Content for Pet Dental Month Helping dog owners understand the importance of oral care can start with simply urging them to routinely check the color of their dogs’ gums. Katie Grzyb, DVM, shares the meaning behind changes in a dog’s gum colors and when pet owners should contact a veterinarian. Source: PetMD, December 28, 2025. Link. Key takeaways from the article: … [Read more...]
Four pillars approach to achieving longevity in canine patients
Commentary Articles like this often seem rudimentary until you read them like a first-time pet owner who knows little about the importance of veterinary care. Younger first-timers likely have limited experiences with medical doctors other than illness treatments, which can make the veterinary environment disconcerting. With this in mind, we’re sharing the article linked … [Read more...]
Considerations for producers when choosing and integrating livestock guard dogs
Livestock guardian dogs remain among the more effective non-lethal tools for reducing livestock predation when effectively managed, writes Bill Costanzo. Realistic expectations and adaptive management practices based on predation levels and predator type are needed. Owners must acknowledge the limitations of the dog or dogs. Source: AcreageLife, February 1, 2026. Link. LGDs … [Read more...]
4 easy ways to ice-proof horses’ hooves
Melinda Freckleton, DVM, shares the importance of dealing with “ice balls” or “snowballs” caused when snow and ice get packed under a horse’s hoof, warms up slightly against the sole, then freezes readily against the cold metal of the shoe. To avoid injuries from poor footing or hoof damage, she shares ice-fighting strategies. Consider sending this article to horse-owning … [Read more...]
How prolonged maternal care in horses builds better brains and improves social skills
Study results from INRAE in France showed that foals who stayed with their mothers were much better off in several areas. Their brains developed faster in the parts that control emotions and social behavior and there was stronger connectivity in the default mode network. The researchers were surprised to find that foals with their mothers gained more weight even though they … [Read more...]
Prevent scours with pasture moves
Scours is usually an outbreak waiting to happen and it’s rarely caused by a single factor. Roslynn Biggs, DVM, shares the importance of keeping calves on clean ground by moving them routinely, as the Sandhills calving system describes. Source: Hay and Forage Grower, February 3, 2026. Link. Also see: Have you tried the Sandhills Calving System?, Progressive Cattle, … [Read more...]
Red lighting in dry cow pen, consistent with known physiology
There’s a hypothesis being tested using red lights at Parkview Dairy in Delhi, California. The new dry cow barn was constructed with red lights to better understand how light exposure regulates circadian rhythms. The concept emerged from a broader awareness of circadian biology and a recognition that traditional barn lighting often overlooks how cows perceive light at … [Read more...]
Doberman Pinscher ‘Penny’ wins Westminster Best in Show
Penny, a Doberman Pinscher from Reseda, California, was crowned Best in Show this week by the Westminster Kennel Club. She is the 150th winner of the competition that included 2,600 entries this year. Source: The American Kennel Club, February 4, 2026. Link. Many of the stunning dogs competing on the Best in Show judging floor on Tuesday night were familiar to those of the … [Read more...]
FDA approves new generics for cattle; a BRD treatment and a dewormer
The Food & Drug Administration announced approvals of two veterinary treatments targeted at cattle health issues on January 22nd: Dewormer: Defendazole (fenbendazole) oral suspension, by Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. (ANADA 200-831) contains same active ingredient as Safe-Guard (NADA 128-620). BRD treatment: nixiFLOR (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine) injectable … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – February 5, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, January 29, 2026. Link. Most read posts from January 29, 2026 AHD Bulletin – From rabid raccoon to workhorse. Tame the practiceWAG phone. Link. Vets, pet owners . . . systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study. Link. The business of pragmatism. Link. This little piggy is a commitment: … [Read more...]
From rabid raccoon to workhorse. Tame the practice phone
When three-fourths of prospects and clients use the phone, it deserves focus. In this article written for AHD, Rick Purnell shares recent Salesforce data and addresses generational avoidance of using the phone. 61 percent of customers prefer to speak to someone via phone when they need help 75 percent of customers believe calling a business will give them the quickest … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, pet owners under systemic strain, PetSmart Charities–Gallup study #2
Commentary By now, you’ve probably read plenty of industry takes on the results of part two of the PetSmart Charities–Gallup State of Pet Care Study <Link>. Or, you’ve seen articles in mainstream media emphasizing affordability of care for pets. Press releases and articles may sensationalize the findings below, but the study reveals much more than recalcitrant … [Read more...]
Why veterinarians recommend using a broker for pet insurance
This article is a good read for veterinary teams willing to promote pet insurance benefits but hesitant to direct pet owners to specific pet insurance brands. To support those discussions, Animal Health Digest created a “Pet Insurance Guide.” The guide is a free tool designed to save time, advance pet health insurance conversations, and highlight the benefits for clients, their … [Read more...]
The business of pragmatism
In high-performing cultures, a "Yes" is expensive. It means resources have been allocated and focus has been locked. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, January 9, 2026. Link. A ‘Yes’ without the capacity to back it up isn't ambition. It is a breach of trust.” INSIGHTS: When your heart says “Yes,” make sure your head is on board. … [Read more...]
KCAHC shares available resources at National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference
Commentary Momentum beyond metrics describes the experience KC Corridor representatives found when sharing workforce recruitment and educational resources available through the collective efforts of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor and the exploreahcareers.com website. “We may never know exactly how many students choose animal health because of something they heard, … [Read more...]
New food pyramid is a significant reset of U.S. nutrition policy
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 from HHS and USDA seek to deliver a clear, commonsense message to the American people: “Eat real food.” Kristin Bakker’s article shares potential benefits to American food animal producers. Source: Feedstuffs, January 6, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – January 26, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: OSHA Compliance reminders New Jersey legislative update Free three part symposium: Pet End-of-Life Legal & Emotional Guidance presented by the New York State Bar Association's Committee on Animals and the Law Upcoming member webinar: The Modern Reservation Strategy: Turning Online Inquiries into High-Trust, High-Value … [Read more...]
25 ways to grab and hold customer attention, revenue
Commentary The collective promotional experiences of pet retailers and service providers are shared in this article. The takeaway from it is not whether the ideas shared are relevant for your business or locale, rather the ideas are local or community-centered. Source: Pets+, July 6, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Innumerable articles, experts and KOLs bemoan declining overall … [Read more...]
Pets and Mental Health Resource Center available online
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mental Health America launched the Pets and Mental Health Resource Center in October 2025. The online hub features resources, information and tools that highlight the powerful role companion animals can have in supporting mental health. It is available on the Mental Health America website at www.mhanational.org/pets. Source: … [Read more...]
This little piggy is a commitment: a guide to responsible pet pig ownership
Many pet pigs end up in rescues after owners realize they were unprepared for the specific needs of owning a pig. Before bringing a pig as a pet into your life, it’s essential to understand what keeping pigs actually involves, from size and space to time, money and even legal considerations. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: Kevin Spencer has … [Read more...]
First consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, sometimes called “doggy dementia,” is common, but under-recognized. Early CCDS signs are subtle and often mistaken for normal aging. A consensus in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS as shared in this article, is a step toward practical, real-world diagnosis. Source: AKC Canine Health Foundation, January 13, 2026. … [Read more...]
Treatment duration for pneumonia in dogs and cats: Systematic review
The most commonly used antimicrobial treatments for dogs and cats are not evidence-based, writes Scott Weese, DVM. Most antimicrobial treatment durations currently used in dogs and cats are probably way too long when we compare them to what’s done in human medicine for comparable conditions. Some of the differences are striking. Weese says a new systematic review entitled … [Read more...]
Frozen chicken should come from the grocery, not the coop
When temperatures fall below 60°F, chickens begin to experience cold stress, which can be severe and lead to death in extreme cases, writes Marisa Erasmus, PhD. She shares various factors that affect chickens’ susceptibility to cold stress. The article is relevant for poultry operations of all sizes, including the chickens in backyard poultry coops. Source: Modern Poultry, … [Read more...]
Good help is hard to find. Ways to attract, keep top farm employees.
Retaining exceptional employees in agriculture production requires innovative strategies that go beyond traditional compensation. Wesley Tucker shares strategies from a brainstorming session at The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers on how to link exceptional employees to the farm for the long haul. Source: Missouri Ruralist, January 26, 2026. Link. INSIGHTS: … [Read more...]
Boost herd health and performance through the transition period
The importance of managing the transition period from dry-off to peak milk rightfully dominates dairy management topics. In the article shared here, Zoetis’ Matthew Boyle, DVM, shares best practices that set transition cows up for success. Source: Progressive Dairy, December 15, 2025. Link. Boyle emphasizes the opportunity to make small adjustments in each of the three … [Read more...]
Ensure the bulls will be ready when their time comes
While January, February and March are typically a loafing period for breeding bulls, husbandry during winter remains important to ensure they are healthy when it’s their time. Beth Reynolds summarizes winter bull management in two categories: nutrition and breeding soundness. She says managing the impacts of cold weather on breeding soundness in herd sires requires being … [Read more...]
Extension beef specialist concerned about lower quality hay from 2025
Jeff Lehmkuhler has never seen lower hay quality than what he witnessed in 2025. With winter weather extremes and spring-calving cows in their third trimester, he recommends pulling forage samples to document what nutrient levels exist in unique lots of hay, then adjust accordingly. Communicating the importance of nutritional sampling is a simple action for veterinary teams … [Read more...]
Review: Tips to reduce the chance of hypothermia in calves
It never hurts to review and refresh calving processes. In this article, Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson explains how to identify, prevent and manage cold stress in baby calves, including precalving nutrition of the cow that can reduce the chances of hypothermia. Consider positioning this article in social media posts or link it in newsletters. A few minutes to send it out … [Read more...]
Vetmedin chewable tablets receive full FDA approval for delay of congestive heart failure in dogs label indication
Emily Singler, VMD, shares that for the first time the FDA has granted full approval for an indication for an animal drug that was previously approved under the FDA’s expanded conditional approval authority. Vetmedin® (pimobendan) Chewable Tablets label has officially expanded to include an indication for the delay of the onset of congestive heart failure in dogs with stage B2 … [Read more...]
USDA approves TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), a ½ mL Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs
Building on TruCan B Oral, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral) the first USDA-licensed ½ mL oral Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs. This is the second recent expansion of Elanco’s Tru vaccine line, with TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 receiving USDA approval in July of 2025. Source: Elanco, January 16, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]