Purina Institute Summit Shifts Veterinary Focus Toward Proactive Care

The summit centered on the theme "Proactive, Not Reactive," emphasizing that earlier intervention remains the most effective way to manage pet health. Dr. Marianne Lomberg, global head of the Purina Institute, noted that the event aimed to equip practitioners with strategies to make prevention more achievable within the constraints of daily clinical work. Sessions highlighted that successful preventive care relies on making recommendations simple, specific, and realistic for owners to implement during routine visits like wellness checks or vaccinations.

Key discussions shifted toward treating client communication as a core clinical skill, encouraging teams to address potential barriers—such as cost—by offering practical alternatives. The event also underscored the necessity of individualized care plans that account for pet owner values and information habits. Beyond communication, experts explored the integration of modern tools into daily practice, ranging from nutrition and weight management—backed by the Purina Life Span Study—to emerging biomarkers and connected technologies like smart feeders and activity monitors. All sessions from the two-day event are now accessible for on-demand viewing at globalsummit2026.purinainstitute.com.