A new e-book, A Clinician’s Guide to Dermatology, compiles five how-tos on skin biopsies, fungal cultures, trichograms, skin scraping and otoscopy to help clinicians do common procedures in-house. The book contains a curated collection of articles on dermatology diagnostic topics ranging from various skin scraping techniques to case and site selection for skin biopsies to an … [Read more...]
Beyond obedience
Grahmn Garrison’s article argues that behavior is not an “obedience issue” but a core component of veterinary health, influencing diagnosis, treatment access, welfare, family dynamics and longevity. In it, experts encourage focusing on behavior changes in an individual pet’s normal patterns versus behavior problems. Garrison paints a broader behavior landscape, … [Read more...]
Two cases of New World Screwworm confirmed in South Texas
The ongoing NWS story is going to occupy current news for a time. “A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas near La Pryor, according to USDA.” NWS is back in the U.S. for the first time in 60 years. Animal health pros who share updates and actionable information can help animal owners monitor and identify infestations. This situation is evolving, and … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
The missing piece in most pet physical exams
Complimentary Conversations about nutrition can be awkward, challenging and even confrontational. Considered the fifth vital assessment, nutrition discussions can become moments of connection and compliance with clear, confident communication. The AAHA Nutrition Guidelines Certificate Course is designed to help you translate the medicine and science you know into the best … [Read more...]
Dog daycare leptospirosis outbreak in Los Angeles reveals broader public health risks
Commentary It is hard to imagine an environment where dogs are boarded without proper vaccinations. The findings in this research underscore the importance of prevention and vigilance in settings where dogs congregate. In practice, vigilance means dogs without current recommended vaccinations are turned away. Article A 2021 outbreak of leptospirosis that sickened … [Read more...]
Considerations for creating a small animal blood bank
Bill Romanelli outlined threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies, noting increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism in his February 2026 article <Link>. In the piece linked below, Lexi Dickens, LVT, RVT, VTS, reviews some of the top considerations for veterinary clinic management looking to start their own … [Read more...]
6 human foods that could poison your dog
Many loving owners don't realize the dangers of dogs eating common kitchen foods. Even if they do, there’s a strong likelihood children or guests are not aware of foods that are toxic or potentially fatal to dogs. Anderson Cox shares six foods we eat that can kill dogs in this article. It is worth sharing with dog owners on social media, in newsletters and with local … [Read more...]
AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps
Pet insurance covers fewer than four percent of U.S. dogs and cats, a gap Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, addresses in this article. He offers pet owner guidance to know what’s covered, wellness versus emergency plans and the importance of financial planning for a pet’s lifetime care when choosing a pet insurance policy. Above all, Bailey makes the case for prevention, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 1, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites Legislative updates from Colorado and New York Member hosts successful dock diving event; more than 70 canine athletes competed White paper report from 2026 Financial Benchmarking survey Member resources and upcoming events Source: IBPSA, June 1, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28th. Link. Role ambiguity, … [Read more...]
3 reasons why dogs thrive on routine
Dogs thrive on routine because they like to know what to expect. Jessica Kim shares veterinary-verified reasons dogs do well with routines: a) reduced anxiety, b) easier training sessions and c) faster housetraining. Consider sharing this article in newsletters and social media as family schedules change during the summer. Source: Dogster, October 20, 2025. Link. Routines … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 26, 2026
Financial survey results, IBBY nominations, webinars for members. Source: IBPSA, May 26, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 21st. Link. Fear Free, making decisions, why clients don't book, are you ready for summer, using Reddit for pet marketing, and more! … [Read more...]
U.S. consumer sentiment hits record low amid rising costs
Consumer sentiment has hit an all-time low. Spiking energy prices renewed inflation fears and pushed consumer confidence down 10 percent from a month ago and more than 14 percent from a year ago. Source: Washington Express, May 22, 2026. Link. The cost of living continues to be a first-order concern, with 57 percent of consumers spontaneously mentioning that high prices … [Read more...]
Some ticks can survive longer in your home than previously believed, new study finds
Must read A study from The Ohio State University provides the first quantitative evidence that two tick species can survive for weeks on common household flooring. This underscores the need for veterinarians to reinforce year-round tick prevention and home risk mitigation strategies with clients. Gulf Coast tick and Lone Star tick survival minimums exceeded seven days … [Read more...]
Making the pet food to pet health connection
Pet owners are turning to pet food to boost their pets’ health and wellness, writes David Sprinkle. His takeaways from the January 2026 Packaged Facts survey data show the priority of pet food as a pet health product rises up the generational ladder, tied to a greater likelihood of populations owning more senior pets than ever before. Source: PETFOOD Industry, May 11, 2026. … [Read more...]
What Fear Free actually built in 10 years
The principles that shape how animals experience professional care have lived in the apprenticeship layer of the pet industry—passed mentor to mentor, shop to shop, with no shared curriculum. Fear Free was built to close that gap, writes Collin Armstrong. The organization grew from Dr. Marty Becker’s conviction of, “Fear, anxiety, and stress in animals are not just welfare … [Read more...]
Application and use of a continuous glucose monitor in cats and dogs
In the article linked here, Thomas Schermerhorn, VMD, DACVIM, and Jose Estrada, DVM, MS, share the pros and cons of using CGM systems, how to attach them and the importance of educating clients about results. The article includes instructional photos that will help explain CGM use with clients. Source: Clinician’s Brief, June 2025. Link. The CGM most commonly used in … [Read more...]
Study finds more than 84 percent of dogs show signs of fear, anxiety
A study published in Veterinary Research Communications examined behavioral responses in more than 43,000 animals, creating one of the most comprehensive datasets to date on canine fear and anxiety. The findings from owner-observed behaviors reflect how dogs behave in real-world environments rather than controlled settings. Researcher Bonnie Beaver, DVM, MS, DSc, DPNAP, … [Read more...]
Frailty: An important emerging concept in veterinary medicine
Health span, the period of life an animal spends in good health and free of chronic disease and disabilities related to aging, should be prioritized over simply extending lifespan. Frailty, well-defined in human health, is increasingly important to recognize and assess in pets, as it negatively affects both health span and quality of life. Frailty is not synonymous with … [Read more...]
Petland Charities advancing animal welfare, breeder education initiatives
Petland Charities is reporting strong progress in advancing its renewed focus on animal welfare, breeder education and strengthening the human-animal bond. A key milestone to this advancement includes the launch of an enhanced website, petlandcharities.org, which shows real-world examples of breeder practices and animal care. Source: Petland Charities, May 19, 2026. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 21, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 14, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 14, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Words + Action = Trust. Link. 1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes. Link. These pet brands dominate ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity. Link. Turn feline visits into lasting relationships. Link. Vesicular stomatitis … [Read more...]
1 common skin bacteria, 2 outcomes
Commercial content A researcher at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, is studying S. pseudintermedius with a different lens. Rather than looking only at dogs with active infection, Felix N. Toka, DVM, PhD, Dsc, DAVM, is including dogs that naturally carry the bacteria and remain healthy. He examined bacterial strains in both healthy and affected dogs and … [Read more...]
Addressing hantavirus concerns
Dogs and cats are not thought to be susceptible to hantavirus infection and are not thought to play a role in spreading the disease to people, writes Ann E. Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, emphasizing the need for rodent control. Consider her article for newsletters or social media posts to reduce pet owner concerns. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, May 13, 2026. Link. The … [Read more...]
Considerations when choosing an SGLT2 inhibitor for a newly diagnosed diabetic cat
Diabetes management in cats requires a different approach than in dogs. Section 6 of the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats provides primary care providers with ways to better serve their feline patients, including SGLT2 inhibitors. Two SGLT2 inhibitors are now licensed for use in newly diagnosed, otherwise healthy feline diabetics not previously treated with … [Read more...]
Postbiotics may calm dogs via the gut-brain axis
Research centered on postbiotics suggests they may support stress management indirectly through gut health modulation rather than direct behavioral changes in dogs. The gut-brain axis links intestinal health to neurological responses, according to Erik Eckhardt, PhD, who emphasized, “it is a direct line, literally, between intestine and the brain.” Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
The pet economy is splitting in two
The middle of the pet marketplace is fading away, says Marshall Morris, explaining we are in a K-shaped economy. He offers perspectives for brands that choose to play in premium segments versus store brands. Morris notes the category showing the most resilient growth now isn’t food. It is "preventive" wellness: supplements, OTC treatments and functional ingredients. These … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 5, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Limited time FLASH sale on IBPSA education through May 11th New member benefits announced Financial survey results being tabulated IBBY nominations open soon Upcoming Webinar: Sustainability in Pet Care, May 13, 2026 1:00pm CST. Registration Link. Alex McKinnon has a global perspective on what sustainability in pet care really means. … [Read more...]
Trust: The universal cornerstone of pet care
Kathy Hosler never once questioned whether her veterinarian had her dog’s best interest at heart. That experience made her think about the kind of trust grooming clients place in their groomers every day. The mechanics of grooming are just the beginning, writes Hosler, asserting the need for continuing education on pet care topics as well as improving communication … [Read more...]
Understanding the challenges with the veterinary blood supply
Without more education and directed advocacy from the veterinary community, veterinary blood supply shortages may soon become insurmountable, writes Bill Romanelli. He outlines significant threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies including increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism. Source: Today’s Veterinary … [Read more...]
What vet schools don’t teach about canine osteoarthritis
Matt Brunke, DVM, DCVSMR, CCAT, believes chronic, whole joint disease is primarily driven by pervasive inflammation, not a cartilage disease as it is often positioned in veterinary schools. His article asserts the need to reframe osteoarthritis as a disease of the synovium and to think in terms of inflammation management versus pain management. Brunke comments on NSAIDs and … [Read more...]