In this edition: IBPSA offices will close from October 7th – 9th for staff to attend the CANIS Conference Save your records before the migration to GZLearn; learning management system Cybersecurity awareness: a quick refresher on what email scams are currently circulating and how to protect yourself Thank you to the sponsors who are generously underwriting this … [Read more...]
Scientists want your photos of wildlife eating lunch
Feedback tells us you enjoy the photos of the year contest results we post <Link>. Here is a chance to contribute your own photos.weerwe A citizen science project called Who Eats Whom is using crowdsourcing to grow a repository of wildlife photos. Ideally, they will inform conservation efforts in species interactions and adaptation. With a platform like Who Eats Whom, … [Read more...]
No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow
If avocados are so good for people, are they good for pets? The short answer: it depends very much on the species, and for some animals the answer is a definite no. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, explains why in this blog post. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, September 30, 2026. Link. In addition to persin toxicity, the high fat content of avocado can cause … [Read more...]
Cat shedding: what’s normal, when to call the vet
As daylight hours shrink and autumn temperatures drop, they signal seasonal shedding. Not all shedding is seasonal though, explains Emma Stenhouse, who wrote article worth sharing with clients, especially if your business offers grooming. Source: Catster, September 15, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Seasonal changes affect horse behavior
Seasonal changes are a normal part of life for horses. Fall provides an excellent opportunity to become more observant. Shorter days, changing temperatures, shifting forage and altered routines all provide information that the equine body and brain use to adjust to the environment. Pay attention to changes in appetite, energy, body language, activity and willingness to … [Read more...]
Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language, new study suggests
Humans have sophisticated language abilities that could be unique to our species — but dogs, it turns out, may have learned some of our tricks. In new research out of Hungary published this week in the journal Science, scientists found that dogs use the same strategy to pick out words in streams of speech that human infants do: They listen for consonants to figure out when one … [Read more...]
Laser play for cats: fun or hidden danger?
Laser pointers aren’t inherently bad, but they require careful use. They tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts but there are some safety concerns to consider: physical and psychological. The key is moderation and proper technique. The authors recommend interactive toys to provide similar exercise and mental stimulation while allowing cats to complete their hunting … [Read more...]
Plants toxic to dogs: 19 dangerous plants to avoid
Autumn activities often include cleaning flower beds and planting new perennials to bloom next spring. Many gardeners are surprised to discover how many of their favorites are potentially toxic to dogs. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares toxicity information and a list of dangerous plants in this article. Source: PetMD, April 2, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with pet … [Read more...]
Horse feeding mistakes to avoid
Many horse owners unwittingly follow feeding practices that can make horses more susceptible to gastrointestinal distress and abdominal pain. Cynthia McFarland outlines eight common horse feeding mistakes owners should avoid. This is a good article to share in newsletters and social media as a reminder to help owners avoid colic risks, choke and keeping up with dental … [Read more...]
Fetch pet insurance launches Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster with no out-of-pocket costs or claims to file
Complimentary Fetch Pet Insurance announced the launch of Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster on September 29th. The service gives Fetch Pet members a first-of-its-kind virtual veterinary care experience. Available exclusively for Fetch Pet members directly through the app, this new vet experience is included at no additional cost, allowing members to connect with veterinary … [Read more...]
Enter the Trends Teams@Work Photo Contest by October 15th
The Trends annual Teams@Work Photo Contest celebrates veterinary teams in honor of National Veterinary Technician Week. Send your best photos of veterinary teams working in the practice by October 15, 2026. Note the updated rules for 2026. Source: AAHA Trends, September 25, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Registration open for Week of WILMAH virtual event
Join Women in Leadership and Management in Animal Health for a virtual event to invest in personal and professional growth without travel or committing to an entire day online. Sessions run from 12:00 to 1:30 EST November 2nd to 6th. Each day is a different theme: Key connections, Personal brand, Leadership, Career growth, Well-being. Source: WILMAH, September 29, 2026. … [Read more...]
CareCredit and Vetspire modernize veterinary payments with AI-enabled practice solutions
CareCredit’s embedded financing, combined with Vetspire’s AI-enabled practice technology, helps veterinary teams streamline operations, improve client engagement and support timely pet care. Source: Synchrony, September 30, 2026. Link. Key Highlights: Embedded financing from CareCredit: Real-time financing offers now integrated directly into the Vetspire workflow. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 1, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 24, 2026. Link. Most read posts from September 24th AHD Bulletin – Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers. Link. Community outreach “stuffy style” Link. Malone: Role reversal. Link. BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. Link. FFA: Growing the future. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
New Age Pet partners with Dr. Jan Pol on collection of dog, cat, bird products
Complimentary New Age Pet has partnered with the Dr. Pol brand to develop and launch new innovative pet products that combine the trusted veterinary expertise with thoughtful, pet-centric design. Five new products were developed with Dr. Jan Pol’s practical, no-nonsense approach to animal care and New Age Pet’s commitment to safe, durable and stylish products for … [Read more...]
Roark: Candid. Revealing. Reflecting and unabashed (as usual)
This post departs from our normal neutral format. Commercial references aside, Andy Roark, DVM, lifts his scrubs as he reflects on engaging the veterinary community, conference objectives, post-conference intentions and learning what it takes to keep pace in today’s veterinary medicine and animal-owning society. His statements that follow are to encourage you to read his … [Read more...]
Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers
A new survey from consulting firm Robert Half found that 55 percent of Gen Z workers plan to look for a new job before the end of 2026, up 23 percent from a year ago. More than half want better perks, benefits, higher compensation and more advancement opportunities. Source: HR Executive, September 21, 2026. Link. When it comes to the benefits and perks Gen Z job hoppers are … [Read more...]
Community outreach “stuffy style”
Commentary We often recommend that local outreach and visibility are important for veterinary professionals. Doctors Justin Sobota and Brooke Alnwick had a great idea to help familiarize animal owners about veterinarians, what they do and also raise the profile of horses. The team set up a Stuffy ER at The Great Frederick Fair on September 20th. The Stuffy ER idea can be … [Read more...]
USDA announces actions marking new era of companion animal welfare
Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, held a Strikeforce roundtable with federal agency partners on September 21, where she announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight under the leadership of the current administration. Strikeforce meeting objectives will continue to build and develop policies to protect our nation’s animals, … [Read more...]
World Rabies Day theme is: Stronger Together
September 28th is World Rabies Day for 2026. It reinforces the importance of a One Health approach, recognizing the connection between human, animal, and environmental health. Rabies elimination strategies rely heavily on working together for dog vaccination campaigns, community education, and rapid response to potential exposures. Source: World Health Organization, … [Read more...]
Role reversal
Sometimes you need to take off your name tag and lab coat and put on your customer jeans and a tee shirt to fully understand your customer’s experience. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, August 1, 2026. Link. Many “difficult” conversations became difficult because we waited too long to have them or avoided them altogether.” - Heather Prendergast RVT, CVPM, … [Read more...]
Your performance counts, but your behavior counts more for a promotion
Employers want people who can read what the moment calls for rather than default to the technically correct response, writes Pamela Meyer. She shares leadership behaviors your bosses notice before they promote you. The ability to “read the room,” and make that room better for your presence is an important consideration. Source: Fast Company, September 21, 2026. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Pet Care Pro – September 2026
Highlights in this edition: How to weather disruptions in pet care services. Link. Survey request: Essential Oils in Pet Care: Survey deadline is October 5th Resource: Glossary of health care and health insurance terms <Link> Series continues: The Pet Industry Leaderboard: Benchmarks and Actionable Business Strategies. FREE for IBPSA Members, PocketSuite … [Read more...]
Free webinar: The Emotional Side of Behavior
Complimentary Join PACCC on Tuesday, September 29th, for The Emotional Side of Behavior with Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, FFCP, owner of Kinder Canine Coaching and former PACCC board member. She will explore how understanding a dog's emotions can help pet care professionals respond with care and build trust. Get a practical look at recognizing fear, stress and anxiety, and how we … [Read more...]
FFA: Growing the future
Modern FFA programs are framing agriculture in familiar urban and suburban environments, writes Kristy Meyer. Students learn that agricultural careers can exist in stadiums, parks, school districts, golf courses, universities and professional sports facilities, in addition to traditional farm and ranch settings. Source: AgriLife, October 2026. Link. Leadership in FFA does … [Read more...]
Pet loss goes unacknowledged for many owners, survey finds
Includes commercial reference Many pet owners receive little acknowledgment after their animal dies, even though that is the support they most want. A recent survey found that 1,139 U.S. adults who had experienced a pet loss received less support than those who had experienced a loss of a person across every category measured. For veterinary practices, the results expose … [Read more...]
BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. From mode of action to impact.
Discover how enzymes interact with specific substrates, how conditions within the digestive system influence their activity, and how differences between animals, diets and production systems can shape their impact during this Novonesis webinar at 4:00 p.m. CDT on September 30th. (Check your time zone against Copenhagen time.) How enzymes work and why substrate specificity … [Read more...]
Cat owners asked to complete hairball survey
This survey request is an opportunity to communicate with cat owners without promoting in-clinic visits or preventative health topics. Simply share it with your cat owner contacts. Source: Worms and Germs, September 23, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Yes, regular play supports canine cognitive health
Researchers from Hungary found that dogs that engaged in a lifetime sports career or in joint activities with their owners had a lower chance of developing canine cognitive decline than dogs that did not. Most surprising to the team, and most important for dog owners, was that any joint activity between owners and dogs was significantly associated with lower CCD … [Read more...]
Making treatment decisions a two-way conversation (video)
Wendy Krebs, DVM, explains why horse owners should work with their veterinarians to navigate the many healthcare choices horses need over the years. She urges owners to invite their veterinarians into various discussions with other advisors sooner rather than later. Source: The Horse, September 17, 2026. Link. [2:52] Two-way conversations with your equine veterinarian about … [Read more...]