Cats require just as much effort from their owners as dogs do to ensure they get adequate enrichment in their lives <Link>. Massage and myofascial therapy are two hands-on techniques that are gaining attention in the world of integrative veterinary care. Myofascial therapy uses slow, gentle pressure to release those restrictions in the fascia and help restore normal … [Read more...]
Beyond obedience
Grahmn Garrison’s article argues that behavior is not an “obedience issue” but a core component of veterinary health, influencing diagnosis, treatment access, welfare, family dynamics and longevity. In it, experts encourage focusing on behavior changes in an individual pet’s normal patterns versus behavior problems. Garrison paints a broader behavior landscape, … [Read more...]
Disarticulating the horse’s canter
Equine biomechanics expert, Deb Bennett, PhD, provides a phase-by-phase analysis of the canter in this intriguing article. Enjoy! Source: American Farriers Journal, June 16, 2026. Link. The canter is often described as a “three-beat” gait but it is instead a four-beat gait, each bar of its music consisting of three sounded beats plus one unsounded beat. … [Read more...]
When is it too hot to ride?
This is a great web tool to check the current heat conditions by ZIP code. High temperatures combined with high humidity increase the risk for heat stress and potentially life-threatening heat exhaustion. Share this frequently with horse owners on social media, in newsletters, with equine groups, local media and extension personnel. Source: EQUUS, June 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Adding cattle can improve soil health
Bringing livestock, especially ruminants, back to the farm is one of the underlying principles of improving soil health. The urine, manure and slobber from a ruminant all contain biological organisms that can benefit the health of your soil and start the process of improving soil health, according to Indiana Conservation Partnership personnel. Source: Farm Progress, June 16, … [Read more...]
7 stories to help your customers come home at night
If you work with customers who use grain bins, Holly Spangler, Farm Progress executive editor, and her team have compiled an amazingly powerful series of stories with a simple, critical message: grain bin safety procedures matter. Read the stories. Share them. Just one share may ensure your customer goes home tonight. Source: Farm Progress, May 22, 2026. Link. “What I know … [Read more...]
Post-weaning diseases and how to prepare
Understanding how stress impacts cattle health and how to intervene to decrease stressors before weaning, at weaning and after weaning is fundamental in preventing post-weaning disease, writes Taylor Engle, DVM. He discusses low-stress weaning, vaccination, timing, handling and more. Source: BEEF, May/June 2026. Link. The prevention magic we are looking for, is the work we … [Read more...]
$15,000 a mile: The brutal math of wildfire recovery, drought in Nebraska cattle country
Joe McGinley, a rancher and volunteer fire chief, says the Morrill Fire blaze that swept through western Nebraska in March was a “perfect storm” of abundant fuel and violent winds. He warns the industry is facing a sobering reality: with an aging rancher population and astronomical recovery costs, the decisions made in the wake of the smoke will determine who stays in the … [Read more...]
NAVC announces theme for VMX 2027
VMX kicks off January 16, 2027, with a new theme: Off the Grid. Attendees, in person and virtually, are invited to Disconnect to Reconnect and plan time for learning with more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, skill-specific tracks and brand-new electives. Source: NAVC, June 4, 2026. Link. We live in a busy, noisy world where finding time to disconnect is almost … [Read more...]
Animal Health Pulse survey – WILMAH wants your help!
If you have worked in animal health at any point in your career, your perspective is valuable. This survey is open to anyone with industry experience, and the more voices included, the stronger the results will be. It will take about 15 minutes to complete and includes 38 questions. Source: WILMAH, June 15, 2026. Link. Animal health is an industry built on relationships, … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 18, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 11, 2026 AHD Bulletin – The missing piece in most pet physical exams. Link. Hard or easy, it’s your choice. Link. Employee engagement sinks, workers struggle with digital distractions. Link. Dog daycare lepto outbreak in L.A. reveals broader public … [Read more...]
Employee engagement sinks as workers struggle with digital overload, distractions
Employee engagement workplace numbers haven’t looked this bad since 2014, shares Jill Barth. Disengagement often starts with something as ordinary as a notification ping. Some come as often as every 15 minutes. The biggest offenders, according to Unily’s research, are video conferencing systems, email platforms and instant messaging applications. But the problem isn’t any … [Read more...]
Two cases of New World Screwworm confirmed in South Texas
The ongoing NWS story is going to occupy current news for a time. “A case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in South Texas near La Pryor, according to USDA.” NWS is back in the U.S. for the first time in 60 years. Animal health pros who share updates and actionable information can help animal owners monitor and identify infestations. This situation is evolving, and … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
The missing piece in most pet physical exams
Complimentary Conversations about nutrition can be awkward, challenging and even confrontational. Considered the fifth vital assessment, nutrition discussions can become moments of connection and compliance with clear, confident communication. The AAHA Nutrition Guidelines Certificate Course is designed to help you translate the medicine and science you know into the best … [Read more...]
Hard or easy, it’s your choice
Engineer your environment so the hard choice becomes the only choice. Source: LinkedIn, May 22, 2026. Link. When you choose hard things, hard things become easier. Not because they change. Because you do. Your neural pathways adapt. Your tolerance for discomfort increases.” INSIGHTS: The question isn't whether you can do difficult things. The question is whether you're … [Read more...]
Walter talks about the tough conversations AFTER the diagnosis
Preparation can make all the difference when a pet needs care most, says Walter Brown. He shares the challenges of post-diagnosis conversations with pet owners and shares options pet owners don’t realize until an emergency happens, including: Wellness plans help cover ROUTINE care. Pet insurance* helps cover the UNEXPECTED. Options like CareCredit or Scratchpay can … [Read more...]
Are mosquitoes outsmarting our repellents?
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, mosquitoes may seek out the scent of the repellent. Scientists believe DEET protects people by masking the carbon dioxide that we emit, making it harder for biting insects to detect us. However, “If someone applies DEET and the concentration fades over time, but a mosquito still manages to feed, the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 8, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: New 6-part webinar series using data gleaned from the Benchmarking Financial Study* Register here <Link>. FREE for IBPSA Members! Use the promo code IBPSA26. Still time to submit your IBBY nominations <Link>. CANIS Conference information and registration <Link>. Source: IBPSA, June 8, 2026. Link. *The new 2026 … [Read more...]
Dog daycare leptospirosis outbreak in Los Angeles reveals broader public health risks
Commentary It is hard to imagine an environment where dogs are boarded without proper vaccinations. The findings in this research underscore the importance of prevention and vigilance in settings where dogs congregate. In practice, vigilance means dogs without current recommended vaccinations are turned away. Article A 2021 outbreak of leptospirosis that sickened … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council shares Feline Findings
Research by the CATalyst Council leads our industry to better understand the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. This is why we’re partnering with the CATalyst Council to share actionable opportunities in "Feline Findings." These insights from CATalyst State of the Cat research results have garnered … [Read more...]
Triaging feline house soiling using telemedicine
Sharing how triaging house soiling works, Marianne Manning, RVT, LVT, KPA CTP, VTS, asserts the preliminary need for physical examinations and diagnostics. If no medical issues are found, then troubleshooting the home environment with questions, followed by telemedicine, can help cat owners deal with house soiling. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, March 11, 2026. … [Read more...]
Considerations for creating a small animal blood bank
Bill Romanelli outlined threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies, noting increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism in his February 2026 article <Link>. In the piece linked below, Lexi Dickens, LVT, RVT, VTS, reviews some of the top considerations for veterinary clinic management looking to start their own … [Read more...]
6 human foods that could poison your dog
Many loving owners don't realize the dangers of dogs eating common kitchen foods. Even if they do, there’s a strong likelihood children or guests are not aware of foods that are toxic or potentially fatal to dogs. Anderson Cox shares six foods we eat that can kill dogs in this article. It is worth sharing with dog owners on social media, in newsletters and with local … [Read more...]
Miniature horses: Fun for all
Outside of showing, miniature horses are proving their prowess as therapy animals, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. They are even working as service and guide animals. The American Shetland Pony Club is a breed (bloodline) registry. The American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) is a height registry. Shetland Ponies can be registered with the AMHR if they meet the … [Read more...]
Where do retired horses go?
Dana Benner takes a closer look at the difficult realities many horses face after retirement and the people working to give them a softer landing in this article. Source: Acreage Life. Link. Also see: Senior horses: living the good life, The Horse, June 22, 2024. Link. It’s fine for horses to change as they age . . . It’s normal for them to slow down, lose their place in … [Read more...]
Footcare and farrier business insights
AFJ editors are making good use of the data collected in the 2025 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey. Kudos for sharing the data in bytes and keeping the information shareable and running weekly. Examples include: 47 is the average age of full-time farriers 42 percent of farriers rank Facebook effective in marketing their business 85 percent say … [Read more...]
How to read a chicken’s mind
Commercial offer included From chick days to the golden stage of henopause, author Melissa Caughey offers insights into the range of feelings that chickens can express, their unexpected intelligence, personality types and flock dynamics. She shares a few pages from her book, “How to Read a Chicken's Mind,” in the article here. Source: Countryside. Link. Chickens, like … [Read more...]
Those #@$^&! flies
University studies routinely show that heavy fly pressure changes cow behavior and lowers production. Good fly control starts with sanitation and manure management. Clean facilities, dry bedding, strong airflow and regular monitoring all reduce fly pressure. As dairy farms focus more on cow comfort, animal welfare and disease prevention, fly control will remain an important … [Read more...]