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...]
Healthy weight conversations for dogs still shaped by landmark Purina Life Span study
Commercial, Complimentary Pet Age authors share findings from the 14-year Purina Life Span Study that continue to shape how veterinary professionals think about healthy weight and longevity in dogs. The study found that Labrador Retrievers maintained in lean body condition from puppyhood throughout life, lived a median of 1.8 years longer than heavier matched littermates and … [Read more...]
Winter welfare and management of livestock guardian, outdoor dogs
No single temperature fits all dogs, writes Bill Costanzo. While dogs with proper coats are usually suited for outdoor work, their cold tolerance varies with age, health, body condition, coat quality, acclimation, wind, and moisture. Much of the guidance in this article is focused on livestock guardian dogs. It is also applicable to dogs left outside. Costanzo’s key guidance … [Read more...]
Reminder: As furnaces turn on, pet hydration needs can change
Changes in pets’ water consumption can be noticeable as pet owners start the home heating season. Evaporation increases and lower humidity increases thirst. The importance of proper hydration is covered in these posts from the AHD Archives. Pets’ water demands generally increase as furnaces turn on and as pet owners start burning some of their woodpile.” Sources: AHD … [Read more...]
No offseason: Managing stress in dairy’s metabolic athletes
Thirty percent or more of cows will experience at least one disease event in early lactation, writes Dan Shock. For producers who push their animals close to their biological limits, resilience becomes the key driver of both welfare and performance. Stress links directly to inflammation, immune function and disease risk, so the opportunity for veterinary teams and their dairy … [Read more...]
Rethinking propylene glycol: A fresh look at fresh cow management
The current propylene glycol situation may be frustrating, but Nathan Upah argues it gives the dairy industry a reason to revisit things it hasn’t in years. After a refresher on ruminant energy and the negative energy balance post-calving, he questions when and where propylene glycol is needed, and outlines ways producers can prepare fresh cows for lactation. Source: … [Read more...]
Calf pneumonia: Look beyond the lungs
When pneumonia recurs, examining feeding mechanics and the structures that protect the lungs can reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. The lungs may not tell the whole story, says Jeremy Schefers, DVM, PhD. He provides a practical checklist for investigating calf pneumonia to identify potential management-related contributors such as: Observe feeding for any … [Read more...]
Reminder: Some foods we eat can kill dogs
The onset of fall conjures thoughts of food and refreshments tied to the holidays. Halloween candy, fall fruits, nuts and spices, Aunt Jean’s meatballs and more can be harmful to pets. Consider this article for social media or newsletters before the goblins hit the neighborhoods. It is a good time to boost xylitol safety guidance <Link>. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. … [Read more...]
Most read from the equine archives; late July 2026 to date
It is always pleasant to look back at the most read posts and find that readership continues to grow. For this edition of the Bulletin, we’re sharing some of the most read equine posts since late July. Remember to share these with colleagues and consider using an article when calling on a clinic to start a different conversation or share them with horse owners as a reminder. … [Read more...]
Portraits of Modern Dairy National Checkoff initiative (video)
Commentary A story. Photos and a video. A family. And an indication of how much more is behind the title “dairy farmer” than most people ever see. The National Checkoff Initiative features seven women. If you enjoy cheese, yogurt, ice cream, butter on toast or a milk moustache, take a few minutes to see the modern dairy images and our customers at work. Source: Midwest … [Read more...]
Snapshot: Fifty years of progress in cattle production
When it comes to sustainability, beef has received much criticism, writes C. Alan Rotz, PhD. His article covers the changes, challenges and improvements in beef production over the past 50 years. We’re sharing some key statements from the article. Over the past 50-year period: Yields of the major feed crops used for cattle production increased The number of beef cows … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 15, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 8, 2026. Link. Most read posts from October 8th AHD Bulletin – Diabetes care looks different in cats and dogs. Link. Rats identified as overlooked H5N1 link between birds, other animals. Link. Veterinary preventive care, a pricing paradox. Link. Malone: The seal of approval. Link. High … [Read more...]
2026 Canine Care Report from Tractor Supply
Many pet owners are taking a closer look at their pet’s health and wellness but recent data from Tractor Supply confirms that dog parents don’t always follow vet recommendations for food, dental care and other treatments. Here are some of the notable findings: Dog parents are drawn to ingredient-purity buzzwords far more than vets: “free from artificial additives” appeals … [Read more...]
10 trends shaping cat supplement product development
The overall market opportunity for cats is often in the news. As cat owners seek to care for their cats, they will be looking for cat-specific products, says Lisa Cleaver. She shares information gathered from several researchers. Palatability, hydration and gut support, along with clinical proof, are important components cat owners will value. Source: PETFOOD Industry, … [Read more...]
High nitrates confirmed across Upper Plains; ruminants may be at risk
Drought conditions are almost always associated with the possibility of elevated nitrate levels in forages. According to information by Dairyland Laboratories, many tested feed samples from Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in 2026 have confirmed nitrate levels of more than 1,000 parts per million nitrate-nitrogen. Drinking water also needs to be checked for … [Read more...]
Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research invests to reduce swine mortality
Reducing pig mortality is influenced by animal health, management, environment and other factors throughout production. FFAR, the Pork Checkoff and industry stakeholders are investing $1,643,357 in the Pig Livability Project. Led by Iowa State University in collaboration with Kansas State University, the project seeks practical ways to reduce pig deaths and pig welfare in the … [Read more...]
Cockroach milk proteins churn out an Ig Nobel win
Researchers found that cockroach milk proteins boast more than triple the energy content of dairy milk, winning the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Milk proteins from Diploptera punctata, the Pacific beetle cockroach, have more than three times as much energy as milk proteins from cows Source: Scientist Digest, September 3, 2026. Link. D. punctata, in particular, is one of … [Read more...]
New research reveals barriers to pet adoption
Pet adoption often comes with challenges that make would-be adopters hesitate. A global survey by Mars identifies reasons most likely to hold people back from adopting a pet. Survey: more than 26,000 people across 14 countries surveyed 58 percent of current pet parents did not adopt their pet 28 percent* might adopt in the future, given the right guidance and … [Read more...]
No avocado toast for your rabbit, bird, horse, sheep, goat or cow
If avocados are so good for people, are they good for pets? The short answer: it depends very much on the species, and for some animals the answer is a definite no. Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, explains why in this blog post. Source: Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, September 30, 2026. Link. In addition to persin toxicity, the high fat content of avocado can cause … [Read more...]
Horse feeding mistakes to avoid
Many horse owners unwittingly follow feeding practices that can make horses more susceptible to gastrointestinal distress and abdominal pain. Cynthia McFarland outlines eight common horse feeding mistakes owners should avoid. This is a good article to share in newsletters and social media as a reminder to help owners avoid colic risks, choke and keeping up with dental … [Read more...]
Review: Understanding ionophores
Includes commercial references Ionophores are feed additives used in beef production to improve energy efficiency and prevent diseases in cattle. They are not human-grade antibiotics and do not contribute to antibiotic resistance in cattle or humans. The majority of ionophores are fed to finishing cattle, but they can be fed to all classes of cattle. Note the chart of … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – October 1, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 24, 2026. Link. Most read posts from September 24th AHD Bulletin – Why job hopping is surging among Gen Zers. Link. Community outreach “stuffy style” Link. Malone: Role reversal. Link. BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. Link. FFA: Growing the future. Link. Also see: … [Read more...]
BioSphere Essentials: Enzymes in animal nutrition. From mode of action to impact.
Discover how enzymes interact with specific substrates, how conditions within the digestive system influence their activity, and how differences between animals, diets and production systems can shape their impact during this Novonesis webinar at 4:00 p.m. CDT on September 30th. (Check your time zone against Copenhagen time.) How enzymes work and why substrate specificity … [Read more...]
How genetics and management are redefining modern sow productivity
If we manage today’s sow genetics with yesterday’s habits, we should not be surprised when born-alive numbers look strong but weaned-pig numbers do not keep pace, writes Rachel Johnson. Despite advanced genetics, facilities, nutrition and management, producers know far too much margin opportunity is still leaving the farrowing house in a dead bucket instead of on the … [Read more...]
Names in the news
IDEXX Laboratories has acquired veterinary AI software company CoVet. Link. Patterson Veterinary launches Atlas AI assistant for practices. Link. Girl Scouts of the USA adds Patch Pals™ for dogs to cookie lineup. Link. The Farmer's Dog® becomes the NFL’s first Official Pet Food Partner. Link. Instinct Science announces Attending, a first-of-its-kind clinical AI … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 24, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 17, 2026. Link.a Most read posts from September 17th AHD Bulletin – Malone: Leadership’s dark side. Link. Stop saying SORRY for who you are. Link. High school science students introduced to Fear Free. Link. Cat health care and deworming barn cats. Link. Credentials got you into the … [Read more...]
Calculating daily calorie and feeding needs for a patient
Laura Warcholek, CVT, VTS (nutrition), reviews the standard equation for calculating calorie and feeding needs, and walks through the calculations for an example patient in this informative video. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, LinkedIn, August 27, 2026. Link. [1:37] Also see: Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math. AHD Archives. Link. … [Read more...]
Virtual coworking equine session groups growing into a professional community
Building from a four-person Google Meet group that grew into more than 1,000 members on Facebook, Women in Equine’s membership spans countries, riding disciplines, students, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and early-career professionals. Founded by Jillian Blades-Rice, the network of horsewomen has enjoyed the opportunity to connect and grow their careers and businesses … [Read more...]
Milking goats in Alaska
The need and desire for local dairy products (milk, cheese, kefir, etc.) is present across the U.S., even in Alaska. Dairy goats provide a viable option for small-scale farms in all 50 states. Having resources to share, compare and contrast helps producers make decisions for their herds, regardless of size. Raising livestock looks different in Alaska than it does anywhere … [Read more...]
Pasture, rangeland, forage insurance: Trends, takeaways, and sign-up
Buying precipitation insurance for hay production on sub-irrigated meadows and irrigated perennial forages often doesn’t come to mind for many producers. Still, producers will value veterinary teams, nutritionists and suppliers who can share a basic understanding of how Pasture, Rangeland and Forage insurance works. PRF insurance offers the option to help offset the risk of … [Read more...]