Alyssa Israels-Blood, office manager at Ottawa Animal Hospital East/West in Holland, Michigan, set foot in the profession a decade ago with a background only in retail customer service and a lifelong passion for animals. When she applied to work at Ottawa Animal Hospital in 2015, Israels-Blood hoped to be a client service representative but was offered a kennel technician position instead, a role she embraced.

“I’m actually really glad that it...happened that way,” Israels-Blood told 

. “Starting as a kennel technician, I got to see a little bit [of] what goes on in the back, what the technicians go through every day. Up front, you don’t get to see that as much, so...I’m glad that’s where I started and grew from within.” Eventually, Israels-Blood was promoted to client service representative and thereafter client service supervisor, leading to her current role as office manager.

Having a positive attitude coming into work every day and treating others the way she would want to be treated, Israels-Blood shared, is what helped her get to where she is. During her first interview with Ottawa Animal Hospital nearly a decade ago, she was asked what one quality was that people would say she had, to which she answered. “Overall, I'm a really happy person, and I feel like that would be a benefit to the clinic.”

“I know this sounds cliche, but I always just come to work with a positive attitude and just be positive with my team, even when there are really, really busy days,” Israels-Blood continued. “I feel like [it’s about] always wanting to provide that really great experience for our clients and their pets when they come in. And I have confidence in my team too.”

Beyond her love for animals, Israels-Blood holds a special place for people. Her role as a client service representative allowed her to develop relationships with clients while still being able to see the patients. When she was promoted to office manager, she worried she would lose the client and patient interaction she had as a client service representative, but soon found out that was not the case.

“I feel like we're all in this field because we have that passion for animals, but I love people too. I'm a people person. I love talking to people and the client service role is the best of both worlds. And I feel like I do get that still in this office management role,” she emphasized. “When I took this role, I was like, ‘Well, wait, I won't be upfront anymore with the people and I won't get to see the pets as much—it's more behind the scenes,’ but I still do get that in the office manager role too, which is nice.”

 she was shocked when she first learned she had won the 2025 Veterinary Heroes Award. “It means a lot,” she said. “I work with such an amazing team of people here.... This is just a really great profession to be a part of, and to get an award for it is just like an added bonus. I’m very, very happy to be in this career, and just being a part of it is an amazing experience and journey on its own.”

The 2025 class of dvm360 Veterinary Heroes will be honored at a celebratory luncheon in the dvm360 Fetch Kansas City Conference. 

Click here learn more or register for the event.

Articles

Alyssa Israels-Blood, a dedicated office manager, exemplifies exceptional client service in veterinary care, earning the 2025 Veterinary Heroes Award for her passion and leadership.

2025 Veterinary Heroes: Alyssa Israels-Blood (Client Service Representative)

An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Farmina Genius AI, has won the Pet Care Innovation of the Year Award.

The award celebrates an innovative service contributing to the advancement of the pet care industry and is part of the Independent Innovation Awards program by the titular organization.

Developed by the pet nutrition company Farmina Pet Foods, Genius AI is a free service that offers round-the-clock, yearlong advice to pet parents on pet health, nutrition, and care. The chatbot uses AI to create responses to users’ questions.

The virtual platform was launched in the fall of 2024. According to Farmina Pet Foods, the platform was developed using knowledge and experience from veterinarians, pet health coaches, and breeders.

 In 2024, the chatbot resolved 4826 user interactions without human intervention, the pet food company said in a news release.

In the announcement, Loris Rinaldi, CEO of Farmina Pet Foods North America, described the AI chatbot as “the future of pet care,” saying the platform is “designed to put credible, personalized guidance in the hands of every pet parent.

“This Pet Care Innovation of the Year Award is a powerful validation of the science, innovation, and care behind everything we do at Farmina Pet Foods. We're proud to make expert support accessible to families around the world," Rinaldi said.

The Pet Care Innovation Award is only one of several awards handed out each year by the Independent Innovation Awards platform. Other award categories include apparel; grooming and cleaning; cat health; dog health; toys; bowl, feeder, and waterers; cat treats; cat food; dog treats; dog food; small pet; housing; training; collars, leashes, and harnesses; litter; leadership; and services. Within each category, multiple awards are distributed for different types of products.

In addition to answering general nutrition questions, Genius AI also allows users to schedule 1-on-1 appointments with Farmina pet nutritionists, who can create personalized meal plans. According to Farmina Pet Foods, 32,438 users received assistance from pet health coaches with Farmina in 2024, with 31,021 receiving custom meal plans for their dog or cat.

The platform supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, and Italian. According to Farmina Pet Foods, although they strive for accuracy and quality with their chatbot’s responses, the AI can still make mistakes or provide information that is not up to date.

“We strongly recommend that you use this content only as a starting point for further research & consultation, and that you independently verify & consult with veterinary professionals for specific advice or information. We disclaim & do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use, reliance upon, or interpretation of this content,” the company notes on their website.

Farmina Pet Foods Genius AI wins Pet Care Innovation of the Year Award. News release. Farmina Pet Foods. August 7, 2025. Accessed August 8, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/farmina-pet-foods-genius-ai-wins-pet-care-innovation-of-the-year-award-302524575.html?tc=eml_cleartime

Welcome to the Pet Innovation Awards. Pet Innovation Awards. Accessed August 8, 2025. 

Farmina Genius AI. Farmina Pet Foods. Accessed August 8, 2025. https://www.farmina.com/us/farmina/6666-farmina-genius-ai.html

The artificial intelligence platform, which was developed by a pet nutrition company, was launched less than a year ago.

AI chatbot receives a pet care innovation award

Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, blends clinical rigor, learning theory and a plain, human kindness to tackle some of the toughest behavior cases. As owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, co-owner of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, and vice president of veterinary behavior for Instinct National, Pachel helps shape practice standards and education while delivering one-on-one care for animals and their people. That mix of leadership, mentorship and compassion is why dvm360 names him a 2025 Veterinary Hero in Behavior.

Pachel’s path to behavior medicine was a gradual narrowing of purpose. Trained at the University of Minnesota (DVM, 2002), he completed a residency at the Animal Behavior Clinic and became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010. He’s also a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (IAABC), an internationally sought lecturer and an author of book chapters on topics such as intercat aggression and behavioral euthanasia. He lends his expertise to dvm360’s editorial advisory board and serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving animal behavior.

Still, the credentials only tell part of the story. “Hero is a big word,” Pachel says when asked what the award means to him. “It speaks to the value of what we all have the opportunity to do together, bettering the lives of pets and their people.” For him, the honor is less about a title and more about affirmation from peers that the often-quiet work of behavior medicine matters.

What drew Pachel to behavior wasn’t a single moment, but a focus on people: “I became interested in the field of veterinary behavior because of people and my desire to support them in their relationships,” he remembers, explaining that early patients allowed him to “dig deep, learn alongside them, and recognize [his] aptitude and passion for this field.” That people-first focus shapes how he practices and how he leads.

Those moments when an owner’s perspective shifts are the work’s greatest reward. “I love facilitating ‘aha moments’ when my clients can see the animal in front of them through a different lens, with a greater understanding and empathy,” he says. “Those moments absolutely feed my soul and allow me the opportunity to feel part of something much greater than just that conversation or consultation.”

Pachel emphasizes humility and resilience for those entering the field. His advice to fledgling behaviorists (and to his younger self) is straightforward: You won’t always get it right, and that’s part of the work. “You're not perfect, you won't always get it right, and there will be moments of struggle and hardship. There will also be moments of celebration, joyous tears, and heartwarming collaboration and treatment success. We experience both the mud and the lotus.”

That balance of clinical excellence paired with empathy, mentorship, and a steady interest in helping people as much as animals defines Pachel’s career. It’s also why colleagues and clients alike regard him as a leader in veterinary behavior and why his work continues to improve outcomes for pets and the families who love them.

“Supporting animals and their people through complex behavioral challenges is deeply human work,” he said in closing.

Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, wins the 2025 dvm360 Veterinary Hero award in the behavior category.

2025 Veterinary Heroes: Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC (Behavior)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a life-threatening syndrome most commonly reported in large and deepchested dogs in which the stomach rotates on its axis. This leads to devastating sequelae such as cardiac arrhythmias, circulatory shock, and portal hypertension. This disease has a high mortality rate, reported to range from 10% to 29%,

 so an emphasis on prevention is key. Prophylactic gastropexy, which may be performed at the same time as sterilization, has been shown to have a significant impact on reducing mortality for at-risk breeds, resulting in reduction up to 29.6 times for Great Danes specifically.

An incisional gastropexy is one of the most common techniques used today for preventing the development of GDV and during surgical treatment of GDV. Of the techniques that do not require advanced equipment (ie, endoscope, laparoscopic instruments), this technique has the lowest rate of postoperative GDV.

Images courtesy of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons

In this technique, a cranial celiotomy is performed to obtain access to the stomach. A seromuscular incision of 4 to 5 cm is made, centered over the pyloric antrum, taking care to avoid entering the lumen. A matching incision is then made through the peritoneum and transversus abdominis of the right body wall, caudal to the last rib, ensuring the incision is not created too far dorsally. Two continuous suture lines are then completed with 2-0 polydioxanone suture (PDS), starting at the craniodorsal aspect of both incisions and working caudally. Following completion of the gastropexy, the abdomen may be closed routinely. This technique is excellent for a wide variety of settings, including both emergency and routine settings, given its relative simplicity to perform and the speed with which it may be completed. (

Minimally invasive surgery has expanded in popularity and availability in recent years because of its benefits with regard to reduced postoperative pain and a faster recovery from surgery. Two popular minimally invasive approaches for gastropexy exist: total laparoscopic and laparoscopic assisted.

With a total laparoscopic gastropexy, 2 to 3 ports are placed on ventral midline and all suturing is completed within the abdomen with the use of laparoscopic needle drivers. This is generally achieved with the use of unidirectional barbed suture, eliminating the need for intra- or extracorporeal knot tying, which can be challenging and time-consuming. Intracorporeal suturing can be technically challenging, and novice surgeons are advised to gain proficiency with more simple laparoscopic procedures first.

Proposed port sites for completion of a laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy. It should be noted that selection of the site for the instrument portal and gastropexy will be determined following insertion of the camera and visualization of the fundus and pyloric antrum; this site may vary based on patient-specific anatomical variation. (red X: camera port; yellow X: instrument port/gastropexy site).

In cases where total laparoscopic gastropexy is not feasible, a laparoscopic-assisted approach may be performed. To perform this, one port is placed on ventral midline, caudal to the umbilicus, for the camera, which is used to visualize intra-abdominal structures such as the fundus and pyloric antrum of the stomach and liver. An additional port, for instrument use, is placed in the right lateral abdomen just lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle and 1 to 2 cm caudal to the last rib. Laparoscopic graspers, such as Babcock forceps, are used to grasp the pyloric antrum and retract it to the body wall while removing the port concurrently. Stay sutures are placed in the pyloric antrum, and the incision through the skin and body wall is extended to a length of 4 to 5 cm. A seromuscular incision is created in the pyloric antrum, and the cut edges are sutured to the transversus abdominis in 1 or 2 continuous lines with 2-0 PDS. Finally, the muscle layers, subcutaneous tissue, and skin are closed diligently to reduce the risk of seroma formation. Approximately 23% of dogs develop a seroma following a laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy, so appropriate closure of all tissue layers is imperative.

If neither a total laparoscopic nor laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy is feasible, an additional minimally invasive option is a rightsided gastropexy via a grid approach. This is a technique in which an incisional gastropexy is performed via minilaparotomy just caudal and ventral to the last rib. Entry to the abdomen is obtained following creation of an approximately 6-cm skin incision and blunt dissection of 3 muscle layers: the external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique, and transversus abdominis. Care should be taken to dissect through each muscle parallel to the direction of its fibers, which will result in reduced size of the incision with each deeper layer and may help to prevent seroma formation postoperatively. Graspers, such as Babcock forceps, are then used to grasp the pyloric antrum and facilitate ventral retraction. Stay sutures are placed craniomedially and caudolaterally in the stomach to maintain exposure. Similar to the laparoscopic-assisted technique, a seromuscular incision of 4 to 5 cm is created in the pyloric antrum and the gastropexy is performed by suturing the incised seromuscular layer to the transversus abdominis in a simple continuous suture pattern using 1 or 2 lines of suture, with 2-0 PDS. Closure is similar to the laparoscopic-assisted technique, requiring meticulous closure of the remaining muscle layers and subcutaneous tissue to reduce the risk of seroma formation. This is an excellent technique for those with a need to perform prophylactic gastropexy but without access to minimally invasive instrumentation such as a laparoscope.

This technique has been demonstrated to have adequate tensile strength when compared with a standard ventral midline approach for incisional gastropexy and should retain some of the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, such as decreased pain and a faster recovery.

Following prophylactic gastropexy, patients may be managed either on an outpatient basis or with 12 to 24 hours of hospitalization. Outpatient management is often feasible, especially when   minimally invasive technique has been used.

Patients should be discharged with postoperative analgesics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories may be considered in the event of prophylactic gastropexy. Postoperative antibiotics are not necessary. Patients should restrict exercise for 10 to 14 days and be maintained in an Elizabethan collar. Risks and complications of surgery include hemorrhage, infection, dehiscence, failure of the gastropexy site, and seroma formation. Failure of the gastropexy site is technique specific, ranging from as high as 20% for a gastrocolopexy and as low as 0% for incisional, laparoscopic-assisted, and total laparoscopic techniques.

It has previously been suggested that completion of a gastropexy may alter gastric motility postoperatively, leading to the development of chronic regurgitation and gastric dilatation without volvulus. Findings from prior studies have identified an association between GDV and abnormal gastric motility

; however, findings from additional studies have also demonstrated that a prophylactic gastropexy is not associated with a change in gastric motility across a wide range of gastropexy techniques.

 It is possible that a malpositioned gastropexy may lead to dysmotility or an intermittent pyloric outflow obstruction, so appropriate selection of the gastropexy site in the pyloric antrum as well as along the body wall is critical.

Beck JJ, Staatz AJ, Pelsue DH, et al. Risk factors associated with short-term outcome and development of perioperative complications in dogs undergoing surgery because of gastric dilatation-volvulus: one hundred sixty-six cases (1992-2003). 

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Brourman JD, Schertel ER, Allen DA, Birchard SJ, DeHoff WD. Factors associated with perioperative mortality in dogs with surgically managed gastric dilatation-volvulus: one hundred thirty-seven cases (1988-1993). 

Mackenzie G, Barnhart M, Kennedy S, DeHoff W, Schertel E. A retrospective study of factors influencing survival following surgery for gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome in 306 dogs. 

Brockman DJ, Washabau RJ, Drobatz KJ. Canine gastric dilatation/volvulus syndrome in a veterinary critical care unit: two hundred ninety-five cases (1986-1992). 

Ward MP, Patronek GJ, Glickman LT. Benefits of prophylactic gastropexy for dogs at risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. 

. 2003;60(4):319-329. doi:10.1016/S0167-5877(03)00142-9

Przywara JF, Abel SB, Peacock JT, Shott S. Occurrence and recurrence of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus after incisional gastropexy. 

de la Vega M, Ralphs SC. Outcomes and complications of prophylactic incisional gastropexy in 766 dogs (2009-2019). 

. 2023;16(1):300. doi:10.1186/s13104-023-06595-6

Culp WTN, Mayhew PD, Brown DC. The effect of laparoscopic versus open ovariectomy on postsurgical activity in small dogs. 

. 2009;38(7):811-817. doi:10.1111/j.1532-950X.2009.00572.x

Loy Son NK, Singh A, Amsellem P, et al. Long-term outcome and complications following prophylactic laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy in dogs. 

. 2016;45(S1):O77-O83. doi:10.1111/vsu.12568

Steelman-Szymeczek SM, Stebbins ME, Hardie EM. Clinical evaluation of a right-sided prophylactic gastropexy via a grid approach. 

. 2003;39(4):397-402. doi:10.5326/03903997

Eggertsdóttir AV, Stigen y Ø, Lønaas L, et al. Comparison of the recurrence rate of gastric dilatation with or without volvulus in dogs after circumcostal gastropexy versus gastrocolopexy. 

. 2001;30(6):546-551. doi:10.1053/jvet.2001.28439

Giaconella V, Grillo R, Giaconella R, Properzi R, Gialletti R. Outcomes and complications in a case series of 39 total laparoscopic prophylactic gastropexies using a modified technique. 

. 2021;11(2):255. doi:10.3390/ani11020255

Hall JA, Willer RL, Seim HB 3rd, Lebel JL, Twedt DC. Gastric emptying of nondigestible radiopaque markers after circumcostal gastropexy in clinically normal dogs and dogs with gastric dilatation-volvulus. 

Hall JA, Willer RL, Solie TN, Twedt DC. Effect of circumcostal gastropexy on gastric myoelectric and motor activity in dogs. 

. 1997;38(5):200-207. doi:10.1111/j.1748-5827.1997.tb03342.x

Gazzola KM, Nelson LL, Fritz MC, Clancy MR, Hauptman JG. Effects of prophylactic incisional gastropexy on markers of gastric motility in dogs as determined by use of a novel wireless motility device. 

. 2017;78(1):100-106. doi:10.2460/ajvr.78.1.100

Coleman KA, Boscan P, Ferguson L, Twedt D, Monnet E. Evaluation of gastric motility in nine dogs before and after prophylactic laparoscopic gastropexy: a pilot study. 

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This surgical method can help manage a life-threatening disease

Using prophylactic gastropexy to treat GDV

In this live podcast recording from Fetch Nashville, sponsored by Blue Buffalo, Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, and moderator Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFC-V, discuss common dermatology myths and the truth behind them 

Live Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 recordings

This episode is sponsored by Blue Buffalo

On this special episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFC-V, takes over as host to sit down with Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, and Julia Miller, DVM, DACVD, to talk dermatology myths. Throughout the epsiode, Miller and Griffin explain to Marks the different misconceptions there are out there, including at-home allergy tests and top allergens, to help give general practitioners tips and tricks on dealing with the dermatology cases that walk through the doors of their clinic.  

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity

Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CCFP, Elite FFC-V

: So what we wanted to start with is to just be real and to see how many of you actually like doing diet trials in practice. That's what we thought. Yeah, correct. No, it's very challenging, right? I mean, having obviously recommended, I'm sure many of us having done it personally, maybe we have uncooperative spouses or partners or children or all of the above, or our own admitted self, that's not helping to keep compliant. It's really important, I think, for us, especially in general practice, to be choosing wisely. We don't recommend food trials for everything, right? Because we're not going to get the complaints, and maybe it's not necessary. So think to set the stage, I wanted to ask Joya and Julia, how often do we actually see true diagnosed food allergies in our canine patients?

: the numbers are kind of all over the board, I think, but up to about 20% so it's still a fairly small percentage, I think you know, especially when we're talking about non seasonal pruritus patients that have recurrent otitis, sometimes perianal pruritus, those types of symptoms, and even if they have concurrent GI symptoms like vomiting, loose stool, diarrhea, those things all put together, it's still 20% or less.

: Yeah, they're not that common. I mean, they are out there, right? And I think the true food allergy alone, that truly only has a food allergy is a pretty rare bird. Truthfully, we do see, I think, more and more combinations of atopic dogs that also have a food component, those are the hardest, right? They're the hardest to manage because they can be the hardest to diagnose, and that percentage gets up a little higher, you know, in that 20ish range. But certainly just a true pure food allergy is not a common thing. So a diet trial should not be something you recommend for every patient every time it is important that you still have good selection of what patient you think might actually have a food allergy.

Podcasts

In this live recordings of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, explore the challenges and best practices for food allergy diets in canine patients

Just Bust a Myth!: Canine Food Allergies Demystified

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently reminded the public of the risks wildfire smoke can pose to the health of pets and livestock.

 The announcement came as wildfires in Canada have caused poor air quality in the Midwest and eastern coast of the United States, as well as in New England.

Canada is currently facing its second worst wildfire season on record.

 So far this calendar year, the country has seen almost 4000 fires.

The air quality in various states in the US has been affected because of the wildfire smoke moving across the border. According to reports, air quality in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota reached “concerning levels” this past weekend, with regions in Illinois and Indiana currently under air quality alerts.

 Moreover, health officials are encouraging residents in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, to limit outdoor activity to minimize exposure to smoke pollution.

Outdoor activity should also be limited in pets, as animals are also at risk of smoke irritation. "When wildfires affect air quality, it's not just humans who are at risk; our animals are too," Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, president of the AVMA, said in an AVMA news release.

 "If the air looks or smells smoky, or if you're feeling the effects yourself, it's best to take steps to make sure your pets are safe, and stay safe. Awareness and preparation can go a long way in protecting their health."

Photo: Андрей Журавлев/Adobe Stock

Animals with preexisting heart or lung disease are at higher risk of respiratory distress from fine particles in smoke. According to the AVMA, pets exhibiting any of the following symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian

Difficulty breathing, which may include open mouth breathing and increased noise when breathing

Eye irritation and excessive eye watering

Amid poor air quality events, veterinary professionals should advise clients to keep their pets indoors as much as possible and maintain closed windows.

Birds in particular should not be allowed outside when there is smoke or particulate matter in the air, as these animals are especially susceptible to respiratory conditions.

When it comes to dogs and cats, these animals should only be let outside for brief bathroom breaks if necessary, during air quality alerts. During these air quality events, pets should not engage in intense outdoor exercise. “Exercise pets when dust and smoke has settled,” wrote the AVMA in its notice.

The organization also recommends having a 

, as well as having a disaster preparedness plan for pets. Veterinary hospitals and shelters should also be 

For livestock, exercise should also be limited when smoke is visible. Having animals engage in activities that significantly increases airflow into and out of the lungs should especially be avoided, said the AVMA.

Fresh water should be provided at various locations near feeding areas. Moreover, exposure to dust should be limited. To limit dust exposure, the AVMA recommends feeding low-dust or dust-free feeds. Farmers can also sprinkle or mist the livestock holding area.

After air quality reaches normal levels again, livestock should be given approximately 4 to 6 weeks to recover. “Attempting to handle, move, or transport livestock may delay healing and compromise your animals' performance,” wrote the AVMA.

AVMA publishes disaster preparedness guide for small farms

Having a livestock evacuation plan is also advised. Those who do not have trailers to transport their animals quickly should aim to create a network of reliable resources that can help with transportation during emergency situations. Livestock owners are encouraged to reach out to neighbors, local haulers, farmers, producers, or other transportation providers ahead of time.

Additionally, keeping the barn and field in good conditions can help decrease fire risks for horses and other livestock. “Make sure barns and other structures are stable, promptly remove dead trees, clear away brush, and maintain a defensible space around structures,” advises the AVMA.

Veterinarians warn of wildfire smoke risks to pets and livestock. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. August 5, 2025. Accessed August 7, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veterinarians-warn-of-wildfire-smoke-risks-to-pets-and-livestock-302522204.html

Wright K. Canada wildfires cause poor air quality in the midwest and northeast U.S. 

. August 3, 2025. Accessed August 7, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/08/03/g-s1-80826/canada-wildfires-cause-poor-air-quality-in-the-midwest-and-northeast-us

. June 21, 2024. Accessed August 7, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/preparing-for-an-emergency

The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that the wildfires from Canada are causing poor air quality in parts of the US, which could affect animals