Rumination is relatively easy to manage in cows, but failed structures and processes create debilitating issues for veterinary professionals. Gershon L Alaluf, DVM, MBA, DBA (c), shares what not being able to turn off work does to veterinarians in this thought-filled article. It reminds one of the adage, “In the absence of strategy, chaos prevails.” Studies show rumination … [Read more...]
Speaking with conviction
There is a particular kind of silence that falls in a meeting room when a leader speaks with genuine conviction. Rene Rodriguez explains why conviction is more powerful than your recommendations. Source: LinkedIn, March 20, 2026. Link. Small adjustments heighten confident communication, writes Rene Rodriguez. He outlines these elements: Reframe your internal definition … [Read more...]
Nick Saban: Three lessons to keep you grounded (video)
Nick Saban shares habits to help you stay grounded, focused, and at peace, even when life gets tough. Source: LinkedIn, October 2025. Link. [1:01] … [Read more...]
17 polite habits most people secretly dislike
Plenty of etiquette rules have changed in the past decade. And sometimes, the behaviors you think are polite can backfire. This interesting read may help interactions with customers, clients, colleagues and family. Source: Reader’s Digest, September 29, 2024. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Two industries, one mission, mostly disconnected
There is something about pets that overrides conventional career logic, writes veterinary nutritionist Megan Sprinkle, DVM. She shares her observations from a trip to Global Pet Expo 2026 and contrasts parallel industries with a common customer commenting on the opportunity of shared purpose. Source: Animal Health News and Views, April 2026. Link. Diverse perspectives and … [Read more...]
Dog breed influences how dogs communicate with humans
New research looked at whether all dogs were equally sensitive to verbal instructions. It shows that it all depends on the breed. Cooperative breeds bred to rely on human guidance outperformed independent breeds in the research trials. Discussing obstensive communications*, the researchers say it’s easy to gain the attention of cooperative dogs but independent dogs may need … [Read more...]
Credit card surcharges by veterinary practices may not meet resistance
Scratch Financial’s article positions credit card surcharges or swipe fees as a potential benefit for veterinary practices. Note the best practices for implementing surcharging at veterinary practices. Staff training, notice periods and state-by-state guidelines should be considered. Source: AAHA Trends, April 10, 2026. Link. Data suggests that when implemented … [Read more...]
Erase 10 years of social media damage, study shows
The average American spends four and a half to five hours on their phone every day. That’s more than two months a year when we’re not doing something else! A study published in PNAS Nexus involving 467 individuals showed even a short time away from a phone could erase a decade’s worth of age-related cognitive decline. A Harvard study of nearly 400 people was published in … [Read more...]
The wise leader
The wise leader knows when the output isn't the whole truth. Something nags. Source: LinkedIn, March 6, 2026. Link. Smart asks: do the numbers add up? Wise asks: does something feel off? Discerning asks: what is true here — and can I lead with it?” INSIGHTS: Consistent results come from a solid decision-making process. … [Read more...]
When you start to find employee requests irritating
Commentary This article will resonate with leaders at all levels. The pressures to “be on” can often become overwhelming and signal the need to adjust. Part of being a leader is fielding requests from employees that never abate. The authors approach the topic from an unmet needs and triggers perspective, then identify four core longings beneath every leadership … [Read more...]
Master the core ideas behind AI without getting lost
Shreyas Naphad believes if you understand these five terms and concepts, you’ll be miles ahead of almost everyone else in the room Source: Medium, March 29, 2026. Link. AI is not going away and the gap between people who vaguely use AI and people who actually understand how it works is going to matter more and more in the next few years.” … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 13, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Pet industry surveys from a) Australia , b) Canada, and c) United Kingdom Legislative updates from a) New York, b) New Jersey, and c) Iowa Source: IBPSA, April 13, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 9th. Link. Personal responsibility, leadership maturity, the power of introverts, emotional support animals, and … [Read more...]
Plants that mosquitoes hate
Commercial Content Plant Addicts’ mosquito-repellent plants category features beautiful, natural options that help keep mosquitoes away, avoiding harsh chemicals. From fragrant herbs like lavender and citronella to vibrant flowering plants, these selections are both practical and pretty for any garden or patio. NOTE: Not all mosquito-repelling plants are pet … [Read more...]
The dog soundscape: What it means for everyday care
This recent summary article will provide veterinary teams with insights into environmental noises that affect dog behaviors. The study <Link> catalogued 79 common sounds and explored how dogs respond emotionally. From barking and household appliances to traffic and weather, the findings challenge some long‑held assumptions and offer practical guidance for those who care … [Read more...]
5 secrets to stronger hooves (audio)
Genetics aside, there’s plenty that can be done to improve a horse’s hooves through diet and management. As warmer weather arrives, consider sharing these hoof care tips with horse owners to encourage stronger hooves in any horse: Optimize nutrition Stick to a consistent shoeing schedule Maximize opportunities for exercise Consider feeding a hoof supplement … [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...]
Personal responsibility
Finger pointing has gotten out of hand – from, “my parents didn’t love me” to, “the dog ate my homework.” It is time to shoulder the blame and forgive yourself. Source: AXIOS, March 5, 2026. Link. Article PDF. Hans Nichols shares the authors’ self-help acronym from the book From Mistakes to Meaning to confront and conquer your mistakes: DUET (disclose, unpack, empathize, and … [Read more...]
Despite being engaged at work, nearly half of employees plan to quit
Commentary Reports like this deserve consideration. It is easy to dismiss such results as not applying to “my” situation. However, the results Michael Popke shares here likely parallel animal health industry articles of the last several years. According to Firstup’s 2026 State of Employee Engagement Report for North America, nearly half of self-proclaimed “engaged” U.S. … [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...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire Modern Animal accelerating a fully integrated pet healthcare strategy
Chewy, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Modern Animal, Inc., a technology-forward veterinary platform with 29 owned clinics, 24/7 virtual care and a high-retention membership model. This acquisition represents an important strategic step in Chewy’s evolution into a fully integrated pet healthcare ecosystem, combining care, commerce and … [Read more...]
April’s national wildfire forecast. SCARY!
Every state in the West is expected to face an above-normal threat of wildfire this summer, according to the latest projections, released last week by the National Interagency Coordination Center. Citing an ongoing snow drought, rapid snowmelt and a recent unprecedented heat wave, the latest maps feature the red-colored risk areas spilling across the Southwest and into the … [Read more...]
Employees’ financial stress costs employers $1.1 trillion
The central finding of a new report from industry analyst firm Valoir, estimates that employees’ financial stress costs U.S. employers more than $1.1 trillion in lost productivity each year. We noted: The average worker spends 3.3 hours per week handling personal financial issues while on the clock, while about eight percent spend 10 or more work hours per week. Eighty … [Read more...]
When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued?
We need this <liability> conversation to be MUCH MUCH louder, writes Michele Pfannenstiel, DVM. What follows is a thought-filled, researched treatise that raises concerns about what AI can do, how it is validated and who is responsible if AI can’t. Pfannenstiel is not anti-AI. She wants new tools to work. But wanting them to work is not the same as knowing they work, … [Read more...]
Defining the decision
If you cannot write the decision in one clear sentence, you are not ready to decide. Source: LinkedIn, February 21, 2026. Link. The moment you define the actual decision — one clear sentence, one real question — something shifts. The noise settles. The right considerations rise to the surface. You can finally think. Define the decision. Not the situation. Not the context. … [Read more...]
Global Pet Expo discoveries, booth-visit videos
Includes Commentary* The PETS+ team provides a sense of the Global Pet Expo in successive articles. The event aims to drive innovation, sustainability and digital transformation in the $151 billion pet industry. Key objectives include connecting brands with more than 6,000 buyers, showcasing new products and exploring AI/tech solutions, with a focus on sustainability, pet … [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...]