The current HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain is now the most widespread HPAI outbreak on record, affecting millions of animals worldwide. The virus has created the most problems with poultry but is now recognized as relevant in wild birds, mammals, cattle, domestic cats and pet and aviary birds. Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM, and Carrie McNeil, DVM, MPH, provide guidance … [Read more...]
How to determine the best approach to separation-related behaviors in dogs
Separation-related behaviors are non-specifics, writes Moira Hechenleitner DVM, CSAT. She explains the importance of determining the underlying cause before designing an environment and training protocol that sets the dog up for success. The objective is to allow the animal to feel safe and stay below its anxiety threshold. Source: Innovative Veterinary Care, May 23, 2024. … [Read more...]
Music, pheromones and familiarity make traveling with a cat easier
In this article, Christian Adams shares ways to calm a cat and offers 12 ways to keep them more comfortable and settled in the car. But then, maybe it would be easier just to let the cat drive. LOL! Source: Catster, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Vet-Approved tips for car travel with a dog, Dogster, May 20, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Orkin reveals the country’s top spots for mosquitoes
Orkin recently published its annual report, ranking U.S. cities by the number of mosquito-related service requests from April 2024 through March 2025. According to Orkin’s 2025 Top 50 Mosquito Cities List, some areas of the U.S. will experience more of these pesky insects than others this summer. Los Angeles is the top spot for the fourth year in a row and statewide, … [Read more...]
20 common household items that are poisonous to dogs
As school ends and summer activities ramp up, it is easy for people in pet households to unintentionally leave something poisonous where dogs can reach it. The list shared in this article is a good reminder for all and reinforces the messages from Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month last March. Consider it for social media posts or newsletters and be sure to share pet poison … [Read more...]
Reminder: Beware of possible harmful algae bloom
As families seek recreation near water and the edges of ponds fill with that green slime, it’s a good time to revisit safety measures to avoid harmful algae. Harmful algae are found in both freshwater and marine environments. They are caused by a variety of toxin-producing microalgae, including prokaryotic blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) and eukaryotic … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2025
Expanding bans on pet sales ban in retail shops, vet triage AI platforms compared, Royal Canin to sponsor Raising the Perfect Pet a collaboration with Martha Stewart, tariff effect on pet care costs, hiring a summer intern and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 22, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin - NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report. Link. Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks. Link. A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health. Link. Let’s review: Foot rot. Link. Medgene … [Read more...]
Gazing behavior of dogs
Gazing is a critical way dogs communicate with humans, especially in uncertain situations. A recent study highlights how different dogs use this behavior in response to new stimuli. Gazin offers a glimpse into their emotional world and is a sign of trust and comfort. Source: Animal Wellness, May 9, 2025. Link. By paying attention to gazing behaviors pet owners can deepen … [Read more...]
Pets and snake bites: What to do
Memorial Day weekend typically brings an explosion of outside activity on trails, in parks and campgrounds. It is a good time to consider pet safety. Almost anywhere you live in the U.S., at least one venomous snake lives there. Four types of venomous snakes are found in the U.S., including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths or water moccasins, and coral snakes. Source: … [Read more...]
Simplicity equals success for parasiticide compliance
Recent metrics from Vetsource show year-over-year parasiticide purchases remain in the negative <Link>. The April 2025 VetWatch® commentary echoed the decline <Link>. Across the industry, client adherence to preventatives remains a primary concern. Jamie Lyn asked three veterinarians to identify the practical insights and tactics some practices use to … [Read more...]
Veterinary students are in high demand despite huge school debt and alarming suicide rates
It’s a story heard across the U.S. - the veterinary shortage, the challenges our industry professionals face and the consequences of demand that exceeds capacity. We’re sharing this article by intern Anthony Solorzano who presents a balanced story on the needs for more veterinarians. References to veterinary technicians were absent, but he nicely captured the necessity of … [Read more...]
Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion
Spaying and neutering dogs has long been promoted as a responsible and humane method of controlling pet overpopulation with benefits to the health of individual animals, writes Bruce L. Truman. In this article, he interviews some of the experts on emerging topics that challenge what we’ve always done. Given the spay/neuter age debates, Truman asserts that veterinary … [Read more...]
Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks
Veterinary teams understand the risks of popular dog parks. Dog trainer Angie Barber’s Instagram posts caught our attention, and we’re sharing this image with her permission. Consider using it to underscore the need for preventatives, along with the obvious safety and wellness concerns. Source: State of Mind Dog Training. Website <Link>, Instagram … [Read more...]
NASCAR goes to the dogs; Why many drivers bring their dogs to every race
When Shane van Gisbergen was offered the chance to move from Australian Supercars to NASCAR two years ago, he had one question: Can I bring my dog? And when we say dog, we really mean horse because Ronald is much closer to a small pony than he is to a large dog. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2025
Consumers don’t understand how small businesses contribute, capitalizing on pet parent psychology, outlasting small business shortfalls, validation-driven marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]
How to better utilize vet techs
Commentary Yes, it’s another article on using veterinary technicians at the top of their license. We have found each iteration of this topic is helpful for animal health pros at all levels as we gain more understanding of opportunities and barriers in practices and various regions. Adrienne Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, tackles this topic covering pros, cons, economics and more. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2025
We noted: Adding a new independent pet services provider membership is a good opportunity for the pet services business. The May 14th member webinar on the essentials of Online Authority, what it impacts, and how to increase it. 2025 FedEx Small Business Trade Index Trends in doggy daycare accommodations undergoing upgrades Pittsburgh pet cremation business … [Read more...]
Reminder: Don’t bring home more than ribbons from shows
Fair and show season is here and Sophie Varner’s article reminds us of the importance of planning for animal biosecurity to protect our livestock investments before, during and after shows. The same goes for horses going to events or trail rides. AND . . . don’t forget to protect the pets that travel to shows and events. Veterinary teams can use Varner’s article as a … [Read more...]
Dogs’ capacity for understanding human speech
A recent study conducted by experts at the Universities of Lincoln and Sussex highlighted how dogs listen attentively, even when we speak in a monotone voice, making them true participants in our conversations. The researchers referenced vocabulary, sounds and tone, including how dogs pick up on nuances in our speech, reflecting their understanding of our emotions. Source: … [Read more...]
New lifestage infographics support pet owner education and identify health needs
More than half of U.S. pet owners skip or decline needed veterinary care <Link>, according to a recent study. Veterinary care need not be out of reach for most pet owners, but educating them is required to improve adherence to important veterinary care. Two new infographics from ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program will help animal health pros discuss wellness and … [Read more...]
Pet influencers are increasing in popularity
There are about 3.5 million active pet influencer accounts globally dedicated to pet content. NBC News reports on the high earning potential of this niche business and how content creators say their passion is about more than the money. Source: NBC News, April 29, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 28, 2025
IBPSA MBA Program postponed, growth in businesses that cater to high-end pet services, app seeks to build dog owner communities, subscription services, Tractor Supply’s pet pharmacy, bunnies promote proper pet care, petflation slowing, pet insurance growth stabilizing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, April 28, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Consider a pet insurance specialist as part of the veterinary team
Studies show that clients with insurance are more likely to pursue treatment plans and get advanced care for their pets. Liz Devitt, DVM, shares how dedicating a team member as a pet insurance specialist could be a win-win-win for clients, their pets and a veterinary practice. In this capacity, the specialist would be a resource, not a salesperson, to help pet owners select a … [Read more...]
AVMA updates report on veterinary use of cannabidiol
The AVMA’s newly updated report, Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine captures the latest evidence-based context, clinical developments and legal considerations as research and regulations continue to evolve. These include: Safety data and pharmacokinetics of CBD in dogs and cats Clinical trials exploring CBD-rich hemp products in dogs, cats, and horses Regulatory updates … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply launches service to streamline pet prescriptions
Tractor Supply launched Tractor Supply Rx in a bid to enhance convenience for customers ordering pet and animal medications. Its features include automatic delivery through the Autoship program, access to expert pharmacy advice and a price match guarantee. The objective is to provide an easy, one-stop shopping destination for the 38 million Neighbor’s Club members, of whom 75 … [Read more...]
Livestock producers, veterinarians urged to consider and manage Q fever zoonotic risk
Q fever is a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which infects cattle, goats, and sheep. It is found in an infected animal’s bodily fluids and excretions, such as placental tissues, amniotic fluid, urine, feces and milk. The main signs of infection in animals include abortion, infertility, fever, lethargy and loss of appetite. C. … [Read more...]
Ticks are a concern in cats, too
Commentary After a jaunt in my suburban backyard I noted a deer tick on my sock. While checking for additional ticks on me and the dog, a neighborhood free-range cat jumped the fence in search of a field mouse, mole or songbird before Lil Buddy gave chase. The backyard incident was a stark reminder of the importance of year-round preventatives and my clothes as a … [Read more...]