A summer outing at the lake or beach is fun for pets and their people. Many dogs enjoy swimming in backyard pools as well. But those romps often result in swimmer’s ear problems or otitis externa. This Dogster article shares the importance of getting dogs’ ears dry and protected from potential infections. It also offers tips on avoiding infections caused by swimming. Source: … [Read more...]
Longhorned ticks here to stay. Let’s review.
A male longhorned tick is a rarity. Reproducing by parthenogenesis, females clone themselves laying hundreds of eggs and individually creating an entire population in any given area. Considered a pest, there is no evidence that Asian longhorned ticks transmit any infection to people or dogs here in the U.S. However, they can transmit disease to cattle, farm animals and … [Read more...]
Applying the kitten checklist
There is a lot of information to share with first-time and repeat kitten clients. As our industry seeks to engage and service more cats, the best overall opportunities exist when starting with kittens. The kitten-specific talking points shared in this article are taken from the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines. Practice owners and managers need to consider … [Read more...]
15 behaviors dogs display ONLY when they feel settled
This photo essay is sure to bring a chuckle or two. Still, the content will help dog owners’ confidence if they are nervous about their animals being settled. Share the link on social media or in newsletters. Lowering owners’ anxiety can help dogs settle too <Link>. The furniture flop, slow motion stretching and the casual check-in are favorites we see every … [Read more...]
How to tire out a high-energy dog. Ideas for inside and outside.
With a title sure to catch a dog owner’s eye, Patrick Lumontod shares 12 ways to exercise an energetic dog to release that pent-up energy and tire them out. Dog owners will appreciate receiving this article, especially as the heat indexes climb in July and August. Consider sharing it on social media or in newsletters. Source: Top Dog Tips, May 22, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Lead that sweaty horse to water and let him drink
It is best to rehydrate sweaty, hardworking horses without delay, but the key is to know how much water to allow at one time. Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, DACVS. recommends offering small amounts, up to a half gallon, every 20 minutes, which allows the water to move through the horse’s system. Source: EQUUS, July 7, 20265. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider sharing this article … [Read more...]
Scientists discover what’s driving record die-offs of U.S. honeybees
Researchers believe a bee virus spread by Varroa mites’ resistance to amitraz is likely a main contributor to startling honeybee losses. Other factors, such as less food in the form of pollen and nectar as monocrop farming proliferates, are also indicated. Many U.S. beekeepers now expect to lose 30 percent of their colonies or more every year. Source: The Guardian, July 8, … [Read more...]
Fly control. Getting the timing right
Drovers’ 2025 Fly Control eBook provides every animal health pro with up-to-date information on controlling these costly buzzing nuisances. Even suburban and city dwellers may find something actionable as they deal with flies in backyards feasting on dog feces or pestering backyard flocks. In the free eBook, leading entomologists and veterinarians share: 4 proven steps … [Read more...]
Dairy industry’s “efficient” calf feeding gospel is flawed logic and costly to future profits
This Bullvine article challenges long-held beliefs about early calf feeding and how changes to the approach in the first 60 days make a significant long-term gain in lifetime revenue. The audio discussion is helpful to understand the various benefits from the article. Modern genetics and strategic nutrition can cut feed costs by $251 per cow.” Source: The Bullvine, July 6, … [Read more...]
3 livestock skin concerns to watch for this summer
Maci Guay reminds us of the importance of monitoring skin conditions in cattle in this article, focusing on the effects the weather has on the cows’ skin. She zeroes in on a) photosensitization, noting the effect of toxic plants, b) rain rot and c) summer sores caused by parasitic worms transmitted by flies. Source: BEEF, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Rural versus well water: What’s the impact on nursery pig performance?
Pipestone researchers found striking differences between rural and well water when used in pig nurseries. The use of rural water resulted in better health outcomes and more efficient growth. Pigs on rural water showed a 5 percent higher full-value rate and had a mortality rate of just 2.3 percent, compared to a 6 percent mortality rate in the group on well water. Source: … [Read more...]
Mexican Border closed again, New World screwworm comes within 370 miles of the U.S.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins shut down cattle, bison and equine trade at the U.S. Mexico border due to new northward detection of the New World screwworm in Mexico. Source: Bovine Veterinarian, July 10, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 17, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 10, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 10, 2025, AHD Bulletin – Growing your practice. Link. Are Gen-Z workers oversharing in the office? What to do about it. Link. Here are the 40 least obedient dog breeds. Link. Statistics about the horse industry. Link. Texas flash floods add to … [Read more...]
Texas flash floods add to growing disasters list, concerns
Commentary We should appreciate the people working to secure lives and property in Texas following the rampant flooding of the Guadalope River. Opportunists may use events like this to advance agendas on global warming or budget cuts. Instead, we were moved to consider the cumulative effect of disasters and the resulting economic burdens on the individuals and businesses … [Read more...]
Elanco receives USDA approval for TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (Canine Influenza Vaccine)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8, a canine influenza vaccine designed to provide broad respiratory disease protection. The approval of this CIV vaccine completes Elanco’s Tru Portfolio of comfortable and convenient combination vaccines made with PureFil™ Technology, an exclusive process for creating highly purified vaccines designed to … [Read more...]
Staph. aureus increasingly responsible for subclinical mastitis
Justine Britten, PhD, said she is surprised that veterinarians and consultants don’t know that Staphylococcus aureus is present in at least one cow on every dairy during a recent “Have You Herd” podcast <Link>. The bacterium is responsible for subclinical mastitis. Britten recommends a monthly bulk tank culture as the bare minimum a dairy can do to monitor Staph. aureus … [Read more...]
Stop PI calves before they start: 2 key tips
Commentary and Sponsored Content PI calves are animals that become infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus in utero. For more than 40 years, our industry has worked to reduce or eliminate BVDV. Wayne Bechtel’s article shared here is a stark reminder that animal health pros must keep working to educate every producer on the importance of biosecurity and proper … [Read more...]
Day-old calf nonnegotiables
We know colostrum is the key to healthy calves and quality makes a difference. Kimberly Egan and Catherine Thrasher stress the importance of nonnegotiable protocols essential for ensuring effective colostrum handling and for getting calves off to a healthy start. They share their top five non-negotiables in this article: Follow proper cleaning and drying protocols … [Read more...]
Keeping chickens cool in the summer heat
Not all chickens get to swim in the pool like those Debra Nickelson, DVM owns <Link>. In this article from the Backyard Poultry’s archives, Pam Freeman shares the key ways to keep chickens cool, including: Providing shade during the day Allowing chickens out of their coop Increasing access to water including shallow pools Ensuring coops are well … [Read more...]
Horse trailer safety: How hot is too hot?
Air temperature and relative humidity directly impact horses' ability to cool themselves. As a rule of thumb, you can assess a horse's cooling efficiency by adding together the air temperature (°F) and relative humidity (%) according to information from the University of Minnesota Extension: Less than 130: cooling ability is good 130 to 150: cooling ability is reduced … [Read more...]
Statistics about the horse industry
Frank Lessiter will help you bone up on U.S. horse data with these statistics from the American Horse Council, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and other sources. He notes it’s important for equine owners and veterinarians to stay abreast of industry trends, especially considering the increasing scrutiny of equine sports. Source: American Farriers Journal, … [Read more...]
Cool-down science: A simple head dunk could save dogs from heat stroke
Here’s an article you’ll want to review, save and share. With funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation, Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR, tested different cooling methods. A voluntary head dunk in 70°F water delivered the fastest and most sustained reduction in body temperature.” Source: AKC Canine Health Foundation, July 8, 2025. Link. It makes sense. Dogs … [Read more...]
Here are the 40 least obedient dog breeds
Agree or disagree, at minimum, the approach to develop this list is interesting and may be revealing to some. Sharing the list internally, on social media and in newsletters might help a pet owner decide on a second or replacement dog. A December 2024 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that a staggering 99 percent of dogs in the U.S. have a behavior … [Read more...]
The feline factor: gaps, opportunities and paradigm shifts
Commentary: article includes commercial references If you skimmed Graham Garrison’s article and you believe in helping develop the feline veterinary business, it is worth another read or two. This would be a fun article to discuss and workshop with a veterinary team. It’s more than a 10-minute read, so we asked CoPilot to create a summary page as an experiment. Source: … [Read more...]
4 key applications of Tui Na in canine veterinary practice
Wax on, wax off? Not exactly but Tui Na stands out as a versatile, non-invasive therapy in canine veterinary care. The author shares four situations where this ancient massage therapy can help support canine wellness and recovery. Pain relief and arthritis management Enhancing mobility and musculoskeletal recovery Stress and anxiety reduction Support for chronic … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – July 7, 2025
Dog elected as mayor, boarding is option for dogs with sound reactivity*, blue-green algae warnings, Pet Sustainability Coalition seeking to remove 125 tons of plastic from environment in July and more . . . Source: IBPSA, July 7, 2025. Link. Note the digital marketing strategies webinar on July 16th. *INSIGHTS: Beyond July 4th festivities, boarding facilities can provide … [Read more...]
Take a lesson from Costco
Commentary Jake Rossen shares that the checking of receipts when exiting Costco isn’t to identify potential thieves. It’s to make sure that Costco isn’t picking the pockets of its customers. A reverse situation has been discussed ad infinitum in veterinary hospitals. Products or charges get missed between the exam room, lab area and front desk. It is important for team … [Read more...]
Riding along with the volunteers rescuing pets from the Guadalupe Flood
Hours after the Guadalupe River receded, a brown pit bull named Hulk, whose family and half of their riverside house were swept away by the July 4 flooding, returned to the wreckage of his home. He settled atop a torn-up floorboard, turned up his nose, and sniffed the air. Source: Texas Monthly, July 7, 2025. Link. Kerrville and Austin Pets Alive have rescued many dogs and … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 10, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, July 3, 2025. Link. Most read posts from July 3, 2025 AHD Bulletin – WOAH, invest in vaccines to defend against growing disease threats. Link. Redesigned Secure Beef Supply website, new biosecurity resources. Link. 13 plants that gardening experts say repel mosquitoes. Link. New York judge says a … [Read more...]
Dehorning goats: the what and why
Goat horns and dehorning goats are controversial subjects, writes Patrice Lewis. She shares an assessment of the pros and cons of dehorning goats. Source: Goat Journal, March 2022. Link. Base the choice and technique to dehorn or not on ethical considerations, with pain management a strong factor.” – Patrice Lewis … [Read more...]