Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 21, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 21, 2026 AHD Bulletin – What Fear Free actually built in 10 years. Link. Producer-veterinarian relationships matter. Link. Deciding is the first step. Link. How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries. Link. Free webinar: Why clients … [Read more...]
What Fear Free actually built in 10 years
The principles that shape how animals experience professional care have lived in the apprenticeship layer of the pet industry—passed mentor to mentor, shop to shop, with no shared curriculum. Fear Free was built to close that gap, writes Collin Armstrong. The organization grew from Dr. Marty Becker’s conviction of, “Fear, anxiety, and stress in animals are not just welfare … [Read more...]
Veterinarian perception of professional conduct
In this study, a convenience sample of 98 veterinarians in Australia were surveyed on their perceived importance of professional conduct statements based on standards listed in the Australian Veterinary Association’s code of professional conduct. The statement with the highest mean score of perceived importance was, “Veterinarians must hold the health, welfare, and … [Read more...]
Producer-veterinarian relationships matter
A lot has been written about access to veterinary care lately. We’ve professed the need to adjust the relationship view to consider CVRP instead of VCPR <Link>. Whether we have it backwards or not, Andrea Bedford’s article reveals the value communication and trust with producers as an important and often overlooked component of VCPR. She describes the C-V-R as part of … [Read more...]
Deciding is the first step
The fear of making the wrong decision creates a barrier to acting because we falsely believe there is only one right answer. That belief is the trap. We don't develop judgment skills by waiting for the perfect decision to practice on, shares Andy Williams. We develop it by deciding, observing, learning, and deciding again. Source: LinkedIn, April 24, 2026. Link. You don't … [Read more...]
Free webinar: Why clients don’t rebook and what to do
Complimentary Pet owners still want care for their animals, but they now return to practices based on total client experience. In this evidence-based webinar, you’ll learn: What today’s digital-first clients expect from veterinary practices Where common breakdowns in communication and education occur How aligning the client experience leads to more consistent … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 18, 2026
TODAY! Financial Survey Results webinar, 12:00 p.m. MDT. Registration Link. Also consider: Member Webinar: Introducing Preventive Vet, Tuesday, May 26th, 1:00 p.m CDT. Link. Remember to submit your IBBY Nominations. Link. Source: IBPSA, May 18, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 14th. Link. Pet brands using AI, employee sabbaticals, … [Read more...]
Is your pet business ready for summer?
Beginning with freezer and cooling maintenance, Pets+ staff writers offer a readiness schedule for store locations to run through the first summer months. We would add checking air conditioning units, servicing any air filtration units and pressure washing entry sidewalks to the schedule. Source: Pets+, May 18, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Why Reddit is quietly becoming one of the most powerful forces in pet marketing
Ronn Torossia extends his AI marketing theme we posted last week <Link> and explores Reddit’s ability to generate community validation at scale. He says the implications for marketers are profound as brands consumers naturally discuss become the brands AI systems naturally retrieve. Source: Pets+, May 17, 2026. Link. As AI increasingly intermediates consumer … [Read more...]
Application and use of a continuous glucose monitor in cats and dogs
In the article linked here, Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM, and Jose Estrada, DVM, MS, share the pros and cons of using CGM systems, how to attach them and the importance of educating clients about results. The article includes instructional photos that will help explain CGM use with clients. Source: Clinician’s Brief, June 2025. Link. The CGM most commonly used in … [Read more...]
Study finds more than 84 percent of dogs show signs of fear, anxiety
A study published in Veterinary Research Communications examined behavioral responses in more than 43,000 animals, creating one of the most comprehensive datasets to date on canine fear and anxiety. The findings from owner-observed behaviors reflect how dogs behave in real-world environments rather than controlled settings. Researcher Bonnie Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc, DPNAP, … [Read more...]
Frailty: An important emerging concept in veterinary medicine
Health span, the period of life an animal spends in good health and free of chronic disease and disabilities related to aging, should be prioritized over simply extending lifespan. Frailty, well-defined in human health, is increasingly important to recognize and assess in pets, as it negatively affects both health span and quality of life. Frailty is not synonymous with … [Read more...]
How research is helping solve equine pregnancy mysteries
With support from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, researchers are reshaping the understanding of equine pregnancy loss. They are shifting the focus beyond the mare alone to include the biology of the embryo and placenta. While genetic abnormalities play a critical role early in gestation, placentitis remains one of the leading causes of later-term pregnancy … [Read more...]
Chicken droppings reveal a lot about flock health
From bloody droppings linked to coccidiosis to green diarrhoea associated with Newcastle disease or septicemia, regular observation of chicken droppings is a simple but powerful tool in poultry health management. Florence E. Jerono’s chart is a good resource to share with poultry raisers. Source: Jessica Fitzgibbon, LinkedIn, May 19, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
3D imaging may help identify cattle welfare and mobility problems early
Cattle Mooves is a University of Illinois project that uses advanced imaging and motion analysis to understand how cattle move, with the goal of improving health, structure and welfare. 3D imaging, specialized cameras and computer vision capture subtle differences in gait, posture and skeletal movement that may not be noticed during routine observation. Researchers emphasize … [Read more...]
Animal health preparedness is business preparedness
The recent swine pseudorabies event showed us how vulnerable our industry is. Sharing what the Iowa pseudorabies response taught us, Tom Brincks writes, “The right response is neither panic nor complacency, but discipline. We should use this event to strengthen surveillance, improve traceability, tighten site-specific biosecurity and take feral swine exposure seriously wherever … [Read more...]
Petland Charities advancing animal welfare, breeder education initiatives
Petland Charities is reporting strong progress in advancing its renewed focus on animal welfare, breeder education and strengthening the human-animal bond. A key milestone to this advancement includes the launch of an enhanced website, petlandcharities.org, which shows real-world examples of breeder practices and animal care. Source: Petland Charities, May 19, 2026. … [Read more...]
More potent bird flu strain emerging
H9N2 avian influenza demonstrates significantly greater ability to replicate, spread and infect chickens, with more spillover potential. Source: Feedstuffs, May 15, 2026. Link. The study underscores the need for continued surveillance of avian influenza viruses, stronger biosecurity measures in poultry production and ongoing monitoring of viral evolution and gene exchange. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 21, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 14, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 14, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Words + Action = Trust. Link. 1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes. Link. These pet brands dominate ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. Link. Turn feline visits into lasting relationships. Link. Vesicular stomatitis … [Read more...]
Vesicular stomatitis outbreak confirmed in Colorado
A new VSV-positive equine premises has been identified in Montezuma County, Colorado. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion into the U.S. The contagious virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal. Source: The Horse, May 11, 2026. Link. There is no specific treatment for … [Read more...]
1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes
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...]