Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 9, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Building adherence with CAPC data. Link. Personal responsibility. Link. 7 signs your executive team lacks leadership maturity. Link. Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine. Link. Keeping cows on track … [Read more...]
Building adherence with CAPC data
Chris Carpenter, DVM, talks about the value of CAPC data and forecasts in this Fountain Report Conversation. It’s <now> proven that when veterinarians share a forecast for what’s gonna happen in that county and send that forecast in an alert-type format to the owner, they come in and they purchase.” - Chris Carpenter, DVM Source: Antelligence, Fountain Report … [Read more...]
Why relationship-centered care wins in veterinary medicine
A must-read Today’s pet parents want to be active participants in decisions about their pets’ health, not passive recipients of one-time services. Chewy Health’s Mita Malhotra asserts that practices that prioritize long-term partnership over episodic service often see stronger patient health outcomes, deeper trust and greater lifetime loyalty from clients. Nearly 82 … [Read more...]
USDA seeks public input on updating dog welfare regulations; Comment period extended to April 20, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments, scientific dat, and stakeholder input to help determine whether updates are needed to federal regulations governing the humane care of dogs. These standards, which apply to licensed breeders and other regulated entities under the Animal Welfare Act, have not had a major … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 6, 2026
This week’s Fast Bites welcomes 22 new provider members. Congratulations! Welcome aboard! Source: IBPSA, April 6, 2026. Link. Related: The PACCC Insider, Spring 2026 Edition. Link. Updates from the pet care industry, highlights of certified professionals, and tools to advance your career. Is boarding still worth it for veterinary practices? AAHA Trends, … [Read more...]
What is an emotional support animal?
ESAs have grown in popularity in the past few years, but the rights and regulations surrounding them remain hazy. Michelle K. explains that in order for a dog (or any animal) to legally be considered an emotional support animal, it must be prescribed by a registered doctor or mental health professional as a means of treatment for a diagnosed mental illness. ESAs and Service … [Read more...]
An update on fleas, flea-borne diseases, and flea control
Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods. Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy … [Read more...]
10 common causes of sudden death in cats (and which ones are preventable)
Sudden death in cats is one of those topics that feels too heavy to think about proactively, but understanding the real causes is one of the more useful things cat owners can do for their cats. There’s little doubt veterinary teams will agree with Dan Seymour’s assertion and quickly reference the limited time they have available to educate even their best feline … [Read more...]
De-exaggerate extreme features in popular dog breeds
To preserve the breeds we love, we need to ‘de-exaggerate’ extreme features by only breeding individuals with healthy and robust features, and petition kennel clubs to update the breed standards to match, according to Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS. Referencing health challenges in breeds like the French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund and Shar-pei, Kanowski advocates for … [Read more...]
Acquisition of cats with extreme conformations: a ticking time bomb
Cats Protection’s Madison Rogers is pushing for cat breeding to be regulated across the United Kingdom. Citing increasing interest and acquisition of purebred cats with extreme features, the organization wants to address welfare concerns proactively. Its research found extreme conformations variously associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, ocular, dental and respiratory … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
Local leadership, not the logo on the door, makes a veterinary clinic shine
The corporate-versus-independent debate is getting stale, writes Bob Lester, DVM. He asserts it is time to stop pointing fingers and start focusing on what drives hospital success. The answer: strong, local, boots-on-the-ground leadership. Here are some of Lester’s thoughts to consider: Veterinary medicine is more complex than ever . . . leadership is the most crucial … [Read more...]
Global veterinary groups unite behind parasite prevention as risks expand worldwide
More than 40 veterinary and animal health organizations have signed a global “Prevention Pledge” emphasizing the importance of year-round parasite control as fleas, ticks and worms expand into new geographic regions. Organizers cited growing concern over shifting parasite distributions driven by climate change, increased pet travel and evolving wildlife populations. In the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 30, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey deadline extended through April 6th. Link. Lucky Dog Mobile Groomers goes global. Link. Dog Aging Project, CBS. Link. Human-animal interactions are a win-win for all, Psychology Today. Link. Source: IBPSA, March 30, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26th. Link. … [Read more...]
Viral coinfections potentially associated with feline chronic gingivostomatitis in FIP cats
The study, published in Viruses MDPI, and co-authored by Katrin Hartmann, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann and Andrea Spiri, looked at coinfections in cats with FIP. It provides detailed insight into viral coinfections potentially linked to FCGS in cats diagnosed with FIP. Coinfections were common, with FCV and FFV most frequently detected, and many cats harbored multiple viruses. … [Read more...]
Simple screening tool can increase identification of canine behavioral problems
There is a gap between the frequency of behavioral problems with dogs and identification and treatment in general practice, according to Leslie Sinn, CPDT-KA, DVM, DACVB. She references a retrospective study that analyzed more than 32 million records to understand the overall frequency of behavioral problem labels and certain psychoactive medications. To close the gap … [Read more...]
How dogs see the world: Canine vision and senses
In this article, Brian Faulkner, FRCVS, shares information on how dogs see and smell their environments. Consider it for new dog parents and for newsletters, social media or school visit content. Notable facts include: Dogs only have two types of color-sensing receptors and may be red-green color blind Most dogs have 20/75 vision; labs are an exception, as many have … [Read more...]
Health outcomes for bitches neutered prepubertally or post-pubertally
This study investigated the health outcomes of 306 Labrador/Golden Retriever crossbreed bitches that were neutered either before puberty (at six months of age) or after their first oestrus. The results suggest that there may be detrimental associations between neutering before known puberty and some musculoskeletal and immune diseases. Source: Animals, January 10, 2025. … [Read more...]
Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus within their populations
Researchers from France and Thailand uncovered a route of transmission for mosquito-borne arboviruses that showed West Nile virus transmission occurs within mosquito populations through their excreta. It is critical for horse owners to keep mosquito breeding areas under control to help prevent the mosquito to mosquito spread of the West Nile virus.” Source: My Senior Horse, … [Read more...]
PetPax Co. wins 2026 Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize
PetPax Co., a startup working to redefine everyday pet wellness for modern pet parents, was selected as the grand prize winner following the live pitch competition at Global Pet Expo. PetPax Co.’s patent-pending delivery method is designed to improve absorption of calming and oral health products by bypassing the stomach acid while reducing stress for both pets and their … [Read more...]
Tractor Supply surpasses $1 Million to expand hands-on learning for future ag leaders
Tractor Supply Company announced that its 11th annual Grants for Growing fundraiser raised more than $1 million. During the four-week event, Tractor Supply customers supported the effort by purchasing paper FFA emblems at checkout, which will in turn provide thousands of FFA members across the country with the resources to engage in hands-on learning experiences that prepare … [Read more...]
Neurologist innovates diagnostic tools for canine epilepsy
A neurologist from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is using a backpack with brainwave-reading sensors to detect epilepsy in dogs without the need to sedate them. Source: ENC, March 19, 2026. Link. Canine epilepsy is the most common neurological condition for dogs and yet, one that still retains its mystery. Through clinical studies, James is researching multiple … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance April 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 26, 2026. Link. Most read posts from the March 26th AHD Bulletin – Before PRDC takes control: Bordetella bronchiseptica’s early role. Link. The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart. Link. Customer hesitation. Link. CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: vectors, hotspots, year-round risk. Link. From … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
Ideas for choosing a trainer for pet parents, veterinary teams (video)
Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, shares a video she offers to pet parents looking to find a trainer for their pet. She shares how to read a trainer’s website. She encourages them to look for clear indicators of positive reinforcement training, humane equipment, transparent credentials and evidence of continuing education. Source: Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, LinkedIn, March 24, 2026. … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
The Dog Aging Project featured on 60 Minutes (video)
The Dog Aging Project was featured on 60 Minutes on March 22nd. Anderson Cooper interviewed principals from the project, revealing the ongoing efforts to a) improve dog lives as they age and b) how the project may increase our understanding of aging in humans and other animals. Source: CBS, 60 Minutes, March 22, 2026. Link. [13:13] Dogs that live with other dogs appear to … [Read more...]
What feral cats actually need from the people who feed them
Includes commercial references Living two to five years versus domestic cat lifespans into the late teens, feral cats need more than food to live longer, writes Dan Seymour. The causes for a brief life include untreated injuries from fights or accidents, exposure to extreme weather, infectious diseases spreading through colonies, parasite burdens that slowly weaken them and … [Read more...]
AI helps owners find lost pets
Includes commercial references One in three pets goes missing during their life, according to the Animal Humane Society. AI has now joined the ranks of microchips, GPS and social media to help find lost pets. These four success stories demonstrate its positive results. Source: The Washington Post, March 21, 2026. Link. “As controversial as AI is right now, this is one of … [Read more...]