Findings from the CATalyst Council’s 2025 Key Feline Market Insights report point to a market at an inflection point. Shifting demographics, economics and innovation are converging to elevate feline care. The report identifies this period as one of sustained growth and rising strategic importance, even as overall U.S. veterinary visits declined. Source: businesswire, January … [Read more...]
NAVC’s 2025 VETTY Award winners
The 2025 VETTY Awards® Grand Prize winners include: BEST IN SHOW (FOR PROFIT) AWARD: “Galliprant - Playing with Fire” by Elanco Animal Health and BarkleyOKRP. Category: Campaign - B2B/Trade. BEST IN SHOW (NONPROFIT) AWARD: “KC Animal Health Corridor WORKFORCE Campaign” by Animal Health Corridor and JNA Advertising. Category: Campaign - New Product, Program or Service … [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...]
Mastering cat grooming
Cat grooming isn’t just about doing, it’s also about watching, listening and getting real-time feedback, says Lynn Paolillo, a master cat groomer. While teaching cat grooming to students, she shares that having another experienced cat groomer in the room doesn’t mean they are there to help you, but to increase the amount of brain power available for problem-solving. Source: … [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...]
FIP study finds coronaviruses may hide and persist in immune cells
The prevailing belief has been that the feline infectious peritonitis virus infected just one type of immune cell. New research published in Veterinary Microbiology found FIP infects a broader range of immune cells, including those critical for fighting infection. Scientists also found evidence that the virus was actively replicating itself inside these immune cells, rather … [Read more...]
Top 10 Clinician’s Brief articles of 2025
Covering a broad range of topics, this special issue’s content is a must-review. We note articles on commonly missed drug interactions, feline atopic skin syndrome and using a continuous glucose monitor. Enjoy. Source: Clinician’s Brief, Link. … [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...]
The FelineVMA, EveryCat Health Foundation, announce scholarships for future leaders in feline medicine
The FelineVMA and the EveryCat Health Foundation are now accepting scholarship applications from veterinary students enrolled in AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges or schools in the United States or Canada. Third- or fourth-year veterinarian students are eligible to become candidates for two scholarships of $5,000 each. Source: FelineVMA, January 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 8, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Uncertainty. Link. Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention. AAHA issues NEW guidelines for treating pets with cancer. Link. ============================= More than 1,200 feral, rescue cats … [Read more...]
Opportunity flows from where you focus your intentions and attention
Commentary This new year is not a fresh start. It’s the next chapter of continually improving the health and welfare of our animals and those who care for them. For many animal health pros, the horizon may be foggy as new annual plans are implemented, territories realigned, new management introduced and teams face staffing and goal changes. As we begin this year, we can … [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...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 5, 2026
CONGRATULATIONS to the IBPSA professionals who earned 139 Species Care Certifications last year! These individuals represent 40 facilities/independents. 18 new members and 3 vendor partners were added in 4-Q-2025. Also, 239 IBPSA Species Certification exams were completed by learners in correctional facilities through rehabilitation and reentry programs. Don’t forget to … [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...]
Promoting regular vet visits for cats, even the healthy-looking ones
Commentary Few would argue this statement, “No matter their age or lifestyle, regular vet care matters and it can help cats thrive.” But getting owners of ostensibly happy cats to establish routine veterinary visits is a challenge our industry faces in 2026 and beyond. Communicating with cat owners is an important element of moving toward routine veterinary visits and … [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...]
Veterinarians encouraged to participate in 2025 heartworm survey
The American Heartworm Society is calling on veterinarians nationwide to participate in the 2025 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey, now open and accepting submissions. The survey provides critical data used to track heartworm disease trends across the United States and support effective client education and prevention strategies. Source: AAHA, January 5, 2025. … [Read more...]
Review: Trazodone for dogs and cats
As Rx drugs are more frequently prescribed, it is important to review articles like this. Trazodone can reliably and safely induce sedation and anxiolysis in dogs and cats for treatment of acute fear, stress and anxiety. More research has been conducted in dogs and it is most often administered for situational use during exposure to acute stressors or to achieve … [Read more...]
Living with dogs includes benefits from sharing microbiomes
Steve Dale shares a new study published in the journal iScience, showing that raising dogs has beneficial effects, especially for adolescents, and these effects may be mediated through symbiosis with microorganisms. Researchers found that a person’s dog-owning status at age 13 could predict their future mental health and behavioral scores. Adolescents from homes with a dog had … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council appoints Gina Fortunato as Executive Director
The CATalyst Council announces the appointment of Gina Fortunato as executive director. Fortunato succeeds Dr. Jane Brunt, a key partner in the origin of the organization and who will continue as a senior advisor to ensure a seamless transition. The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of cats and their caregivers. Dr. Brunt will remain … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – January 8, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 31, 2025. Link. ============================================== Top 10 AAHA Trends articles of 2025 Source: AAHA Trends, December 24, 2025. Link. Trends' first all-digital year was packed daily with news and features. It will be interesting to see how the AAHA Board’s vision for the future of … [Read more...]
This blog’s for you
Commentary There are numerous factors to consider as animal health pros work to improve and grow our industry. Each week, your AHD team focuses on delivering published content that has the potential to advance and improve narratives critical to serving animal owners, their animals and the people working in our industry. Last week we shared Stephen Covey’s Circles of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 29, 2025
This year brought both opportunities and challenges, and it was inspiring to see the ways that our IBPSA members showed up for one another through collaboration, learning, and a shared dedication to excellence and care. Your passion for your work and your willingness to contribute to the broader community continue to move our industry forward. Thank you for all that you do, … [Read more...]
Building veterinary standards of care for senior dogs
Shawn Wilkie and Dr. Ivan Zak share a conversation with Dr. Lisa Lippman from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about closing one of the biggest gaps in veterinary medicine. The discussion covers identifying senior and geriatric stages across breeds, creating proactive wellness plans, adapting clinics to reduce stress and support mobility, and using quality-of-life scales to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 31, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 24, 2025. Link. Scroll through recent Animal Health Digest posts here: December 2025 AHD Archives. Link. November 2025 AHD Archives. Link. October 2025 AHD Archives. Link. September 2025. AHD Archives. Link. ======================= 4 signs the dog is over holiday socializing Source: … [Read more...]
Music as medicine
Scientists are learning how music can do more than lift our mood — from easing anxiety to helping experimental drugs reach the brain. Source: AXIOS, December 8, 2025. Link. Music has the power to stimulate our body’s reward system, like the way that warmth, food, and social connection do. Music may relieve stress for your patients, customers, and animal healthcare … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – December 15, 2025
AAFCO launches new fast-track review process for animal food ingredients, Fromm Family Foods recall, Reading the Room webinar, vendor spotlight on Brownrice Webcams and curated content in the December 11th Animal Health Digest Bulletin. Source: IBPSA, December 15, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Holiday stress, a potential medical and behavioral inflection point for pets
Holiday stress reveals behavior concerns in pets that often go unnoticed during normal activities. Family gatherings, schedule changes, fireworks and travel create environments where fear, aggression and separation-related behaviors surface or worsen. Proactive veterinary teams can elevate care during holidays by engaging clients to plan for disruptions and track their pets’ … [Read more...]
Growth in kitten adoption continues: changing lifestyles reshaping demand for feline veterinary care
Kitten adoptions remain above pre-COVID levels and provide positive opportunities for veterinary practices, according to Volume IV of the CATalyst Council 2025 Feline Market Insights Report <Link>. New kittens also mean many first-time cat owners who may not understand the importance of regular visits or how veterinary teams can help make those visits as low-stress and … [Read more...]