Editor’s note: Whether a sales rep, pet services provider, a retail associate or part of a veterinary clinic team, when a transaction is involved, a sale is taking place. Sales interactions with clients of the practice have much in common with distribution reps calling on it. So, consider these tips for managing those barriers to sales success. Source: Veterinary … [Read more...]
What neuroscience teaches us about reducing phone use
Our brains aren’t well-suited for smartphones. We might not like this reality, but we cannot ignore it. Fixing the issues this causes requires more than minor tweaks. We have to drastically change our relationship to our devices if we hope to control their impact. Source: Cal Newport, October 13, 2025. Link. There are bundles of neurons in your brain associated with your … [Read more...]
Mental health myths that may hold us back
Author Joe Nucci, MA, says trauma is real, but so is the casual misuse of the term and others used in the therapy culture. His article is timely, considering our industry’s mental health challenges and the effects many experience during shorter days. A licensed psychotherapist, he puts mental health misinformation in context in his material. This article shares insights from … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 20, 2025
Attention: IBPSA has received several strange email “bounce” notices that indicate there may be some sort of spam being sent out under our name. IBPSA has NOT sent any communications with the subject line: “Chase” or “Chase Bank.” Notices for pet services businesses and IBPSA members: Webinar reminder: Tofu litter; A clean, green kennel solution <Link> In the … [Read more...]
11th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium focused on ethics and responsibility
Negative reports on the dog breeding industry are not uncommon. To learn how to improve this market segment, more than 200 breeders attended the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices.” It was sponsored by Petland and the AKC. Source: Petland, October 20, 2025. Link. There was a huge emphasis <at the Symposium> on … [Read more...]
CDC warns of rabies risks from feral cat colonies
A recent rabies outbreak in an urban, unmanaged cat colony in Maryland potentially exposed more than 300 persons to rabies. The incident is a stark reminder of the need to manage rabies risks in feral colonies. It should also be a reminder of risks in free-range barnyard cats as well. More than 90 percent of animal rabies cases occur among wild animals, such as raccoons, … [Read more...]
What it takes to be America’s top house cat
Jason Bittel and photographer Dina Litovsky share a behind-the-scenes look from 2025 Cat Fancier's Association International Cat Show and Expo, which took place October 11th and 12th in Cleveland, Ohio. Organized by the Cat Fancier's Association, the show drew nearly 10,000 people and 550 cats. Source: National Geographic, October 20, 2025. Link. The CFA allows owners to … [Read more...]
Most canine masses go undiagnosed
Commentary These results are potentially a wake-up call for practices. One must trust that most of the lumps and bumps are being measured, noted and follow-up appointments to check on them are being set. The malignancy rate is yet another reason to urge pet owners to consider pet insurance early in the animal’s life. A 2025 HT Vista survey of more than 240 veterinarians* … [Read more...]
How to read pet food labels
AAFCO’s Pet Food Label Modernization project is underway, explains Jean Hofve, DVM, but in the meantime, pet food labels and language remain confusing. She shares how to interpret product names, nutrition facts and what to expect from upcoming label changes. Source: Animal Wellness, October 17, 2025. Link. Also see: Search Results for: pet food labels, AHD Archives. … [Read more...]
Farmer’s Dog, Cornell, find minimally processed food can enhance metabolic function and overall health.
Complimentary Commercial Content The results of a first-of-its-kind, year-long metabolomic study led by Cornell’s Heather Huson, along with Farmer’s Dog veterinary nutritionists, found that feeding dogs food from the company can meaningfully impact metabolic health and support healthier aging in dogs. The results are a milestone for understanding canine metabolic health and … [Read more...]
Dogs and the parent-child parallel
Seeking a science-based understanding of how dogs see their person, Lydia Patrick shares what she learned about dog parent paradigms. Source: Newsweek, June 8, 2025. Link. Dogs don't truly recognize humans as a maternal figure in a biological or identity-based sense … but they often see humans as a source of safety and security; the way kids see their moms.” – Jennifer … [Read more...]
Tick dragging, canine-style
Tick exposure risk varies over the seasons of the year and there is seasonality to what tick species dogs or people are likely to encounter, writes Scott Weese, DVM. His recent experience with his own dog and the article are relevant for veterinary teams, retailers, pet services personnel and pet owners as fall progresses. Source: Worms and Germs, October 21, 2025. … [Read more...]
Recognizing pasture asthma
Pasture asthma is different from severe asthma, writes Cyprianna E. Swiderski, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM. Horses with pasture asthma often improve within hours to days of being brought into stalls and away from inhaled pasture particulates. Although veterinarians have previously referred to pasture asthma as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heaves, pasture-associated … [Read more...]
Can horses eat pumpkin?
Pumpkins, including the skin, pulp and seeds are safe for horses to eat as occasional treats, but it is an acquired taste and common sense is needed when feeding them. Source: My New Horse, EQUUS, October 31, 2023. Link. Also see: Safe feeding tips and precautions when feeding pumpkin to horses, The Equine Institute, September 16, 2024. Link. When preparing pumpkins for … [Read more...]
Beef-on-dairy shaking up the dairy industry
Three-quarters of dairy operators are engaging in beef-on-dairy methods, writes Karen Bohnert, referencing insights from the 2024 Milk Business Conference. Sharing historical perspectives, she notes the rise of beef-on-dairy practices is not without challenges. For animal health pros servicing and supporting dairies, the article is a good background for on-farm … [Read more...]
BEEF takeaways going into Fall 2025
Reviewing the dynamics of the 2025 beef industry through August, Clint Peck summarizes industry events, challenges and market opportunities. Source: BEEF, September 3, 2025. Link. Life in the cattle business just keeps getting more interesting” … [Read more...]
Naval infections third most common cause of disease in calves
The umbilicus isn’t just an anatomical leftover from fetal life; it’s a critical gateway for infection and a window into broader calf health and welfare, writes Andrea Bedford. This article is another good reminder to emphasize early calf care with producer teams. The importance of early disinfection and dipping are critical practices in early calf care. Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
80 percent of calves sell through livestock auctions
Input from nearly 500 beef producers is assembled in the recent 2025 Farm Journal State of the Beef Industry survey. The marketing guidance for producers to provide weaning, health and genetic data to buyers is a key takeaway from the article worth discussing with producer clients. Source: Drovers, October 20, 2025. Link. Ranchers need to get more active in marketing their … [Read more...]
Oligoimidazolium carbon acids found to prevent udder infections with no adverse effects
A team of international scientists has unveiled an alternative class of potent antimicrobial compounds that could be used to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria that cause bovine mastitis in a recent study. Not yet commercialized, this approach to mastitis will be one to watch. Source: Feedstuffs, October 14, 2025. Link. Novel compounds called oligoimidazolium carbon acids … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 23, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 16, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 16, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Make the call and Just ASK. Link. Bad advice. Link. Cats can get dementia, too. Link. What’s covered and what’s not in veterinary clinic cyber insurance. Link. Pork, ultimate muscle-building protein/National Pork … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 16, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 9, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 9, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ways to help cats and their caregivers prepare for veterinary visits. Link. Understanding the rise of career dysmorphia; what to do about it. Link. Competitive rivalries. Link. 4 giants dominate consumer pet food market … [Read more...]
Pork is the ultimate muscle-building protein per National Pork Board-funded study
Ongoing human nutrition research continues to complement the Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, positioning pork as a nutrient-dense and versatile protein. Source: The Farmer, October 14, 2025. Link. Taste What Pork Can Do!” … [Read more...]
Make the call and Just ASK
Commentary The call from a local but unrecognized number seemed random. Still, I answered it. It was from my dog’s veterinary clinic. Sharing her name and the clinic’s, the vet tech was calling to check on my dog, noting I hadn’t responded to two wellness visit emails. Yes, I remembered one of the emails but did not act on it at the moment, nor did I act on one text message … [Read more...]
Soft skills matter more now than ever
In an age when technical expertise can become irrelevant in just a few years, foundational skills matter more than ever. Abilities like collaboration, problem-solving and a solid grounding in math transfer across jobs and help teams adapt to new challenges. Source: Harvard Business Review, August 26, 2025. Link. Foundational skills (like reading comprehension, basic math, … [Read more...]
Beware the newer pet supplements
Sharing the potential fatal effects of pet supplements during the recent AAHA Convention, Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, indicated the Pet Poison Helpline has experienced more calls about toxic effects from the supplements now being marketed. She also shared details about what to look for in pets that ingest these supplements. Source: AVMA, October 8, 2025. Link. It's … [Read more...]
Dog behavior is shaped by life experiences when they are puppies
Jordan Joseph’s article shares insights from a paper published in the journal, Scientific Reports. While adversity does not seal a dog’s fate, training, enriched environments and appropriate care can move behavior in a better direction. The early stages of life can set a lifelong tone for a dog’s behavior. Source: earth.com via AVMA SmartBrief. Link. Experiences in the … [Read more...]
Considerations when talking about pet insurance
We recently introduced a non-commercial Pet Insurance Guide to help animal health pros easily share the “who, what, when, where and why” of choosing pet insurance policies. Confused pet owners considering pet insurance and those with existing policies they don’t understand often seek advice from veterinary teams. The guide is designed as a conversation aid to help discuss pet … [Read more...]
Direct-to-consumer genetic tests can be problematic, require education
Faced with a genetic test report from a direct-to-consumer company, veterinary teams may be challenged to interpret or use the report to a client’s or pet’s benefit. Genetic testing has gone direct-to-consumer, so veterinarians must understand the types of genetic tests available, as well as how to use and interpret them properly, said Jerrod Bell, DVM, in a related article … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Prevalence of GI ulcers in dogs treated with long-term NSAIDs
The author summarizes a prospective study that sought to determine the prevalence of GI mucosal erosions in client-owned medium- and large-breed dogs treated with an NSAID for ≥30 days. The article offers veterinary teams an opportunity to update their team approach to client education and review the clinic materials to be shared with clients. Source: Clinician’s Brief, … [Read more...]
Cats can get dementia, too
Commentary As animal health pros address the needs of aging pets, feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome becomes a consideration for cat owners and their veterinarians. The sources shared here address cat dementia and are worth veterinary teams’ reviews in support of cat owners as their cats age. Share both on social media or in newsletters. Feline dementia is a condition … [Read more...]