Good read Despite the expanding population of senior pets, scientists observed that nutritional recommendations remain largely based on research conducted in younger animals. In a literature review published in the journal Animals, they examined what scientists know about nutrition for aging dogs and cats, identify the biggest gaps in current knowledge and outline the … [Read more...]
Review: Understanding the three stages of laminitis in horses
Regardless of how long laminitis takes to manifest, or what initially caused it, the illness tends to follow three key stages, says Chris Pollitt, BVSc, PhD. The article here reviews the laminitis stages from when it’s most obvious and destructive in the chronic stage, back to the acute stage and finally the initial developmental stage. Pollitt adds that decades of research … [Read more...]
Keep water clean on dairies for cows’ safety
Reinforcing the importance of clean water, Russ Cavanaugh addresses the potential of water as a fomite. He contrasts how most poultry and hog producers approach water treatment with a relative lack of water treatment systems on dairies. His article is a call to action for dairy operators to know what is in their water and to devise a treatment and monitoring system to ensure … [Read more...]
Build cows that stay: Smarter heifer development for long-term productivity
Early conception during the first breeding season is one of the most important predictors of lifetime productivity and retention in heifers. Kacie McCarthy explains that long-term cowherd performance comes from managing heifer development as part of the whole system. Early conception, environment, nutrition, age at first calving and body condition all work together to influence … [Read more...]
Start with foot baths to reduce lameness
Some dairy producers gauge the impact of lameness by the number of cows requiring treatment, but Abbie Goldenberg with Farm Inc. believes that measure misses the bigger picture. Experts say better hoof bath management is what keeps cows healthy in the first place as noted in this article about proper footbath design and maintenance. Aerica Bjurstrom with the University of … [Read more...]
23 students awarded Morris Animal Foundation grants
Morris Animal Foundation recently awarded 23 grants to veterinary students from around the world through its Veterinary Student Scholar program. It provides up to $5,500 for mentor-guided research. Students represent Australia, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Nigeria and the United States. Source: Morris Animal Foundation, June 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Merck Animal Health announces EXZOLT® (fluralaner oral solution) for northern fowl mites in backyard chickens
EXZOLT® (fluralaner oral solution) is now available for the treatment and control of northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) in laying hens and replacement chickens in backyard settings. Each dose of the product is given in two administrations via drinking water, seven days apart, providing an effective option without the need for injections or individual bird … [Read more...]
Minimum wage rate increases took effect July 1st: Interactive location tracker
A wave of minimum wage increases took effect July 1, raising base pay across multiple states, cities and counties. Attorneys advise employers to verify the rate for each work location, not the company headquarters, since local ordinances govern where the work is performed. The tipped-wage complexity deserves a second look for the same reason. Source: HR Executive, July 6, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from July 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Choose thriving. Link. Pet owners seeking help sooner; telehealth becoming the first step. Link. A new framework for assessing dog bite risk. Link. Behavior and health problems during short-distance transport. Link. Pet vaccine … [Read more...]
A history of veterinary medicine as America celebrates its 250th anniversary
This evolution of the veterinary profession is a good read to accompany the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration this year. Julie A. Jacob shares resources from the American Veterinary Medical History Society that show great support for the profession from our country’s founding to current times. Source: AVMA, June 1, 2026. Link. Our country's founding fathers … [Read more...]
Chewy Health with NAVC: Building the future of veterinary medicine
Complimentary Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, and Gene O’Neill, NAVC CEO, discuss how technology, AI, better team support and expanded education contribute to and reshape veterinary medicine by reducing burnout, improving efficiency and strengthening trust between care teams and animal owners. Source: Life At Chewy, YouTube, June 10, 2026. Link. [27:13] … [Read more...]
New data: Pet owners seeking help sooner; telehealth becoming the first step
Complimentary whiskerDoc’s analysis of 2026 pet health interactions suggests that telehealth is increasingly becoming the first step in a pet parent's care journey. The data reinforces the power of early intervention: timely access to professional advice helps owners make more informed decisions, potentially reduce unnecessary treatment and incur lower pet health care … [Read more...]
Choose thriving
I am amused by the number of articles focused on executive-level leadership or women in leadership that have application throughout the ranks in an organization. This Forbes blast from the past is a good example. Source: Forbes, June 19, 2017. Link. When you take time to recharge you are more effective and more productive and this has become even more important because of … [Read more...]
The leadership skill no one teaches
In this world focused on immediacy, the hardest leadership skill isn’t deciding. It’s recognizing when the urgency you feel is yours, not the situation at hand. That gap between your own anxiety and what the situation requires is where most reactive decisions get made. In this article, Tony Martignetti distinguishes between responsive and reactive leadership. He emphasizes … [Read more...]
The art of receiving feedback: How to stay connected when you’re being criticized
This is a good read as mid-year reviews get scheduled. Feedback itself is not the problem. It is what happens in our nervous systems when we receive it. Research shows that when we get feedback, especially when it suggests we did something wrong or could have done better, our nervous system scans for threat, then prepares us to fight, flee or freeze. At this point, you’re at … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 29, 2026
Registration is still open for the 6-part webinar series, Pet Industry Leaderboard: Benchmarks and Actionable Business Strategies. Free for members. <Register here> Source: IBPSA, June 29, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 25th. Link. Killing innovation, when to disengage, stopping interruptions, the growing pet wellness market, and more! … [Read more...]
A new framework for assessing dog bite risk
A new approach, beyond the “point-in-time” method, may provide veterinary professionals, behaviorists and caregivers with objective tools they can use to understand, assess and potentially manage a dog’s bite risk. Colette Kase shares these key factors: The importance of improving bite assessments The potential of a structured professional judgment approach used in … [Read more...]
Pet vaccine compliance important to groomers
Groomers aren’t just haircutters. We care for dogs. We are paid to be professional with the pets we care for, which makes vaccination compliance an important detail of any grooming business, asserts Jennifer Bishop Jenkins. She references legal and insurance considerations, specifically noting zoonotic risks from rabies and leptospirosis. Source: Groomer to Groomer, July … [Read more...]
Experts offer perspectives for veterinary practices from CATalyst Council report
The Fountain Report asked three experts to weigh in on implications for veterinary practices from the recent CATalyst Council white paper, “Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and the Expectations Reset <Link>. The report addresses the veterinary industry’s fifth consecutive year of declining visits and why that trend is likely to continue through the next decade. Here are the … [Read more...]
How to keep cats calm during fireworks
Fireworks can cause cats to become stressed and anxious. They can also cause them to run away and become lost. Alice Sewell shares tips to share with cat owners in these articles. Note the microchip reminders. Sources: Modern Cat, June 24, 2026. Link. NPR, June 28, 2026. Link. Dogs and cats can hear and feel the fireworks four times further than a human … [Read more...]
Tips to keep dogs cool and safe in the summer heat
Dogs need to consume about an ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. Adding summer heat, exercise and too much weight can double their hydration needs. Pet owners need to be constantly reminded of heat management tips. Share these tips often during hot summer days. Source: Blue Cross. Link. Also see: Is My Dog Dehydrated? Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Easy-to-add physical rehabilitation tools for veterinary clinics
Beyond underwater treadmills, there are affordable and feasible options available to veterinary practices to use when providing canine and feline physical rehabilitation. Robin Downing, DVM, MS, DAAPM, DACVSMR, CVPP, CCRP, shares examples of physical rehabilitation equipment that are fundamental and easy to incorporate into any practice that serves patients with osteoarthritis … [Read more...]
Pigeons are surprisingly good at detecting cancer
Fascinating! For every 10 scans containing an abnormality, a radiologist is likely to miss three of them. To prevent medical imaging misses, researchers successfully trained six pigeons to watch short CT scan videos and decide whether or not they showed a lung nodule. Pigeons were chosen since their visual system works a lot like the unconscious part of human vision. The … [Read more...]
Behavior and health problems during short-distance transport
Commercial product referenced A recent survey of European horse owners revealed that even during trailering lasting less than two hours, injury, illness and acute stress occur frequently, affecting up to 42 percent of horses. Behavior problems were observed in a third of all horses and included fear, flight reactions, aggressiveness, rearing and reluctance to load. … [Read more...]
Electrolytes and muscle function in horses: Essentially linked
Commercial product referenced As the summer heat intensifies, keeping a close eye on macrominerals is vital. Because electrolytes facilitate normal muscle contraction and relaxation, even a minor disruption in balance can completely derail athletic performance. Takeaways noted from studies at Kentucky Equine Research in this article: The dose of electrolytes must be … [Read more...]
Separating common myths from the reality of bovine viral diarrhea
Fiction: The most common symptom of BVD is diarrhea. From vaccinations to diagnostics, misconceptions about BVD can leave costly gaps in herd health programs. Veterinarians Dr. Robert Larson and Dr. Christopher Chase help separate fact from fiction on one of the cattle industry’s most economically important diseases. Because many infected animals appear healthy, … [Read more...]
A new hay net wrap that disappears
Commercial content A new compostable net wrap is reducing tons of farm waste and saving cattle lives in the process. Nature’s Net Wrap is made from plant-based biopolymers that break down through microbial activity. Producers say the compostable wrap helps reduce plastic waste while eliminating the risk of cattle consuming traditional net wrap left on bales. The … [Read more...]
Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches Science Diet Single-Protein refrigerated dog food
Hill’s Pet Nutrition announced the debut of Hill’s Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls in the refrigerated section. The launch signifies Hill’s entry into the fresh dog food category. The new format will be available at pet specialty retailers beginning July 2026. Science Diet Single Protein Dog Food Rolls can be fed as the sole source of nutrition or used as a mix-in … [Read more...]
Mexico and U.S. inaugurate new sterile fly facility in Chiapas
The U.S. and Mexico began construction of a 22,000-square foot New World screwworm sterile fly production facility in Metapa, Mexico, just 11 months ago and officially opened the facility on June 27, 2026. The plant will produce 28 million flies per week initially and 100 million by year-end to fight New World screwworm incursion. Source: BEEF, June 29, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 2, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 25, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 25, 2026 AHD Bulletin – SSDD does not produce different results. Link. Killing innovation. Link. It may be time to consider leptospirosis in cats. Link. The truth about MSG and dog food. Link. The horse industry’s social license to operate. Link. … [Read more...]