The first big industry convention and trade expo is vibrating at the starting gate for an estimated 30,000 animal health professionals. The adrenaline is palpable as attendees try to take it all in. I’m unable to join you, so here’s my perspective from nearly 20 years of attending NAVC’s premier expo: Manage your personal biosecurity. Every year, some people return with … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
HBR editors share their favorite management tips of 2025
Here’s a good article for animal health pros traveling to VMX. HBR editors list 10 of their favorites from 2025’s Management Tip of the Day newsletters. They cover topics like how to manage overwhelm before it spirals into burnout, how to set up your own AI assistant, how to boil your strategy down to one slide, how to be an inspiring leader and more. Source: Harvard … [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...]
Uncertainty
From global pandemics and economic shifts to industry disruption and technological transformation, professionals across all sectors have faced waves of unpredictability. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, December 15, 2025. Link. Those who acknowledge, adapt, and evolve will move forward with clarity, connection, and courage.” – Stacy Pursell INSIGHTS: Uncertainty is uncomfortable, … [Read more...]
9 ways to help your mental health this year
2026 may be new, but it’s presenting familiar stressors. Two health-focused journalists researched why these nine practical stress relievers work well. Plus, they’re easy and free. Source: The New York Times, December 30, 2025. Link. Here is some of the best advice we learned from experts this year about showing ourselves some grace, staying sharp, getting better sleep 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...]
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...]
KCAHC opens 2026 Animal Health Summit Emerging Company Applications
If your company is innovating in animal health, diagnostics or pet food, the KC Animal Health Corridor offers unmatched opportunity and support. The 2026 Summit is now accepting applications for companies ready to showcase their ideas, connect with investors, and build what’s next. Apply here: https://bit.ly/4aBescV Source: Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, LinkedIn, … [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...]
No one knows how to illuminate anymore
Sharing her frustration with person-to-person interactions, Mika Brzezinski discusses connection and communication with David Brooks, author of How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. Brzezinski says, “No one looks at anyone anymore.” Brooks shares why genuine warmth, curiosity and ‘loud listening’ matter more than ever and why respect is … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – January to June 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are routinely found in the most read posts. Malone’s experiences with how using the PAR skills engages others in productive conversations and honors decision makers are foundational to our curation efforts. Last week, we shared Malone’s most read from Q-3 and … [Read more...]
Why more professionals are working through their golden years
Experts say economic pressures and a sense of purpose contribute to shifting ideas around retirement. A study from Morningstar found that approximately 45 percent of American households will run short of money in retirement. Baby boomers, on top of that, have a 52 percent higher risk of experiencing retirement shortfalls than other generations. Taylor Borden shares the … [Read more...]
Your brain’s middle finger to people-pleasing
We believe this article will resonate with many animal health pros despite its title containing the F word. Author, Ellen Scherr, LCPC, is a therapist who helps women navigate midlife transitions and the time when suddenly you can't tolerate anyone's BS. Scherr describes the neuroscience of why some individuals suddenly can’t pretend anymore and why women experience it more … [Read more...]
Perspectives, priorities, preparation on the eve of 2026
Commentary The holiday season is a time to affirm or adjust priorities. It is a time to look in the mirror, to embrace the most important relationships, and fortify ourselves for all that is predicted for 2026. In an increasingly complex world, distinguishing between what we can control, influence and merely be concerned about is crucial for maintaining focus and mental … [Read more...]
Most read Malone posts – June to date 2025
We include wisdom from Patrick T. Malone weekly. His perspectives on leadership, teamwork and personal development are always among the most read posts. Keeping with the getting-ready-for-2026 theme, here are Malone’s top posts from the last six months. Source: Animal Health Digest Archives, June 2025 – December 2025. Above all else, Integrity. Link. Time management … [Read more...]
Polyworking trend growing as workers face financial pressures, economic uncertainty
Monster’s 2025 Polyworking Survey found that 47 percent of U.S. workers now hold more than one job, suggesting the polyworking trend is growing. Polyworking is far from a side hustle for many, writes Tom Starner. Juggling different roles has become a financial necessity with more than half of survey respondents saying their added income is “absolutely essential” to cover basic … [Read more...]
The Great Compression, Year 3
The “Great Compression” has entered its third year, says Ryan Leech, and this time, the spotlight isn’t on who’s buying but on who’s holding on. He shares trends, surprises, displacements and challenges perplexing investors and large hospital groups from 2025: A hangover from the acquisition era. Easy arbitrage is gone. Balance sheets are strained. Shake-ups are … [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...]
Understanding the gut-organ axes in companion animals [White Paper]
Sponsored Content Diet-driven modulation of the gut microbiome supports improved pet health and longevity. However, the science is often confusing to pet owners and many animal health pros alike. In the white paper linked below, Jess Jarett, PhD, R&D principal pet scientist at Cargill, explains how specific macronutrient compositions of diets, as well as moisture … [Read more...]
New study reveals where conservation can deliver for birds, communities and climate
A new study in Scientific Reports identifies places in the continental United States where conservation efforts would provide a triple benefit to protect bird habitat, naturally store carbon and improve the well-being of local communities that have been underrepresented in conservation efforts. A novel study, it represents an important opportunity to direct conservation toward … [Read more...]
Don’t get caught at TSA! NEW carry-on rules for 2026
Airport security is changing fast! As our industry’s convention season approaches, new TSA rules will affect how we fly. In the video here, learn about carry-on size and weight changes, what to do with electronics, how to avoid security stops and tougher guidelines around personal bags and briefcases. Real ID requirements and penalties, plus changes to shoe and liquid rules … [Read more...]
The 10-Minute Rule: Use small windows to create movement, big wins
Most growth occurs in the small time windows we choose, not the big blocks of time we perceive are required to accomplish a task or project. The paradigms behind the 10-Minute Rule establish simple ways to bypass procrastination, build momentum and create real consistency. Ten minutes a day isn’t about the clock; it’s about building trust with yourself. Source: Balanced … [Read more...]
If trust is so important, why aren’t we measuring it?
Commentary While there are many uses of the word “trust,” John Blakey’s article references the noun trust as “the belief that somebody/something is good, sincere, honest, et cetera and will not try to harm or trick you.” His assertions are worth considering as we enter a new year, deal with various changes and seek to separate truths in myriad messages from industry pundits … [Read more...]
ACVB seeks collaboration with AVMA after shock collar comments stir controversy
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists’ president Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVB, posted a response to recent statements made by American Veterinary Medical Association leadership regarding the use of shock collars to train dogs. She says the peer-reviewed literature is clear; shock collars increase fear, stress and aggression—and they are no more effective than reward-based … [Read more...]
Belgian Sheepdog chosen Best in Show at 2025 National Dog Show; 24.6 million viewers
Congratulations to Soleil, the first Belgian Sheepdog to win Best in Show. George the American Foxhound was runner-up as the reserve Best in Show. This year's National Dog Show included 1,994 dogs across 201 breeds. Source: Bleacher Report, November 27, 2025. Link. NationalDogShow.com and the NBC Sports YouTube Channel provide video of every breed-winning dog in the group … [Read more...]