If avocados are so good for people, are they good for pets? The short answer: it depends very much on the species, and for some animals the answer is a definite no. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, explains why in this blog post. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, September 30, 2026. Link. In addition to persin toxicity, the high fat content of avocado can cause … [Read more...]
Cat shedding: what’s normal, when to call the vet
As daylight hours shrink and autumn temperatures drop, they signal seasonal shedding. Not all shedding is seasonal though, explains Emma Stenhouse, who wrote article worth sharing with clients, especially if your business offers grooming. Source: Catster, September 15, 2026. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Dogs use a surprising method to understand human language, new study suggests
Humans have sophisticated language abilities that could be unique to our species — but dogs, it turns out, may have learned some of our tricks. In new research out of Hungary published this week in the journal Science, scientists found that dogs use the same strategy to pick out words in streams of speech that human infants do: They listen for consonants to figure out when one … [Read more...]
Laser play for cats: fun or hidden danger?
Laser pointers aren’t inherently bad, but they require careful use. They tap into a cat’s natural hunting instincts but there are some safety concerns to consider: physical and psychological. The key is moderation and proper technique. The authors recommend interactive toys to provide similar exercise and mental stimulation while allowing cats to complete their hunting … [Read more...]
Plants toxic to dogs: 19 dangerous plants to avoid
Autumn activities often include cleaning flower beds and planting new perennials to bloom next spring. Many gardeners are surprised to discover how many of their favorites are potentially toxic to dogs. Jennifer Coates, DVM, shares toxicity information and a list of dangerous plants in this article. Source: PetMD, April 2, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this article with pet … [Read more...]
Fetch pet insurance launches Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster with no out-of-pocket costs or claims to file
Complimentary Fetch Pet Insurance announced the launch of Fetch Online Vet powered by Vetster on September 29th. The service gives Fetch Pet members a first-of-its-kind virtual veterinary care experience. Available exclusively for Fetch Pet members directly through the app, this new vet experience is included at no additional cost, allowing members to connect with veterinary … [Read more...]
CareCredit and Vetspire modernize veterinary payments with AI-enabled practice solutions
CareCredit’s embedded financing, combined with Vetspire’s AI-enabled practice technology, helps veterinary teams streamline operations, improve client engagement and support timely pet care. Source: Synchrony, September 30, 2026. Link. Key Highlights: Embedded financing from CareCredit: Real-time financing offers now integrated directly into the Vetspire workflow. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 1, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 24, 2026. Link. Most read posts from September 24th AHD Bulletin – Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers. Link. Community outreach “stuffy style” Link. Malone: Role reversal. Link. BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. Link. FFA: Growing the future. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
New Age Pet partners with Dr. Jan Pol on collection of dog, cat, bird products
Complimentary New Age Pet has partnered with the Dr. Pol brand to develop and launch new innovative pet products that combine the trusted veterinary expertise with thoughtful, pet-centric design. Five new products were developed with Dr. Jan Pol’s practical, no-nonsense approach to animal care and New Age Pet’s commitment to safe, durable and stylish products for … [Read more...]
Community outreach “stuffy style”
Commentary We often recommend that local outreach and visibility are important for veterinary professionals. Doctors Justin Sobota and Brooke Alnwick had a great idea to help familiarize animal owners about veterinarians, what they do and also raise the profile of horses. The team set up a Stuffy ER at The Great Frederick Fair on September 20th. The Stuffy ER idea can be … [Read more...]
USDA announces actions marking new era of companion animal welfare
Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, held a Strikeforce roundtable with federal agency partners on September 21, where she announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight under the leadership of the current administration. Strikeforce meeting objectives will continue to build and develop policies to protect our nation’s animals, … [Read more...]
World Rabies Day theme is: Stronger Together
September 28th is World Rabies Day for 2026. It reinforces the importance of a One Health approach, recognizing the connection between human, animal, and environmental health. Rabies elimination strategies rely heavily on working together for dog vaccination campaigns, community education, and rapid response to potential exposures. Source: World Health Organization, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Pet Care Pro – September 2026
Highlights in this edition: How to weather disruptions in pet care services. Link. Survey request: Essential Oils in Pet Care: Survey deadline is October 5th Resource: Glossary of health care and health insurance terms <Link> Series continues: The Pet Industry Leaderboard: Benchmarks and Actionable Business Strategies. FREE for IBPSA Members, PocketSuite … [Read more...]
Free webinar: The Emotional Side of Behavior
Complimentary Join PACCC on Tuesday, September 29th, for The Emotional Side of Behavior with Jamie Engerdahl, CPACP, FFCP, owner of Kinder Canine Coaching and former PACCC board member. She will explore how understanding a dog's emotions can help pet care professionals respond with care and build trust. Get a practical look at recognizing fear, stress and anxiety, and how we … [Read more...]
FFA: Growing the future
Modern FFA programs are framing agriculture in familiar urban and suburban environments, writes Kristy Meyer. Students learn that agricultural careers can exist in stadiums, parks, school districts, golf courses, universities and professional sports facilities, in addition to traditional farm and ranch settings. Source: AgriLife, October 2026. Link. Leadership in FFA does … [Read more...]
Pet loss goes unacknowledged for many owners, survey finds
Includes commercial reference Many pet owners receive little acknowledgment after their animal dies, even though that is the support they most want. A recent survey found that 1,139 U.S. adults who had experienced a pet loss received less support than those who had experienced a loss of a person across every category measured. For veterinary practices, the results expose … [Read more...]
BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. From mode of action to impact.
Discover how enzymes interact with specific substrates, how conditions within the digestive system influence their activity, and how differences between animals, diets and production systems can shape their impact during this Novonesis webinar at 4:00 p.m. CDT on September 30th. (Check your time zone against Copenhagen time.) How enzymes work and why substrate specificity … [Read more...]
Cat owners asked to complete hairball survey
This survey request is an opportunity to communicate with cat owners without promoting in-clinic visits or preventative health topics. Simply share it with your cat owner contacts. Source: Worms and Germs, September 23, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Yes, regular play supports canine cognitive health
Researchers from Hungary found that dogs that engaged in a lifetime sports career or in joint activities with their owners had a lower chance of developing canine cognitive decline than dogs that did not. Most surprising to the team, and most important for dog owners, was that any joint activity between owners and dogs was significantly associated with lower CCD … [Read more...]
Names in the news
IDEXX Laboratories has acquired veterinary AI software company CoVet. Link. Patterson Veterinary launches Atlas AI assistant for practices. Link. Girl Scouts of the USA adds Patch Pals™ for dogs to cookie lineup. Link. The Farmer's Dog® becomes the NFL’s first Official Pet Food Partner. Link. Instinct Science announces Attending, a first-of-its-kind clinical AI … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 24, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 17, 2026. Link.a Most read posts from September 17th AHD Bulletin – Malone: Leadership’s dark side. Link. Stop saying SORRY for who you are. Link. High school science students introduced to Fear Free. Link. Cat health care and deworming barn cats. Link. Credentials got you into the … [Read more...]
CatsOnly clinic opens in Aurora, Colorado to positive reviews, expectations
Congratulations and kudos to the CatsOnly.vet team who, over the past months have built anticipation, interest and curiosity. Of all the various posts we reviewed, Ken Lambrecht, DVM, captured the excitement of the event admirably along with expectations for success. “Founders Craig S. Wallace, Scott Maloney, Kristin Wuhrman, Jason Epstein and Alex Emerson have done their … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – September 14, 2026
This week’s FastBites provides updates for members including: Upcoming October launch of a new Learning Management System called GZLearn. Gallagher's insurance concierge services for U.S. members Ticket reminder for the IBBY Award Celebration at the CANIS Conference Source: IBPSA, September 14, 2026. Link. Survey results from Suburu-commissioned Talker Research … [Read more...]
CatCon 2026 comes to Pasadena October 10th and 11th
CatCon is a cat-centric, pop culture global event scheduled to take place in Pasadena, California, October 10th and 11th. It is dedicated to all things feline, with a community of cat lovers that spans the globe. Part expo, part symposium, CatCon engages, educates and entertains thousands of fans, featuring the latest in groundbreaking products and ideas for cats and their … [Read more...]
High school science students introduced to Fear Free
From everyday interactions with classroom animals to exploring future careers in animal care, a high school animal science teacher uses Fear Free education to help bring a more thoughtful approach to animal wellbeing into the classroom. Note how Ms. Carberry integrated the Fear Free Pet Sitter Certification into her curriculum. Source: Fear Free LLC., LinkedIn, September … [Read more...]
Calculating daily calorie and feeding needs for a patient
Laura Warcholek, CVT, VTS (nutrition), reviews the standard equation for calculating calorie and feeding needs, and walks through the calculations for an example patient in this informative video. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, LinkedIn, August 27, 2026. Link. [1:37] Also see: Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math. AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Cat health care and deworming barn cats
Cats are tough with hardy immune systems, writes Jon Geller, DVM, in this article from the Grist archives. Although written before Avian flu became a reality in the U.S., his guidance holds up today, considering the advancing status of cats. Commentary Call them barn cats, working cats, free-range, or semi-feral; whatever the label, but developing mutually beneficial … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 17, 2026
Most read posts from September 10th AHD Bulletin – Vertical integration is driving up patient costs, study finds. Link. Minimize costs by maximizing value. Link. The obedience fallacy. Link. We’re all talking less. That’s not good. Link. The late-game respiratory disease that’s costing feedlots big money. Also see: Good Rx saves on pet prescriptions, … [Read more...]
GoodRx Companion now helps families receive savings on pet prescriptions
A new $24.99 monthly plan from GoodRx includes a primary member and up to four dependents, including children, adults, and pets. More than 250 generic medications are available for free along with savings on dental, vision, lab and imaging services. Source: GoodRx, September 3, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
The obedience fallacy
Angie Barber repositions training, behavior and obedience in this blog post to help dog people understand how to work toward a mentally and emotionally stable well-adjusted dog. Her State of Mind Dog Training website includes some freebies worth considering for clients <Link>. She urges dog owners to take a step back, shift from a transactional/obedience-based mindset … [Read more...]