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...]
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...]
Worth a Glance – March 26, 2026
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, March 19, 2026. Link. Most read posts from March 19, 2026 AHD Bulletin – All work and no play? Link. Active listening: 6 strategies so others feel seen, heard, understood. Link. Understanding your window of tolerance. Link. ========================== Study: Humans preferred for empathy, but AI … [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...]
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...]
Review: AAHA’s Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines
March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who have served since World War II. In recognition of these canine heroes, AAHA created a quick starter guide to fielding calls from working dog handlers, straight out of the Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dogs Guidelines Toolkit. Source: AAHA Trends, March 13, 2026. Link. PDF of quick starter guide … [Read more...]
Marigold delivers 17 Irish Doodle puppies in a single day
Large litters are common if you’re raising pigs, but Marigold’s 17 Irish Setter/Poodle puppies were quite a surprise. Possibly a record for the particular crossbreed, the largest litter on record still belongs to Tia, a Neopolitan Mastiff that delivered 24 puppies. All of Marigold’s puppies survived. Source: Dogster, March 12, 2026. Link. … [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...]
Avian flu strikes more Indiana poultry facilities
In the past 30 days, APHIS has confirmed 77 avian flu outbreaks that affected 41 commercial farms and 36 backyard flocks, with 13.98 million birds affected. Indiana had eight outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu in the past week in three counties: including 20,600 birds on a commercial turkey meat farm and 3 outbreaks on duck meat farms Wisconsin reported two major … [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...]
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...]
Women show stronger employee engagement amid higher burnout
While women’s employment engagement has fluctuated over the past four years, it has consistently maintained an edge over men's. There is a lot to consider in this four-year study, which shows that as burnout peaks for mothers and leaders, the most motivated are carrying the heaviest load. Source: Gallup, March 8, 2026. Link. U.S. women employed full-time have higher … [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...]
Tips for traveling with a cat
Commercial Content Traveling with a cat requires preparation, writes Jennifer Grota, DVM. She offers practical tips clinics can share with cat owners on social media or in newsletters. Clinics can add their own recommendations along with the article. Source: PetMD, February 24, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]
New betamethasone study quantifies detection time for IM use
According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, betamethasone, a corticosteroid, remains detectable above thresholds published by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for 23 days after administration of 12 mg IM. The study also found that IM betamethasone use suppressed the horse’s cortisol levels for 360 hours, or 15 days. … [Read more...]
Barn monitoring could reduce insurance risks
Commercial Content Distynct and Pledge Insurance Advisors announced a joint program designed to reward livestock customers who invest in barn monitoring and proactive risk reduction. The program recognizes the role continuous monitoring plays in reducing the risk of catastrophic livestock losses and improving long-term operational resilience. Source: Feedstuffs, March 3, … [Read more...]
Recent FDA approvals include first oral treatment for canine lymphoma
The FDA granted full approval for the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, plus three conditionally approved animal drugs and cleared new generics for cats, horses and cattle. Source: AVMA News, March 5, 2026. Link. … [Read more...]