in older dogs, writes Cindy Howle, M.Ed. NBCT. She shares factors that influence aging and how to proactively support an aging animal. Consider sharing this article for pet owners with dogs over six or seven years old in direct communications, newsletters or social media. Source: Whole Dog Journal, November … [Read more...]
Understanding the liquid tools used in grooming
Having a thorough understanding of the science, technique and proper use of grooming products can be <quality of> life-changing for the groomer and pets, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. His article is timely as we close the summer dermatitis season and enter the turn-on-the-furnace season. It’s also important to understand that since most pets have hair as their first line of … [Read more...]
DVM weighs in on dog hair dying safety
Dogs are more likely to be okay with dye than cats, shares Julie Hunt, DVM. She offers guidance about animal dyes in this article, which is worth sharing with pet owners. Source: Pet Parade, September 4, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Equine dental specialists soothe horse toothaches
Equine oral health has been important since horses were domesticated. It makes sense as mouths hold bits, which help make them the great work and pleasure animals they can be. Humans have worked on horse teeth since 1150 B.C. Today’s scientific understanding of the way horses’ mouths work benefits horses and riders. Wayne Needham, Amarillo Texas, president of the … [Read more...]
From heart valves to crayons: The pig’s many gifts
October is Pork Month. Beyond their value as the most consumed animal protein in the world, Kevin Schulz shares other ways pigs contribute to our lives. Source: The Farmer, September 8, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Gallant debuts GallantU: A comprehensive CE platform preparing veterinary professionals for the regenerative medicine era
Gallant has launched a new CE platform dedicated to regenerative medicine and ready-to-use stem cell therapies. It's free for veterinary professionals. The courses cover fundamentals of stem cell therapies and their clinical applications across key conditions, including FCGS, osteoarthritis, dermatological and neuro-inflammatory disease, and others. Source: PR Newswire, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 11, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 4, 2025. Link. Most read posts from September 4, 2025 AHD Bulletin – A habit of daily learning pays off. Link. A customer is a transaction. A client is a relationship. Link. 2025 AAHA One Health guidelines: Navigating cross-disciplinary partnerships. Link. New World screwworm webinar … [Read more...]
New World screwworm webinar recordings now available
APHIS webinar sessions designed for animal industry professionals, veterinarians and state animal health regulatory officials are now online. They offer details on the serious threat New World screwworms represent to livestock, wildlife and pets. Source: BEEF, August 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
2025 AAHA One Health guidelines: Navigating cross-disciplinary partnerships
Commentary This should be an eye-opening read for any animal health professional. My doctors have never asked ANY questions about pets in the home, nor do I know anyone whose doctors have done so. This indicates that reaching the level of collaboration described in the new 2025 AAHA One Health guidelines will take a Herculean effort. EVERY animal health pro can help with … [Read more...]
What is natural disaster clustering? Why does it matter for the economy?
As a follow-up to our August 5th post, “Climate disasters devastating to small businesses” <Link>, we’re sharing this research about disaster clustering. The article is worth considering by animal health pros with significant fiduciary responsibilities or those who lead expansion decisions into new geographies. The authors share the way in which overlapping natural … [Read more...]
Feedback, a valuable part of the culture
What if feedback wasn’t something to fear but instead something to offer? A tool for growth. A sign of respect. “Silence doesn’t keep people,” writes Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR. “It makes them feel invisible.” Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, August 1, 2025. Link. If production is the only thing you measure, you miss the big picture, and you will burn out your … [Read more...]
A habit of daily learning pays off
Habits, good or bad, can be developed relatively quickly. The authors of this article explain why learning something new every day helps keep one’s career moving in a positive direction, as does engaging with those who can challenge our ideas while not disagreeing with them. Advice to unlearn old ways of doing things stands out. There are 12 career-helping practices described. … [Read more...]
A customer is a transaction. A client is a relationship.
In Mike Figliuolo’s article, “11 Commandments of Outstanding Client Service,” he emphasizes moving from having customers to having clients, solve versus sell, and being on time. It’s a good reminder for animal health pros at all levels and worth reviewing. Source: thoughtLEADERS, LLC, LinkedIn, August 27, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Coaching is an art form. AI can’t touch it!
Graham Ward’s article explains why AI cannot replace human coaches, emphasizing the importance of relational intelligence and the therapeutic alliance in coaching. Yes, AI can support coaching by handling administrative tasks, but it cannot engage in the nuanced, empathetic interactions that define effective coaching. Ultimately, coaching is a human art form that involves … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 2, 2025
2025 IBBY finalists named, Virginia feedback needed on proposed regulations for animal boarding establishments, pheromone-based pet wellness webinar was well attended, more information about opportunities at The Forum and the August 28th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, September 2, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Canine dysfunctional behavior might be similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans
Canine dysfunctional behavior is idiopathic and currently poorly understood, but is thought to mimic some autism-like behaviors in humans, writes Kate Mornement PhD, CAAB. She describes common symptoms that are believed to indicate canine dysfunctional behavior in this article, reviews some of the research and most importantly, how to manage these behaviors. Source: Whole … [Read more...]
2nd edition of the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition
Complimentary Commercial Resource This edition of the Purina Institute handbook is a valuable resource for veterinary team members and animal health pros alike. Authored by 54 experts from around the globe, it is dedicated to the nutritional management of healthy dogs and cats with the objective to provide unbiased, science-based information. Acknowledging advocacy potential … [Read more...]
National Pet Health Insurance month is here
Sponsor Content September is Pet Health Insurance Month. It is a great time to explore how pet insurance can be a game-changer for pet parents and veterinary professionals alike. It’s more than a safety net; it’s a way to ensure pets get the care they need without financial stress. Now through September 30th, connect with an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance representative to … [Read more...]
FVMA’s position statement addresses the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats
The position statement outlines the five pillars of a healthy feline environment essential to preserving the optimal physical, emotional, and cognitive health of feline companions and providing them with an environment that meets their natural and normal behavioral needs. Veterinary professionals and animal health pros have an opportunity to educate cat caregivers on how to … [Read more...]
Pet dental care: Evolving for convenience and better health
Includes Commercial Content The pet dental and oral care segment is expanding beyond the traditional bone-type products for dogs, writes Lindsey Beaton. She says dog and cat owners are more educated on the importance of oral care and are interested in making dental care more convenient. The trends are giving rise to supplement chews, powders and functional foods. Science … [Read more...]
Dryden breaks down how parasite preventives work
Michael W. Dryden, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM, emphasized the importance of proper administration of parasiticides as well as consistency to prevent heartworm disease during his Fetch KC keynote lecture. He reviewed macrocyclic lactone activity and the importance of timing to be effective. Discussing resistance, Dryden emphasized doing a better job, as there may be factors causing … [Read more...]
A year-long chronicle of hoof care, training & partnership through a farrier’s eye
Esco Buff, CF, APF, PhD, has started a unique, yearlong challenge to chronicle the hoof-care journey of Jackson, a 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding used primarily for trail and pleasure riding in the southeastern U.S. Supported by Triple Crown Nutrition, Buff expects to gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of equine care and the dedication it … [Read more...]
When rescue isn’t rescue: The problem with saving horses from kill pens
There’s a lot to think about in Allison Bowling’s letter to the Paulick Report editor here. From her experiences with the differences in how horses are represented, she opines on comparing ethical rescue versus exploitation. In small animal rescue, she writes, euthanasia is a devastating but real consequence of the overabundance of unwanted pets met by limited capacity for … [Read more...]
Keeping arthritic senior horses comfortable
Early recognition of joint injuries and inflammation is a key to getting ahead of arthritis and degenerative joint disease in horses, shares Sarah Welk Baynum. She offers perspectives from three University of Pennsylvania veterinarians, including their thoughts on exercise, weight management, supplements and medications. Source: The Horse, September 2, 2025. Link. Similar … [Read more...]