It’s weaning and shipping time in cattle country. With markets wavering slightly, Mexico opening up and a U.S. herd to rebuild, there has been considerable discussion of how to handle heifers*. Whether to retain or sell them is a long-term decision that depends on market conditions and the resources available on an operation. From the perspective of an animal health pro … [Read more...]
“Ask a Cowboy” panels set for Husker Harvest Days and Sunbelt Ag Expo
Stockmanship & Stewardship sessions give producers and veterinarians opportunities to interact with a panel of experts and ask questions about best management practices. Everyone can benefit from learning about cattle movement habits, top-notch facility design, and tips for training others who handle your cattle.” Source: NCBA. Link. Husker Harvest Days, September … [Read more...]
Webinar: Review the new AAHA Diabetes Management in Cats Guidelines
Join Patty Lathan, VMD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), for practical updates on insulin therapy, glucose monitoring, dietary management, diabetic remission, and client communication from the 2026 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Cats. There are still seats available: September 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m. MDT. Registration <Link> Source: AAHA, LinkedIn, August 26, 2026. … [Read more...]
Busy August for animal health pros ends in Kansas City
Complimentary By all reports from AVMA, Groomer Expo, SUPERZOO and the new WVC Nashville, animal health pros have renewed old contacts, made new ones, shared meals and beverages, and viewed the latest topics and products. Fetch KC takes place August 28 to 30 and the month is bookended by the KC Corridor’s 2026 Animal Health Summit August 31 to September 1. There’s still … [Read more...]
2027 pay raises expected to hold mostly flat amid cost pressures
Data from WTW and Gallagher surveys suggests that salary increases in 2027 will decline modestly from 2026 levels but remain largely stable. Employers are taking a more cautious approach to salary planning, citing cost management pressures, a tight labor market and inflationary concerns, according to the surveys. Experts say employers are becoming increasingly strategic in … [Read more...]
AI’s effect on workplace culture
According to Gallup’s Q1 2026 workforce study, AI adoption is pushing organizational cultures in equally positive and negative directions on average, with managers playing a decisive role in how technology-related changes are perceived by employees. Leaders clearly see AI transformation as a priority, yet AI adoption alone does not consistently correspond with employees … [Read more...]
U.S. home to all top 10 North American pet food companies by 2025 revenue
All of the top 10 North American pet food companies in Petfood Industry’s Top Companies database are headquartered in the United States. Measured by 2025 revenue, the U.S. dominance reflects more than the size of the U.S. pet market, writes Tim Wall. U.S. manufacturers operate within an economy that combines large supplies of grains and animal proteins with extensive … [Read more...]
The Platinum Rule overcomes differences and gets things done
One of the wake-up calls of the business world is the realization that some people are not like us. Different values and different drivers. Bill Treasurer uses a boss/employee relationship to demonstrate adapting without losing yourself. As a coach, his first question is always, “Have you figured out what kind of communication lands with this person?” Source: Giant Leap … [Read more...]
AVMA’s Jennifer Quammen, DVM, shares veterinary challenges with Steve Dale
Complimentary New AVMA president Jennifer Quammen, DVM, tackles some of the biggest issues facing pet owners and veterinary professionals today in this conversation with Steve Dale. They discuss why veterinary care costs continue to rise, whether corporate ownership and Wall Street are reshaping the profession and how credentialed vet techs can be used more … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – August 10, 2026
In this week’s FastBites: Upcoming webinar: Add-On Revenues: Part 3 of our Pet Industry Leadership webinar series: August 27th at 1:00 p.m. CDT. <Registration Link> OraStrip information as add-on service Legislative updates: Washington (King County), Massachusetts Medicare enrollment, key dates and ways to avoid penalties Source: IBPSA, August 17, 2026. … [Read more...]
Sound therapy for dogs and cats: how healing frequencies support health
Sound therapy uses the concept of resonate frequencies to restructure dis-ease and dis-harmony in the body. It creates harmony and coherence within the system to facilitate healing using the power of frequencies to support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in humans and animals. Barrie Sands, DVM, CVA, HMCT, EMP, explains how vibroacoustic and psychoacoustic sound … [Read more...]
Nutraceuticals in canine osteoarthritis: A clinical comparison with NSAIDs
A clinical comparison published in Frontiers of Veterinary Science forms the basis for this article. The goal was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutraceutical formulation in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis as an alternative or complementary option to NSAIDs. Key Findings Pain reduction: Both treatments significantly reduced pain scores, with comparable efficacy. … [Read more...]
Study: AI-powered camera system predicts nearly 95 percent of Thoroughbred foalings
Researchers in Japan say a combination of thermal imaging and artificial intelligence could eventually lower the burden of continuous surveillance during foaling season. The system, called Umamori, uses a thermal infrared camera paired with a conventional visible-light camera mounted above the mare’s stall instead of requiring a wearable sensor or an invasive device. The … [Read more...]
Research says equine acupuncture can be valuable
Research continues to demonstrate that acupuncture can play a valuable role in treating a variety of equine health conditions when performed by a qualified veterinarian. They conclude that acupuncture provides the greatest benefit when used alongside accurate diagnosis, rehabilitation and appropriate veterinary care rather than as a standalone treatment. Source: Equine … [Read more...]
Understanding fall equine laminitis risks
We tend to associate springtime with laminitis, but fall is also a high risk for many horses, writes Eleanor Kellon, VMD. She explains that the major contributor to fall laminitis has nothing to do with pasture and can affect any horse. The warm days and cold nights of fall contribute to laminitis risk on pasture for horses with metabolic syndrome and high blood … [Read more...]
Survey sheds light on small-scale swine farms
A University of Minnesota Center for Animal Health and Food Safety survey sought to understand more about the unique challenges and needs of small-scale pig farmers in California, Minnesota and Texas. The emphasis was on gaining an understanding of their pig health management and disease preparedness. Notably, less than 50 percent had a premises identification number, very … [Read more...]
MSHMP and SDRS; complementary programs for a similar purpose
Kudos to Cesar A. Corzo, University of Minnesota; Quyen Le, Daniel Linhares and Giovani Trevisan, Iowa State University, for this clarifying article. It helps with the alphabet soup that is part of swine research and management, and in this case, where perceived redundancies are actually synergistic. The authors share that the U.S. swine industry benefits from two nationally … [Read more...]
PetSmart Charities launches Veterinary Fellowship Program
PetSmart Charities® launched The PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship program on August 17. The investment is designed to cultivate leaders in community medicine through education, mentorship and long-term professional connection. This program is one part of PetSmart Charities' response to findings from the PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care Study to invest … [Read more...]
Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards 2026
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute announced the winners of its annual Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, recognizing those who offer innovative programs, policies and initiatives to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society. Source: PR Newswire, Human Animal Bond Research Institute, August 13, 2026. Link. 2026 Honorees: Dogs on … [Read more...]
Leadership changes at Veterinary Virtual Care Association
The Veterinary Virtual Care Association announced the installation of Jessica May, BVetMed, as president of its board of directors, succeeding founding Board Chair Mark Cushing. May has served on the VVCA board of directors since 2022, where she chaired the Association's European Committee. Source: VVCA, August 13, 2026. Link. May will work alongside the Board of Directors, … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 20, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, August 13, 2026. Link. Most read posts from August 13th, 2026 AHD Bulletin – When pain changes more than movement. Link. Emotionally intelligent leaders consistently exhibit 6 habits. Link. Malone: AI in your hospital? Link. Role of the veterinary nurse in Spectrum of Care. Link. 7 ways … [Read more...]
Spectrum of care in veterinary medicine; the role of the veterinary nurse
Commentary Every week we see articles on various barriers to veterinary care. Cost consistently tops the list. Empowering veterinary professionals and clients to consider a wide range of treatment strategies, from technologically advanced and expensive to more traditional and less expensive, can potentially improve access to medical care all pets need, writes Julie Ann … [Read more...]
7 ways veterinary practices can boost their revenue
Commentary Smart systems, better communication and expanded services can all make a meaningful difference, say the authors of this article. Of the seven strategies listed, staff training, empowerment and client education are known to provide value for clients at points of service. Patient no-shows take on a different meaning in the current vet visit environment. Industry … [Read more...]
Retailers’ wish list for SUPERZOO 2026
Retailers are on the hunt to find products that will help them stand out in their local markets at SUPERZOO 2026. Animal health pros can get a sense of where retailers expect to capture pet owners’ OTC spend by reviewing the list, such as new supplements, interactive toys and unique durables. Source: Pets+, August 10, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
AI in your hospital?
The manufacturers’ reps who call on you are using AI to better serve your hospital. Why aren’t you using it to better serve your customers? Brian Sullivan’s suggestion could also apply to pet service businesses or retailers. Source: Veterinary Advantage, June 2025. Link. AI can help you send a message that earns a response. Think of it as your ghostwriter – minus the … [Read more...]
Emotionally intelligent leaders consistently exhibit 6 habits that help them become exceptional
The workplace has changed. Success is no longer determined solely by what you know. It’s increasingly determined by how well you work with people, writes Marcel Schwantes. He shares six practices that consistently set emotionally intelligent employees and leaders apart. They pause before reacting They display authenticity They think before they speak They handle … [Read more...]
America’s future depends on the health of its animals
Animal health pros can use the positive messages from Holger Lehmann’s article. Each of us contributes to an infrastructure that sustains people, environments and the animals that support us. Take a minute from fighting the daily fires to appreciate all we do to provide the various segments of society. Lehmann writes, “When our agricultural and veterinary systems work as … [Read more...]
Review: What’s new in canine and feline vaccination guidelines
Commercial references Kaitlyn Krebs, DVM, MBA, and Kirsten White, DVM, break down the latest vaccine changes for canine and feline patients in this interview summary. Whether working in a clinic, grooming salon, shelter or boarding/daycare business, knowing vaccination guidelines can help keep narratives on the same page. Source: dvm360, August 3, 2026. Link. Updated … [Read more...]
Brain games dogs (and DVMs) love
Physical exercise is important for canine health, but it only addresses part of what dogs need. Mental stimulation is just as important for behavioral health. Dan Seymour shares low-cost ways dog owners can mentally engage their dogs. Structured tug-o-war, hide ‘n seek and name that toy are examples dog owners can implement easily. Consider sharing this article in social … [Read more...]
The biology behind why dogs and cats palatability preferences differ
Cats and dogs taste things differently. As pet food aisles expand, understanding these differences can help explain why pets prefer certain foods and treats. This helps manufacturers develop alternative proteins, therapeutic formulations and sustainable ingredients pets want. Tim Wall shares the biology of taste differences and what it means for the pet food industry and animal … [Read more...]