In today’s fast-moving tech world, a constellation of disruptive technologies is driving a digital revolution in animal health care. Many new technologies have quickly advanced the way animals are cared for. Innovations range from artificial intelligence (AI) designed for predictive diagnostics to Internet of Things (IoT)-based wearable devices that can monitor pets in real-time, and telemedicine enabling remote consultation to genomics aiding the formulation of personalized care routine. 

Surgical precision and data transparency are also being improved through robotics and blockchain. At the heart of many of these breakthroughs is a custom health care software development company, Appinventiv, that creates customized solutions to incorporate these advanced technologies into user-friendly interfaces.

Moreover, wearable devices are often overlooked during animal health care discussions, but they play a major role. These devices allow for early diagnosis and smarter treatments that help improve the overall health and well-being of animals. Whether dairy cows on smart farms or domestic cats, technology and AI are transforming animal care, giving veterinarians, researchers, farmers, and pet owners access to more accurate, personalized, and predictive health care for animals.

This article explores new tech innovations, including animal monitoring that can improve patient care, wearable animal devices, and other instruments redefining animal health.

AI: More accurate predictive care and diagnosis

AI powers numerous innovations in animal health care. It can examine intricate patterns from diagnostic images, genetic information, and even behavioral data through machine learning algorithms.

These AI algorithms can already outperform human specialists when interpreting s-rays and MRI or CT scans. Some algorithms can even discriminate fractures, tumors, or organ anomalies much faster than humans can, occasionally with improved accuracy.

 In livestock management, peripheral AI applications are capable of predicting disease outbreaks. For instance, in dairy farming, mastitis outbreaks can be predicted well ahead of time, allowing timely farmer intervention to avert escalation.

Some veterinary clinics have embraced AI-powered chatbots and virtual aides that are capable of triaging patients, managing appointment calendars, giving basic medical advice, and answering basic questions posed by clients.

Imagine a pet collar that could send a notification when an animal is stressed, sick, or has suffered an injury. All of this is made possible by IoT devices.

Smart pet collars and vests come with sensors that monitor a pet's vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and levels of activities. If something goes wrong, an alert is sent to your veterinarian or your phone.

Smart cattle ear tags, boluses, and ankle bracelets enable monitoring of herd health and aid in strategizing optimal feeding, fertility cycles, and disease management.

Specialized sensors can track temperature, humidity, and air quality in barns, taking care of animals' optimum conditions.

Telemedicine: Veterinary care without borders

Just like human health care services were transformed by telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, this virtual form of care is also changing how veterinarians interact with patients.

 Now, clients can book a video call with a veterinarian, making it smoother to seek expert opinions for minor issues, postoperative care, or second opinions.

Dedicated health care apps offer veterinary support around the clock to guide owners on whether an urgent visit is needed or whether home care will suffice.

With a health-record-based mobile app, owners can digitally store and share vaccination records, medications, and medical histories, facilitating communication between veterinarians and clients.

Genomics and precision medicine: Custom fit treatment at genetic sequencing level

One more change on the horizon is genomics—the study of an animal’s genetic code to optimize health care.

 Testing patients with a DNA testing kit can reveal specific traits in the animal, such as habits and allergies.

More sophisticated treatments are using stem cell therapy, using the animal’s own fat cells for enhanced efficacy.

Advanced genomic breeding for agricultural animals: 

Genomics enables the selective breeding of more productive and resilient agricultural animals, resulting in decreased overall diseases and improved profits.

Drones and surgical robots: Facilitating patient treatment and farming

Seen as a far-fetched dream not too long ago, robotics in animal health care is an everyday reality.

It enhances the skill of veterinary surgeons, and robotic arms are deployed during key-hole surgeries.

Drones are used for monitoring and controlling bovine households. Milking, cleaning barns, and even sickness detection are now automated.

Big data and predictive analytics: Powering proactive health

Animal health care generates vast amounts of data, from vet records to activity logs from wearables. Big data analytics transform this information into actionable insights.

By studying data across thousands of animals, we can identify emerging health risks and regional disease patterns.

Platforms like IDEXX use data to send customized wellness alerts to clients, nudging them about pet vaccinations, diet changes, or preventive screenings.

Big data help farmers monitor herd performance, detect productivity issues early, and optimize resources like feed and medication.

Blockchain technology: Safeguarding animal health records

Amid all the sensitive information being exchanged, blockchain technology offers a secure solution.

 Blockchain guarantees precision and accuracy in protecting an individual’s health record, including the vaccination and treatment history.

 In the case of animal husbandry and food production, blockchain monitors an animal’s life cycle from birth through its life until it’s sold, enhancing food safety and traceability.

The road ahead: A smarter, healthier future

The fusion of these technologies isn’t happening in isolation—it’s creating a synergistic ecosystem where AI analyzes IoT data, telemedicine uses big data insights, and genomics informs personalized care plans.

Imagine this scenario: A farmer receives a mobile alert from a smart collar indicating early symptoms of illness in a cow. An AI diagnostic platform analyzes the data, suggests preventive measures, and schedules a telemedicine consultation—all automatically, in real time. Blockchain secures the treatment record for future reference.

This is no longer science fiction—it’s the emerging reality of next-gen animal health care.

Digital transformation in animal health care is giving new meaning to animal wellness, surpassing simple treatment. AI, IoT, telemedicine, genomics, and blockchain are advancing care in a more intelligent, rapid, and compassionate manner.

Pet owners, farmers, and veterinarians who adopt these technologies are not just innovating—they are forging a new, sustainable frontier for every creature, regardless of their size. While these technologies continue to progress, it is certain that the future of animal health care will rely on both intelligent systems and caring hearts for optimal balance.

 is a seasoned digital strategist and writer with more than a decade of experience in health care technology, software development, and digital transformation. Based in New York, Hawke has collaborated with leading organizations, providing insights into how emerging technologies like AI, IoMT, and blockchain are reshaping the health care industry. His articles have explored topics ranging from telemedicine advancements to custom health care software solutions, offering actionable insights for industry leaders.

Appinventiv. Appinventiv. Accessed May 1, 2025. 

Articles

A breakdown of the latest technologies advancing animal health care, from artificial intelligence–driven diagnostics and IoT devices to genomics, telemedicine, and blockchain

Next-gen technologies that are transforming animal health care

Mexico has agreed to eliminate restrictions on USDA aircraft, and waive customs duties on equipment that is aiding in the campaign to prevent the spread of New World screwworm (NWS). The agreement announced by US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins on April 30, 2025, ensures ports remain open to livestock imports.

“I am happy to share Mexico has continued to partner in emergency efforts to eradicate the New World screwworm. This pest is a devastating threat to both of our economies, and I am pleased to work together with Mexico in good faith to protect the livelihoods of our ranchers and producers who would have been hurt by this pest,” Rollins said in a news release.

According to the USDA, NWS is a “devastating pest” that infests warm-blooded animals. This parasitic fly lays larvae that burrow into the flesh of living animals that include livestock, pets, wildlife, birds and, in rare cases, humans. These maggots cause severe wounds and complications that can lead to death.

Screwworms: when the larvae don’t care about boundaries

The new agreement was made after Rollins pushed for a resolution of port restrictions in a letter addressed to Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Julio Antonio Berdegué Sacristan on April 26, 2025.

 The letter outlined the negative impact on efforts to curtail the spread of NWS from restrictions for aircraft operated by the USDA that are “uniquely equipped to conduct the high-volume, precision aerial releases required to suppress and eliminate the NWS population” as well as “substantial import duties on critical aviation parts, dispersal equipment, and sterile fly shipments.

“These delays and costs not only disrupt operations but risk delaying aircraft deployment at the precise moment when rapid action is needed most,” according to the letter. “Time is of the essence. Every delay in granting full operational authority and eliminating customs barriers undermines our collective ability to carry out this emergency response.”

The letter from Rollins requested operational clearance for certain aircraft, import clearance and duty waivers for aircraft parts and other supplies related to the NWS eradication campaign, and a designated high-level point of contact that could work with the USDA to remove remaining regulatory and bureaucratic obstacles. The correspondence also threatened restriction on animal importation from Mexico including live cattle, bison, and horses if an agreement resolving the issues outlined was not made with the US by April 30, 2025.

According to the USDA, port closures will be revisited if the terms of the new agreement with Mexico are not upheld.

 “At USDA we are working every day to keep pests and disease from harming our agricultural industry. I thank our frontline USDA staff and their counterparts in Mexico for their work to ensure the screwworm does not harm our livestock industry,” Rollins said in the release.

Veterinarians can help manage the risk of screwworm infestation by continuing to prescribe year-round isoxazolines for indoor and outdoor pets, according to Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, in a 

. Vigilance is also key, Lee noted, and involves a patient’s travel history, clinical presentation, and identifying the parasite.

Adult screwworms are the approximate size of a common housefly. They are identifiable by orange eyes, a metallic or green body, and 3 dark stripes on their backs, according to the USDA.

 Lee said NWS can also be identified by the “prominent hooks on its anterior end— imagine a vampire maggot.” He noted that although many maggots have hooks, they are large on NWS.

Mammals and birds with screwworm larvae infestation may show signs that include irritated behavior, head shaking, and a smell of decay.

 Signs of infestation as well as evidence of fly strike and the presence of maggots in wounds should be reported by animal health professionals to state animal health officials and APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge, and by animal owners to their veterinarian.

United States and Mexico reach agreement to resume eradication efforts on New World Screwworm. News release. USDA. April 30, 2025.

New World screwworm. US Department of Agriculture. April 3, 2025. Accessed May 1, 2025. https:// 

www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cattle/ticks/screwworm

Lee C. Screwworms: when the larvae don’t care about boundaries. April 11, 2025. Accessed May 1, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/screwworms-when-the-larvae-don-t-care-about-boundaries

The agreement also ensures ports remain open to livestock imports

US-Mexico agreement allows screwworm eradication efforts to resume

Caring Pathway's veterinarians Chelsea McGivney, DVM, and Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP, discuss end of life care in veterinary medicine with host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA

Leveling up end-of-life care: Excellence, compassion, and the future of veterinary hospice

presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, invited special guests Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP; and Chelsea McGivney, DVM, from Caring Pathways to chat about issues related to end-of-life care and how to make this painful process as easy and comfortable for clients and patients. Throughout the episode, they discuss why referrals for euthanasia can help maintain relationships between clients and veterinarians, the need for more geriatric pet education for clients, and the American Animal Hospital Association. 

Below is a partial transcript, edited lightly for clarity

We know that regular vet clinics, regular GPS, they don't have the time to have these slowed-down, extended, you know, conversations with these families, whereas our average appointment time is 1 to 2 hours to have one conversation with a family about: Where's your pet out now? What are your goals for them? What are your goals for yourself? And what plan can we put together to make sure that we're supporting everybody, always keeping that pet's quality of life front and center? so absolutely, sometimes we end up referring back to the regular practitioner based on the client's goals and how their pet is doing. So it truly is. We approach it as a partnership and just wish that more people would think of us as those end-of-life care specialists, right? If you've reached the end of your knowledge with regards to how to support this pet, send it over. Send it over to the specialists,

Right? And hopefully, with a podcast like this, and all the great education that Caring Pathways is providing, will help move that momentum a little bit further, because it definitely needs to happen and... I'm curious about the human-animal bond. It has changed, I think, for the better, with where we are now, like we really have such great joy with it, but it can be significantly stressed or sometimes reinforced during end-of-life care, and this can open or close doors to future pet adoption. So, share with us your thoughts on that.

Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP:

  I think the human-animal bond is is such a powerful force, and when emotions are so high and we're dealing with so many different family members with the same pet and so many different relationships, it can be really difficult, because everybody takes in information, makes decisions differently, and so part of our role is to try to get that family on the same page. So usually the primary caregiver is the one that may feel that human-animal bond being really stressed, and maybe even other relationships in the house being stressed because of the amount of caregiving that they're they're having to do for their pet. 

We really want to look at what we can do to change our treatment plan, to incorporate things like massage and some hands-on therapies that can help reinforce that bond and provide comfort to the pet, but not put additional strain on that that primary caregiver, and help open communication about that, because we hear so much either at euthanasia appointments, but even during this caregiving process that at the time, families are not willing to go through this again because it's so hard. 

They pour so much love and so much effort and and so much time into these pets. And when we do have a strain on that relationship, it can be hard to justify doing that again. And so if we can help lessen that burden and create a bit more closure and make this a true end-of-life experience for the family, instead of an event that they remember in a traumatic way, I think we can. We can help with that grieving process and maybe make them a little bit more open to going through that for future pets and other family members will be open to that in the future.

On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, the Caring Pathways team joins Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to talk all about end-of-life care 

Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), discusses several advantages to using an SGLT2 inhibitor in cats compared to insulin

Pros of SGLT2 inhibitors for cats with diabetes

Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), a consultant at Veterinary Information Network, talks about advantages of using sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in cats with diabetes. She encourages veterinarians to consider this new class of drugs, as they can have high efficacy.

Below is a partial transcript, lightly edited for clarity:

Ellen Behrend, VMD, PhD, MS, DACVIM (SAIM):

 I think there's a few...advantages to using an SGLT2 inhibitor in cats. One is this is oral, and although I know a lot of veterinarians feel that it's way easier to give an injection to a cat than an oral medication, remember, owners don't feel that way.

In one study, I think it was about 40% of owners...were really scared about giving injections to their diabetic pet—wasn't necessarily a cat—so, having an oral medication for owners is a big advantage. If you read the package insert, it says that the medication should not be given with a meal for both of them. And really, what they mean is that the medication should not be given with a 

 meal, because you want to make sure that the cat is going to eat everything and get the full dose of medication at one time. So, you can mix the pill, hide it in a small amount of food, or you can mix the liquid in with the small amount of food and give it to the cat that way if that's easier for the owner, or it can go directly into the mouth.

Another big advantage is that it's once a day, and it doesn't matter what time of day. You do have to be relatively consistent. You don't have to be as consistent as we are with insulin, like you know, they can pick a time and give the medication 2 hours or so on either side every day and it's their choice what time that medication is given. Also, it doesn't have to be paired with food. So whether or not you meal-feed a diabetic cat or let them eat free, choice is somewhat controversial.

I still recommend meal feedings, which I'm not going to get into. But whichever way you go, it doesn't matter. The cat can eat when it wants—it doesn't matter. It has to still be eating. It can meal feed. It can feed, you know, as it wants, graze throughout the day. It can eat multiple meals throughout the day. As long as the cat is eating, it can eat whenever it wants to eat.

And then the monitoring is such a big difference as well, because we don't have to do glucose curves unless it's an odd situation in a cat on an SGLT2 inhibitor alone.

An advantage of insulin is we feel comfortable with it. I mean, a lot of people don't like [managing patients with diabetes], and diabetes, honestly, as an endocrinologist, is my least favorite endocrine disease. I find them just as challenging as you do, probably, but we're comfortable with insulin at this point. So it's easier to go in your comfort zone, but I think it's worthwhile trying these drugs in cats, because they really can be quite remarkable with their efficacy.

Videos

Pros of using SGLT2 inhibitors for cats with diabetes

The Skin Relief dry dog food by Rayne Nutrition, a pet food company focusing on whole food nutrition formulated by veterinarians, is being relaunched, according to a recent announcement by the company. The relaunched dry dog food is designed to support dogs with atopic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, and other dermatologic conditions.

A whole food diet, Skin Relief can only be purchased by veterinarians. According to Rayne Nutrition, the diet was formulated by board-certified veterinarians and PhD veterinary nutritionists, and addresses an unmet need for treating atopic dermatitis in patients.

“The clinically-backed ingredients in Skin Relief provide a multi-indication nutrition solution making it appropriate to aid in the management of atopic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, obesity, early-stage congestive heart failure, and acute and chronic pancreatitis,” Rayne Nutrition wrote in a company release.

According to a survey of skin relief dry dog food purchasers conducted by Rayne Nutrition, 92% of participating pet owners observed healthy stools in their dogs while feeding Skin Relief. Eight percent noted improved fecal consistency. Additionally, 82% of respondents reported great or improving joint health, and 72% said their dog’s skin and coat appeared healthy or were visibly improving.

"We know how frustrating skin issues can be for dogs, pet owners, and veterinary teams. In my 40+ years of veterinary medicine, I've never seen a one-size-fits-all solution to treating dogs' skin,” Anthony DeCarlo, VMD, CEO of Rayne Nutrition, said in a company release.

 According to Rayne Nutrition, 75% of pet owners who consult their general practice veterinarian more than 3 times for their dog’s skin condition experience a tipping point of frustration.

Skin Relief dry dog food. (Image courtesy of Rayne Nutrition)

“Skin Relief was developed to offer a diet with whole food, minimally-processed ingredients for veterinarians that reduces the risk of exposure to common food allergens while supporting the skin barrier and immune system with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients," DeCarlo continued.

In dogs, atopic dermatitis represents one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with up to 15% of the canine population potentially being impacted by atopic dermatitis and 58% of dogs with a skin disease having atopic dermatitis.

 According to Sandy Valverde, DVM, CCRT the head of the independent Rayne Clinical Advisory Team (CAT), the diet is not only suitable for patients with atopic dermatitis, but also canines with osteoarthritis or weight concerns. “The diet is formulated to help manage atopic dermatitis in dogs and it's a higher protein, lower fat option than other comparable products making it a great choice for patients with weight concerns or osteoarthritis,” Valverde said in a news release.

Additionally, Skin Relief contains the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from white fish and marine microalgae.

 According to Rayne Nutrition, undersaturated Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to decrease pruritus and inflammation.

The diet, which meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements for adult maintenance, may be suitable for long-term use in healthy adult and senior dogs. “With high protein, increased micronutrient levels, and lower fat and sodium content Skin Relief is likely suitable for long-term feeding in many healthy adult and senior dogs,” noted the company.

Rayne Nutrition relaunches Skin Relief dry dog food to support dogs with atopic dermatitis and food sensitivities. News release. April 30, 2025. Accessed April 30, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rayne-nutrition-relaunches-skin-relief-dry-dog-food-to-support-dogs-with-atopic-dermatitis-and-food-sensitivities-302441487.html

Santoro D. Therapies in canine atopic dermatitis. 

Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

. 2019;49(1):9-26. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2018.08.002

Skin Relief dry dog food by Rayne Nutrition was designed to help with the management of atopic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, and more

Dry dog food supporting patients with atopic dermatitis is relaunched

is taking a look at content that provides information and inspiration for practicing sustainability in veterinary medicine. These articles feature a unique initiative by Mars Petcare, a study on how sustainability practices in the pet food industry can influence consumers, and technologies that can be used by clinics to help save money and the environment.

Pet food manufacturing facility will become Australia’s first 100% renewable steam plant

Written by Abi Bautista-Alejandre, Assistant Editor

Mars Petcare’s Wodonga site will implement a fully renewable energy system for both electricity and steam production by 2026. The initiative, which requires a $39.9 million investment, was inspired by Mars’ “net zero emissions by 2050” commitment.

Written by Miranda Morman, BS, PharmD Candidate

A recent study explored how large companies producing meals for animals communicate their sustainability practices. Using sustainability to advertise products influences consumer behaviors and brand perception.

Creating an affordable eco-friendly clinic

Many technologies provide a quick return on investment, ultimately saving money. Beyond saving money, focusing on a sustainable design can help veterinarians provide a better standard of care for their patients.

Read these articles to learn about eco-friendly initiatives and environmentally conscious methods that can be incorporated into clinical practice