There are still a few seats available for a free educational webinar with Khristofor Agassandian, DVM, PhD (Neurobiology & Neuroscience), who will share cutting-edge advancements in veterinary diagnostics. Topics will include innovations in immunology, allergy testing and immunotherapy, the neurological impact of Lyme disease and early cancer detection through the … [Read more...]
There’s a bigger dryer fire hazard than the lint trap: How to clean it
In clinics, grooming spas and boarding locations, clothes dryers run most days if not many times a day. Lint traps are well-known fire hazards, but Mary Cornetta says the space just underneath the lint trap is a bigger fire hazard. She says for the type of laundry done in animal health businesses, the area beyond the lint trap needs to be cleaned every three to four … [Read more...]
The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards: Winners and Honorable Mentions
AHD readers have enjoyed past pots to see photographs taken by participants in various awards. Here is another set of photographs you'll appreciate. Many of the birds that migrate between Chile, Colombia, Canada, and the United States are vulnerable due to climate change. ENJOY! Source: Audubon, Fall 2025. Link. The Audubon Photography Awards expanded the awards from a … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Matching the drug to the bug to treat BRD
K. Shawn Blood, a Zoetis DVM, reviews the four most common classes of anti-infectives used in cattle treatments and their modes of action. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right anti-infective since respiratory disease is a complex disease system. He notes that many outside variables can negatively affect treatment outcomes. Source: Progressive Cattle, September … [Read more...]
Four worn out, unwelcome words or phrases in vet med
Wendy Hauser, DVM, shares four words used in veterinary medicine she thinks we should ban or use less frequently: Compliance Gold standard Standard of care Pet parent Source: Animal Health News and Views, September 2025. Link. . . . the sentiment behind pet parent normalizes the idea that pets are not property.” INSIGHTS: We agree and work diligently to refer … [Read more...]
“What Else?”
To fully understand the situation, you need the customer’s perception of the NEED, its IMPORTANCE, QUANTIFY it, then consider the positive/negative CONSEQUENCES and LOOK at the options. Many times, you need to ask follow-up questions. Examples are included in this article. Source: Veterinary Advantage, December 2022. Link. Every practice team member is in SALES . . . and has … [Read more...]
Which coaching approach is the best fit? Behavior-based versus mental-state
The evolution of two coaching traditions continues to shape how we practice coaching today, writes Chris Morgan. He defines the two main approaches and asserts the importance of integrating mental-state alignment and behavioral execution to achieve a more reliable and sustainable shift in team performance: Behavior-based coaching: rooted in behaviorism, focused on shaping … [Read more...]
Calf castration. The younger the better!
Sponsor Content When, why and the best modern practices for castration are the topics for the last segment in this week’s episode of Doc Talk with host Dan Thomson, MS, PhD, DVM. He explains the benefits of castrating calves in the first week of life compared to waiting until weaning, since the bull's testicles don’t produce testosterone until they hit seven to 10 months of … [Read more...]
Understanding probiotics and their role in dairy production [Podcast]
Sponsor Content In this podcast episode, Stephen Lerner, PhD, explains the science and practical applications for probiotics and enzymes in dairy farming. He says microbial solutions are becoming mainstream in dairy management, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional treatments, and transforming animal agriculture by improving gut health, feed efficiency, immune … [Read more...]
Are veterinary teams obligated to discuss the option of pet insurance?
In February 2024, Alyssa Watson, DVM, and Beth Molleson, DVM, discussed the veterinary team’s role in pet owner education, including lifetime costs of pet care and pet insurance options. They debated the pros, cons and limitations veterinary teams experience during a Veterinary Breakroom podcast. Fast forward to this year. Jennifer Sperry, DVM, broke down key differences … [Read more...]
From heart valves to crayons: The pig’s many gifts
October is Pork Month. Beyond their value as the most consumed animal protein in the world, Kevin Schulz shares other ways pigs contribute to our lives. Source: The Farmer, September 8, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
2025 AAHA One Health guidelines: Navigating cross-disciplinary partnerships
Commentary This should be an eye-opening read for any animal health professional. My doctors have never asked ANY questions about pets in the home, nor do I know anyone whose doctors have done so. This indicates that reaching the level of collaboration described in the new 2025 AAHA One Health guidelines will take a Herculean effort. EVERY animal health pro can help with … [Read more...]
What is natural disaster clustering? Why does it matter for the economy?
As a follow-up to our August 5th post, “Climate disasters devastating to small businesses” <Link>, we’re sharing this research about disaster clustering. The article is worth considering by animal health pros with significant fiduciary responsibilities or those who lead expansion decisions into new geographies. The authors share the way in which overlapping natural … [Read more...]
A habit of daily learning pays off
Habits, good or bad, can be developed relatively quickly. The authors of this article explain why learning something new every day helps keep one’s career moving in a positive direction, as does engaging with those who can challenge our ideas while not disagreeing with them. Advice to unlearn old ways of doing things stands out. There are 12 career-helping practices described. … [Read more...]
A customer is a transaction. A client is a relationship.
In Mike Figliuolo’s article, “11 Commandments of Outstanding Client Service,” he emphasizes moving from having customers to having clients, solve versus sell, and being on time. It’s a good reminder for animal health pros at all levels and worth reviewing. Source: thoughtLEADERS, LLC, LinkedIn, August 27, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
2nd edition of the Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Well-Pet Nutrition
Complimentary Commercial Resource This edition of the Purina Institute handbook is a valuable resource for veterinary team members and animal health pros alike. Authored by 54 experts from around the globe, it is dedicated to the nutritional management of healthy dogs and cats with the objective to provide unbiased, science-based information. Acknowledging advocacy potential … [Read more...]
FVMA’s position statement addresses the physical and emotional needs of indoor cats
The position statement outlines the five pillars of a healthy feline environment essential to preserving the optimal physical, emotional, and cognitive health of feline companions and providing them with an environment that meets their natural and normal behavioral needs. Veterinary professionals and animal health pros have an opportunity to educate cat caregivers on how to … [Read more...]
Pet dental care: Evolving for convenience and better health
Includes Commercial Content The pet dental and oral care segment is expanding beyond the traditional bone-type products for dogs, writes Lindsey Beaton. She says dog and cat owners are more educated on the importance of oral care and are interested in making dental care more convenient. The trends are giving rise to supplement chews, powders and functional foods. Science … [Read more...]
A year-long chronicle of hoof care, training & partnership through a farrier’s eye
Esco Buff, CF, APF, PhD, has started a unique, yearlong challenge to chronicle the hoof-care journey of Jackson, a 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding used primarily for trail and pleasure riding in the southeastern U.S. Supported by Triple Crown Nutrition, Buff expects to gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of equine care and the dedication it … [Read more...]
House Rabbit Society offers training on best practices in rabbit medical care
Meeting a critical need in the rabbit-owning community, a dedicated medical team is working to ensure veterinary professionals across the globe can receive first-hand experience working with rabbits. The House Rabbit Society’s goal is for these professionals to return to their communities with enhanced skills and knowledge, leading to an increase in quality rabbit-specific … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club’s September events
Keeping the conversations moving, The Bridge Club is hosting these virtual events: Retired but not done yet? Doug Mader, DVM, MSc, DABVP, DECZM, will guide the discussion September 10th, 6:00 EST. Register for free <Link>. From Scrubs to Sustainability: Small Shifts, Big Impact. Join a CE approved community conversation in partnership with Mars Veterinary Health … [Read more...]
KC Corridor launches campaign to attract new talent into animal health
The KC Animal Health Corridor unveiled a new Workforce Campaign at the annual Summit that addresses the talent shortage in the animal health industry head-on. The Workforce Campaign challenges the common misconception that animal health careers are limited to veterinary medicine. Commenting about the talent gap threatening our industry’s future, Kimberly Young, president of … [Read more...]
July VetWatch metrics
Commentary The July VetWatch® commentary indicates practices are doing a good job of managing visit revenue when presented with pets. It is no surprise that pet owners express concerns about rising veterinary services costs and pet food prices, especially when higher spending on essentials, affordability of healthcare and overall consumer prices keep rising (2.7 percent in … [Read more...]
Everyone’s a coach
We don't do our friends, colleagues and loved ones a favor by coddling their smallest impulses, enabling repeated behavior that's dumb or annoying, or letting silence foment mystery and misunderstanding. Source: AXIOS, August 18, 2025. Link. Assume positive intent…often they didn't intend it the way you thought . . . BUT TELL THEM!” INSIGHTS: TELL THEM because … [Read more...]
Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association’s DEI publications now permanently open access
The first comprehensive publications on diversity, equity and inclusion in veterinary medicine are now free and permanently accessible online. The 2-part collection consists of 20 review articles and editorials written by veterinarians, veterinary technicians, social workers and educators. Source: DVM 360, August 19, 2025. Link. "In our current political and economic … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 25, 2025
2025 IBBY finalists named in six categories, Forum room block reservations extended through September 2nd, IBPSA staff announces weekly Zoom hours, more and more dogs and fewer and fewer children in Spain spawns luxury pet hotels, Mississippi is number 1 in heartworm infection rates, followed by Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Arkansas. Plus the August 21st AHD Bulletin, which … [Read more...]
How and why to make friends at work
From the CEO down, having a friend at work correlates to higher engagement levels, according to this article. Healthy and strong social connections there are essential for individual and societal well-being, and necessary to enhance employee retention, drive innovation and increase revenue. Source: Fast Company, August 16, 2025. Link. In a world where the lines between … [Read more...]
Doodle mania has become a billion-dollar business
Despite the assertions of people like Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, to reduce extreme conformations in dog and cat breeds <Link>, the doodle craze continues to drive interest, breeding experiments and value. We’re sharing Allie Conti’s article sans graphics, which describes how crossbreeding poodles with other breeds has created a billion-dollar business. It’s a long read, but … [Read more...]
Emma Milne: The (many) problems with extreme conformation in dog and cat breeds
Commentary Kudos to Kristen Green Seymour, who took on the challenge to share the bent of several topics Emma Milne, BVSc, FRCVS, covers in this video interview. Like her, we recommend this article and video as “required” for all animal health pros. We found reading the article while listening to it was most helpful. It doesn’t matter which side you’re on. This discussion … [Read more...]
New tool helps clarify pet insurance decisions for owners
Animal Health Digest introduces a “Pet Insurance Guide,” a tool designed to save time, advance pet health insurance conversations, and highlight its benefits for clients, their pets, veterinarians, and their teams. The free, non-commercial PDF is available here. Link. AHD’s Pet Insurance Guide helps animal pros easily take pet owners through the “who, what, when, where, and … [Read more...]