Steve Dale shares a new study published in the journal iScience, showing that raising dogs has beneficial effects, especially for adolescents, and these effects may be mediated through symbiosis with microorganisms. Researchers found that a person’s dog-owning status at age 13 could predict their future mental health and behavioral scores. Adolescents from homes with a dog had … [Read more...]
Potential dangers of hot shoeing
While studies on hot‑shoe smoke are scarce, farriers often report symptoms reminiscent of chronic smoke exposure, including persistent coughs, sinus irritation and breathlessness. The absence of published data on hoof‑smoke composition forces a look toward surgical‑smoke research, says Lisa Nealen. She breaks down the risks to farrier health from hot shoeing in this … [Read more...]
The Horse.com’s 10 most read articles in 2025
Colic, nasal discharge, EHV-1, allergies and wound care were among readers’ favorite content in 2025. Source: The Horse, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director
The CATalyst Council announces the appointment of Gina Fortunato as executive director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers. Dr. Brunt will remain … [Read more...]
AAHA Names Dr. Brady Beale as Chief Executive Officer
The American Animal Hospital Association today announced the appointment of Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, as its new chief executive officer, effective April 1, 2026. Dr. Beale will succeed Guylaine Charette, DVM, who has served as interim CEO. Source: AAHA, January 7, 2026. Link. Dr. Beale is joining us at a pivotal moment, and her unique blend of clinical expertise and … [Read more...]
KCAHC opens 2026 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company Applications
If your company is innovating in animal health, diagnostics or pet food, the KC Animal Health Corridor offers unmatched opportunity and support. The 2026 Summit is now accepting applications for companies ready to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and build what’s next. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4aBescV Source: Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
Temple Grandin’s portrait becomes part of Smithsonian gallery
Temple Grandin, Colorado State University distinguished professor, is the subject of a portrait that was recently unveiled to hang in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. Respected worldwide as the designer of humane livestock handling systems, Grandin-designed facilities now handle more than 50 percent of North American Livestock. She is … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 31, 2025. Link. ============================================== Top 10 AAHA Trends articles of 2025 Source: AAHA Trends, December 24, 2025. Link. Trends' first all-digital year was packed daily with news and features. It will be interesting to see how the AAHA Board’s vision for the future of … [Read more...]
This blog’s for you
Commentary There are numerous factors to consider as animal health pros work to improve and grow our industry. Each week, your AHD team focuses on delivering published content that has the potential to advance and improve narratives critical to serving animal owners, their animals and the people working in our industry. Last week we shared Stephen Covey’s Circles of … [Read more...]
No one knows how to illuminate anymore
Sharing her frustration with person-to-person interactions, Mika Brzezinski discusses connection and communication with David Brooks, author of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Brzezinski says, “No one looks at anyone anymore.” Brooks shares why genuine warmth, curiosity and ‘loud listening’ matter more than ever and why respect is … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – January to June 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are routinely found in the most read posts. Malone’s experiences with how using the PAR skills engages others in productive conversations and honors decision makers are foundational to our curation efforts. Last week, we shared Malone’s most read from Q-3 and … [Read more...]
Why more professionals are working through their golden years
Experts say economic pressures and a sense of purpose contribute to shifting ideas around retirement. A study from Morningstar found that approximately 45 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. Baby boomers, on top of that, have a 52 percent higher risk of experiencing retirement shortfalls than other generations. Taylor Borden shares the … [Read more...]
Your brain’s middle finger to people-pleasing
We believe this article will resonate with many animal health pros despite its title containing the F word. Author, Ellen Scherr, LCPC, is a therapist who helps women navigate midlife transitions and the time when suddenly you can't tolerate anyone's BS. Scherr describes the neuroscience of why some individuals suddenly can’t pretend anymore and why women experience it more … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 29, 2025
This year brought both opportunities and challenges, and it was inspiring to see the ways that our IBPSA members showed up for one another through collaboration, learning, and a shared dedication to excellence and care. Your passion for your work and your willingness to contribute to the broader community continue to move our industry forward. Thank you for all that you do, … [Read more...]
Building veterinary standards of care for senior dogs
Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak share a conversation with Dr. Lisa Lippman from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 31, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 24, 2025. Link. Scroll through recent Animal Health Digest posts here: December 2025 AHD Archives. Link. November 2025 AHD Archives. Link. October 2025 AHD Archives. Link. September 2025. AHD Archives. Link. ======================= 4 signs the dog is over holiday socializing Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 24, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 18, 2025. Link. Scroll through all of the December 2025 Animal Health Digest posts here. Link. ======================= … [Read more...]
Perspectives, priorities, preparation on the eve of 2026
Commentary The holiday season is a time to affirm or adjust priorities. It is a time to look in the mirror, to embrace the most important relationships, and fortify ourselves for all that is predicted for 2026. In an increasingly complex world, distinguishing between what we can control, influence and merely be concerned about is crucial for maintaining focus and mental … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – June to date 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are always among the most read posts. Keeping with the getting-ready-for-2026 theme, here are Malone’s top posts from the last six months. Source: Animal Health Digest Archives, June 2025 – December 2025. Above all else, Integrity. Link. Time management … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 22, 2025
The IBPSA office will be on reduced hours through the end of the year. Zoom office hours and Fast Bites will be paused, returning the week of January 5th. Source: IBPSA, December 22, 2025. Link. We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season spent with friends and family, and wish you safe travels wherever the season takes you.” … [Read more...]
5 livestock diseases that could impact U.S. food security and economic stability
Stephanie Mercier identifies five diseases with the potential to disrupt U.S. livestock production, trade and response infrastructure at scale from a new report from The Farm Journal Foundation, The Mean Sixteen: Biosecurity Threats Facing U.S. Agriculture. Three of them already challenge U.S. production: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) African swine fever (ASF) New … [Read more...]
When your teams resist change, it’s time to “painstorm”
When teams are slow to adopt changes, instead of calling it resistance, Jeffrey Yip recommends using "painstorming" to identify the underlying emotional and structural pain points associated with change. More than another 2x2 matrix, Yip explains painstorming as a practice of identifying the emotional and structural pain points associated with change. It reframes discomfort as … [Read more...]
Polyworking trend growing as workers face financial pressures, economic uncertainty
Monster’s 2025 Polyworking Survey found that 47 percent of U.S. workers now hold more than one job, suggesting the polyworking trend is growing. Polyworking is far from a side hustle for many, writes Tom Starner. Juggling different roles has become a financial necessity with more than half of survey respondents saying their added income is “absolutely essential” to cover basic … [Read more...]
The Great Compression, Year 3
The “Great Compression” has entered its third year, says Ryan Leech, and this time, the spotlight isn’t on who’s buying but on who’s holding on. He shares trends, surprises, displacements and challenges perplexing investors and large hospital groups from 2025: A hangover from the acquisition era. Easy arbitrage is gone. Balance sheets are strained. Shake-ups are … [Read more...]
Music as medicine
Scientists are learning how music can do more than lift our mood — from easing anxiety to helping experimental drugs reach the brain. Source: AXIOS, December 8, 2025. Link. Music has the power to stimulate our body’s reward system, like the way that warmth, food, and social connection do. Music may relieve stress for your patients, customers, and animal healthcare … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 15, 2025
AAFCO launches new fast-track review process for animal food ingredients, Fromm Family Foods recall, Reading the Room webinar, vendor spotlight on Brownrice Webcams and curated content in the December 11th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, December 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Holiday stress, a potential medical and behavioral inflection point for pets
Holiday stress reveals behavior concerns in pets that often go unnoticed during normal activities. Family gatherings, schedule changes, fireworks and travel create environments where fear, aggression and separation-related behaviors surface or worsen. Proactive veterinary teams can elevate care during holidays by engaging clients to plan for disruptions and track their pets’ … [Read more...]
Growth in kitten adoption continues: changing lifestyles reshaping demand for feline veterinary care
Kitten adoptions remain above pre-COVID levels and provide positive opportunities for veterinary practices, according to Volume IV of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report <Link>. New kittens also mean many first-time cat owners who may not understand the importance of regular visits or how veterinary teams can help make those visits as low-stress and … [Read more...]
Alternatives to antibiotics for wounds in horses
Commentary, Sponsor Content We appreciate the intriguing review of One Health, natural/herb and gut-enhancing options for equine wound care in this article. It brings to mind the vast number of wound care products that are branded, licensed and manufactured without containing antibiotics or steroids. MAXI/GUARD® Zn7® Derm, manufactured by Addison Biological Laboratory, is … [Read more...]
A vet’s guide to navigating winter holiday hazards for pets
Supplementing the AAHA advice from the second post in the Animal care services and community section above are recommendations from Veronica Villanueva, DVM, medical director at VEG ER for Pets in Woodland Hills, California. She provides straightforward guidance on hazardous holiday plants and decorations. She also recommends quiet spaces for pets and paying attention to doors … [Read more...]