Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m., Sunday, November 1. While health effects of the semi-annual time change on humans are well-documented, it can also be troublesome for pets. To help them adjust, start now and slowly adjust feeding, medication and play times in the next two weeks. Sara B. Hansen’s article, while written for dog owners, offers good guidance for cat … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – October 12, 2026
In this member news edition: Learning platform update: Courses temporarily unavailable; new platform delays 2026 Pet Care Business Excellence Award winners. CONGRATULATIONS! Cybersecurity awareness: recent text and QR scams currently circulating IBPSA Education Committee is seeking about 10 members to help choose the topics and speakers for the 2027 Conference … [Read more...]
Fear Free for felines introductory course for members
Cats have unique needs when it comes to veterinary visits, and understanding how they communicate and respond to handling can make all the difference. October’s member-exclusive course, Fear Free for Felines, introduces considerate handling, touch gradients, rewards, gentle control and practical strategies to help reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in feline patients. Details … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council Q3 Report: Cat clinical visits grow 2.7 percent; clinical vet visits decline
Feline clinical visits at U.S. veterinary practices grew 2.7 percent year over year in the third quarter of 2026, while canine clinical visits* fell 3.3 percent, according to Vetsource data reported in CATalyst Council Feline Veterinary Market Insights: Volume VII. Feline clinical visits grew in each of the last 12 quarters, and canine clinical visits fell in 11 of … [Read more...]
1 in 15 household cats may carry ‘Beaver Fever’ which is zoonotic
Giardia duodenalis, commonly known as "beaver fever," is a parasite that can infect humans and animals. Where a cat lives and the time of year may also play a role. Researchers found that kittens were more likely to test positive than older cats, and male cats were more likely to be infected than female cats. Source: ABC News, October 7, 2026. Link. Giardia live in the … [Read more...]
Reminder: Some foods we eat can kill dogs
The onset of fall conjures thoughts of food and refreshments tied to the holidays. Halloween candy, fall fruits, nuts and spices, Aunt Jean’s meatballs and more can be harmful to pets. Consider this article for social media or newsletters before the goblins hit the neighborhoods. It is a good time to boost xylitol safety guidance <Link>. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. … [Read more...]
AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets) for control of systemic hypertension in cats now available in the U.S.
While off-label use of generic human amlodipine products has been the standard antihypertensive therapy for cats for many years, these medications were not developed with feline patients in mind. Veterinarians and feline caregivers in the U.S. now have a new tool to help manage systemic hypertension in cats. AMODIP® (amlodipine besylate tablets), the first FDA‑approved … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 8th AHD Bulletin – Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs. Link. Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals. Link. Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox. Link. Malone: The seal of approval. Link. High … [Read more...]
Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox
Commentary Authored collaboratively by Wendy Hauser, DVM, Jon Ayers, MBA, and Charlotte McKay, MS, this article identifies the value and benefits inherent in moving diagnostics from reactive to an expected, key component of healthy pet wellness visits not, just chronic care. Kudos to the authors for bringing perspectives from individual practices, group practice analytics … [Read more...]
A structured, multisensory approach to the preventive care experience for pets, owners
As pets are increasingly recognized as family members, emotional experience has become an essential component of veterinary medicine, writes Larissa Meurer da Cunha Veiga, DVM. She explains what led her to develop the Positive Preventive Veterinary Experience Protocol in this article. PPVEP is an integrated multisensory, low-stress preventive care framework designed to … [Read more...]
Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals
An analysis of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a small farm in Illinois revealed that the virus also spread to a cat and wild rats. The virus was found in multiple types of tissue samples, as well as in infected rats' urine. “Because the mammalian-adaptation marker was already present in the bird virus, crossing into mammals may not require new mutations. … [Read more...]
2026 Canine Care Report from Tractor Supply
Many pet owners are taking a closer look at their pet’s health and wellness but recent data from Tractor Supply confirms that dog parents don’t always follow vet recommendations for food, dental care and other treatments. Here are some of the notable findings: Dog parents are drawn to ingredient-purity buzzwords far more than vets: “free from artificial additives” appeals … [Read more...]
Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs
Diabetes management can look very different in cats and dogs. The new 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines highlight that feline diabetes more closely resembles type 2 diabetes, while canine diabetes is characterized by permanent insulin deficiency. Monitoring also differs, with continuous glucose monitors preferred for cats and glucose curves still appropriate for dogs. … [Read more...]
10 trends shaping cat supplement product development
The overall market opportunity for cats is often in the news. As cat owners seek to care for their cats, they will be looking for cat-specific products, says Lisa Cleaver. She shares information gathered from several researchers. Palatability, hydration and gut support, along with clinical proof, are important components cat owners will value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
CatsOnly™ opens with CAETA Practice Certification, a first
CatsOnly™ announced October 6th that its flagship location has earned the Certified Peaceful End-of-Life Practice designation from Lap of Love's Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. A historic milestone for feline healthcare, it is the first practice to open its doors with the CAETA practice certification in place from day one the company said. Source: PR Newswire, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 1, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 1st AHD Bulletin – New research reveals barriers to pet adoption. Link. Malone: Integrity in your hospital. Link. No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow. Link. Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language. … [Read more...]
New research reveals barriers to pet adoption
Pet adoption often comes with challenges that make would-be adopters hesitate. A global survey by Mars identifies reasons most likely to hold people back from adopting a pet. Survey: more than 26,000 people across 14 countries surveyed 58 percent of current pet parents did not adopt their pet 28 percent* might adopt in the future, given the right guidance and … [Read more...]
Vaccination scenarios: 1) Overdue pets, 2) Minimum interval for giving different vaccines
Vaccine label instructions have traditionally described ideal, textbook scenarios, but they are getting much less specific. While it provides room for flexibility and gets away from rigorous, dogmatic approaches, it doesn’t necessarily help someone know what to do instead, writes Scott Weese, DVM, DACIVM. Veterinary vaccination guidelines can be useful and have helped … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites, September 28, 2026
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]