Commercial content A researcher at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, is studying S. pseudintermedius with a different lens. Rather than looking only at dogs with active infection, Felix N. Toka, DVM, PhD, Dsc, DAVM, is including dogs that naturally carry the bacteria and remain healthy. He examined bacterial strains in both healthy and affected dogs and … [Read more...]
These pet brands are dominating ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity
One core objective of Animal Health Digest’s curation service is to provide animal health pros a look at what consumers are seeing and reading in a B2C context. 5W’s Pet Industry AI Visibility Index 2026 provides visibility to what consumers are accessing on popular AI tools. This new research report analyzes which pet brands appear most frequently across AI-generated … [Read more...]
Instead of boondoggles, give your employees a sabbatical
Research shows sabbaticals boost retention and creativity, writes Jackie Dunham. Among companies that have introduced sabbaticals, the results are consistently positive: lower turnover, higher engagement and employees who return with renewed energy and fresh ideas. Kira Schabram describes them as “extended time off with a purpose other than your regular job.” One of the most … [Read more...]
Words + Action = Trust
There was a time when keeping your word was considered a given. If you said you would follow up, deliver by Friday, or call someone next week, it was expected that you would do exactly that. Source: LinkedIn, April 13, 2026. Link. Follow-through reduces friction. It creates clarity. And it enhances performance across the board. When you consistently do what you say you’re … [Read more...]
Blocking mobile internet can give you 2.5 more hours each day
Important well-being read Daniel Pink summarizes the results of a study published in PNAS Nexus that examined the effects of blocking mobile internet on smartphones, making them dumb phones. The results were closer to "new medication" than "digital detox," he says, noting the attention gains were roughly equivalent to reversing 10 years of age-related cognitive … [Read more...]
The ability to say “I know that I don’t know” could be considered a sign of wisdom
Tommy Blanchard, PhD, presents fuel for thought applicable to client-veterinarian interactions in this article. His perspective on metaknowledge is worth your attention, particularly as it relates to the blind spots we all carry. Most people don’t know what they don’t know, but think they do. Coming to understand and correct your metaknowledge can make you a better teacher … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2026
2026 Industry Benchmarking Report survey results webinar, Thursday, May 21st at 12 pm Mountain Time. Register here. Link. The webinar presentation will break down: The 4 distinct performance tiers shaping the industry The biggest gaps between top and underperforming operators The 5 operational disciplines that drive scalable growth Actionable insights you can … [Read more...]
Addressing hantavirus concerns
Dogs and cats are not thought to be susceptible to hantavirus infection and are not thought to play a role in spreading the disease to people, writes Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, emphasizing the need for rodent control. Consider her article for newsletters or social media posts to reduce pet owner concerns. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, May 13, 2026. Link. The … [Read more...]
Turn feline visits into lasting relationships
Recent research by the Catalyst Council has led to a deeper understanding of the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. Catalyst Council leaders share actionable opportunities in this edition of Feline Findings from the CATalyst 2026 State of the Cat 60,000-household survey report. Change the … [Read more...]
Considerations when choosing an SGLT2 inhibitor for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat
Diabetes management in cats requires a different approach than in dogs. Section 6 of the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats provides primary care providers with ways to better serve their feline patients, including SGLT2 inhibitors. Two SGLT2 inhibitors are now licensed for use in newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy feline diabetics not previously treated with … [Read more...]
Free-range, indoor-outdoor cats can carry similar disease risk as feral cats
Owned cats allowed to roam outside unsupervised may carry infectious diseases at rates comparable to feral cats, even when they receive veterinary care, regular meals and shelter. Study results* show that how people manage their pets plays a major role in shaping disease transmission between wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Researchers highlight that strategies … [Read more...]
Postbiotics may calm dogs via the gut-brain axis
Research centered on postbiotics suggests they may support stress management indirectly through gut health modulation rather than direct behavioral changes in dogs. The gut-brain axis links intestinal health to neurological responses, according to Erik Eckhardt, PhD, who emphasized, “it is a direct line, literally, between intestine and the brain.” Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
How to protect pets from the New World screwworm
There’s no need for owners to panic about NWS, but they need to develop habits to protect their animals from this emerging insect threat. Cochliomyia hominivorax are parasitic flies whose larvae infest wounds and can result in significant tissue damage if left untreated. Obligate parasites, the larvae consume the living flesh of warm-blooded hosts. When maggots are removed, … [Read more...]
EHV-1 resources seek to educate the horse community
Equine herpesvirus‑1 is a common respiratory virus that spreads through nasal droplets and contact between horses. Understanding how the virus spreads and which horses are most vulnerable is key to reducing transmission and improving outcomes. In the first link below, Lutz Goehring, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, shares how risk increases with travel and the potential transfer … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 14, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 7, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 7, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Gartner: Managers face increased workloads and demands. Link. The pet economy is splitting in two. Link. Air filtration is critical to reduce disease, protect herd productivity. Link. Hill’s first World of the Kitten Report. Link. … [Read more...]
16-year study proves air filtration is critical tool to reduce disease risk, protect herd productivity
A University of Minnesota Department of Veterinary Population Medicine study shows that farms with commercial air filtration systems experience a significantly lower risk of PRRS outbreaks compared to unfiltered operations. The study results provide evidence not only for pigs and PRRS risks but support the investment sophisticated air filtration requires. Source: PORK, April … [Read more...]
The pet economy is splitting in two
The middle of the pet marketplace is fading away, says Marshall Morris, explaining we are in a K-shaped economy. He offers perspectives for brands that choose to play in premium segments versus store brands. Morris notes the category showing the most resilient growth now isn’t food. It is "preventive" wellness: supplements, OTC treatments and functional ingredients. These … [Read more...]
Gartner: Managers face increased workloads and demands
Managers are working harder today and 66 percent of them say that their primary responsibility is managing the people on their teams rather than driving progress toward organizational goals and priorities, according to Tony Guadagni. This amounts to as much as one-quarter of their time engaging with employees on personal and emotional issues. The authors discusses the need … [Read more...]
Hill’s releases its first World of the Kitten Report
Complimentary Building upon Hill's World of the Cat Report, the World of the Kitten Report is positioned as a comprehensive, evidence-based guide that delivers expert insights into optimal kitten growth, nutrition, socialization and veterinary care, to help ensure healthier, happier feline companions across the globe. Hill's encourages a shift in focus to the first 12 … [Read more...]
Canine sales training
My dog is better at the fundamentals of selling than half the reps I’ve trained in the last 20 years. Source: Veterinary Advantage, March 2026. Link. Somewhere along the way, selling became a grind for a lot of animal healthcare professionals. The joy left. The enthusiasm became a performance. People can feel that. INSIGHTS: Everyone in a hospital is in sales. … [Read more...]
Understanding and managing procrastination in veterinary medicine
Procrastination is caused by underlying conditions of a person’s existence and expectations, not just poor time management. Dustin Kieschnick, PsyD, discusses the various contexts that may result in procrastination in this video. For many animal health pros, the explanation may confirm or enlighten the “whys” of putting things off. Source: Not One More Vet, YouTube, January … [Read more...]
VMG and AAHA release updated chart of accounts
Veterinary Management Groups and the American Animal Hospital Association recently released the updated VMG-AAHA Chart of Accounts. The updated resource provides a modernized framework for veterinary practices to organize cash flow, set financial benchmarks and make important decisions. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, May 4, 2026. Link. Key updates to the Chart of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Limited time FLASH sale on IBPSA education through May 11th New member benefits announced Financial survey results being tabulated IBBY nominations open soon Upcoming Webinar: Sustainability in Pet Care, May 13, 2026 1:00pm CST. Registration Link. Alex McKinnon has a global perspective on what sustainability in pet care really means. … [Read more...]
Trust: The universal cornerstone of pet care
Kathy Hosler never once questioned whether her veterinarian had her dog’s best interest at heart. That experience made her think about the kind of trust grooming clients place in their groomers every day. The mechanics of grooming are just the beginning, writes Hosler, asserting the need for continuing education on pet care topics as well as improving communication … [Read more...]
Understanding the challenges with the veterinary blood supply
Without more education and directed advocacy from the veterinary community, veterinary blood supply shortages may soon become insurmountable, writes Bill Romanelli. He outlines significant threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies including increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism. Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]
What vet schools don’t teach about canine osteoarthritis
Matt Brunke, DVM, DCVSMR, CCAT, believes chronic, whole joint disease is primarily driven by pervasive inflammation, not a cartilage disease as it is often positioned in veterinary schools. His article asserts the need to reframe osteoarthritis as a disease of the synovium and to think in terms of inflammation management versus pain management. Brunke comments on NSAIDs and … [Read more...]
Deadly feline coronavirus variant has been present in the U.S. for over a decade
Cornell researchers have discovered that a lethal variant of feline coronavirus has appeared in the U.S. Previously thought to be limited to a devastating 2023 outbreak in Cyprus that killed thousands of cats, it raises concerns about future large-scale outbreaks in vulnerable cat populations. Despite the presence of these high-risk viral features in U.S. samples, outbreaks … [Read more...]
Golden Tempo’s victory in Kentucky Derby most-viewed on record
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, making it the most-viewed Run for the Roses since Nielsen began tracking average audiences in 1988. Source: AP, May 3, 2026. Link. Jose Ortiz rallied 23-1 long shot Golden Tempo from way back to claim the 152st Derby and make history for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who became the first … [Read more...]
Education course supports recognition of equine emotions
Whether a horse owner, equine enthusiast, veterinary team member or animal health pro serving the equine market, learning how to recognize and understand emotions horses exhibit will help advance animal welfare and owner satisfaction with their animals. Kris Hiney, PhD, shares research and a new online educational course to help horse owners accurately recognize and … [Read more...]
Vets write ‘Dr. Cluck’ book to help keep chickens healthy, safe
Science-based advice for poultry care at every life stage is now available in a new book from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. ‘Dr. Cluck’s Backyard Chickens’ is fun to read, peer-reviewed, poultry vet-approved and and reads like a sitcom. Maurice Pitesky, professor at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine and veterinarian Evan Adler share … [Read more...]