Livestock guardian dogs remain among the more effective non-lethal tools for reducing livestock predation when effectively managed, writes Bill Costanzo. Realistic expectations and adaptive management practices based on predation levels and predator type are needed. Owners must acknowledge the limitations of the dog or dogs. Source: AcreageLife, February 1, 2026. Link. LGDs … [Read more...]
Doberman Pinscher ‘Penny’ wins Westminster Best in Show
Penny, a Doberman Pinscher from Reseda, California, was crowned Best in Show this week by the Westminster Kennel Club. She is the 150th winner of the competition that included 2,600 entries this year. Source: The American Kennel Club, February 4, 2026. Link. Many of the stunning dogs competing on the Best in Show judging floor on Tuesday night were familiar to those of the … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, pet owners under systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study #2
Commentary By now, you’ve probably read plenty of industry takes on the results of part two of the PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Or, you’ve seen articles in mainstream media emphasizing affordability of care for pets. Press releases and articles may sensationalize the findings below, but the study reveals much more than recalcitrant … [Read more...]
Why veterinarians recommend using a broker for pet insurance
This article is a good read for veterinary teams willing to promote pet insurance benefits but hesitant to direct pet owners to specific pet insurance brands. To support those discussions, Animal Health Digest created a “Pet Insurance Guide.” The guide is a free tool designed to save time, advance pet health insurance conversations, and highlight the benefits for clients, their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 26, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA Compliance reminders New Jersey legislative update Free three part symposium: Pet End-of-Life Legal & Emotional Guidance presented by the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Animals and the Law Upcoming member webinar: The Modern Reservation Strategy: Turning Online Inquiries into High-Trust, High-Value … [Read more...]
Pets and Mental Health Resource Center available online
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mental Health America launched the Pets and Mental Health Resource Center in October 2025. The online hub features resources, information and tools that highlight the powerful role companion animals can have in supporting mental health. It is available on the Mental Health America website at www.mhanational.org/pets. Source: … [Read more...]
First consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, sometimes called “doggy dementia,” is common, but under-recognized. Early CCDS signs are subtle and often mistaken for normal aging. A consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS as shared in this article, is a step toward practical, real-world diagnosis. Source: AKC Canine Health Foundation, January 13, 2026. … [Read more...]
Treatment duration for pneumonia in dogs and cats: Systematic review
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...]
Vetmedin chewable tablets receive full FDA approval for delay of congestive heart failure in dogs label indication
Emily Singler, VMD, shares that for the first time the FDA has granted full approval for an indication for an animal drug that was previously approved under the FDA’s expanded conditional approval authority. Vetmedin® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets label has officially expanded to include an indication for the delay of the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with stage B2 … [Read more...]
USDA approves TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), a ½ mL Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs
Building on TruCan B Oral, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) the first USDA-licensed ½ mL oral Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs. This is the second recent expansion of Elanco’s Tru vaccine line, with TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 receiving USDA approval in July of 2025. Source: Elanco, January 16, 2026. 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...]
Six dog training secrets
Animal health pros will like the positioning on dog training provided by author and trainer Carol Lea Benjamin in this article. Her easy tips on a) teaching a dog to pay attention and b) naming everything are caregiver-friendly and especially relevant when the dog is a family member. Source: Fear Free Happy Homes, January 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider emphasizing this … [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...]
Defining exercise that is satisfying for dogs
Includes Commercial Content Discussing the importance of exercise quality, Stephanie Vichinsky shares how the right kinds of exercise can help manage behavior issues and promote happiness in dogs. She references the hormonal benefits of quality exercise, which should resonate with dog owners. Consider borrowing some of her dialogue for those uncomfortable discussions with … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Living with dogs includes benefits from sharing microbiomes
Steve Dale shares a new study published in the journal iScience, showing that raising dogs has beneficial effects, especially for adolescents, and these effects may be mediated through symbiosis with microorganisms. Researchers found that a person’s dog-owning status at age 13 could predict their future mental health and behavioral scores. Adolescents from homes with a dog had … [Read more...]
Building veterinary standards of care for senior dogs
Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak share a conversation with Dr. Lisa Lippman from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Elanco’s CPMA (Now Trutect™) the first-and-only treatment for CPV fully approved by USDA
Elanco Animal Health announced that its lifesaving treatment for the deadly canine parvovirus, Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody, has received full approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will join Elanco’s Tru portfolio under the new brand name Trutect™ Source: Elanco, December 15, 2025. Link. To learn more about Trutect, visit DefeatParvo.com … [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...]