Includes commercial references One in three pets goes missing during their life, according to the Animal Humane Society. AI has now joined the ranks of microchips, GPS and social media to help find lost pets. These four success stories demonstrate its positive results. Source: The Washington Post, March 21, 2026. Link. “As controversial as AI is right now, this is one of … [Read more...]
Equine laminitis and black walnut wood residue
Very small quantities of black walnut wood residue in shavings can cause laminitis in horses. As little as 10 percent of the total shavings, by weight, may result in clinical signs of toxicity in horses. These signs generally occur within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the contaminated shavings. The symptoms frequently begin with mild laminitis and swelling of the legs and … [Read more...]
Finisher sites are the weak link in swine disease biosecurity
The constant movement of pigs, people and equipment creates significant pathways for disease transmission in multi-site swine production. Recent research showed finisher sites were the most vulnerable, with an 82.4 percent outbreak rate, compared to wean-to-finish (66.7 percent) and nurseries (33.3 percent). Source: PORK, March 23, 2026. Link. The study suggests prioritizing … [Read more...]
We measure milk. The cow measures time. Management defines both.
Complimentary Content The recent heat wave across the West and Midwest is a reminder of the effects of heat stress on cows. The farms that succeed are not just cooling cows. They are managing time, environment and consistency as one system, explains Muhammad Wasim Iqbal, DVM, MS, PhD. The graphic from Dr. Iqbal’s post is saved here as a poster to use when communicating … [Read more...]
The Farmer’s Dog to be in Walmart
Walmart is partnering with The Farmer's Dog to offer human-grade dog meals across its nationwide retail network. The products are set to be available for the first time in Walmart stores and online in April. The move puts Walmart directly into the premium pet food conversation. Source: Yahoo, March 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Chronic conditions dominate Nationwide’s most common pet health problems
More than one million Nationwide-insured dogs and cats generated 3.3 million pet insurance claims in 2025, revealing that pets’ health is shaped by ongoing, chronic conditions. Canine trends: Allergies top the list again and chronic issues dominate the top 10 Feline trends: Digestive issues lead again with chronic conditions climbing Source: Nationwide, March 5, … [Read more...]
Active listening: 6 strategies for helping others feel seen, heard and understood
March is Listening Awareness Month, making Stephanie Baxter’s article timely. Paying close attention when people are speaking is a skill we can all improve. She says research suggests that active listeners are better liked and more adept at making others feel seen. People who listen attentively are often considered more trustworthy. Baxter shares six strategies for boosting … [Read more...]
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties seeks public comments on specialty certification for veterinary pharmacists
Participation from animal health pros at all levels is important. Please participate. Simply skimming the petition is educational. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties received a petition to recognize Veterinary Pharmacy as a BPS specialty certification. The public comment period is at this link <Link> and will close at 5:00 p.m. EDT on April 1, 2026. Source: Board of … [Read more...]
Fresh and raw pet food: who’s winning online visibility in the U.S.?
Interesting read for marketers An analysis by Bubblegum Search examined 20 U.S. retailers and manufacturers operating in the fresh and raw dog food segment, revealing trends in branded and generic search. Increasing scrutiny of pet food leads pet owners to search engines to find better options, making it a key way for brands to be discovered and stand out from … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 16, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses: Wednesday, April 1st, 1:00 p.m. CST <Link> Participation wanted: Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. <Link>. Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12th. Link. The Global Pets Industry Trend Report, Client Communication Boundaries, Dog Grooming as Pet Wellness, and … [Read more...]
Pet daycare and lodging market analysis 2026
The market for pet daycare and lodging has an active and diverse competitive environment. Industry leaders differentiate themselves by offering various amenities, including grooming, training and specialized care services. This landscape is dynamic, characterized by innovation, convenience and a growing focus on pet well-being and safety. Source: Cognitive Market Research, … [Read more...]
NASC quality seal now available for treat products + Clean Label Project*
NASC officially launched its Treat Program, extending the organization’s compliance requirements and coveted Quality Seal to treat products for dogs, cats and horses. The program addresses a long-standing source of regulatory confusion in one of the pet industry’s fastest-growing and most valuable segments. Source: Pets+. Link. The NASC Quality Seal on a treat product … [Read more...]
Lessons learned from 2025’s EHV-1 outbreak
Article by Merck Animal Health The 2025 EHV-1 outbreak in Texas exposed event-wide risks of inadequate biosecurity. As horse travel and events ramp up again in 2026, equine health experts are urging owners and organizers to apply lessons learned last year. With collaboration between owners, event organizers and veterinarians, outbreaks can be avoided. Source: Paulick … [Read more...]
Hoof-care journey, series update
Includes Commercial Content Jackson’s case continues to evolve, and management remains flexible and responsive. In the latest installment, the 15-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding’s chronic distal limb issues had reached mechanical limits requiring medical injection. The injection provided relief, complementing farriery rather than replacing it. Source: American … [Read more...]
Grand champion lamb sells for $1M
The grand champion market lamb sold for a record $1 million March 13th at the Junior Market Lamb Auction at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 13-year old Reagan Miller of Seagraves, Texas, exhibited the lamb. Paizlee Akins of Whitesboro, Texas, raised the grand champion market goat, which sold for $450,000, setting another Rodeo record. Miller will earn a guaranteed … [Read more...]
Evaluate cow and bull body condition throughout the year
Year-to-year variations in forage quality and weather stress can show up in body condition scores even when what’s being fed appears to be the same diet. Robert (Bob) L. Larson, DVM, PhD, shares the importance of BCS checks throughout the year to support and maximize cow and bull outcomes. Source: BEEF, February 10, 2026. Link. When determining BCS, it is important to … [Read more...]
New working with large animals course for first-year vet students at Iowa State University
A NEW course in the College of Veterinary Medicine exposes first-year veterinary students to swine, sheep, cattle and horses in an effort to help with the shortage of rural and large animal veterinarians across the country. Mandatory for all first-year students, "Large Animal Clinical Skills" introduces them to livestock and horses <Link>. The addition of the course … [Read more...]
Zoetis expands Human-Animal Bond Certification Scholarship to include veterinary technician students
NAVC and HABRI announced that Zoetis has pledged its continued support for veterinary students across the U.S. by offering free Human-Animal Bond Certification throughout 2026. New this year, the scholarship is now available to veterinary technician students. Source: NAVC, March 10, 2026. Link. Veterinary and veterinary technician students may register for the Human-Animal … [Read more...]
F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide approved to prevent and treat NWS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide (benzalkonium chloride, polyhexanide and cypermethrin topical solution) for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm infestations (myiasis). Source: Bovine Veterinarian, March 10, 2026. Link. The FDA concluded it is reasonable to believe … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – March 19, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 12, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 12, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Imposter syndrome (video). Link. Low-stress handling isn’t just for animals. Link. 2026: What’s next in the pet business? Link. Livestock care during wildfire season. Link. Webinar TODAY!: The Untapped Feline Patient: … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 9, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Opt in for the Pet Care Services Industry Financial Survey. Link. IBPSA's official work days Legislative news from New Hampshire and New York Source: IBPSA, March 9, 2026. Link. From the blog: Grooming services: Achieve the best people and profit potential without the headaches, October 15, 2025. Link. Also see: Animal Health … [Read more...]
2026: What’s next in the pet business?
The Global Pets 2026 Industry Trend Report <Link> shares the 7 trends poised to influence the pet businesses this year. The onward march of AI A business model for every pet owner Retail: comfort and convenience Building loyalty Macroeconomics and geopolitics Inflation, tariffs and supply chains Gut health and functional nutrition Source: Pets … [Read more...]
Low-stress handling isn’t just for animals
Commentary Don’t let the cowboy hat and big beard fool you. Ashley Nicholls is an Australian turned Canadian and 2026 Nuffield Scholar <Link>. He says the ways we’ve learned to work with animals may be the missing framework for team cohesion and communication. The concept of low-stress people handling Nicholls promotes is based on the work of Temple Grandin, a renowned … [Read more...]
Where medicine meets intuition
Commentary Beyond the science, data, diagnostics and evidence-based decision making is gut instinct, writes Adam Christman, DVM, MBA. Intuition does not replace science; it directs it, he says. His advocacy for pet owner intuition, coupled with the veterinarian’s instincts, is not to be dismissed. “Going with your gut is not about being impulsive. It is about being … [Read more...]
Imposter syndrome (video)
Axios CEO Jim VandeHei shares turning a perceived weakness into a positive tool. Source: Axios, Just Lead, YouTube, February 20, 2026. Link. <BQ> “Take your insecurities and turn them from weaknesses into strengths.” INSIGHTS: Everyone has some degree of insecurity. … [Read more...]
Reminder: Establish clear client communication boundaries versus 24/7 expectations
In recent months, there has been a clear message sent to veterinary teams to increase and improve client communications. While important, veterinary team members can’t be expected to be available 24/7. Caitlin DeWilde, DVM, shares tips for protecting personal time and after-hours communications in this article. Source: Clinician’s Brief, December 2024. Link. It is okay to … [Read more...]
$1,000 dog grooms are here as part of pet wellness
Dog owners interviewed for this article believe pet grooming is essential to pet health. Some groomers are turning away clients who don’t maintain their pets’ grooming. Some owners are performing maintenance grooms between professional grooms to save money. Source: The New York Times, March 9, 2026. Link. Businesses and investors are paying attention, and the pet … [Read more...]
Reclaiming veterinary authority in the digital age
In this piece, My Vet Candy writes about the increasingly difficult challenge of online, non-veterinary influencers and why veterinarians are losing the information battle. Not new, the growth in “informed clients” is significant and causes increased amounts of appointment time to address misinformation. One solution is to guide pet owners toward reliable information and help … [Read more...]
Webinar: The Untapped Feline Patient: Turning Insight into Action
Sponsor Content The next Veterinary Practice Health webinar on Thursday, March 19th, will feature results from the CATalyst Council 2026 State of the Cat report. It uncovers what holds cat owners back from seeking care, and where real opportunities exist. It promises to be timely, practical and full of insights practices can put to work right away. Presenters Jane Brunt, … [Read more...]
Cat age in human years
Determining a cat’s age in human years isn’t as simple as multiplying their age times seven. The big surprise is that cats reach the equivalent of 15 human years in their first year of life and 24 human years by their second. The chart from the article is a good resource for bulletin boards, exam rooms or clinic communications. Find it in a PDF form here … [Read more...]