Online pet products retailer Chewy will be acquiring SmartEquine, a horse health and wellness business, from animal health technology and services company Covetrus. Chewy and Covetrus have entered into a definitive agreement that is expected to close before the end of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

SmartEquine—formerly known as SmartPak, prior to a July 2025 rebrand—is a supplier of more than 70 health and wellness supplements for horses in 17 categories, including joint and immune system support, muscle recovery, and digestive balance. Specialist services for customizing supplement plans are available to assist customers. The business also sells a variety of equine equipment and riding gear, such as tack and blankets, toys and treats, as well as equestrian apparel for riders.

“We are thrilled to welcome SmartEquine to Chewy,” Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, said in a news release.

 “Together, we’ll bring even greater expertise, convenience, and care as a trusted destination for the equine community.”

SmartEquine aligns with Chewy’s current subscription model and is poised to strengthen the company’s recurring revenue base, and the acquisition will help accelerate its expansion into more profitable health and wellness spaces, according to Chewy. Additionally, its mix of products will be enhanced with a broader offering of equine supplement products, and it anticipates an opportunity to increase its share of the “passionate and underserved” segment of equine health and wellness customers.

For Covetrus, the acquisition agreement allows it to focus more on its core business of helping veterinarians improve practice performance and patient care through technology-enabled solutions. “By concentrating on its integrated software, services, and distribution platform, Covetrus will continue to advance tools that streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and strengthen veterinary practices worldwide,” company officials wrote in a news release.

Chewy to acquire SmartEquine, expanding leadership in the equine health category. News release. Chewy. October 30, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. 

https://investor.chewy.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2025/Chewy-to-Acquire-SmartEquine-Expanding-Leadership-in-the-Equine-Health-Category/default.aspx

Covetrus announces agreement for Chewy to acquire SmartEquine. News release. Covetrus. October 30, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/covetrus-announces-agreement-for-chewy-to-acquire-smartequine-302600058.html

One of a kind. SmartEquine. Accessed October 31, 2025. 

https://www.smartpakequine.com/content/about-us

Articles

The business, formerly known as SmartPak Equine, is currently owned by Covetrus.

SmartEquine will be acquired by Chewy

Halloween can be a fun time for humans, but without the right precautions, it can be a scary time for pets. According to Trupanion, chocolate toxicity-related illnesses begin to spike around Halloween and continue to rise the remainder of the year. Moreover, costumes, decorations, and other candies and seasonal foods can pose risks to curious pets.

Below are 2 articles and 1 video with stories, tips, and expert advice to help keep pets safe this spooky season:

Read the story of Paige, a Labrador retriever who required emergency care last Halloween after knocking down shower doors to reach large amounts of chocolate her owners thought were out of her reach—along with 2 more spine-chilling stories of other pet scares.

Avoid Halloween horrors with client communication

Are your clients aware of toxins and hazards common on Halloween? Read this article for a reminder on the risks sugar-free candy containing xylitol, certain fall flowers, costume elements, chocolates, and more can pose to pets.

Keeping pets safe from toxins this Howl-o-weekend

Hear from Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, herself, as she shares some of the most common Halloween dangers to pets. In this video, Schmid discusses candies and ingredients that are hazardous to pets, as well as which types of chocolates are most toxic.

Essential tips, pet stories, and expert advice to protect pets from Halloween horrors.

3 Halloween stories and tips to keep pets safe

A new antimicrobial generic drug was approved by FDA officials for the treatment of canine skin infections: cefpodoxime proxetil tablets by Felixvet, a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Ireland.

 This product is bioequivalent to Zoetis' Simplicef.

Cefpodoxime proxetil tablets are indicated for wounds and abscesses caused by 

 A third-generation cephalosporin, the drug interferes with the production of bacterial cell walls, thereby killing vulnerable bacteria.

The generic product is available in 100 mg and 200 mg active ingredient strengths. Each tablet strength is supplied in 100- and 250-count bottles.

The recommended dose range for cefpodoxime proxetil tablets is 2.3 to 4.5 mg/lb (approximately 5-10 mg/kg) body weight, according to the FDA. Cefpodoxime proxetil tablets are indicated to be administered once daily for 5 to 7 days or for 2 to 3 days beyond the cessation of clinical signs. If there is no visible response to treatment of acute infection, cefpodoxime proxetil tablets should not be continued for more than 3 to 4 days.

“Felixvet is committed to providing affordable options without sacrificing quality or reliability. We adhere to rigorous FDA standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in every product,” Vince Palasota, president of Felixvet’s North America headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, said in a news release.

blood-level study in canines to demonstrate the bioequivalence to Simplicef, with no serious adverse events reported in relation to the administration of these drugs. The company also conducted a comparative in vivo

dissolution study for an additional product strength at 200 mg. Based on the dissolution data, the FDA granted a biowaiver for the 200-mg strength.

Felixvet has a history of developing “value-added” generic drugs. These therapies differ from traditional generic products in that they are not direct recreations of an original drug. For example, the company’s 

, an oral antibiotic recently approved by the FDA, are flavored, unlike its branded counterpart.

According to Felixvet, the company currently holds more than 20 FDA approvals and is developing approximately 70 additional products, including 30 in stages along accelerated paths toward approval. “When you think of generic drugs in the animal health marketplace, there's only about 12% of the marketplace that has been genericized. So, there's a world of opportunities [for] new generics,” Palasota said in an interview with 

Clindamycin hydrochloride tablets are indicated for treating skin infections, deep wounds, and abscesses, as well as dental infections and osteomyelitis caused by susceptible bacterial strains. Bioequivalent to Zoetis' Antirobe, the drug has demonstrated activity against bacteria such as 

“Clindamycin is an incredibly important anti-infective, or antimicrobial, for the management of multiple different infectious diseases and infectious conditions in pets,” Douglas Shane, DVM, PhD, veterinary director at Felixvet, said in an interview with 

 “So, we're just going to continue to bring that Felix value to our vet clinics so that they have another partner for them, in their practices, they go [for] this widely used antimicrobial.”

Recent animal drug approvals. FDA. Accessed October 31, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/approved-animal-drug-products-green-book/recent-animal-drug-approvals#:~:text=Proteus%20mirabilis.-,FOI%20Summary,-July%208%2C%202025

Felixvet receives FDA approval for cefpodoxime proxetil tablets. News release. Felixvet. October 30, 2025.

Crossley KC. FDA approves new antimicrobial drug for canine infections. 

. September 22, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/fda-approves-new-antimicrobial-drug-for-canine-infections

Felixvet has announced the approval for a bioequivalent product to Simplicef (Zoetis).

Generic antimicrobial product is approved by the FDA

A new reptile genetics testing company, Phenome, is working to fully map the genomes of several reptile species for the first time. The company made its debut this year at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Phenome, founded by a team of genetics and reptile experts, as well as reptile enthusiasts, says it aims to improve understanding and information of the reptile industry to improve breeding outcomes while developing genetic testing solutions. The company is partnering with breeders and animal owners to simplify the submission, access, and management of genetic testing.

Over the past decade, the ownership of reptiles in North America has grown significantly. “There is a growing demand for reptile care in veterinary practice. As ownership rises, this increase in the amount of reptiles that are being owned by people, and as this younger generation is coming on, that number has grown exponentially," Jb Minter, DVM, MS, DACZM, director of animal health and chief veterinarian at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, said in an earlier 

Phenome builds on the work of shedtesting.com, a small reptile genetic testing service founded by Charlie Williams. “Years ago, I saw Hannah Seidel, [PhD], on a podcast talking about genetic testing on ball pythons and extracting DNA from sheds. That got my wheels turning, and I thought, 'I wonder if this is something I could possibly do,'” Williams said in a 

 “I spent the night researching on Google and YouTube, and it was very up in the air whether or not I’d be able to do it at that point. [Eventually] I got to the point where I thought I could do it, so I bought some equipment and started talking to a few other scientists.”

According to Williams, who has a degree in computer science but breeds ball pythons as a hobby, the journey began with testing snake sheds that friends in the industry sent him. “Eventually, people pushed me to start offering it to the community, and I did. It started as a fun little thing to do on the side after my day job, but it kind of snowballed into what it is now,” he said.

The Shed Testing expansion into Phenome will allow access to new technology, funding, and more research and development, according to Phenome. Under Phenome, the team hopes to develop tests for different reptile species. The team is also using bioinformatics to identify potential mutations in reptiles’ genes, allowing breeders to predict traits and heterozygosity, which may help lower breeding time and improve outcomes.

“We're excited to bring new, innovative solutions to the reptile community to grow our collective understanding and improve breeding outcomes," Josh Hanson, Phenome cofounder, said in a news release.

 "We look forward to positively impacting the ethics and economics of the entire reptile community."

New genetics company "Phenome" brings industry leading testing and innovation to the reptile industry and beyond. News release. Phenome. October 8, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-genetics-company-phenome-brings-industry-leading-testing-and-innovation-to-the-reptile-industry-and-beyond-302578626.html 

Minter J, Bautista-Alejandre A. Demand for reptile care in veterinary practice is rising. 

. May 12, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/demand-for-reptile-care-in-veterinary-practice-is-rising

Proper Royals YouTube page. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x59JXWqKbTE

The company made its debut at the North American Reptile Breeders Conference earlier this month.

New reptile genetics testing company plans to fully map species genomes

The Canadian dog treat manufacturer, Puppy Love Pet Products Inc., has voluntarily recalled 6 of its “Puppy Love” and “Puppy World” raw pet treats due to 

Oranienburg contamination. The recall comes as Canada faces an outbreak of 

infections linked to the treats, with 32 human illnesses and 8 hospitalizations reported to date.

The following products have been recalled

Universal Product Code (UPC): 180140000730

UPC: 883716000720, 883716000737, and 883716000744

The Puppy Love product packaging comes in black and red packaging, and the Puppy World product packaging comes in black and green. According to  Health Canada, these products were sold from February 2025 to October 2024, with Puppy Love Pet Products reporting that 12,630 units of the affected products were sold in Canada.

Although 6 products have been recalled, Canada’s federal health agency said 

was found in samples of 10 Puppy Love and Puppy World products, including

Puppy World Lamb Lung treats (150-g, 340-g, 454-g bags)

Puppy Love Chicken Wing Tip treats (120-g bags)

Puppy Love Chicken Breast treats (120-g and 300-g bags)

Puppy Love Beef Chew 6-inch treats (Value pack, 4 pieces)

Puppy Love "Twisty Jr." beef treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

Puppy Love "Jr Ribbon" beef treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

Puppy Love Canadian Beef Curly treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

Puppy Love Beef Bully 12-inch treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

Puppy Love Beef Slim treats (Value pack, 5 pieces)

Puppy Love "Jr Bully Mini" 4-5 inch beef treats (Value pack, 10 pieces)

The Public Health Agency of Canada urges anyone with the recalled treats to stop using them and dispose of them in regular household trash. To date, 14 cases of illnesses have been reported in Alberta, 15 in British Columbia, 1 in the Northwest Territories, and 2 in Ontario.

may not always exhibit symptoms but can still be infectious. Pets with symptoms may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fever, or excessive salivation. Infected people can also spread the bacteria to other people several days to weeks after infections, even if they are asymptomatic.

“In Canada, pet food products are not subject to the same regulations and testing as food intended for humans. Dog food and treats can be contaminated with bacteria, including Salmonella, which can make people and dogs sick,” said the Public Health Agency of Canada.

 through contact with a dog, their food or treats, as well as their waste. Even if dogs don't show any signs of illness, they can still infect people who are in contact with them or their environment.”

Certain Puppy Love and Puppy World Brand raw Pet Treats recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. Consumer product recall. Health Canada. October 28, 2025. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/certain-puppy-love-and-puppy-world-brand-raw-pet-treats-recalled-due-possible

Public Health Notice: Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to dog food and treats. News release. Public Health Agency of Canada. October 28, 2025. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/public-health-notice-outbreak-of-salmonella-infections-linked-to-dog-food-and-treats-874038032.html

The contamination is associated with a current outbreak in Canada, affecting 32 individuals to date.

Canadian dog treats recalled due to Salmonella contamination

In this recent installment of Pet Connections, Jennifer Quammen, DVM, MPH, chief veterinary officer, Otto, shares the benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence into veterinary clinics. 

Why AI is a HELPER in Veterinary Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making its way into veterinary medicine for a while now, but do you know just how big of a help it can be in your clinic? 

In our most recent installment of Pet Connections, Jennifer Quammen, DVM, MPH, chief veterinary officer at Otto, explains just how much of a H.E.L.P.E.R. AI can really be for veterinary teams inside and outside of the clinic.

AI listens and drafts records while we stay focused on the patient and the pet owner in front of us, not on the keyboard.

By automating the grind, the reminders, the scheduling, the callbacks, AI gives us back the energy for care and creativity. 

AI can help us review new research or even evaluate a patient's prior medical history, helping us walk into that exam room more confident and more prepared.

AI helps us get back to the heart of why we chose veterinary medicine to begin with, caring for animals and strengthening the human-animal bond. 

AI translates complicated medical language into everyday language to help our pet owners feel heard, supported, and informed.

By reducing the busywork, AI allows us to invest in the relationships that keep us grounded, those with our clients, those with our teams, and, of course, with our own well-being.

AI certainly isn't perfect. It still needs our human touch to guide it, and that's why I think now is a really cool time for us to experiment. So, if you've not tried any of the tools out there, pick one, even if it's a free option, and give it a try. This is a really great opportunity for the veterinary profession to get in on the ground floor and ultimately shape what this tool will become.

Videos

Discover how AI transforms veterinary practices by enhancing efficiency, improving client relationships, and allowing more focus on patient care.