Despite decades of effective ectoparasite control for cats and dogs, fleas on cats continue to be a major issue in veterinary medicine, writes Brian Herrin DVM, PhD. He provides an excellent review in this article that supports year-round adherence with highly effective flea control methods. Year-round adherence is key to preventing home infestations, reducing flea allergy … [Read more...]
De-exaggerate extreme features in popular dog breeds
To preserve the breeds we love, we need to ‘de-exaggerate’ extreme features by only breeding individuals with healthy and robust features, and petition kennel clubs to update the breed standards to match, according to Karyn Kanowski, BVSc, MRCVS. Referencing health challenges in breeds like the French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund and Shar-pei, Kanowski advocates for … [Read more...]
Acquisition of cats with extreme conformations: a ticking time bomb
Cats Protection’s Madison Rogers is pushing for cat breeding to be regulated across the United Kingdom. Citing increasing interest and acquisition of purebred cats with extreme features, the organization wants to address welfare concerns proactively. Its research found extreme conformations variously associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, ocular, dental and respiratory … [Read more...]
Universal ethogram created to help standardize equine social behavior
A relatively new universal ethogram represents a significant step forward in equine behavior science. By standardizing definitions and supplementing them with video clarity*, it enables consistent cross-study comparisons and deeper insights into equine welfare. For veterinary professionals, it offers a practical framework to better assess, interpret and optimize management … [Read more...]
Keeping cows on track from calving to conception
Commercial references The picture above defines the what and how of optimal cow management. The first 100 days, a critical stress window, is the when. Management and nutrition in this period largely decide whether a cow breeds back on time, writes Angie Stump Denton. Alltech’s Anne Koontz and Shelby Roberts provide details on prevention‑minded nutrition and management, … [Read more...]
Benefits of adopting the PRRS-resistant pig
“PRRS has been the most frustrating thing we’ve had to deal with as veterinarians,” says Jason Hocker, DVM. “The virus changes and adapts and seems to always be one step ahead of us. It’s something we’ve not been able to make a lot of progress on as an industry.” The decades-long PRRS trajectory could finally be changing with FDA approval of the gene edit used in PIC’s … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – April 9, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, April 2, 2026. Link. Most read posts from April 2, 2026 AHD Bulletin – Local leadership, not logo on door, makes a vet clinics shine. Link. Defining the decision. Link. When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued? Link. ========================== Research on heartworm reveals older, complex … [Read more...]
When AI misses the diagnosis, who gets sued?
We need this <liability> conversation to be MUCH MUCH louder, writes Michele Pfannenstiel, DVM. What follows is a thought-filled, researched treatise that raises concerns about what AI can do, how it is validated and who is responsible if AI can’t. Pfannenstiel is not anti-AI. She wants new tools to work. But wanting them to work is not the same as knowing they work, … [Read more...]
Shake wet laundry. Shave dryer time, energy use
Veterinary clinics, groomers and boarding establishments face loads of laundry as part of the normal routine. The shake method shared here is a simple way to help laundry items dry efficiently and reduce energy use. Source: The Spruce, February 13, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
The mystery of the night shift: Why protocol drift happens after dark.
Commentary Today’s dairy veterinarian is routinely involved in many aspects of a dairy client’s operation. For veterinary teams, Shaun Hardtke’s article offers a practical look at why the night shift struggles more than any other shift, the underlying human, environmental and operational challenges of nighttime work and the predictable but fixable. The night shift has become … [Read more...]
The growing intersection of genetics and health
Includes commercial references to Neogen Rather than focusing on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction, writes Andrea Bedford. As producers consider adding genomics, veterinary teams are being asked for advice, ready or not. For veterinarians, stepping … [Read more...]
Neurologist innovates diagnostic tools for canine epilepsy
A neurologist from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph is using a backpack with brainwave-reading sensors to detect epilepsy in dogs without the need to sedate them. Source: ENC, March 19, 2026. Link. Canine epilepsy is the most common neurological condition for dogs and yet, one that still retains its mystery. Through clinical studies, James is researching multiple … [Read more...]
New CAPC 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast: expanding vectors, emerging hotspots, year-round risk
Released this week, the Companion Animal Parasite Council’s 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast includes models that predict what veterinary teams will see in 2026. At 94% percent accuracy, they are an early warning system for both veterinary and public health. The Forecast projects continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and heartworm risk across the … [Read more...]
From feedlots to city blocks, visibility matters for every veterinary practice
We asked AHD Editor Rick Purnell to consider challenges veterinary practices face locally and bring perspectives from his public relations career. He says trust remains the foundation of veterinary-client relationships and it likely begins before the first appointment. Planned, long-term community outreach is more than a marketing tool. It reminds existing and prospective … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – March 23, 2026
In this week’s Fast Bites: Sneak peek at IBPSA website’s new look The shift in U.S. pet stores <Link>. The experience-driven operating model. Sparkle Grooming continues expansion <Link>. India's booming pet economy <Link>. Source: IBPSA, March 23, 2026. Link. Upcoming webinar: Marketing Strategies for Pet Care Businesses, Wednesday, … [Read more...]
New Trupanion data reveals rise in pet toxicity claims
Data pulled from over 71,000 Trupanion claims provides a granular look at the evolving landscape of household hazards, including regional variances and the specific toxins most frequently presenting for emergency intervention. While grapes and raisins are the most frequently identified toxicants across almost every U.S. state, drugs and medications are consistently the most … [Read more...]
Before PRDC takes control: The early role of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Bordetella is a cofactor in a wide range of bacterial and viral respiratory infections. In swine, B. bronchiseptica can be an important early life pathogen and a contributor to porcine respiratory disease complex. Ubiquitous on farms, it is often passed from sow to piglet in the farrowing environment, causing infection as early as day three. New research published in … [Read more...]
Improving digestive health in feedlot cattle
Sponsor Content from Novonesis Dr. Steve Lerner, senior scientific and business advisor with Novonesis, recently joined Sarah Muirhead, managing director of Feedstuffs, to discuss ways to improve digestive health in feedlot cattle, make every pound of gain count and potentially improve carbon intensity. Here are notable takeaways. In practical terms, digestive health in … [Read more...]
The Dog Aging Project featured on 60 Minutes (video)
The Dog Aging Project was featured on 60 Minutes on March 22nd. Anderson Cooper interviewed principals from the project, revealing the ongoing efforts to a) improve dog lives as they age and b) how the project may increase our understanding of aging in humans and other animals. Source: CBS, 60 Minutes, March 22, 2026. Link. [13:13] Dogs that live with other dogs appear to … [Read more...]
AI helps owners find lost pets
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...]
The role of genetics in feline behavior (video)
Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, HAB, explains how breed-related genetic traits shape feline behavior, even when physical limitations affect a cat’s ability to act on instincts. The video is good educational content that can be shared by veterinary teams for cat parents. Boarding teams will find it interesting, too. Source: DVM360, March 20, 2026. Link. Comparing behaviors 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...]
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 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...]
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...]
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...]