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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
USDA announces actions marking new era of companion animal welfare
Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, held a Strikeforce roundtable with federal agency partners on September 21, where she announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight under the leadership of the current administration. Strikeforce meeting objectives will continue to build and develop policies to protect our nation’s animals, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Pet Care Pro – September 2026
Highlights in this edition: How to weather disruptions in pet care services. Link. Survey request: Essential Oils in Pet Care: Survey deadline is October 5th Resource: Glossary of health care and health insurance terms <Link> Series continues: The Pet Industry Leaderboard: Benchmarks and Actionable Business Strategies. FREE for IBPSA Members, PocketSuite … [Read more...]
Pet loss goes unacknowledged for many owners, survey finds
Includes commercial reference Many pet owners receive little acknowledgment after their animal dies, even though that is the support they most want. A recent survey found that 1,139 U.S. adults who had experienced a pet loss received less support than those who had experienced a loss of a person across every category measured. For veterinary practices, the results expose … [Read more...]
Cat owners asked to complete hairball survey
This survey request is an opportunity to communicate with cat owners without promoting in-clinic visits or preventative health topics. Simply share it with your cat owner contacts. Source: Worms and Germs, September 23, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Names in the news
IDEXX Laboratories has acquired veterinary AI software company CoVet. Link. Patterson Veterinary launches Atlas AI assistant for practices. Link. Girl Scouts of the USA adds Patch Pals™ for dogs to cookie lineup. Link. The Farmer's Dog® becomes the NFL’s first Official Pet Food Partner. Link. Instinct Science announces Attending, a first-of-its-kind clinical AI … [Read more...]
CatsOnly clinic opens in Aurora, Colorado to positive reviews, expectations
Congratulations and kudos to the CatsOnly.vet team who, over the past months have built anticipation, interest and curiosity. Of all the various posts we reviewed, Ken Lambrecht, DVM, captured the excitement of the event admirably along with expectations for success. “Founders Craig S. Wallace, Scott Maloney, Kristin Wuhrman, Jason Epstein and Alex Emerson have done their … [Read more...]
CatCon 2026 comes to Pasadena October 10th and 11th
CatCon is a cat-centric, pop culture global event scheduled to take place in Pasadena, California, October 10th and 11th. It is dedicated to all things feline, with a community of cat lovers that spans the globe. Part expo, part symposium, CatCon engages, educates and entertains thousands of fans, featuring the latest in groundbreaking products and ideas for cats and their … [Read more...]
Calculating daily calorie and feeding needs for a patient
Laura Warcholek, CVT, VTS (nutrition), reviews the standard equation for calculating calorie and feeding needs, and walks through the calculations for an example patient in this informative video. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, LinkedIn, August 27, 2026. Link. [1:37] Also see: Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math. AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Cat health care and deworming barn cats
Cats are tough with hardy immune systems, writes Jon Geller, DVM, in this article from the Grist archives. Although written before Avian flu became a reality in the U.S., his guidance holds up today, considering the advancing status of cats. Commentary Call them barn cats, working cats, free-range, or semi-feral; whatever the label, but developing mutually beneficial … [Read more...]
Cardiac library shares the heart beats
Complimentary The Clinician’s Brief Cardiac library features recordings taken with an electronic stethoscope on actual patients. The sound library complements a variety of cardiac resources to help animal health pros remain familiar with common and irregular heart sounds. Source: Clinician’s Brief. Link. INSIGHTS: As pet owners become more engaged in at-home … [Read more...]
Dog rehoming: When is it the right decision?
There are innumerable sad but legitimate reasons for giving up a dog. This article from the archives is as valid today as it was when Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, wrote it. She reviews valid reasons for rehoming or relinquishing a dog. Safety is number one. Consider the article for a team discussion or as content for a pet owner seeking a new situation for their … [Read more...]