In this week’s Fast Bites: IBPSA Canine and Feline Certification courses now available to Community Colleges Legislative news from New Hampshire and New York January 21st “Reading the Room” webinar reminder And the January 8th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, January 12, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Mastering cat grooming
Cat grooming isn’t just about doing, it’s also about watching, listening and getting real-time feedback, says Lynn Paolillo, a master cat groomer. While teaching cat grooming to students, she shares that having another experienced cat groomer in the room doesn’t mean they are there to help you, but to increase the amount of brain power available for problem-solving. Source: … [Read more...]
Defining exercise that is satisfying for dogs
Includes Commercial Content Discussing the importance of exercise quality, Stephanie Vichinsky shares how the right kinds of exercise can help manage behavior issues and promote happiness in dogs. She references the hormonal benefits of quality exercise, which should resonate with dog owners. Consider borrowing some of her dialogue for those uncomfortable discussions with … [Read more...]
Understanding pet parents’ concerns about their pets
Calling it “petuition,” December 2025 work from Talker Research has found the average pet parent worries about how happy their pets are 11 times per day, and worries about their pets’ health 10 times per day. Key findings included: Ignoring meals (35 percent) Having mobility issues (34 percent) Scratching or self-grooming more often (25 percent) The research, … [Read more...]
FIP study finds coronaviruses may hide and persist in immune cells
The prevailing belief has been that the feline infectious peritonitis virus infected just one type of immune cell. New research published in Veterinary Microbiology found FIP infects a broader range of immune cells, including those critical for fighting infection. Scientists also found evidence that the virus was actively replicating itself inside these immune cells, rather … [Read more...]
Top 10 Clinician’s Brief articles of 2025
Covering a broad range of topics, this special issue’s content is a must-review. We note articles on commonly missed drug interactions, feline atopic skin syndrome and using a continuous glucose monitor. Enjoy. Source: Clinician’s Brief, Link. … [Read more...]
Simple guidance for pet longevity
Beyond genetics, body composition is an important factor in how long pets live. Ann Hohenhaus DVM, DACVIM, shares the same simple guidance she offers pet owners as the most important steps to keep pets around as healthy family members for as long as possible: Keep your pet at an ideal body weight. Spay and neuter your cats. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, … [Read more...]
What a messy stall may mean
This short article shares good guidance all horse owners should know. “Should” can be a reminder to communicate and share the basics. Source: EQUUS, January 6, 2026. Link. Changes to a horse's "bathroom habits" may provide clues to his health and well-being and signal a reason to contact a veterinarian.” Image: Link. … [Read more...]
New research identifies direct cause of porcine ear necrosis
By focusing on managing bacterial exposure and preventing ear trauma, swine farms may finally be able to reduce the incidence and severity of porcine ear necrosis, a global welfare‑related condition. A new controlled study provides evidence that Fusobacterium necrophorum can directly induce PEN‑like lesions in pigs. Source: National Hog Farmer, January/February 2026. … [Read more...]
New AI tool can take a cow’s temperature with only a photo
With potential to help cattlemen detect temperatures before visible signs of illness, a new tool from the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision Lab at the University of Arkansas uses artificial intelligence and thermal cameras to estimate the body temperature of cattle. Source: University of Arkansas, January 2, 2026. Link. The system, called CattleFever, is the first … [Read more...]
Looking ahead to CattleCon26, Nashville, February 3rd – 5th
As animal health pros wrap up VMX and head to IPPE, Nashville is prepping for cowboy hats, boots and all things beef. Check out five new things to enjoy at CattleCon26 <Link.>. AHD Sponsor Novonesis is on the program Tuesday, February 3, to discuss the “Effects of a direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle.” Experts on applied microbiome science will also be available … [Read more...]
The FelineVMA, EveryCat Health Foundation, announce scholarships for future leaders in feline medicine
The FelineVMA and the EveryCat Health Foundation are now accepting scholarship applications from veterinary students enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. Third- or fourth-year veterinarian students are eligible to become candidates for two scholarships of $5,000 each. Source: FelineVMA, January 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 8, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Uncertainty. Link. Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention. AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer. Link. ============================= More than 1,200 feral, rescue cats … [Read more...]
HBR editors share their favorite management tips of 2025
Here’s a good article for animal health pros traveling to VMX. HBR editors list 10 of their favorites from 2025’s Management Tip of the Day newsletters. They cover topics like how to manage overwhelm before it spirals into burnout, how to set up your own AI assistant, how to boil your strategy down to one slide, how to be an inspiring leader and more. Source: Harvard … [Read more...]
Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention
Commentary This new year is not a fresh start. It’s the next chapter of continually improving the health and welfare of our animals and those who care for them. For many animal health pros, the horizon may be foggy as new annual plans are implemented, territories realigned, new management introduced and teams face staffing and goal changes. As we begin this year, we can … [Read more...]
AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer
Understanding the common types of cancer in dogs and cats is essential for early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The American Animal Hospital Association’s new 2026 AAHA Oncology Guidelines for Dogs and Cats for general practice veterinarians treating dogs and cats with cancer cover diagnosing, staging, treating and providing supportive care for pets with … [Read more...]
Avian influenza outbreaks confirmed in 5 states
Confirmed avian flu outbreaks have hit another five U.S. states, affecting more than 128,000 birds, according to APHIS. The recent outbreaks occurred at commercial poultry farms and in backyard flocks in Arkansas, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska and New York. The virus is also suspected in the deaths of wild birds in Florida and Iowa. Source: CIDRAP, December 30, 2025. … [Read more...]
Uncertainty
From global pandemics and economic shifts to industry disruption and technological transformation, professionals across all sectors have faced waves of unpredictability. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, December 15, 2025. Link. Those who acknowledge, adapt, and evolve will move forward with clarity, connection, and courage.” – Stacy Pursell INSIGHTS: Uncertainty is uncomfortable, … [Read more...]
9 ways to help your mental health this year
2026 may be new, but it’s presenting familiar stressors. Two health-focused journalists researched why these nine practical stress relievers work well. Plus, they’re easy and free. Source: The New York Times, December 30, 2025. Link. Here is some of the best advice we learned from experts this year about showing ourselves some grace, staying sharp, getting better sleep and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 5, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS to the IBPSA professionals who earned 139 Species Care Certifications last year! These individuals represent 40 facilities/independents. 18 new members and 3 vendor partners were added in 4-Q-2025. Also, 239 IBPSA Species Certification exams were completed by learners in correctional facilities through rehabilitation and reentry programs. Don’t forget to … [Read more...]
LifeLearn’s updated 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide
Complimentary Commercial Content To simplify things, LifeLearn’s freshly groomed 2026 Pet Owner Communications Inspiration Guide is filled with timely, engaging and fun ideas (with examples) to use through 2026. It shares ideas each month to engage and attract clients through social media, email and other channels, making communications feel less challenging or … [Read more...]
Promoting regular vet visits for cats, even the healthy-looking ones
Commentary Few would argue this statement, “No matter their age or lifestyle, regular vet care matters and it can help cats thrive.” But getting owners of ostensibly happy cats to establish routine veterinary visits is a challenge our industry faces in 2026 and beyond. Communicating with cat owners is an important element of moving toward routine veterinary visits and … [Read more...]
Preparing for dental month promotional efforts
Commentary While promoting oral care at home should be an everyday objective during every exam, it is difficult for practices to get that done. VMX* is an excellent time to define your strategies for dental month and choose products to support them. Consider opportunities during dental month to feature oral care products and have them on hand. Addison Biological … [Read more...]
Veterinarians encouraged to participate in 2025 heartworm survey
The American Heartworm Society is calling on veterinarians nationwide to participate in the 2025 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey, now open and accepting submissions. The survey provides critical data used to track heartworm disease trends across the United States and support effective client education and prevention strategies. Source: AAHA, January 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
Review: Trazodone for dogs and cats
As Rx drugs are more frequently prescribed, it is important to review articles like this. Trazodone can reliably and safely induce sedation and anxiolysis in dogs and cats for treatment of acute fear, stress and anxiety. More research has been conducted in dogs and it is most often administered for situational use during exposure to acute stressors or to achieve … [Read more...]
Living with dogs includes benefits from sharing microbiomes
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...]
What you should know about the 3 stages of calving
Parturition, or the birthing process, has three stages. Understanding the stages is critical to know when to provide help, writes Angie Stump Denton. Complete with videos, the article is a good reference for novice producers, animal health pros serving cow-calf producers and for new hires on established farms. Source: Drovers, January 6, 2026. Link. Offering assistance to a … [Read more...]
Late gestation cows. Get them the groceries
Livestock nutritionists will tell you that those last few weeks before calving are the most critical time for the nutrition for your cowherd, writes Clint Peck. Diets for gestating heifers and cows must support lactation, fetal growth and replenishment of body condition at varying times during pregnancy. Grazing alone will often not meet the requirements of pregnant cows for … [Read more...]