Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) announced earlier today that it has filed a lawsuit against the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for allegedly hindering competition in educating future veterinarians. This, in turn, hurts clients seeking care for their patients.

“This is a case about competitors conspiring to restrain trade, eliminate competition, reduce output, and raise prices in 2 inextricably intertwined markets; thereby, inflicting injury to consumers of both markets: [a] the US domestic market for veterinary education; and [b] the US domestic market for providing professional veterinary care and services. To carry out their illegal scheme, the conspirators have acted in concert in seeking to exclude Plaintiff Lincoln Memorial University ['LMU']—the largest provider of veterinary education in the country—from the veterinary education market, in violation of the US antitrust laws,” the lawsuit states.

According to the LMU release, they are suing the AVMA to challenge its anticompetitive accreditation practices that ‘illegally restrict the number of accredited schools of veterinary medicine,’ the output of students, and the number of veterinarians in the United States.

 The suit also claims that the AVMA is using its monopoly power to restrict new and existing veterinary schools from getting accreditation through its Council on Education (COE) by requiring schools to meet requirements necessary to graduate veterinarians who are ready on the first day of their careers.

The AVMA has started demanding that veterinary schools offer their students research resources, facilities, and faculty that some schools may not be able to afford or are seen as unnecessary to their work for becoming a practice veterinarian. The release also states that AVMA knows that these research requirements cannot be met by schools like LMU, which rely almost entirely on tuition for funding.

"These insurmountable barriers to entry for new veterinary schools limit the number of available veterinary schools, which limits the number of graduates, which limits the veterinary options for pet owners in America," said Jason McConnell, DBA, LMU president. "This is the essence of an antitrust violation. One economically interested group controlling the market to the detriment of consumers."

LMU was placed on probationary accreditation by the AVMA, and its second veterinary medicine campus in Orange Park, Florida, is facing impending accreditation denial despite being the largest veterinary school in the United States. LMU is also requesting that the court implement a long-term solution to the problem that the AVMA’s anticompetitive behavior has created, which, to LMU, would be the complete and total separation of the COE from the AVMA. Through this, LMU believes it will restore free and unrestricted competition in the market. 

LMU is not seeking any monetary damages from this lawsuit, only an injunction to stop the AVMA from continuing to execute its current accreditation standards in an unreasonable and anticompetitive manner.

"For more than a decade, LMU’s Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine has successfully trained today's students to become some of the best veterinarians in America, and we will not allow an unjust gatekeeper to block competition and hinder their success," McConnell said.

"Our yearly veterinary student class is 225 students—that's the largest in America—and our students graduate with some of the best test scores in the country and are highly sought after as veterinary professionals all over the United States, precisely because of the excellent education, hands-on training, and skills they receive at Lincoln Memorial University. We are standing up for our students, for the future of veterinary medicine, and for the core pillars of our country's free market economy," he concluded.

Largest U.S. veterinary school takes legal action to protect consumers and their pets. News release. Lincoln Memorial University. June 18, 2025, Accessed June 18, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/largest-us-veterinary-school-takes-legal-action-to-protect-consumers-and-their-pets-302484550.html

(THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE). Accessed June 18, 2025. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/cu5irs8obnord2mk90hc8/ACKFTM-7_A25XvF6NBL9Xdk?dl=0&e=1&preview=LMU+v+AVMA+Complaint.pdf&rlkey=zp4ccmo0iljj9hhhy26dugrt5&st=5yarek9k

Articles

The university claims in its lawsuit that the AVMA is in violation of the US antitrust laws.

Lincoln Memorial University sues American Veterinary Medical Association 

This content is sponsored by Aurora Pharmaceutical.

Veterinarians wear many hats: a clinician, diagnostician, surgeon, and, increasingly, financial counselor. In today’s economic climate, clients are often forced to weigh the cost of care against their love for their animals. As a result, vital preventive measures such as year-round heartworm protection may fall by the wayside, not because clients don’t care but because of financial limitations.

Let’s take a moment to talk about why year-round heartworm prevention is not only a standard of care for pets but also a tool for promoting their emotional well-being, as well as how veterinary teams can compassionately guide clients toward affordable options, including generic equivalents that deliver safety, efficacy, and peace of mind.

Why year-round heartworm prevention matters

Heartworm disease is caused by the parasite

, which is transmitted via mosquito bites. If infected, pets ultimately harbor adult worms that exist in the pulmonary arteries, which can lead to life-threatening heart failure and lung disease.

Mosquitoes don’t take a holiday. Even in colder climates, warming trends, the existence of microclimates, and climate change have extended mosquito seasons. Because of this, the potential for heartworm exposure is year-round throughout the US.

Preventive adherence is crucial. Skipping even 1 month can leave a pet unprotected. The heartworm life cycle is complex, and providing timely prevention is the key to preventing the disease.

Treatment is costly and involves risk. Treating adult heartworm infections can be arduous, expensive, and emotionally taxing for the pet owner. It involves strict exercise restriction, painful injections, and has the potential to result in complications or death.

Preventives also protect emotional health. Beyond physical suffering, heartworm disease causes distress for pets and their families. Chronic discomfort, exercise intolerance, and weakness can lead to behavioral issues and depression in pets.

By emphasizing consistent prevention, we protect your pet’s health and preserve their joy, energy, and emotional stability.

Heartworm prevention not only protects physical health, but it also directly affects mental health. A pet experiencing symptoms of heartworm infection may show the following:

Lethargy and depression: Less play, more hiding or sleeping

Exercise intolerance: Leading to frustration or anxiety

Isolation: From being restricted or hospitalized

Pain or discomfort: Affecting mood and behavior

For clients, the guilt and grief of preventable illness can weigh heavily. Preventing disease promotes emotional well-being for both the pet and the owner, maintaining the human-animal bond and avoiding painful experiences.

A major barrier to adherence is financial strain. With inflation affecting household budgets, many pet owners hesitate to commit to a full year of preventive medication, especially if they perceive it as optional or seasonal. Some may believe winter months are “safe,” or that skipping a few months here and there won’t hurt. 

In response, many clients seek cheaper sources online or delay purchasing altogether—sometimes unknowingly leaving their pets vulnerable. As veterinary professionals, it’s our responsibility to emphasize the value and importance of prevention and to offer realistic, budget-conscious solutions.

The case for generics: Safe, affordable, and effective

When clients balk at the price of name-brand preventives, offering FDA-approved generic equivalents can bridge the gap between adherence and cost. But first, we must address the common myth: If it’s cheaper, it must be lower quality.

It is important to remember that generic-equivalent veterinary drugs approved by the FDA must meet strict standards, including the following:

Bioequivalence: The active ingredient is the same and performs identically to the active ingredient of the pioneer drug.

Manufacturing standards: Facilities must comply with Good Manufacturing Practices.

Efficacy and safety: Generics must demonstrate that they perform identically under labeled conditions.

For example, generic-equivalent medications such as selamectin (Revolt; Aurora Pharmaceutical) and imidacloprid plus moxidectin (Barrier; Aurora Pharmaceutical), both generic versions of a leading competitor, are available at significantly lower costs while maintaining the same protection profile.

By using generics as trusted options, we not only increase accessibility but also strengthen our clients’ trust in us.

Money is a sensitive topic. Clients may feel embarrassed, guilty, or defensive when they can’t afford a full-year supply or ask about cheaper options. An empathetic, informative, and nonjudgmental approach can make all the difference.

Start by talking about the health benefits of consistent prevention. Keep the focus on what the pet needs, not on pushing a particular brand. For example: “Our goal is to make sure Buddy stays happy and healthy year-round. Heartworm disease is something we can prevent, and we want to make that easy for you.”

Don’t wait for clients to bring up price concerns. Offering choices up front shows understanding and builds trust.

For example: “We have a few options, including generics, that work exactly the same as the name brands but are more budget-friendly.”

3. Explain bioequivalence in simple terms

Clients may not understand what bioequivalent means, so try to make it relatable. For example: “It’s like store-brand ibuprofen, which works just like Advil—same ingredient, same result, just a different label.”

If possible, let clients buy preventives month by month or in smaller quantities. Pairing this with reminder systems or autoshipment options can help ensure ongoing adherence. For example: “We can set up a refill schedule that works with your budget—monthly, quarterly, or annually.”

Avoid language that sounds accusatory or implies that they’ve failed their pet.

“I understand things are tight for many families. Let’s work together to find a plan that keeps Luna protected.”

 “Skipping doses really puts your dog at risk.”

Veterinary care has evolved to include not only physical health but also behavioral and emotional wellness. Year-round heartworm prevention is a foundational part of that holistic approach. Offering affordable options like generics makes prevention accessible and positions you as a partner, not a salesperson.

Remember, it’s not about selling pills; it’s about preserving quality of life, maintaining the human-animal bond, and empowering clients to make informed, confident decisions. When we communicate with compassion and clarity, we don’t just save lives, we support joy, trust, and peace of mind.

To recap, here are 5 great talking points to help with the conversation:

 “I’d love to protect Max year-round, but heartworm prevention is expensive. Do we really need it in the winter?” 

Veterinary team member reinforces “the why”:

 “That’s a great question! The tricky part is that mosquitoes can be active even in the winter, so we recommend year-round prevention to make sure Max is never at risk.”

 “I understand cost can be a big factor, and you’re not alone in thinking about that.”

 “We do have generic options that are just as effective as the brand names. They’re FDA approved, have the same active ingredients, and are just as effective.”

 “Think of it like buying generic Tylenol; it’s the same medicine, just not the big brand label.”

Training your staff to have these conversations with confidence and empathy can transform client relationships and increase adherence. Consider role-playing these scenarios in team meetings. In the end, it’s not about what we sell; it’s about the trust we build, the value we provide, and the lives we protect.

Veterinary teams can help clients protect their pets from heartworm disease by offering compassionate guidance and affordable solutions, including safe and effective generic alternatives.

The case for year-round heartworm prevention and how to talk with clients about affordable options

Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, shares an exercise for putting the spine in its natural position

Wellness Tip of the Week: Finding the neutral spine

Healthspan coach Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, offers a quick exercise for protecting the spine and reducing the risk of back injuries in the veterinary profession, which may often involve a hunched posture. The technique, Shaw explains, involves finding the neutral spine—the natural, healthy alignment of the spine in which its 3 curves are properly balanced.

Below is the video transcript, which has been lightly edited for improved clarity:

Welcome to Tip of the Week with Coach Aaron Shaw. Today I want to talk about protecting your spine, decreasing your risk of back injuries.

Back injuries are a huge problem in the vet industry, in no small part because people tend to be hunched over, kind of rounded forward. It's understandable. We're taking care of our clients. We're on our phone some of the time. We're on our computer some of the time, so the tendency is to be in this forward posture. To decrease the pressure on our spine, we need to find our neutral spine.

You can do this by starting off by standing up nice and tall. Get a dowel of some type. It can be a broomstick. Very simple. What you're going to do is you're going to place this dowel along your spine where you're standing up nice and tall, and I want you to feel 3 points of contact: your sacrum, your thoracic spine, and then the back of your head. And so, this is what a neutral spine feels like. Feels like you're standing at full attention.

But from here, what I want you to practice is keeping those 3 points of contact very lightly and doing a bow and coming back up. This is giving you a tactile cue of what a neutral spine is. And from here, you can do a hip hinge. You can practice squatting down. You can practice coming down onto one knee, 2 knees, bending forward, as if you're taking care of your clients. You're down on the floor.

What we're preventing is that tendency to round our spine and then handle something which is going to increase the pressure on our spine and increase the risk of injury. But with doing this, with keeping these 3 points of contact, the homework is really to practice moving around, sitting, standing, bending, twisting, and making sure you're keeping those 3 points of contact, because that is your neutral spine. Practice that, it does take practice. But over time, your brain is going to start to understand that is what's safest. That is what neutral is, and it will carry over in a day-to-day life. So give that a practice.

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Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, shares an exercise for aligning the spine in its natural position

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new veterinary school at Lyon College on June 12, 2025.

Lyon College recently broke ground on a new veterinary school. College officials, state and local leaders, and members of the Arkansas veterinary medicine community marked the milestone for the future Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine (LCSVM) in Cabot, Arkansas, during a ceremony on June 12, 2025.

The developing 17.5-acre animal care campus includes both the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine and Cabot Animal Support Services. The veterinary school will occupy 14 acres of the site and feature more than 100,000 sq ft of educational and clinical space.

Plans include classrooms, laboratories, surgical suites, simulation centers, spaces for large- and small-animal medicine, and areas for student collaboration. A veterinary teaching hospital will be housed in the same building as Cabot Animal Support Services to allow for integrated learning and service delivery.

Clemson University's future veterinary school is making progress

The new school aims to address a shortage of veterinarians in the region. “Arkansas has long needed a veterinary school,” said Victor Werley, chair of the Lyon College Board of Trustees. “This school allows Lyon College to serve the state in a new and lasting way while remaining true to our values of academic excellence, service, and leadership. We are proud to support a program that will improve lives, strengthen communities, and extend Lyon’s legacy for generations to come.”

Melissa Taverner, PhD, MSc, president of Lyon College, noted that although there is a need for more veterinarians across the state, rural and underserved areas are especially in need. “This veterinary school will be a place of innovation and compassion, where students gain the technical knowledge and character needed to meet the challenges of modern veterinary care,” Taverner said.

An artist's rendering of Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine's entry. 

Founding Dean Eleanor Green, DVM, said the program is designed with both purpose and impact in mind. “We’re not just building a school; we’re building a mission that prepares veterinarians to serve both rural and urban communities, protect public health, and elevate animal welfare with both skill and heart,” Green said.

The city of Cabot is a key partner in the project, providing key support to bring the vision to life. Officials say the development will generate jobs, attract families, and expand access to animal care services. “The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine will be a transformative presence in our community,” said Ken Kincade,  mayor of Cabot. “It will bring students and families here, grow our city, create jobs, and provide a hub of care for animals across the region. This is more than a building—it’s a leap forward for Cabot and for Arkansas.”

The new campus will also be home to the Katharine Reese Shelter Medicine and Animal Welfare Program. The program is funded by an $11 million gift from the Arkansas Animal Rescue Foundation, which aims to improve access to shelter medicine services and give students hands-on experience with real-world animal health needs.

“This partnership means our shelter will evolve into something far greater: a living classroom, a community hub, and a model for how shelter medicine can work hand in hand with education,” said Mike Wheeler, director of community services for the city of Cabot. “Our animals will receive expert care. Our staff will gain access to valuable veterinary support. And our city will play a central role in training the next generation of veterinary leaders.”

An artist's rendering of the front exterior of the Lyon College of School of Veterinary Medicine.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by state and local leaders and an Arkansas Veterinary Medical Association representative, Lyon College and city officials celebrated what they called a turning point for Arkansas veterinary medicine. Additionally, Ashley Mounts, DVM, MVEd, associate dean for clinical programs and outreach at the veterinary school, recognized founding clinical partners Briarwood Animal Hospital, Central Arkansas Animal Hospital, Doubletree Veterinary Clinic, Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Honey Hill Animal Hospital, Landmark Animal Hospital, Pine Street Animal Clinic, Shackleford Road Veterinary Clinic, and White River Veterinary Clinic.

Chad Towns, a practitioner at Honey Hill Animal Hospital, noted the importance of having graduates who are knowledgeable and prepared to “hit the ground running” in a real-world clinical setting. “That’s what this partnership [with LCSVM] is all about. We’re here to provide those practical experiences, to mentor students, and to help shape a program that reflects the realities and responsibilities of veterinary care today,” Towns said.

Pending accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, the LCSVM plans to seat its inaugural class in 2026. Additionally, the groundbreaking represents a significant step in the college’s expansion into graduate health sciences.

Lyon College plans to open the state’s first dental school in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 30, 2025. The program is designed to prepare practice-ready dentists through a rigorous 3-year curriculum, hands-on clinical training, and a commitment to community service and aims to expand access to health care education in the region.

Lyon College breaks ground on veterinary school in Cabot. News release. Lyon College. June 12, 2025. https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/lyon-college-breaks-ground-on-veterinary-school-in-cabot 

The animal health campus in Cabot, Arkansas, will feature more than 100,000 square feet of educational and clinical space. 

Lyon College breaks ground on a new veterinary school

As the animal care ecosystem evolves, new products, medications, platforms, and other technologies continue to emerge. To help readers stay up to date with the latest innovations in the veterinary and pet care spectrum, 

 has curated a list of new product and technology launches.

The following were highlighted in dvm360’s May/June magazine issue:

First drug for feline subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets) by TriviumVet received FDA conditional approval in March 2025 for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The medication is administered to feline patients once a week at a target dose of 0.3 mg/kg orally and is available in 0.4-mg, 1.2-mg, and 2.4-mg tablet sizes. Felycin-CA1 is only available to veterinarians. Prior to starting Felycin-CA1, patients should be screened for preexisting liver disease. Felycin-CA1 should not be administered in cats with this disease or diabetes mellitus.

4CYTE Epiitalis Forte Dog by epiq Animal Health and Interpath Global is a supplement proven to enhance joint health in dogs. The product is formulated with the patented ingredient Epiitalis, which is derived from plant seed oil high in fatty acids, and is naturally and sustainably sourced.

 The supplement is available to US consumers online through Covetrus and Amazon.

Generic chewable tablets for canine osteoarthritis

Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets by FelixVet is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, as well as the control of postoperative pain associated with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries in dogs. The tablets are the generic equivalent of Rimadyl and are available in 25-mg, 75-mg, and 100-mg doses. The tablets come in beef flavor.

GumPaws from ZyG recently launched their Dental & Oral Care gummy supplements for dogs. The GumPaws gummies are designed with a specific density and chewiness that promote increased friction to help clean plaque from teeth and improves dental care as dogs chew. The supplement has no added sugar or sweeteners and contains dietary fibers that have a prebiotic effect. GumPaws also uses gummy manufacturing techniques that mirror those used for human nutritional products.

Treatment for ‘white spot disease’ in ornamental finfish

Logo courtesy of Aquarium Münster Pahlsmeier GmbH

Faunamor by Aquarium Münster Pahlsmeier GmbH is now approved by the FDA and legally available for the treatment of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, also known as ich or white spot disease, in ornamental finfish, such as those in home aquariums and outdoor hobby ponds. The active ingredients in the antiparasitic and antimicrobial drug include methylthionine chloride, malachite green oxalate, and acriflavine chloride immersion solution. It is available in 20-mL and 100-mL glass bottles for over-the-counter purchase.

Sponsored by Canine Arthritis Resources and Education

CARE offers free tools to help Pet Parents and Veterinary Teams identify, diagnose, and manage canine arthritis with confidence. Access expert-backed resources and videos. Veterinary professionals can also earn CE with our free, RACE-approved courses.

RapidRead Dental, launched by Antech Diagnostics, is an artificial intelligence-powered radiology interpretation tool that provides dental radiograph evaluations within 10 minutes. The tool, which has the capacity to assess every tooth, can list individual pathologies on a tooth-by-tooth basis with 98% accuracy.

TriviumVet Secures FDA Conditional Approval for First Treatment for Feline Cardiac Disease. News release. TriviumVet. March 14, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.triviumvet.com/blog/triviumvet-secures-fda-conditional-approval-for-feline-cardiology-disease

epiq Animal Health and Interpath Global Launch Second Joint Health Product Offering - This One for Dogs. News release. epiq Animal Health. April 17, 2025.  Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/epiq-animal-health-and-interpath-global-launch-second-joint-health-product-offering--this-one-for-dogs-302428970.html

Carprofen Soft Chewable Tablets. FelixVet. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.felixvet.com/product/carprofen-soft-chewable-tablets/#https://www.felixvet.com/product/carprofen-soft-chewable-tablets/#

Introducing GumPaws: The First-Ever Gummy Supplements Exclusively for Dogs; Revolutionizing Dental Health for Pets Through Gummy Nutrition. News release. ZyG. March 4, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. 

FDA Announces New Drug for Treating Common Disease in Ornamental Pet Fish. News release. US Food & Drug Administration. April 8, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-announces-new-drug-treating-common-disease-ornamental-pet-fish?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Antech™ Launches RapidRead™ Dental, the AI-Powered Radiology Interpretation Tool Revolutionizing Veterinary Dentistry. News release. Antech Diagnostics. May 20, 2025. Accessed June 17, 2025. https://www.antechdiagnostics.com/press-release/antech-launches-rapidread-dental-the-ai-powered-radiology-interpretation-tool-revolutionizing-veterinary-dentistry/

A roundup of the latest products and innovative technology in veterinary medicine

Products+Services360: First drug for HCM, plus radiology interpretation tool

The emotional health of a pet can affect the quality of life for the patient and the caregiver. While some actions, such as tail wagging, are expressions of happiness, emotions like fear, stress, depression, and anxiety can manifest in a patient’s behavior with distressed responses or signs of discomfort.

Like in humans, emotions also affect a pet’s physical health. Poor mental health can take a physical toll on a pet. Anxiety can compromise the immune system, leading to a higher risk of illnesses and infections, while chronic stress has been linked to obesity, cardiac disease, and gastrointestinal conditions.

Commonly seen by small animal practitioners, separation anxiety can occur when pet owners are away from their animals, leading to distress. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC (IAACB), owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, noted in a continuing education session at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, that recording video of the patient at home is critical for identifying separation anxiety because the client and veterinary team can observe latency between an owner’s departure and the pet’s behaviors, which may include vocalizations.

A range of emotional responses can be triggered by fear and phobias. According to Pachel, there is “normal, appropriate” fear and responses that can intensify up to “significantly dangerous” to the individual and others in the vicinity.

The perception of fear for the patient has an identifiable trigger that causes distress and often results in a survival mode response. This response may reflect the patient’s past experiences.

A phobia is nonadaptive and may prompt persistent or excessive fear. Severity of the response may be out of context to the intensity of the stimulus, according to Pachel. Triggers can be discernible objects or situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or other sudden and loud noises.

Life changes such as a loss of an owner, divorce in the family, moving to a new house, and children growing up and leaving home, as well as chronic pain, can lead to depression in dogs.

 A loss of appetite, lethargy, and a lack of joy in activities can be signs.

Veterinary teams, animal behaviorists, and clients can all help promote emotional well-being in patients and pets. Educating clients about observed body language and how it correlates to distress triggers can increase empathy and attentiveness. This helps increase knowledge about a pet’s motivations for behavioral responses as well as what comforts them.

According to Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB, LSHC-S, a veterinary behaviorist serving the New England region with Calder Veterinary Behavior Services, defining behaviors with nonobjective labels such as aggressive, feisty, spicy, angry, and spiteful should be avoided. Objective terminology should be used instead to help identify the emotional state, such as describing body language cues.

These descriptions may include ear position, pupil size, tail position, body positioning, and other body language cues.

 For example, fear, phobias, and anxiety often lead to active or passive coping strategies.

According to Pachel, active responders are animals that are likely to move and try to escape the situation.

 “They’re pacing. They’re exit seeking. They’re panicking, but that’s manifesting as movement and more active strategies,” he said.

Other animals respond more passively. “They essentially freeze, hunker down, and respond more with immobility,” Pachel said.

Medical conditions can also be a contributing factor to perceived emotional distress, according to Pachel. In another lecture presented at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 conference, he noted that once a medical condition is ruled out, an appropriate treatment plan can be created.

A variety of intervention strategies can help manage and improve a patient’s emotions. These include nutrition, exercise, socialization, a safe environment, and comfort.

The food consumed by a companion animal affects their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, much like how food affects humans. A nutritious and balanced diet affects how a pet feels every day.

An enriching environment, such as the use of interactive toys, provides mental and physical stimulation. Outdoor spaces also allow for activities like running, jumping, and general play that help prevent boredom and reduce stress.

New spaces also provide access to exploration opportunities, which can be stimulating and help prevent fear.

According to Temple Grandin, PhD, MS, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, regularly and intentionally introducing a pet to unfamiliar individuals and places can train the animal not to fear the unknown by having them grow accustomed to new things.

Pets are exposed to a variety of senses and experiences through socialization. Regular exposure to different sounds, smells, and sights can facilitate confidence, resilience, and emotional stability.

Dog parks, playdates, and training classes allow engagement with other humans and animals, which can help their communication skills and the development of appropriate interactions. Spending time and engaging in activities with a pet also helps strengthen the human-animal bond.

Providing access to a safe environment is important for a pet’s peace of mind.

 Indoor living spaces can be enhanced for comfort with special bedding, favorite toys, and treats. A hiding spot, like a pantry closet, may be preferred for pets experiencing fear or phobia triggered by weather or fireworks, while others may prefer a more open space. Providing access to choices is key.

“What we find is that by giving animals the ability to choose between options that are meaningful for them—in this case, talking about meaningful because of safety or reduced exposure—that actually addresses some of the anxiety component,” Pachel said in a 

In a veterinary clinic, safe spaces may look like species-specific waiting areas, soundproofed exam rooms, and nonslip flooring.

According to Grandin and Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free, nonslip surfaces are important in clinics and at home. Shiny floors and surfaces with a glare can elicit fear in a patient since they are viewed as falling hazards. “I can’t emphasize enough [having a] nonslip floor. Animals panic when they start to slip and fall,” Grandin said in a keynote address with Becker at a Fetch dvm360 conference.

Commercial products such as Thundershirts or iCalmPet can help destress an animal by providing comfort. Allowing a pet a safe space with favorite items, such as blankets or toys, can also be beneficial. This may incorporate calming sounds, aromatherapy, and pheromones.

 In a clinic setting, soothing music and warming towels can also help create a calmer space, especially for cats, according to Calder.

Desensitization and counterconditioning can help manage emotions by modifying a patient’s response to phobia triggers such as noise. “This involves controlled exposure to noise below the stress response threshold and gradually increasing intensity, paired with positive reinforcement,” Pachel said.

Pharmaceuticals can be administered to ease a patient’s emotional distress. Pachel noted that maintenance medications are most useful for frequent and unpredictable triggers, while quickacting situational drugs help manage predictable, infrequent triggers.

Responding to a pet’s emotional needs and body language can have an impact on the human-animal bond by creating a deeper connection and fostering a sense of security. A stronger human-animal bond can affect behavior and emotional wellness and promote happiness.

The emotional well-being of dogs. Veterans with Dogs. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://veteranswithdogs.org.uk/news/the-emotional-well-being-of-dogs

Why is your dog’s mental health important? The Melrose Vet. October 26, 2023. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://themelrosevet.com/blog/1088226-why-is-your-dogs-mental-health-important 

Boatright K. Medical management considerations for separation anxiety. dvm360. April 12, 2025. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/medical-management-considerations-for-separation-anxiety

Pachel C. Canine noise phobia and the anxiety patient. Presented at: Fetch dvm360 conference; March 14-16, 2025; Charlotte, NC.

Study: pet owners struggle to spot depression, anxiety in dogs. CBS News. May 11, 2022. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/pet-owners-dogs-depression-anxiety-study/

Pet mental health: recognizing signs of anxiety and depression in pets. GeniusVets. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.geniusvets.com/pet-care/learn/pets/blog/pet-mental-health-recognizing-signs-anxiety-and-depression-pets

Calder CD. Enhancing well-being by minimizing stress. 

. March 21, 2024. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/enhancing-well-being-by-minimizing-stress

Coppock K. Practicing with care for the emotional well-being of animals. 

. March 17, 2024. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/practicing-with-care-for-the-emotional-wellbeing-of-animals

The joyful journey: nurturing your pets’ emotional well-being. Wellness Pet LLC. May 15, 2024. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/blog/the-joyful-journey-nurturing-your-pets-emotional-wellbeing/

Pachel C, Coppock Crossley K. Creating safe spaces to mitigate fear in pets. 

. April 16, 2025. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/creating-safe-spaces-to-mitigate-fear-in-pets

. May 29, 2024. Accessed May 15, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/calming-the-stressed-cat

A patient’s behaviors can serve as signs of distress, which may be managed with interventions