Penny, a Doberman Pinscher from Reseda, California, was crowned Best in Show this week by the Westminster Kennel Club. She is the 150th winner of the competition that included 2,600 entries this year. Source: The American Kennel Club, February 4, 2026. Link. Many of the stunning dogs competing on the Best in Show judging floor on Tuesday night were familiar to those of the … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – December 11, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 4, 2025. Link. Most read posts from December 4th AHD Bulletin – Beat seasonal depression before it arrives. Link. Barrel racing event in Waco, TX, epicenter of EHV-1/EHM outbreaks. Link. How cold is too cold? Link. Unused PTO: a red flag. Link. Stay informed without doomscrolling. … [Read more...]
Canine sports medicine has a promising future
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s new Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency program is generating excitement about specialty training that will benefit any pet with mobility challenges. The program kicked off in July 2025 with residents and mentors at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College … [Read more...]
11th annual Ohio Breeder Symposium focused on ethics and responsibility
Negative reports on the dog breeding industry are not uncommon. To learn how to improve this market segment, more than 200 breeders attended the 11th Annual Ohio Breeder Symposium, “Making Responsible and Ethical Breeding Choices.” It was sponsored by Petland and the AKC. Source: Petland, October 20, 2025. Link. There was a huge emphasis <at the Symposium> on … [Read more...]
Addressing sighing behaviors in dogs
A recent article shared that Trupanion data reveals a sharp rise in anxiety-related health claims among dogs and cats <Link>. Since a dog sighing can be a sign of anxiety, we’re sharing this article. In it, Gemma Johnstone describes many reasons dogs may sigh and when owners need to be concerned. Source: AKC, June 12, 2025. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this article for … [Read more...]
AKC names Pet Honesty as official multivitamin supplement
Pet Honesty’s partnership with the American Kennel Club, makes its Multivitamin line the official multivitamin supplement for 2025. Pet Honesty’s Multivitamin 10-in-1 will be featured on AKC platforms, including its website, social media and newsletters. Source: Pets+, January 13, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Top dog and cat names of 2024
The AKC and JustAnswer share top names of dogs and cats, respectively, in the articles shared here. Luna is the most popular cat name and female dog name in the U.S., while Milo beat out 2023’s Max for male dogs. Sources: AKC top dog names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. JustAnswer, America’s most popular cat names 2024, Pet Business, October 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
Strategies to help manage cognitive decline in senior dogs (video)
Like people, older dogs can show signs of age-related cognitive decline, shares Jerry Klein, DVM. With a growing population of senior dogs, combining diet, physical exercise and behavioral enrichment can help combat cognitive decline and the more serious cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Source: AKC, August 28, 2024. Link. Any time an animal shows noticeable changes to his … [Read more...]
AKC turns 140 in September
The AKC staff provides a historical look at how the AKC started from hunters’ desires to standardize their animals to what it is today. The original dogs registered were Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, English Setter and Gordon Setter. The Lancashire Heeler was the latest dog registered in … [Read more...]
The chemistry behind the smell of wet dogs
Chemist Andy Brunning, a British chemistry teacher, distilled the essence of the complex molecular reactions into the infographic shared here <Link>. The aroma of a wet dog starts with a cast of tiny critters like yeasts and bacteria that take up residence on the pet. These bugs leave behind “micro excreta” in the form of volatile organic compounds that are carried away … [Read more...]
Shaving a dog for summer not universally advised
A close shave for a dog seems logical as hot weather approaches. But, many dogs should not be shaved at all and doing so may make the dog even hotter, writes Harriet Meyers. She shares insights on different coat types, hot weather grooming tips and how to keep dogs cool and comfortable in hot weather. Source: AKC, May 1, 2024. Link. Also see: To shave or not to shave, The … [Read more...]
Top 5 uses for gabapentin in dogs and cats (podcast)
A survey of clinicians found that gabapentin use in veterinary medicine is similar to use in human medicine; 69 percent of respondents indicated they prescribe gabapentin on a daily or weekly basis, most commonly for acute and chronic pain (extra-label). Rebecca Reader, DVM, DACVAA, reviews her top five recommended uses for gabapentin based on mechanism of action and physiology … [Read more...]
AKC announces AKC® DNA + Health: DNA identification with genetic health and traits testing
The AKC® DNA + Health test promises to be a powerful resource for breeders as they plan for litters and work to strengthen their breed(s). The AKC DNA + Health test, developed with trusted lab provider Neogen, offers an AKC DNA profile, plus more than 328 markers for health and traits. Source: AKC, April 11, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
What common dog training words mean (video)
Dog training has its jargon. Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT, shares common terms used in training and what they mean. Sharing the article and embedded video demonstration with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or as part of puppy classes will help them develop consistency with their pet(s). Source: AKC, April 9, 2024. Link. (14:41) … [Read more...]
AKC has a new top dog
After 31 years, America has a new favorite dog bypassing the ever-popular Laborador Retriever. AKC’s top dog in 2022 is the big-headed, smash-nosed, urban-friendly French Bulldog. The Lab is still number 2. Source: UpWorthy, AKC, January 22, 2024. Link. … [Read more...]
AKC recognizes Lancashire Heeler, adds to Herding Group as 201st breed
Lancashire Heelers are energetic workers, bred to be cattle herders and ratters. Small, powerful herding dogs, they thrive on human interaction and can make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention. To become an AKC-recognized breed, there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the U.S. and an … [Read more...]
Ways to spot signs of depression in dogs
The end of summer and early fall activities often change the daily schedules of dogs in our homes. These changes can trigger depression often typified by a lack of vitality similar to how dogs act when they are affected by an underlying medical condition or pain. . . . whether situational or related to the dog’s life experiences dog owners need to look at their dog’s basic … [Read more...]
Are chlorine-treated pools safe for dogs?
Overall, if dogs are properly cared for during and after swimming, chlorine is safe. Non-chlorine chemical treatments like bromine are safer. The author emphasizes: Keeping treatment tablets and powders secure Prohibit licking and drinking pool water Rinsing the dog after swimming Paying attention to drying dogs’ ears to avoid ear infections Source: AKC, May … [Read more...]
Meet the 2023 Westminster group winners
Best of Show winner “Buddy Holly” a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from the hound group has been all over the news since winning top dog honors on May 9th. Melanie Haid shares the other group winners who competed with more than 2,500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds. Source: AKC, May 10, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation and enrichment matter to dogs
Mental stimulation is key help develop dogs’ cognitive behavior, as well as their overall well-being. Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but it’s only half of the equation. It doesn’t take complex toys, it’s mostly just simple, fun games with its owner.” Source: AKC, January 2009. Link. Many of the hyperactivity and destruction problems dog owners struggle … [Read more...]
22nd AKC National Championship draws record number of entries
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin has 5,385 entries this year, a new record. The dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion December 17 and 18 in Orlando, Florida. Source: AKC, November 15, 2022. Link. To get more information about the show, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-national-championship/ or follow on Facebook or … [Read more...]
AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day is September 17 (video)
The AKC offers 75 ways to be a responsible dog owner in this article that includes a video. Ideas range from initial pet selection to routine care and how to include various support networks in ensuring dogs are kept and maintained responsibly. Topics cover dog choice, ownership commitment, home preparation and house rules, establishing veterinary care, routine care, safety … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 18, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – 10 years and counting elevating care for cats. Link. Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023. Link. Changes coming to compounded animal health medication. Link. Last week’s AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, August 11, 2022. Link. =================================== Dog … [Read more...]
Make traveling with dogs easy and fun
With careful planning and preparation, traveling with dogs can be fun and less stressful on the pet than being left at a pet sitter. It is not for everyone, however. Here are three resources = to help dog owners enjoy traveling with their dogs. Sources: 8 tips to get your car pet-friendly, Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Ideas to help dogs, especially puppies, feel at ease … [Read more...]
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month
As the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs, epilepsy has a profound impact on quality of life for affected dogs and their owners. Epilepsy affects one in every 100 dogs and refers to recurrent seizures resulting from an abnormality in brain function. Source: AKC, November 8, 2021. Link. Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and its donors have … [Read more...]
Puppies are born ready to communicate with people
Researchers from the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona put 375 eight-week-old puppies through four tests, designed to establish whether even such tiny pups were receptive to human communication. The results suggest that communication abilities must be inherited instead of being learned. Source: AKC, July 26, 2021. Link. The researchers now seek to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – August 4, 2021
Last week’s most read posts – we have another tie Modeling fierce self-compassion. Link. Lincoln Memorial University pilots new advanced degree option for veterinary professionals. Link. Baby boomers can’t stop looking at their phones Source: Vice, August 3, 2021. Link. While stereotypes paint millennials and Gen Z-ers as phone and social media-obsessed … [Read more...]
Playing tug with dogs. Good or bad?
Speak to any top dog sports competitor or qualified trainer, and they will tell you that well-managed tug games have many benefits. Even scientific studies confirm they don’t promote aggressive or dominant behaviors. I love the description of “shared holding” when it comes to tug. Allowing a dog to win means they can celebrate with their prize, but it also presents them with … [Read more...]
Cookout food can be hazards for dogs
Neighborhoods were filled with smells of cookout smoke last weekend. Harriet Meyers reminds us that dog owners may be tempted to let their dog have a taste of grilled foods, but not all are safe for dogs to eat. She shares tips on the foods to watch out for. Source: AKC, June 23, 2021. Link. Meyers’ key points: Grilled steak bones, ribs, and chicken bones cause choking … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 1, 2021
Last week’s most read post: Manage or coach? Source: AHD, June 22, 2021. Link. The legal ramifications of a pet-friendly office Source: National Law Review, June 21, 2021. Link. Workforce and workplace considerations. Authorization requirements. Guidelines to establish. Why you should read old emails Source: Forge, August 2020. Link. “Emails are … [Read more...]