Insurance data can be very useful to veterinarians and pet owners alike, writes Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM. Around Valentine’s Day, it suggests that while chocolate remains a classic risk, jewelry ingestion may be an even more common cause of veterinary visits for dogs. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, February 11, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
CAAMS seeking DVM feedback regarding antimicrobial use in dogs
Companion Animal Antimicrobial Stewards committee is recruiting participants to participate in a research study to learn more about veterinarians’ preferences for perioperative and postoperative antimicrobial use in dogs. To participate, you must be a licensed veterinarian who treats dogs greater than 18 years of age. Source: AAHA Trends, February 4, 2026. Link. Link to … [Read more...]
JAVMA article reinforces strong safety profile of Synovetin OA
An article in JAVMA <Link> confirms that any radiotherapy exposure to veterinary staff and pet owners from dogs treated with Synovetin OA® is insignificant; just a fraction of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s allowance of 100 millirem per year of radiation. The studies show that exposure is very low; practically insignificant. This is important because some … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 12, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, February 5, 2026. Link. Most read posts from February 5, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Pet humanization predicted to double global pet care market by 2035. Link. Why Ro is spending $233,000 per second on a Super Bowl ad. Link. The pro/con list – useless. Link. Dental revenue remains behind; 90 percent of … [Read more...]
Pet humanization predicted to double global pet care market by 2035
A comprehensive new market intelligence report by Future Market Insights projects the global pet care market as poised for a decade of transformative growth. Acknowledging some inflationary pressures, the article positions the expanding digital accessibility and accelerating demand for functional foods, customized supplements and eco-friendly accessories as drivers of future … [Read more...]
General practice dental revenue remains behind, yet 90 percent of animals need dental care
Sarah Rumple, CVJ, shares tips from Monique Weldon, DVM, and Paul Camilo, CVPM, focused on building dental revenue in veterinary practices. The article shares ways to increase dental revenue through outreach, client education, standardizing codes, staff training, reassembling fee structures and promoting wellness plans. Source: Today’s Veterinary Business, February 1, 2026. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – February 2, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA compliance period has begun From diagnosis to life after loss (FREE Symposium) – session schedule continues Member webinar, February 18th: Modern reservation strategy. Link. US Department of Labor compliance toolkit providing resources to help employers understand their basic responsibilities under federal labor laws. Link. Most … [Read more...]
Playing tug can create whiplash
Playing tug of war with pups is a fun game, but injuries can occur if the human in the game gets too active on their end of the rope. Dog behavior specialist Deb Nabb shares the importance of the human just holding the rope and letting the dog shake it back and forth. Source: Deb Nabb, Facebook. Link. When people shake the tug rope back and forth, it is easy to cause … [Read more...]
Demonstration leads to daily habits (video)
Sponsor Content When it comes to oral care products, exam room demonstrations make a positive difference in pet owner adoption of daily oral care practices at home. MAXI/GUARD® products are well-suited to improve convenient daily use in home settings. This communication explains the benefits of using MAXI/GUARD® Oral Cleansing Wipes daily at home. They are ideal for … [Read more...]
Here’s what dog gum colors mean
Content for Pet Dental Month Helping dog owners understand the importance of oral care can start with simply urging them to routinely check the color of their dogs’ gums. Katie Grzyb, DVM, shares the meaning behind changes in a dog’s gum colors and when pet owners should contact a veterinarian. Source: PetMD, December 28, 2025. Link. Key takeaways from the article: … [Read more...]
Four pillars approach to achieving longevity in canine patients
Commentary Articles like this often seem rudimentary until you read them like a first-time pet owner who knows little about the importance of veterinary care. Younger first-timers likely have limited experiences with medical doctors other than illness treatments, which can make the veterinary environment disconcerting. With this in mind, we’re sharing the article linked … [Read more...]
Considerations for producers when choosing and integrating livestock guard dogs
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...]