A new CATalyst Council white paper, “Puppocalypse, Kitten Craze, and the Expectations Reset,” uses the age demographics of dogs and cats that visit full-service practices to forecast combined U.S. clinical visit growth of -2 percent to 0 percent through 2030. Those numbers are well below the 2 percent to 3 percent the industry expects. The report’s central, empirically … [Read more...]
Why the future of veterinary medicine depends on its people
“Veterinary medicine is about more than clinical care. It is about the people who deliver it and the conditions that enable them to thrive,” writes Jeannette Ferran Astorga. Commentary Astorga’s closing words* prompt sharing this article. Not a veterinarian, she articulates the responsibility those of us in industry and support roles share in ADVOCATING for the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 15, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Webinar opportunities The Pet Industry Leaderboard <Link> MoeGo Live: The Summer Survival Guide for Boarding and Daycare Businesses Vetting pet care providers Treating screwworm in dogs and cats Source: IBPSA, June 15, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11th. Link. Digital overload, choose the … [Read more...]
e-Book: A Clinician’s Guide to Dermatology
A new e-book, A Clinician’s Guide to Dermatology, compiles five how-tos on skin biopsies, fungal cultures, trichograms, skin scraping and otoscopy to help clinicians do common procedures in-house. The book contains a curated collection of articles on dermatology diagnostic topics ranging from various skin scraping techniques to case and site selection for skin biopsies to an … [Read more...]
Beyond obedience
Grahmn Garrison’s article argues that behavior is not an “obedience issue” but a core component of veterinary health, influencing diagnosis, treatment access, welfare, family dynamics and longevity. In it, experts encourage focusing on behavior changes in an individual pet’s normal patterns versus behavior problems. Garrison paints a broader behavior landscape, … [Read more...]
Disarticulating the horse’s canter
Equine biomechanics expert, Deb Bennett, PhD, provides a phase-by-phase analysis of the canter in this intriguing article. Enjoy! Source: American Farriers Journal, June 16, 2026. Link. The canter is often described as a “three-beat” gait but it is instead a four-beat gait, each bar of its music consisting of three sounded beats plus one unsounded beat. … [Read more...]
When is it too hot to ride?
This is a great web tool to check the current heat conditions by ZIP code. High temperatures combined with high humidity increase the risk for heat stress and potentially life-threatening heat exhaustion. Share this frequently with horse owners on social media, in newsletters, with equine groups, local media and extension personnel. Source: EQUUS, June 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
7 stories to help your customers come home at night
If you work with customers who use grain bins, Holly Spangler, Farm Progress executive editor, and her team have compiled an amazingly powerful series of stories with a simple, critical message: grain bin safety procedures matter. Read the stories. Share them. Just one share may ensure your customer goes home tonight. Source: Farm Progress, May 22, 2026. Link. “What I know … [Read more...]
$15,000 a mile: The brutal math of wildfire recovery, drought in Nebraska cattle country
Joe McGinley, a rancher and volunteer fire chief, says the Morrill Fire blaze that swept through western Nebraska in March was a “perfect storm” of abundant fuel and violent winds. He warns the industry is facing a sobering reality: with an aging rancher population and astronomical recovery costs, the decisions made in the wake of the smoke will determine who stays in the … [Read more...]
NAVC announces theme for VMX 2027
VMX kicks off January 16, 2027, with a new theme: Off the Grid. Attendees, in person and virtually, are invited to Disconnect to Reconnect and plan time for learning with more than 1,000 hours of continuing education, skill-specific tracks and brand-new electives. Source: NAVC, June 4, 2026. Link. We live in a busy, noisy world where finding time to disconnect is almost … [Read more...]
Florida’s new veterinary prescription law takes effect July 1st. Here’s what you need to do.
A new Florida state law requires veterinarians to formally inform clients of their right to fill prescriptions at a pharmacy of their choosing rather than purchasing medication directly from the clinic. The law creates specific disclosure, documentation and signage requirements that every Florida practice must have in place before the effective date. Source: Vet Candy, June … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 18, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 11, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 11, 2026 AHD Bulletin – The missing piece in most pet physical exams. Link. Hard or easy, it’s your choice. Link. Employee engagement sinks, workers struggle with digital distractions. Link. Dog daycare lepto outbreak in L.A. reveals broader public … [Read more...]
Employee engagement sinks as workers struggle with digital overload, distractions
Employee engagement workplace numbers haven’t looked this bad since 2014, shares Jill Barth. Disengagement often starts with something as ordinary as a notification ping. Some come as often as every 15 minutes. The biggest offenders, according to Unily’s research, are video conferencing systems, email platforms and instant messaging applications. But the problem isn’t any … [Read more...]
Hot messaging helps keep livestock and pets cool
AHD’s editor Rick Purnell continues his “Seen, Heard, Trusted” series here focusing on keeping animals cool as the summer heats up. The article shares the temperatures when heat begins causing issues for cows, pigs, horses, goats, sheep, rabbits and chickens. Purnell advocates routine heat stress reminders because heat-related problems can begin at temperatures as low as … [Read more...]
Walter talks about the tough conversations AFTER the diagnosis
Preparation can make all the difference when a pet needs care most, says Walter Brown. He shares the challenges of post-diagnosis conversations with pet owners and shares options pet owners don’t realize until an emergency happens, including: Wellness plans help cover ROUTINE care. Pet insurance* helps cover the UNEXPECTED. Options like CareCredit or Scratchpay can … [Read more...]
Are mosquitoes outsmarting our repellents?
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, mosquitoes may seek out the scent of the repellent. Scientists believe DEET protects people by masking the carbon dioxide that we emit, making it harder for biting insects to detect us. However, “If someone applies DEET and the concentration fades over time, but a mosquito still manages to feed, the … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 8, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: New 6-part webinar series using data gleaned from the Benchmarking Financial Study* Register here <Link>. FREE for IBPSA Members! Use the promo code IBPSA26. Still time to submit your IBBY nominations <Link>. CANIS Conference information and registration <Link>. Source: IBPSA, June 8, 2026. Link. *The new 2026 … [Read more...]
CATalyst Council shares Feline Findings
Research by the CATalyst Council leads our industry to better understand the feline veterinary business and opportunities as cat visits now account for nearly one-fourth of veterinary traffic. This is why we’re partnering with the CATalyst Council to share actionable opportunities in "Feline Findings." These insights from CATalyst State of the Cat research results have garnered … [Read more...]
Triaging feline house soiling using telemedicine
Sharing how triaging house soiling works, Marianne Manning, RVT, LVT, KPA CTP, VTS, asserts the preliminary need for physical examinations and diagnostics. If no medical issues are found, then troubleshooting the home environment with questions, followed by telemedicine, can help cat owners deal with house soiling. Source: Today’s Veterinary Nurse, March 11, 2026. … [Read more...]
Considerations for creating a small animal blood bank
Bill Romanelli outlined threats to the future availability of animal blood supplies, noting increasing demand, lack of donors, limited shelf life and well-intended animal activism in his February 2026 article <Link>. In the piece linked below, Lexi Dickens, LVT, RVT, VTS, reviews some of the top considerations for veterinary clinic management looking to start their own … [Read more...]
Review: Effective biosecurity remains critical to the ongoing battle against PRRS
Commercial references included Nick Wagner, DVM, reminds us of how challenging and devastating PRRSV* is and has been to the swine industry. He reviews the details involved in the development and implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. In this article, he advocates for a multi-hurdle approach to effectively mitigate risk and establish a culture of compliance … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 11, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 4, 2026. Link. Most read posts from June 4, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Kill the middle manager role? The data says don’t do it. Link. AVMA president breaks down pet insurance gaps. Link. The retirement wave is coming. Link. The impact of BCS on systolic blood pressure and glucose levels in cats. … [Read more...]
6 big takeaways from FBI’s 2025 internet crime report
The 2025 Internet Crime Report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a continued rise in internet crime complaints, with officials receiving more than 3,000 per day and the annual total surpassing 1 million for the first time. Reported losses tied to online criminal activity topped $20 billion last year, despite federal officials’ efforts to combat it. Notable … [Read more...]
Consumers like AI content until they know it’s AI
Important read Pamela Parker shares research on how AI content is perceived against its ability to generate content rapidly. The outcomes cover trust and believability. She asserts that for marketers, the path forward involves balancing efficiency with trust. The AI content paradox means that efficiency and scale come with a trust tax that is activated the moment a … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – June 1, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites Legislative updates from Colorado and New York Member hosts successful dock diving event; more than 70 canine athletes competed White paper report from 2026 Financial Benchmarking survey Member resources and upcoming events Source: IBPSA, June 1, 2026. Link. Also see: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28th. Link. Role ambiguity, … [Read more...]
The next frontier in farm, facility and plant security is above your head
Hannah Thompson-Weeman, president and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, poses a simple question: “If someone viewed your facility from above today, what would they see?” In this article, she covers the growing use of drones while considering animal activist activities, biosecurity, stress on animals and premise security. Source: MeatingPlace, June 2, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
Body condition score at calving a key predictor of reproductive success
New information? No, but a timely reminder for producers who may have shifted their focus to other summer activities at turnout. Consider sharing this article with producers in newsletters, social media and leave a few copies at the coffee stop. With most spring calving done, assessing cows now is important to the next generation of calves. BCS at calving is one of the best … [Read more...]
Quality over quantity driving milk revenue in U.S. dairies
Karen Bohnert says the U.S. dairy industry is evolving from a fluid milk nation into the world’s premier nutrient-dense global powerhouse. She shares analytics from Farm Journal’s 2026 State of the Dairy Industry Report that shows a staggering 89 percent of producers are now actively and surgically adjusting their rations to target specific milk components (fat and protein) … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – June 4, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, May 28, 2026. Link. Most read posts from May 28, 2026 AHD Bulletin – New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey. Link. Malone: Bad and good pain. Link. Just trying to save lives and survive! (video). Link. Role ambiguity is the top workplace stressor, not workload. … [Read more...]
New insights on the hidden impact of veterinary care: global survey
Commentary I often promote the benefits of veterinarians and veterinary technicians talking out loud with clients and sharing what they look for and feel during exams when working with clients’ animals. This kind of vet talk reveals the expertise and depth of veterinary care owners often take for granted. Yet, it is this expertise that is essential to protect animals, people … [Read more...]