In this week’s Fast Bites find member webinars, future market predictions, a different way to provide health insurance, getting ready for the upcoming holidays and more . . . Source: IBPSA, June 22, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 18th. Link. Seasonal drift, ineffective accountability, "rust out", keeping dogs calm, and more! … [Read more...]
Pet wellness market tops $5 billion, growing faster than predicted
The U.S. pet wellness market is larger and growing faster than many industry estimates suggest. According to Lauren DeVestern, long-term demand, channel success, high customer retention and clear brand differentiation support the pet wellness category's value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, June 18, 2026. Link. Pet wellness products remain heavily online, but expanding into … [Read more...]
The truth about MSG and dog food
The topic of MSG in dog food is full of myth and hearsay, write Joe Holyoake and Andrew Dickens. They offer no definitive answer to the question, “Is MSG safe for a dog?” but relate FDA guidance, share concerns for dogs with certain conditions and the belief it sometimes helps reduce coprophagia. Source: Dog Food Advisor, June 15, 2026. Link. The scientific research … [Read more...]
Study of turmeric extract tolerance in cats
Turmeric extract has been widely studied in humans and increasingly in dogs but data on its safety in cats remains limited. The study reviewed in this article provides reassuring evidence that turmeric extract, at dietary levels up to 1040 ppm curcuminoids, can be safely fed to cats for four months. For veterinarians, this opens the door to considering TE as a functional … [Read more...]
It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats
In this 2023 literature review, George E. Moore, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVPM, opines cats may have an underrecognized role in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. His review’s tenets continue to be supported in more recent pieces despite cats rarely showing clinical signs. Notable takeaways include: Cats, particularly free-roaming or stray cats, may have serologic evidence of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 25, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 18, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 18, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, resetting industry expectations. Link. ‘Rust-out’ is the new burnout. It requires a different fix. Link. 7 stories to help your customers come home at night. Link. Why the future of veterinary … [Read more...]
Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and an industry expectations reset
A new CATalyst Council white paper, “Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and the Expectations Reset,” uses the age demographics of dogs and cats that visit full-service practices to forecast combined U.S. clinical visit growth of -2 percent to 0 percent through 2030. Those numbers are well below the 2 percent to 3 percent the industry expects. The report’s central, empirically … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 15, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar opportunities The Pet Industry Leaderboard <Link> MoeGo Live: The Summer Survival Guide for Boarding and Daycare Businesses Vetting pet care providers Treating screwworm in dogs and cats Source: IBPSA, June 15, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11th. Link. Digital overload, choose the … [Read more...]
Keeping dogs calm: it’s a process
Commercial links included Two articles address various elements of mental health and well-being for dog owners. In today’s world, where pets often live in urban environments with limited outdoor activities, ensuring their mental well-being becomes paramount, writes Anderson Cox. Fear, separation and aging are identified as catalysts for anxiety. Fireworks are troubling … [Read more...]
Plants that may help repel ticks naturally
We need all the help we can get to reduce exposure to ticks in yards, green spaces, wood lots and acreages. Gemma Johnstone shares 15 plants to consider growing that can help keep ticks at bay. Consider sharing this article on social media, in newsletters and with local flower and vegetable garden groups to let pet owners know what plants help keep ticks away. Source: The … [Read more...]
e-Book: A Clinician’s Guide to Dermatology
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...]
Massage and myofascial therapy for cats
Cats require just as much effort from their owners as dogs do to ensure they get adequate enrichment in their lives <Link>. Massage and myofascial therapy are two hands-on techniques that are gaining attention in the world of integrative veterinary care. Myofascial therapy uses slow, gentle pressure to release those restrictions in the fascia and help restore normal … [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...]
$15,000 a mile: The brutal math of wildfire recovery, drought in Nebraska cattle country
Joe McGinley, a rancher and volunteer fire chief, says the Morrill Fire blaze that swept through western Nebraska in March was a “perfect storm” of abundant fuel and violent winds. He warns the industry is facing a sobering reality: with an aging rancher population and astronomical recovery costs, the decisions made in the wake of the smoke will determine who stays in the … [Read more...]
NAVC announces theme for VMX 2027
VMX kicks off January 16, 2027, with a new theme: Off the Grid. Attendees, in person and virtually, are invited to Disconnect to Reconnect and plan time for learning with more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, skill-specific tracks and brand-new electives. Source: NAVC, June 4, 2026. Link. We live in a busy, noisy world where finding time to disconnect is almost … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 18, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 11, 2026 AHD Bulletin – The missing piece in most pet physical exams. Link. Hard or easy, it’s your choice. Link. Employee engagement sinks, workers struggle with digital distractions. Link. Dog daycare lepto outbreak in L.A. reveals broader public … [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...]
Walter talks about the tough conversations AFTER the diagnosis
Preparation can make all the difference when a pet needs care most, says Walter Brown. He shares the challenges of post-diagnosis conversations with pet owners and shares options pet owners don’t realize until an emergency happens, including: Wellness plans help cover ROUTINE care. Pet insurance* helps cover the UNEXPECTED. Options like CareCredit or Scratchpay can … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 8, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: New 6-part webinar series using data gleaned from the Benchmarking Financial Study* Register here <Link>. FREE for IBPSA Members! Use the promo code IBPSA26. Still time to submit your IBBY nominations <Link>. CANIS Conference information and registration <Link>. Source: IBPSA, June 8, 2026. Link. *The new 2026 … [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...]
CATalyst Council shares Feline Findings
Research by the CATalyst Council leads our industry to better understand the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. This is why we’re partnering with the CATalyst Council to share actionable opportunities in "Feline Findings." These insights from CATalyst State of the Cat research results have garnered … [Read more...]
Triaging feline house soiling using telemedicine
Sharing how triaging house soiling works, Marianne Manning, RVT, LVT, KPA CTP, VTS, asserts the preliminary need for physical examinations and diagnostics. If no medical issues are found, then troubleshooting the home environment with questions, followed by telemedicine, can help cat owners deal with house soiling. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, March 11, 2026. … [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...]
Worth a Glance – June 11, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 4, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 4, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Kill the middle manager role? The data says don’t do it. Link. AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps. Link. The retirement wave is coming. Link. The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats. … [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...]