Physical therapy and rehabilitation tailored specifically for cats can make a significant difference in the well-being of these felines, shared Michael H. Jaffe, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, during the recent Fetch Kansas City. He shared how massage, heat and cold therapies are helpful for different situations and where pet owners can be included. Source: DVM 360, September 2, … [Read more...]
Turmeric a promising yet under-researched functional ingredient
Commentary If it hasn’t happened already, a pet owner is going to ask questions about turmeric or curcumin, a key compound in turmeric. Used historically in folk medicine, the compounds have a renewed modern appeal. Tim Wall shares essential information for pet food professionals about turmeric’s role in formulations. Turmeric is a promising yet under-researched functional … [Read more...]
Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
Rabies is NOT a thing of the past
In her first-person account, Mary McNamara shares how her dog, Harley, recently tangled with a bat—a striking reminder that rabies is still present today. Thanks to vaccination, Harley and millions of other dogs remain protected. McNamara points out that the disease’s near disappearance can be traced to efforts like the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association’s … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 9, 2025
We are pleased to provide IBPSA members with our weekly AHD Bulletin. We believe boarding and pet services professionals can have a significant role in supporting pets’ quality of life and advocating for best health practices for the animals they see routinely.” – Kirk Augustine, AHD Founder, president From this week’s Fast BITES There are still openings for Bold and … [Read more...]
Are veterinary teams obligated to discuss the option of pet insurance?
In February 2024, Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discussed the veterinary team’s role in pet owner education, including lifetime costs of pet care and pet insurance options. They debated the pros, cons and limitations veterinary teams experience during a Veterinary Breakroom podcast. Fast forward to this year. Jennifer Sperry, DVM, broke down key differences … [Read more...]
Understanding the liquid tools used in grooming
Having a thorough understanding of the science, technique and proper use of grooming products can be <quality of> life-changing for the groomer and pets, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. His article is timely as we close the summer dermatitis season and enter the turn-on-the-furnace season. It’s also important to understand that since most pets have hair as their first line of … [Read more...]
DVM weighs in on dog hair dying safety
Dogs are more likely to be okay with dye than cats, shares Julie Hunt, DVM. She offers guidance about animal dyes in this article, which is worth sharing with pet owners. Source: Pet Parade, September 4, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 2, 2025
2025 IBBY finalists named, Virginia feedback needed on proposed regulations for animal boarding establishments, pheromone-based pet wellness webinar was well attended, more information about opportunities at The Forum and the August 28th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, September 2, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
2nd edition of the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition
Complimentary Commercial Resource This edition of the Purina Institute handbook is a valuable resource for veterinary team members and animal health pros alike. Authored by 54 experts from around the globe, it is dedicated to the nutritional management of healthy dogs and cats with the objective to provide unbiased, science-based information. Acknowledging advocacy potential … [Read more...]
National Pet Health Insurance month is here
Sponsor Content September is Pet Health Insurance Month. It is a great time to explore how pet insurance can be a game-changer for pet parents and veterinary professionals alike. It’s more than a safety net; it’s a way to ensure pets get the care they need without financial stress. Now through September 30th, connect with an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance representative to … [Read more...]
FVMA’s position statement addresses the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats
The position statement outlines the five pillars of a healthy feline environment essential to preserving the optimal physical, emotional, and cognitive health of feline companions and providing them with an environment that meets their natural and normal behavioral needs. Veterinary professionals and animal health pros have an opportunity to educate cat caregivers on how to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 4, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 28, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 28, 2025 AHD Bulletin – KC Animal Health Corridor Summit and initiative posts. Link-1 and Link-2 July VetWatch® commentary. Link. Everyone’s a coach. Link. Recognizing the early signs of joint disease (video). Link. The joy of sharing life … [Read more...]
The joy of sharing life with a dog or cat comes with a solemn responsibility
Commentary Routine diagnostic tests for dogs and cats are the secret arsenal to uncover hidden threats early and protect a beloved companion’s future, according to this article. Secret arsenal? Simply that “secret” is used should raise eyebrows among animal health professionals. Secret? . . . Whose fault is that? Can clients name the two or three diagnostic tests their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 25, 2025
2025 IBBY finalists named in six categories, Forum room block reservations extended through September 2nd, IBPSA staff announces weekly Zoom hours, more and more dogs and fewer and fewer children in Spain spawns luxury pet hotels, Mississippi is number 1 in heartworm infection rates, followed by Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas. Plus the August 21st AHD Bulletin, which … [Read more...]
Emma Milne: The (many) problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds
Commentary Kudos to Kristen Green Seymour, who took on the challenge to share the bent of several topics Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, covers in this video interview. Like her, we recommend this article and video as “required” for all animal health pros. We found reading the article while listening to it was most helpful. It doesn’t matter which side you’re on. This discussion … [Read more...]
Back to school: exciting for families, not so much for pets
This infographic appeared in the recent B2C Fear Free Happy Homes email. While many clinics, pet services businesses and shelters have adopted Fear Free practices, personnel may not be seeing what pet owners are receiving. We’re sharing it to help all animal health pros keep the Back to School narratives consistent. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, August 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 21, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 14, 2025. Link. Most read posts from August 14, 2025 AHD Bulletin – When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer. Link. Combine disease. A good reminder for livestock producers. Link. The hidden costs of fear in businesses. Link. Tetanus creates problems for animals after storms. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 11, 2025
Conference reminders and overview, Rover expanding through acquisition, legislative updates, August 7th AHD Bulletin and more . . . Source: IBPSA, August 11, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
When the economy suffers, the dogs and cats suffer
It’s a story heard across the country: pet owners relinquishing their animals and shelters too full to take them. Liam Stack and Olivia Bensimon share what amounts to a situation analysis of burgeoning issues in New York City’s public animal shelters. It’s non-stop and no one can keep up . . . We can’t adopt our way out.” – Katy Hansen talking about the number of surrenders in … [Read more...]
Understanding feline behavior for better diagnosis, stronger bonds
What a great statement, “The human animal bond is bilateral!” Christine Won shares some quotes from Dr. Carlo Siracusa’s presentation at the 2025 AVMA Convention explaining the importance of understanding feline behavior as a fundamental key to a more accurate diagnosis. He called for an integration of behavioral signs into the clinical reasoning process. Source: AVMA, … [Read more...]
Financial barriers revealed in 2025 Hill’s Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report
This report confirms much of what we suspected. The cost of veterinary care ranked as the number-1 perceived pet ownership expense or that two-thirds of Americans say vet care costs directly influence their decision to adopt a pet. Three of the top five barriers to pet adoption are financial reasons: veterinary care, the initial cost of the pet and ongoing pet food expense. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 4, 2025
This week’s Fast Bites arrived in a new format with reminders of resources for pet services businesses, an announcement of a new webinar to help elevate pet care businesses and the weekly link to the last AHD Bulletin. Registration for The Forum is still open and rooms are available at the convention hotel. Source: IBPSA, August 4, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Observational study analysis of the pet-conversationalist phenomenon
Rather than being a quirky habit, the tendency to converse with pets as if they were human reveals more about our psychological makeup than simple pet devotion. These behaviors indicate a complex set of traits: enhanced empathy, sophisticated communication skills, comfort with vulnerability, effective stress management, creative thinking, self-awareness, and exceptional … [Read more...]
The best defense against rats and leptospirosis is a good trash can
The scene? Urban Boston where One Health researchers sought to better understand the risks from leptospirosis. Rats, being typically asymptomatic carriers of leptospirosis, can be an important source of exposure to humans (and pets) in urban environments. Since the organism is shed in the urine, common methods of exposure include direct contact with rat urine or with … [Read more...]
The ABCs of dog blood work: What the results really mean
It is common when reviewing articles on client feedback for pet owners to express confusion about test results and to indicate veterinary teams sometimes don’t take time to explain the results. In this article from AAHA’s Your Pet, blood work results are explained in the context of helping pet owners understand the numbers, their importance and why doing bloodwork is part of … [Read more...]
CDC ends emergency response to H5N1 bird flu
“As reports of animal infections with avian influenza A virus have declined and no human cases have been reported since February 2025, CDC’s H5N1 emergency bird flu response was deactivated to transition back to regular program activity on July 2, 2025.” Source: CNN, July 7, 2025. Link. Surveillance, readiness and response for influenza, including H5N1 bird flu, will … [Read more...]
Counting calories for cats
Includes commercial links Sources have indicated that today’s cat owners are more invested in their cats’ health, including seeking out resources like this article. BtoC content like this does affect pet owner perceptions between clinic visits. Consider sharing this article in newsletters, on social media or directly with specific pet owners to set up the discussions … [Read more...]
13 ways to entertain cats and reduce boredom
Cat owners dedicated to keeping their felines indoors have to work harder to provide environmental enrichment to keep their cats from becoming bored. This article offers some ways to keep cats entertained and mentally stimulated. Share a link in newsletters or on social media. Source: Modern Cat, July 22, 225. Link. Photo compliments of Nancy Woodrow … [Read more...]
Felycin®-CA1 is now available
Felycin®-CA1 is now available by prescription via licensed veterinarians, and PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. confirms that it has no affiliation with any online companies offering rapamycin (sirolimus) through telehealth consultations. PBI-Gordon Companies, Inc. the parent company of TriviumVet, holds sole conditional approval from the FDA for Felycin®-CA1 (sirolimus … [Read more...]