From the blog: Emerging trends in pet ownership: what they mean for pet care businesses. Link. Industry news: Petflation 2025 – September Update: Jumps up to +3.5% vs Last Year. Link. PadsPass is solving pet travel for clients and veterinarians in time for the holidays. Link. Member benefits: Discounted pricing on background screening reports from … [Read more...]
Toss the kibble cup to feed dogs less
Commentary* Nancy Kerns shares her own challenges with feeding her dogs the right amount of food versus an estimated volume. She advocates for weighing the kibble using a kitchen scale, which she has written about before <Link>. A recent situation analysis of overweight dogs identified a complex web of interactions between dogs, their breed background, their … [Read more...]
NASC quality seal extended to treats and large-format chewables
The National Animal Supplement Council is expanding its quality standards for treats and large-format chewables to bring the same level of trust, transparency and quality assurance to them that already exists for pet health and nutritional supplements Products called “functional treats” are a particularly challenging segment, offering everything from calming support to joint … [Read more...]
Everyday feline behaviors as early health signals: Behavioral and bonding trends
In this edition of Feline Findings, Gina Fortunato and Kristin Wuhrman share information from Volume II of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report. It clearly shows the commitment cat owners have to their cat(s). Veterinary teams can boost the owner-cat relationship by educating clients about subtle shifts they may observe in their cats’ behaviors. Tracking … [Read more...]
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month
If you or your clients are considering adopting a new pet, but want one that is calm and likely trained in the basics, a senior pet may fit the bill. Plus, they tend to be less work than youngsters and can provide companionship and fun for years. If adoption isn’t possible, consider volunteering at a shelter, making a donation or taking a senior pet for a day. Sources: … [Read more...]
The matted cat; causes, cures, prevention
Cats’ tongues are designed to move sebum from their skin through the hair, maintaining hair integrity, loosening dirt and providing cooling, writes Cliff Faver, DVM. Despite their assiduous self-maintenance routines, cats get matted when sebum doesn’t move through their hair. Faver explains conditions that predispose cats to matting and advises groomers about degreasing cat … [Read more...]
Scientists focus on genetically engineering mice to cut Lyme disease transmission
Scientists hope to use genetic engineering to reduce the transmission of Lyme disease. The scientists' target is not the deer and ticks associated with the disease, but wild, White-footed mice, the main carriers of Lyme. The teams of scientists are engineering changes in the genetic makeup of the mice by adding a gene for an antibody that prevents Lyme infection to a mouse … [Read more...]
Convenience, connection matter just as much as price
In this article, My Vet Candy reviews survey results from a paper titled, “U.S. Residents' Self-Reported Access to Veterinary Care and Implications for Care-Seeking Decisions.” The survey of more than 1,100 adults asked what “access to veterinary care” meant. In summary, the results show most people value and respect veterinary professionals, but they often feel shut out and … [Read more...]
Canine sports medicine has a promising future
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s new Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency program is generating excitement about specialty training that will benefit any pet with mobility challenges. The program kicked off in July 2025 with residents and mentors at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College … [Read more...]
It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety
Halloween ranks third for holiday candy-related pet claims, behind Christmas and Thanksgiving, according to data from Independence Pet Group. Independence Pet Holdings’ Jennifer Sperry, DVM, shares tips and an informative infographic about pet safety during this spooky season here <Link>. Thanksgiving kicks off the official winter holiday season, which is now under … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 27, 2025
From the IBPSA blog: Termageddon is offering IBPSA members a 10 percent discount on website compliance service to manage risk from a growing list of privacy laws <Link>. Gallagher offers IBPSA members affordable, comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed specifically for individuals, families, and business owners with options available … [Read more...]
Black cat bias
Black cats face lower adoption rates and higher euthanasia rates at shelters, according to research conducted by Robert Carini, PhD. He says it’s clear that ideas rooted in stereotypes around black cats are strong and enduring. Source: AAHA Trends, June 13, 2025. Link. The study found that “white cats had the most favorable euthanasia and adoption outcomes while brown and … [Read more...]
Trainer says dog parks are one of the biggest gambles owners take
Complimentary Commercial Content Method K-9’s owner, Stephanie, discusses the risks associated with dog parks. Her warnings about recall, other dogs’ behaviors, bullying and more are worth sharing with pet owners on social media or linked in newsletters. Source: Method K-9, Facebook. Link. Almost every dog in our board and train program has either been bullied or … [Read more...]
Energy medicine for dogs and cats
As alternative ways of supporting animals become more mainstream, a variety of modalities are represented. Barrie Sands, DVM, CVA, HMCT, EMP, reviews therapies that may address physical, emotional and energetic imbalances in the body. Many of the energy modalities include hands-on healing, movement and breathwork that pet owners can learn to do at home. Fans of Cesar Millan … [Read more...]
Reminder: For indoor cats, well-being requires more than physical safety
"Indoor-only cats are often assumed to be the safest, but it is more challenging to meet their needs, impacting their physical and emotional health and resulting in more caregiver concerns about behavior," said Dr. Ilona Rodan, chair of the FelineVMA’s Feline Welfare Committee. The FelineVMA asserts five pillars to support a healthy feline environment that can reduce … [Read more...]
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Elanco’s Credelio against New World screwworms in dogs
The FDA's emergency use of Credelio is temporary and only valid while the threat of screwworm remains. This is the first time the FDA has granted such an authorization for treating New World screwworm. Elanco warned that Credelio, part of a drug class called isoxazolines, has been linked to side effects such as tremors and seizures in some dogs. Source: Reuters, October 24, … [Read more...]
Chewy Vet Care opens first Miami location
Chewy Vet Care Aventura opened its doors on Friday, October 24th, as the 14th Chewy Vet Care location. Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, shared this about the opening, “We are thrilled to bring Chewy Vet Care to Miami. It is an exciting moment for pet healthcare as more pet parents are embracing a lifestyle where their pets’ well-being is at the center of everything … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 30, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 23, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 23, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Temple Grandin: Get yourself in through the back door. Link. AAHA resources complement vet tech support, development. Link. Free book; guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions. Link. What do they value? … [Read more...]
Free book offers guidance to help navigate behavioral euthanasia decisions
Complimentary Content There is no question that animal health pros in all settings are challenged when a pet owner struggles with an aggressive dog or a serious behavior issue that impacts human and animal safety or quality of life. When deciding to euthanize a dangerous animal, pet owners turn to veterinary professionals. It can be hard to find resources or the right words … [Read more...]
11th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium focused on ethics and responsibility
Negative reports on the dog breeding industry are not uncommon. To learn how to improve this market segment, more than 200 breeders attended the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices.” It was sponsored by Petland and the AKC. Source: Petland, October 20, 2025. Link. There was a huge emphasis <at the Symposium> on … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
What it takes to be America’s top house cat
Jason Bittel and photographer Dina Litovsky share a behind-the-scenes look from 2025 Cat Fancier's Association International Cat Show and Expo, which took place October 11th and 12th in Cleveland, Ohio. Organized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the show drew nearly 10,000 people and 550 cats. Source: National Geographic, October 20, 2025. Link. The CFA allows owners to … [Read more...]
Most canine masses go undiagnosed
Commentary These results are potentially a wake-up call for practices. One must trust that most of the lumps and bumps are being measured, noted and follow-up appointments to check on them are being set. The malignancy rate is yet another reason to urge pet owners to consider pet insurance early in the animal’s life. A 2025 HT Vista survey of more than 240 veterinarians* … [Read more...]
How to read pet food labels
AAFCO’s Pet Food Label Modernization project is underway, explains Jean Hofve, DVM, but in the meantime, pet food labels and language remain confusing. She shares how to interpret product names, nutrition facts and what to expect from upcoming label changes. Source: Animal Wellness, October 17, 2025. Link. Also see: Search Results for: pet food labels, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Dog, Cornell, find minimally processed food can enhance metabolic function and overall health.
Complimentary Commercial Content The results of a first-of-its-kind, year-long metabolomic study led by Cornell’s Heather Huson, along with Farmer’s Dog veterinary nutritionists, found that feeding dogs food from the company can meaningfully impact metabolic health and support healthier aging in dogs. The results are a milestone for understanding canine metabolic health and … [Read more...]
Dogs and the parent-child parallel
Seeking a science-based understanding of how dogs see their person, Lydia Patrick shares what she learned about dog parent paradigms. Source: Newsweek, June 8, 2025. Link. Dogs don't truly recognize humans as a maternal figure in a biological or identity-based sense … but they often see humans as a source of safety and security; the way kids see their moms.” – Jennifer … [Read more...]
Tick dragging, canine-style
Tick exposure risk varies over the seasons of the year and there is seasonality to what tick species dogs or people are likely to encounter, writes Scott Weese, DVM. His recent experience with his own dog and the article are relevant for veterinary teams, retailers, pet services personnel and pet owners as fall progresses. Source: Worms and Germs, October 21, 2025. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 23, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Make the call and Just ASK. Link. Bad advice. Link. Cats can get dementia, too. Link. What’s covered and what’s not in veterinary clinic cyber insurance. Link. Pork, ultimate muscle-building protein/National Pork … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 16, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 9, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 9, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ways to help cats and their caregivers prepare for veterinary visits. Link. Understanding the rise of career dysmorphia; what to do about it. Link. Competitive rivalries. Link. 4 giants dominate consumer pet food market … [Read more...]
Make the call and Just ASK
Commentary The call from a local but unrecognized number seemed random. Still, I answered it. It was from my dog’s veterinary clinic. Sharing her name and the clinic’s, the vet tech was calling to check on my dog, noting I hadn’t responded to two wellness visit emails. Yes, I remembered one of the emails but did not act on it at the moment, nor did I act on one text message … [Read more...]