Weekly Companion Animal News: August 11, 2025

Phosphate an indicator in canine respiratory disorders

After examining medical records of 133 dogs who visited an emergency veterinary hospital with respiratory disorders, a research team in Osaka, Japan, found that elevated levels of phosphate were statistically more common among non-survivors.

Internet website Peaceful Meds still online despite FDA warning

Peaceful Meds, a website that sells controlled substances, remains online months after the USDA accused it of dealing in misbranded and unapproved drugs. The site advertises Euthasol and Nembutal – euthanasia solutions for use in animals – among other attention-getting products. The site says a prescription is required, but it does not appear to prompt buyers to provide a prescription at checkout.

Medical, veterinary care delivered alongside each other in Seattle

A paper recently published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health found that integrating medical services and veterinary care increased access to preventative medical care for people and their pets. The One Health Clinic in Seattle offers free veterinary care alongside its medical services. A nurse practitioner and veterinarian provide primary care services while University of Washington students volunteer as patient navigators.

Mars and The Bridge Club to launch Sustainability September

In partnership with Mars Veterinary Health, The Bridge Club in September will share ways every practice can reduce its carbon footprint and make a meaningful difference for the planet. Offerings will include daily tips, podcasts, infographics and toolkits. The Bridge Club and Mars will host a community conversation on Sept. 18 to explore how even the smallest changes in daily practice can result in environmental wins.

CFA releases Summer 2025 Animal Health Industry Report

Investment banking firm Corporate Finance Associates released its Animal Health Industry Report for Summer 2025. Included are sections on recent industry transactions; comparables for public companies in pet retail, veterinary diagnostics and services, animal pharmaceuticals, and more; and data on key industry trends, including pet “humanization,” veterinary hospital mergers, e-commerce, and activity in diagnostics, pharmaceuticals and digital health markets.

Pet insurance claims reflect emerging health trends

Embrace Pet Insurance reported the most notable increases in Q2 2025 claims included tick bites (rose 210% from Q1), anaplasmosis (up 143%), fractures (up 142%), hookworm infections (up 140%) and allergic conjunctivitis (up 138%). Labrador Retrievers had the highest number of arthritis claims, Golden Retrievers the most skin mass claims, and French Bulldogs the most allergies claims.

Podcast to focus on AI in veterinary medicine

Veterinary experts Robert Sanchez, Adam Little and Aaron Massecar have launched The Veterinary AI Brief, a weekly podcast focusing on AI for the veterinary community. “Our goal is to examine developments, best practices, high-leverage use cases and watch-outs, specifically through the lens of how this applies to veterinary medicine,” they said. Click here to listen to the first episode of The Veterinary AI Brief.

Veterinarians warn of wildfire smoke risks to pets and livestock

Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can cause respiratory issues in animals, especially those with pre-existing heart or lung disease, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet owners should keep an eye on their animals and contact their veterinarian if any of the following signs appear: coughing or gagging, increased noise when breathing, eye irritation, nasal discharge, fatigue, disorientation or stumbling, and reduced appetite and/or thirst.