Does that nest of tangled cords look familiar? Improper use of extension cords is a fire hazard that is often exacerbated during the holidays. The articles here offer advice on cord types and uses. Also, remember to maintain fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Extension cords are a common and convenient way to bring power to electrical … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Cat hydration: Water, a key nutrient to lifelong health in felines
Cats are uniquely challenged in meeting their daily water needs, writes Katy Miller DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, CPCQI, PAS. In this article she shares helpful facts worth including in pet owner communications. Pet hydration is a good topic for veterinary technicians to prioritize with clients. Talking about pets and water is also a good topic to include when making school … [Read more...]
Senior pet nutrition: What to know
Animal health pros offering nutritional coaching roles need to be aware of what pet owners are receiving that may influence their questions and beliefs. Senior pets, like puppies or kittens, have separate, individual considerations when it comes to diet. We’re sharing this article from Fear Free Happy Homes, knowing how Fear Free clinics and their communication efforts reach … [Read more...]
Dog training apps have inherent value, some risks
Dog training has gone digital. While the best of these digital programs offer real-time access to training and behavior professionals, the field remains unregulated. Colette Kase shares the importance of veterinary professionals understanding this rapidly emerging field and focuses on meeting challenges in this growing field. Dog training apps have the potential to prevent … [Read more...]
Preventing thrush before it starts
Haylie Pfeffer’s article is a good reminder of the benefits of managing environmental conditions and hoof structure to avoid thrush in horses. Consider it for direct communications with horse owners, social media posts or linked in a newsletter. Thrush is not contagious, but multiple horses at the same barn could be affected, especially in communal, damp, muddy conditions … [Read more...]
Most wild honeybees in U.S. expected to be Africanized
Wild honeybees recently moved into Todd Fitchette’s attic. As editor of Western Farm Press, he shared his story and why experts told him these feral bees are a concern from California to Texas. They’re a threat to humans and while not stated directly, can be a threat to pets. Source: Western Farm Press, November 13, 2025. Link. “The difference is in their attitude. … [Read more...]
Wolf uses net to trap a crab
Researchers may have documented the first evidence of a wolf using a tool, according to footage published in the journal “Ecology and Evolution.” In the video captured last year, a wolf used a fishing float to bring a crab trap to shore. Once she could reach the trap, she tore it open and ate the bait that was being used to catch an invasive crab species. Source: The … [Read more...]
Reimagining animal handling training: ‘Mooving Cows’
One of the most significant welfare determinants on dairy farms lies outside the treatment pen: how cows are moved and handled. Cow-handling practices directly affect stress physiology, lameness risk, udder health, milk let-down and handler safety. Yet, the churn of dairy employees and getting good training limits consistent improvements. Seeing an opportunity to improve … [Read more...]
Shedding placental membranes, uterine restoration postpartum in dairy cows
Transition cow management and care is important in dairy production. Each phase requires attention at the individual cow level. Shedding of the placental membrane and uterine restoration postpartum play a crucial role in ensuring the cow's reproductive health and her ability to return to productive cycles, writes Leonardo Bringhenti, DVM, PhD. Source: Progressive Dairy, … [Read more...]
Study reveals T cells drive PRRSV vaccine protection
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces … [Read more...]
Airborne H5N1 may be a factor in outbreaks
If bird flu is airborne, the government’s current biosecurity-based strategy cannot protect farms on its own, writes Nat Lash, an investigative journalist. He recounts how he followed a hunch that wind and dust may contribute to the spread of bird flu. Lash used genetic markers, satellite imagery, property records, trade notices, wind simulations and Google Street View to … [Read more...]
New clinic is 76th CityVet location, first in Orlando
Opening on Monday, November 24, 2025, the CityVet Lake Nona will be led and owned by Dr. Heather Lipp. Located at 14152 Narcoossee Rd, Suite 350, Orlando, FL 32832, this is CityVet’s first Orlando-area location. Source: Pet Age, November 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 20, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 13, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ownership model frames lasting change. Link. Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication. Link. Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market. Link. The three best questions to ask at the end of a job … [Read more...]
Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication
Vaccine hesitancy, compliance and adherence are everyday challenges in veterinary hospitals that are not going away. “Same stuff, different day” apathy can become the norm when veterinary teams face anti-vax sentiment. Yet we know the importance of vaccination to prevent disease and must address client objections to best serve their pets. Each time an animal health pro reads … [Read more...]
Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market
Bizrate Insights surveyed a representative sample of 1,044 U.S. online shoppers aged 18+ in August 2025 to explore consumer loyalty, what matters most now and how businesses can adapt to keep customers coming back, even in uncertain times. Their responses include pet care as a category. The results show that almost 90 percent of shoppers changed their purchasing behavior … [Read more...]
Support the KCAHC workforce initiative
When holiday groups gather, there are often discussions about graduating early, careers, job changes and opportunities for self-advancement. The animal health industry has opportunities for all types of people. That is the objective for the “What is Animal Health” workforce recruitment initiative. The “What is Animal Health” handout makes it easy to share the scale and impact … [Read more...]
Ownership model frames lasting change
You might not own a piece of the practice, but you certainly own the beliefs that drive your behavior, which impacts the practice’s result. Source: LinkedIn Pulse, October 20, 2025. Link. Lasting change isn’t about fixing results – it’s about taking ownership of the beliefs behind them. INSIGHTS: Your brain learns through repetition and evidence. … [Read more...]
The three best questions to ask at the end of a job interview
There are compelling questions about the position you can ask before the end of an interview. They will help you and help you stand out, leaving a positive lasting impression and reiterating your interest in the job. Erica Lamberg shares three excellent ones. Source: Fast Company, July 17, 2025. Link. Article PDF. Link. What does success look like in this role, especially … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 10, 2025
From the blog: Protect your pet care business with key cybersecurity measures. Link. Member benefits: Build an app with Doxieworks. 15 percent member discount Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. NASC seal extended to treats, gratitude, delegation, feline behaviors, “They Ate What?” and more! Legislative update: New Jersey S4804; … [Read more...]
What to say so people feel seen and respected
Stop saying, “How are you?” asserts Judith Humphrey. She shares a list of openers to avoid and suggestions for better choices, such as, “Hi, [name], that’s a great tie/color/pet’s leash.” Whether someone new, a repeat customer or on the telephone, Humphrey’s assertions apply. Source: Fast Company, November 11, 2025. Link. Think ahead and be kind. Everyone will cherish … [Read more...]
Early castration improves animal welfare, safety, and on-farm economics
Sponsor Content Recent research confirms the importance of fall calving in the beef segment and year-round calving in dairies in North America. Estimates show that more than 80,000 bull calves will be born this November and December: a third in beef operations and two-thirds in dairy operations. The AABP recommends that pain management be considered the standard of care … [Read more...]
Promising research in feline regenerative medicine
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells using lab-grown blastocysts. Their innovative approach resulted in the creation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells that can remain undifferentiated or differentiate into the three germ layers: endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm. The cells can transform into a wide variety of cell … [Read more...]
Podcast: Advising pet owners on nutritional adequacy
The insights in this podcast are more relevant today than when it was recorded. Beckie Mossor, RVT, and Deborah Linder, DVM, MS, DACVN, discuss the common and often-debated topic of what to feed pets. They also offer practical advice on working with pet owners and helping them make smart pet food choices. Last week’s AHD post about measurement and educating pet owners … [Read more...]
Cats, collagen and supplements
Different types of collagen serve specific functions in feline health. The market for collagen-based nutraceuticals for cats has grown significantly in natural and functional medicine categories. Supplements offer a concentrated source of collagen, known to be essential for maintaining the integrity of connective tissues, including skin, joints and bones. The author outlines … [Read more...]
Cats’ tail language, a veritable mood ring
Cats are masters of non-vocal communication. Angie Bailey writes about the ways cats use their tails to convey their emotions. Her article includes infographics and a video cat owners will appreciate. Consider sharing it with new cat owners, in newsletters or on social media. Source: Catster, November 10, 2025. Link. Photo by Abdulaziz Alfawzan on Unsplash … [Read more...]
14 finalists from the 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Take a break and smile with these funny photos from the wild. Sources: Popular Science, November 6, 2025. Link. Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards, Link. See all 40 entries for 2025. … [Read more...]
How much do radiographs change as a weanling ages?
Radiographic abnormalities noted in weanlings at the November sale can change significantly by the time they are yearlings at the September sale, writes Rolf Embertson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS. He says most of the radiographic changes are improvements, but many are not. He references three presentations that looked at: a) changes in carpal and fetlock RA, b) changes in stifle … [Read more...]
H5N1 influenza, ostriches and a debacle of unnecessary proportion
Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the bird flu fiasco on a British Columbia ostrich farm. The incident shared in his article underscores the importance of mandated reporting for all producers, regardless of species. “A producer’s errant choice went from an issue with one group of infected birds to having a convoy on the (quarantined) farm, massive misinformation, dodgy “media” … [Read more...]
Black walnut dangerous for horses
The black walnut tree and its nut are considered toxic to horses and other animals because they contain a chemical called juglone, writes Emily Fought. She continues to warn horse owners about leaves and nuts contaminating grass, hay and water sources. Just 20 percent black walnut in horse bedding, sawdust or shavings can cause toxicity. Source: Cowgirl, November 8, 2025. … [Read more...]