May you have a meaningful weekend and Memorial Day! Source: Readers Digest, April 1, 2025. Link. Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. The first celebration was on May 30, 1868. In 1971, Decoration Day became officially known as Memorial Day, and Congress passed an act declaring it a national holiday … [Read more...]
Continuous improvement
Even small enhancements to your customers’ experiences can add up to big wins for your practice or pet services business. Source: Veterinary Advantage, April 2024. Link. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been doing something that works, come back on a regular basis – annually – and take a closer look.” INSIGHTS: Good today, average tomorrow, can lead to mediocre next … [Read more...]
World Pork Expo® 2025 to open June 4th in Des Moines, Iowa
World Pork Expo remains a premier event for swine producers and the swine industry. The two day event draws more than 10,000 pork producers and ag professionals across the world each year. Nearly 400 companies from North America and around the world will be on-site, displaying products and services at booths, outdoor exhibits and hospitality tents at the 2025 WPX. Promoted by … [Read more...]
Advances in swine housing, health and welfare
New legal requirements, consumers’ opinions, challenging epidemiological conditions and increased pork demand are driving an imminent transition in swine production. New housing conditions and the need for improved welfare are top of mind issues across the industry. Two of the five articles presented in this special issue of Animals investigate finishing pen space and … [Read more...]
Estrous synchronization, not just for doing artificial insemination
One of the main advantages of using synchronization technology is that it provides an extra opportunity for females to be bred during the first 21 days of the breeding season. The authors present opportunities and challenges for producers using synchronization along with natural service including potential improvements to herd cost-to-reward ratios. Source: Drovers, May 19, … [Read more...]
Tick-borne diseases of concern in U.S. horses
You may know and remember that ticks are capable vectors of several equine diseases but do your horse owner clients? Animal health pros can help clients understand the increasing risks from new ticks, regional expansion and disease prevention. Consider this article for newsletters or social media. Adding your own experiences with ticks in your local area while servicing clients … [Read more...]
What are the risks to horse teeth and wellness from wearing a grazing muzzle?
AAEP’s Horse Owner Education Committee shared this information on Facebook. They compare the relatively minimal risks of tooth wear to the potential consequences of not wearing a grazing muzzle, especially in at-risk horses. Source: AAEP, Facebook, May 19, 2025. Link. Also see: Grazing muzzles and weight control, Horse Sport, May 24, 2024. Link. Researchers reported the … [Read more...]
Gazing behavior of dogs
Gazing is a critical way dogs communicate with humans, especially in uncertain situations. A recent study highlights how different dogs use this behavior in response to new stimuli. Gazin offers a glimpse into their emotional world and is a sign of trust and comfort. Source: Animal Wellness, May 9, 2025. Link. By paying attention to gazing behaviors pet owners can deepen … [Read more...]
Pets and snake bites: What to do
Memorial Day weekend typically brings an explosion of outside activity on trails, in parks and campgrounds. It is a good time to consider pet safety. Almost anywhere you live in the U.S., at least one venomous snake lives there. Four types of venomous snakes are found in the U.S., including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths or water moccasins, and coral snakes. Source: … [Read more...]
Simplicity equals success for parasiticide compliance
Recent metrics from Vetsource show year-over-year parasiticide purchases remain in the negative <Link>. The April 2025 VetWatch® commentary echoed the decline <Link>. Across the industry, client adherence to preventatives remains a primary concern. Jamie Lyn asked three veterinarians to identify the practical insights and tactics some practices use to … [Read more...]
Did you know that horses can recognize human emotions?
Karen McComb’s research is highlighted in this video explaining just how sensitive and intelligent our equine partners are. Horses can distinguish between emotional cues displayed not just in human facial expressions, but also in emotional vocalizations and postures . . . they also perceive cues related to angry emotional states as more negative.” Source: Rider Guider … [Read more...]
Top 10 wild animals most likely to attack pet cats
Commentary A recent comment in an AHD post drew feedback. The post said that “community trap-neuter-return programs do a fair job of curtailing cat population growth where man becomes a sort of predator against future kittens.” <Link>. The reader offered the article here to expand on animals considered predators of cats in the U.S. Predator denotes any animal that … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 19, 2025
Free grooming services webinar slated for June 4th, helping teams embrace new technology, forward-flow funding, small business tax priorities, growing demand for pet funerals, report on trends in pet sitting market and more . . . Note the announcement about The Forum conference scheduled for September 22nd and 23rd. IBPSA is bringing together a dynamic lineup of respected … [Read more...]
Veterinary students are in high demand despite huge school debt and alarming suicide rates
It’s a story heard across the U.S. - the veterinary shortage, the challenges our industry professionals face and the consequences of demand that exceeds capacity. We’re sharing this article by intern Anthony Solorzano who presents a balanced story on the needs for more veterinarians. References to veterinary technicians were absent, but he nicely captured the necessity of … [Read more...]
Spay/neuter: It’s time for a discussion
Spaying and neutering dogs has long been promoted as a responsible and humane method of controlling pet overpopulation with benefits to the health of individual animals, writes Bruce L. Truman. In this article, he interviews some of the experts on emerging topics that challenge what we’ve always done. Given the spay/neuter age debates, Truman asserts that veterinary … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 15, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 8, 2025. Link. Most read posts from May 8, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Three 3 rules of three for successful communications. Link. New survey shows horse owners underestimate disease risks. Link. Your brand. Link. Mental health considerations for cats. Link. Hay, forage outlook for 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Breeding heat-tolerant cattle (video)
When temperatures hit 70oF, cattle begin experiencing heat stress. Dairy farmers breeding heat-tolerant cattle using the Australian Breeding Value are reducing lost milk yield during hot, sticky summer months. The ABV testing has drawn considerable attention worldwide as heat losses are often seen between 25 percent and 40 percent of their herd’s milk yield. Source: Good … [Read more...]
K-State researchers update African Swine Fever virus stability to cold, heat
A new study from Kansas State University found that the ASF virus was still detectable in samples that were repeatedly frozen and stored at 4 degrees Celsius (39.2 degrees Fahrenheit), thawed and then frozen again. ASF is known to be a particularly tough virus to destroy. Still, the viability may allow for samples of the virus could be frozen and stored or transported over … [Read more...]
USDA closes southern border, NCBA supports decision to halt the New World screwworm
Despite the United States' work to control the New World screwworm, weak governmental participation in Central America allowed the insect to spread north out of Panama. This has been coupled with a lack of timely action by officials in Mexico and now the U.S. cattle herd, other livestock, wildlife, pets and humans are at risk again. Consequently, the USDA has closed the U.S. … [Read more...]
Can oxytocin boost colostrum?
Seeking what might be called the holy grail of dairy production, researchers at Cornell University recently completed a study to evaluate whether supplemental oxytocin at the first milking could improve colostrum volume, quality, or both. They found: First-calf heifers responded favorably to the highest dose of oxytocin Generally, multiparous cows did not show the same … [Read more...]
Let’s review: Foot rot
Foot rot, also known as interdigital necrobacillosis, is an infectious disease that affects the sensitive tissues of the feet in cattle. Foot rot can affect cattle of all ages, with increased incidences during or following wet, muddy and humid conditions. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the primary agent responsible for foot rot. Although a common skin bacterian, F. … [Read more...]
Choosing the best hay for horses
Horse hay has its own set of standards that are exclusive to equine, writes Amber Friedrichsen. She reviews grass types, how to cut the best hay and more. Source: Hay & Forage Grower, May 13, 2025. Link. Regardless of hay type, the best forage for horses must be free of weeds, mold, and dust. Weeds can be unpalatable, toxic, or painful to eat. Also see: Search Results … [Read more...]
A review of respiratory viruses and performance horse health
Haylie Kerstetter provides a review of the prevalence of respiratory viruses, their clinical and subclinical effects on horses, and management strategies in this article. It reminds us of the importance of managing airway inflammation and reduced respiratory efficiency in active horses. Source: The Horse, April 25, 2025. Link. Respiratory viruses pose ongoing challenges for … [Read more...]
Top U.S. States where cats can safely explore the outdoors (video)
The folks at FelineFam share insightful information in this video about where U.S. cats can safely roam. Well-narrated and filled with images of cats in the wild, it’s worth the time to view and consider for an industry integral to One Health, animal health, and wellness. Source: Feline Fam, April 2025. Link. [8:42] Commentary Shown on January 30, 2000, during Super … [Read more...]
Dog trainer’s graphic explains dog park risks
Veterinary teams understand the risks of popular dog parks. Dog trainer Angie Barber’s Instagram posts caught our attention, and we’re sharing this image with her permission. Consider using it to underscore the need for preventatives, along with the obvious safety and wellness concerns. Source: State of Mind Dog Training. Website <Link>, Instagram … [Read more...]
NASCAR goes to the dogs; Why many drivers bring their dogs to every race
When Shane van Gisbergen was offered the chance to move from Australian Supercars to NASCAR two years ago, he had one question: Can I bring my dog? And when we say dog, we really mean horse because Ronald is much closer to a small pony than he is to a large dog. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
There’s no place for shock and prong in dog training
Contains commercial links Two professional organizations recently updated their policies. Only one made a commitment to reward-based training, writes Zazie Todd. She reviews evidence against aversive training and stances of various organizations noting these most recently: The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants decided to rule out the use of … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – May 12, 2025
Consumers don’t understand how small businesses contribute, capitalizing on pet parent psychology, outlasting small business shortfalls, validation-driven marketing and more . . . Source: IBPSA, May 12, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Being present
When communicating in-person, more than 90 percent of the message is in something other than the words used. Pay more attention to how something is said rather than focusing on what is said. Source: LinkedIn, April 23, 2025. Link. When someone feels seen and understood, not just heard, they're more likely to trust, engage, and respond. Be interested in others and others … [Read more...]
NAPHIA’s 2025 State of the Industry Highlights Report
Commentary There is a lot to digest in this 2025 report from NAPHIA for those interested in numbers*. In 2024, the overall penetration rate for pet insurance in the U.S. marketplace reached 3.92 percent (based on the population of 163.5 million pets). The top claims paid by dog or cat breed and the most common medical conditions are interesting. Source: NAPHIA, LinkedIn, … [Read more...]