“If you lead a school, a practice, or a corporate group, you are not a scout. You are the league,” writes Gershon L Alaluf, DVM, DBA, MBA. Borrowing from professional sports, he says veterinary medicine recruits smarter, more resilient students, hands them wellness modules and sends them into the same league that broke the last class, only to act surprised by the same … [Read more...]
Bonded but not booked. Even devoted owners miss vet visits
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute’s 2026 Benchmark Survey findings show strong public support for a more pet-inclusive approach across all facets of society, driven by the many benefits the human-animal bond brings to our lives. Its 20-minute online survey was completed between June 25 and July 7, 2026, by 3,000 U.S. respondents who are 18 years of age or older. The … [Read more...]
Japanese study reveals why cats don’t finish their food
A Japanese study found that cats stop eating not because they're full, but because they become bored with the smell of the same food. Introducing a new food or even just a new food scent restores their appetite, showing that smell plays a major role in how much cats eat. Source: PETFOOD Industry, October 19, 2026. Link. Researchers tested 12 domestic cats and found that … [Read more...]
Pet Age’s 2026 State of the Pet Industry report
Pet Age’s 2026 State of the Pet Industry report gathered data from American Pet Products Association and Circana, a global market research firm. The results offer a ground-level view of market conditions and emerging trends from consumer demand to supply chain realities. They allow pet manufacturers and retailers to understand the current landscape, identify opportunities and … [Read more...]
Supporting responsible dog ownership
September was National Dog Ownership Month. If the various promotions and efforts worked to influence dog owners, then this piece by Salomi Odendaal is a good reinforcement. Share it with dog owners on social media, in newsletters, with local shelters and media or as content for a presentation at a service club meeting. Owning a dog is a privilege and a responsibility. A dog … [Read more...]
From team member to team leader
The performance that got you recognized and promoted as a member is not the performance that will make you a successful leader. Source: LinkedIn, July 18, 2025. Link. New veterinary managers don’t just need tools. They need mentorship, coaching, and a clear roadmap.” INSIGHTS: Transitioning from member to leader is the struggle that produces growth. … [Read more...]
Survey finds misalignment on what “career ready” means
Employers, educators and graduates agree on the importance of being career-ready. However, there is a significant disconnect on exactly what that term means in today's workplace, writes Alan Goforth. Graduates are being asked to enter the workforce with experience, job-specific skills and readiness from day one, exacerbating a growing misalignment around career readiness. … [Read more...]
Review: Top 7 drug classes to be tapered, not stopped abruptly
We’re resharing a post to review some drugs that should be tapered to prevent physiologic withdrawal syndrome and/or disease recrudescence. Katrina L. Mealey, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP, shares tapering protocols that include magnitude of recommended drug reduction at each step and length of maintenance of the reduced dose before the next reduction. Dose reductions in dogs and … [Read more...]
IBPSA FastBites – October 26, 2026
Today: Leaderboard Webinar Series week 5. October 29th, 1:00p.m. CDT. Link. Also in this member edition: Respiratory illness planning for the holiday rush Legislative update: Minimum wage changes Tax updates to be aware of now Learning platform nearly ready Source: IBPSA, October 26, 2026. Link. Quick reminder: IBPSA staff hold online office hours via Zoom … [Read more...]
Fall 2026 PACCC Insider
Complimentary Inside this issue, you'll find: Information about the new PACCC website PACCC in the media December recertification reminder 2027 Exam dates & updated pricing Upcoming webinars Partner spotlight Source: PACCC, Fall 2026. Link. The Professional Animal Care Certification Council is the pet care industry's only independent, third-party … [Read more...]
15 Halloween safety tips for dogs (video)
Commercial links, pop-ups embedded Common sense often goes by the wayside during Halloween festivities. Samantha Randall shares tips for pet owners in this article, which includes an infographic and shareable video. Notable tips: Be certain pets can be identified; microchips and visible i.d. on collars NO glow sticks; the liquid that makes them glow is toxic to … [Read more...]
Growing miconazole resistance: the reason that yeast ear infection is so stubborn
Ear infections are almost always a top five reason for dogs seeing a veterinarian <Link>. A recent study published in Veterinary Dermatology found miconazole-resistant Malassezia pachydermatis in routine canine otitis externa cases; mostly traced to a small tweak in a single gene. The study authors say the findings point at the need for better antifungal … [Read more...]
Small mammals: mice, rats, shrews and other cat prey
Sally Gilson believes the key to a happier indoor cat is understanding the hunter inside. Her GetCatCrazy platform is where she shares practical guidance on welfare and care for domestic and feral cats. She asserts that understanding cats’ instincts help owners provide enriching activities that support their pets’ natural behavior while protecting wildlife. Source: … [Read more...]
Predicting the threat of Lyme disease: New insights from a 35-year study
The prevalence of Lyme disease was historically thought to be influenced by three factors: deer populations, white-footed mouse populations and weather extremes. What we thought has been updated by a 35-year Lyme disease ecology study that also helps improve disease forecasting. Most notable: Deer populations are not statistically correlated with variation in Lyme disease … [Read more...]
To blanket or not? Tool helps answer questions
Deciding how best to keep a horse warm, comfortable and healthy based on weather conditions in the area is at best problematic as conditions, horse age, horse coat and health status vary. The web tool below offers a blanket recommendation after a user enters a horse’s ZIP code and individual variables. Consider sharing this tool in social media posts and … [Read more...]
Farriers share how often they encounter thrush
Data collected in the 2026 American Farriers Journal Business Practices Survey includes frequency information on thrush. How Often Do You Encounter Thrush? Weekly — 46 percent of farriers Monthly — 29 percent of farriers Quarterly — 18 percent of farriers Only yearly — 7 percent of farriers Source: American Farriers Journal, October 28, 2026. Link. Also … [Read more...]
Goats from a traveling petting zoo test positive for rabies
Three baby goats from a traveling petting zoo in North Carolina have tested positive for rabies after appearing at multiple public events this summer. A fourth goat was also potentially exposed, prompting public health officials to identify people who may have had contact with the animals. Source: Human Animal Interaction Section of American Psychological Association, … [Read more...]
Biosecurity is the right thing for all parties (video)
There is no downside to biosecurity, says Cara Haden, DVM. She discusses the importance of the welfare of each pig to the industry-wide priorities of eliminating PRRSV and PEDV. The introductory video text includes a link to a deeper Pork Checkoff discussion of the National Swine Health Strategy and what it means for producers across the country. Source: National Pork Board, … [Read more...]
What’s keeping heifers from making it to first calving
By the time a fresh heifer walks into the parlor, much of her future has already been shaped. Growth rate, disease pressure, breeding performance and size at first calving all stack up long before a milking unit goes on. Michael Overton, DVM, views this stretch as an investment window that carries a high cost that doesn’t actually generate positive cash flow until the animal … [Read more...]
Three reasons small, weak-born fall calves may happen
Extension specialists Craig Payne, Tim Evans and Jamie Courter look at three factors that may contribute to reduced calf size in the fall. They cover the role heat stress, fescue, genetics and birth weight in the article linked here. Source: Angus Beef Bulletin, September 23, 2026. Link. The goal <for calving ease> is not to produce the smallest calf possible. It is … [Read more...]
APL Launches nationwide validation study of at-home heartworm test, asks dog owners in 52 Cities to help
Affordable Pet Labs announced a large validation study of a new, patent-pending at-home heartworm test. The method allows a dog's sample to be collected at home, without a needle, and analyzed in APL's laboratory. The company expects to collect more than 1,500 blood samples in the study. If the study proves the new method meets the current gold-standard blood test, APL will … [Read more...]
Three States see new HPAI cases over the past 30 days
Washington has seen a spike in HPAI cases in dairy herds in recent weeks, with Kansas and Texas also reporting cases in the past 30 days and a human case confirmed in a Washington dairy employee. Fewer states have reported new cases in 2026, but detections continue. Biosecurity remains a priority for animals and humans working at or visiting dairies.” Source: Dairy Herd … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 29, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 22, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 22nd AHD Bulletin – What to do when anxiety feels worse at night. Link. Malone: Celebrating the harvest. Link. Inventory management ≠ COGS management. Link. Winter welfare and management of livestock guardian, outdoor dogs. Link. AAHA … [Read more...]
Celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week (October 18-24)
This week is National Veterinary Technician Week and we’re celebrating some of Animal Health Digest’s more loyal readers. When we select content for the weekly AHD Bulletins, we keep vet techs’ daily work in mind, especially their important interactions with animal owners. For us, every week is Vet Tech Week. THANK YOU for your ongoing commitments to quality animal care, … [Read more...]
It’s ON! PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week is October 19th – 25th
During PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, thousands of local shelters and rescues will bring adoptable pets, including cats, kittens, dogs, puppies and often even small pets and reptiles, into nearly every PetSmart store across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Potential adopters can spend time with pets and ask staff and volunteers questions to feel confident in finding the … [Read more...]
The Animal Health Supplement Act needs your support
If you supply, sell, recommend, give pets animal health supplements or plan to, now is the time to act. The National Animal Supplement Council is preparing to introduce legislation called The Animal Health Supplement Act, which would create a permanent legal category for animal health supplements. Source: Pet Age, October 19, 2026. Link. Every manufacturer, supplier, … [Read more...]
Celebrating the harvest
We are approaching the midway point of the fourth quarter of the calendar year. We planned, we planted and we nurtured. Now it’s time to harvest and celebrate. Source: LinkedIn, September 29, 2026. Link. Before rushing toward the next goal, take a moment to appreciate the harvest. . .” INSIGHTS: The more you celebrate and praise, the more there is to celebrate. … [Read more...]
What to do when anxiety feels worse at night
Lying awake replaying a tense conversation or dreading tomorrow’s meeting is common. In this piece, reporter Erica Sweeney explains why worries get loud after dark. Pulling information from Stanford, Stony Brook, Georgetown and the University of Arizona, she highlights how fewer distractions and weaker emotional control at night let anxious thoughts take over. Next, anxiety and … [Read more...]
IBPSA Pet Care Pro – October 2026
In this edition: Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Pet Care Business Excellence Awards A hearty WELCOME to 17 new IBPSA members Safety alert! Cooling gel products are a newly documented poisoning risk. Legislative Alert: Washington, D.C. Brief business news Articles Essential oils: snake oil or the real deal? <Link>. Shadowing Is More … [Read more...]
Dog food is an investment. Here are tips to keep it fresh.
Includes commercial links Proper storage for dog food is an important factor in keeping pets healthy. It not only helps keep it fresh and tasty, but also helps avoid spoilage by protecting it from mold, bacteria, and potential pests or rodents. Store pet food in the pantry just as you would your own food Keep pet food in original packaging and properly seal it … [Read more...]