The most commonly used antimicrobial treatments for dogs and cats are not evidence-based, writes Scott Weese, DVM. Most antimicrobial treatment durations currently used in dogs and cats are probably way too long when we compare them to what’s done in human medicine for comparable conditions. Some of the differences are striking. Weese says a new systematic review entitled … [Read more...]
During the 1918 Flu Epidemic, pet caretakers put masks on their cats
Biosecurity and zoonotic diseases aren’t a new thing. Photographs of masked pets from the early-20th century might have been for levity, but there was genuine fear that pets could carry Spanish influenza back then. Source: Atlas Obscura, April 16, 2020. Link. … [Read more...]
5 common dog ailments that respond well to laser therapy
Non-invasive photobiomodulation therapy has grown as veterinary teams increase their understanding of its benefits when treating various canine diseases. The author reviews five canine diseases where laser therapy can be particularly effective. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, January 17, 2025. Link. <BQ> “Photobiomodulation therapy offers veterinarians a … [Read more...]
Feline veterinary care at a pivotal point to drive future practice growth, feline medicine
Findings from the CATalyst Council’s 2025 Key Feline Market Insights report point to a market at an inflection point. Shifting demographics, economics and innovation are converging to elevate feline care. The report identifies this period as one of sustained growth and rising strategic importance, even as overall U.S. veterinary visits declined. Source: businesswire, January … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 12, 2026
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
CATalyst Council appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director
The CATalyst Council announces the appointment of Gina Fortunato as executive director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers. Dr. Brunt will remain … [Read more...]
Music as medicine
Scientists are learning how music can do more than lift our mood — from easing anxiety to helping experimental drugs reach the brain. Source: AXIOS, December 8, 2025. Link. Music has the power to stimulate our body’s reward system, like the way that warmth, food, and social connection do. Music may relieve stress for your patients, customers, and animal healthcare … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 15, 2025
AAFCO launches new fast-track review process for animal food ingredients, Fromm Family Foods recall, Reading the Room webinar, vendor spotlight on Brownrice Webcams and curated content in the December 11th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, December 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Holiday stress, a potential medical and behavioral inflection point for pets
Holiday stress reveals behavior concerns in pets that often go unnoticed during normal activities. Family gatherings, schedule changes, fireworks and travel create environments where fear, aggression and separation-related behaviors surface or worsen. Proactive veterinary teams can elevate care during holidays by engaging clients to plan for disruptions and track their pets’ … [Read more...]
Growth in kitten adoption continues: changing lifestyles reshaping demand for feline veterinary care
Kitten adoptions remain above pre-COVID levels and provide positive opportunities for veterinary practices, according to Volume IV of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report <Link>. New kittens also mean many first-time cat owners who may not understand the importance of regular visits or how veterinary teams can help make those visits as low-stress and … [Read more...]
A vet’s guide to navigating winter holiday hazards for pets
Supplementing the AAHA advice from the second post in the Animal care services and community section above are recommendations from Veronica Villanueva, DVM, medical director at VEG ER for Pets in Woodland Hills, California. She provides straightforward guidance on hazardous holiday plants and decorations. She also recommends quiet spaces for pets and paying attention to doors … [Read more...]
Feline Dental Care brochure is new among FVMA resources for cat caregiver
We noticed FVMA’s announcement of their new Feline Dental Care brochure on LinkedIn <Link>. The new brochure comes on the heels of the newly updated Feline Veterinary Medical Association feline oral health and dental guidelines <Link>which provide clarity on early detection, radiography, and pain management. Click the link here to discover an abundance of … [Read more...]
Understanding the gut-organ axes in companion animals [White Paper]
Sponsored Content Diet-driven modulation of the gut microbiome supports improved pet health and longevity. However, the science is often confusing to pet owners and many animal health pros alike. In the white paper linked below, Jess Jarett, PhD, R&D principal pet scientist at Cargill, explains how specific macronutrient compositions of diets, as well as moisture … [Read more...]
FDA approves Dechra’s Emeprev™ (maropitant citrate) Injectable Solution
Emeprev™ (maropitant citrate) Injectable Solution is the first FDA-approved bioequivalent injectable solution to the most widely used antiemetic for dogs and cats. Emeprev™ will deliver the same trusted antiemetic effectiveness as the pioneer but with a differentiated preservative for comfort. The product requires no refrigeration, according to the company. Source: Dechra, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 11, 2025. Link. Most read posts from December 11th AHD Bulletin – Don’t get caught at TSA! NEW carry-on rules for 2026. Link. “We” mode in the practice. Link. Pet playbook: Four pillars redefining the future of pet. Link. Leading when employees are concerned about job security. Link. 10 … [Read more...]
Pet playbook: Four pillars redefining the future of pet
The future of pet care, as seen at Pet Connect 2025, is about connection over competition, shares Jeff Mard. Sharing insights from the 8th annual Pet Connect conference, he says industry leaders crystallized the massive shifts underway in animal health and commerce. The prevailing consensus is that the era of fragmented, reactive care is ending, replaced by an ecosystem built … [Read more...]
Great teams are the foundation of success
Chewy Health* President Mita Malhotra shares the attributes she believes are essential for leaders as they seek to build teams that drive growth and create experiences that keep customers coming back. Her key assertions include: Build trust daily by encouraging thoughtful questions, offering autonomy, supporting growth and allowing room for mistakes. Front desk staff … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 8, 2025
"Reading the room" webinar planned featuring Certified Canine Behavior Consultant Lisa Large, Tiny Paws Booking keeping member benefit, Carmen’s book recommendations, legislative updates, latest from Animal Health Digest and more . . . Stronger bonds, changing expectations and new technologies, Today’s Veterinary Business, December 1, 2025. Link. EU lawmakers approve … [Read more...]