Theory of Pets Podcast

Hi there, welcome to the Theory of Pets Podcast. I'm your host Connor Knight.

Join us on this enlightening episode as we delve into the world of canine nutrition and the growing concern of over-supplementation in our furry friends.

We explore the potential dangers and health issues caused by excessive vitamins and minerals in dog diets.

Our special guest, Will Bohuslavizki the co-founder of PetMatrx shed light on their innovative approach to tackling this problem, promoting optimal canine health through their groundbreaking products and strategies.

Don't miss this essential conversation for pet owners and dog lovers alike, as we uncover the key to a happier, healthier life for man's best friend!

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Hi there! Welcome to The Theory of Pets Podcast Episode number 136.

Today we got an awesome topic to discuss and I am super excited to go over it with you!

I think its important for everyone to understand what they're getting into with larger dog breeds when they want to adopt! I personally want a second dog and would like a larger breed.

I dug and did some research and discuss this with Dr. Kingsley today about what you need to be prepared for health issues wise if you do get a large breed. Fortunately, a lot of these issues can be prevented.

Enjoy!

This episode is sponsored by BetterVet, mobile veterinary care for happier pets! From wellness visits to surgery, BetterVet has you and your pet covered in locations across the U.S. BetterVet is excited to announce that they are now serving pets and pet parents in the Los Angeles area, and to celebrate, they are offering $50 off your first home visit exclusively for Top Dog Tips listeners when you register for a new account. Use Promo TOPDOGTIPS to fetch this offer!

Joint Issues

Hip Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia

Arthritis

Panosteitis

Neurological Problems

Wobbler syndrome

Heart And Organ Problems

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Hypothyroidism

Aortic Stenosis

Bloat or GDV

Eye Problems

Entropion

Ectropion

Cherry Eye

Questions:

What kind of joint issues do larger dogs go through?

Neurological problems?

Heart and Organ?

Eye Problems?

It sounds like larger breeds are prone to more health issues that medium and smaller dogs, is that true?

Why do you think that is?

Let’s say someone is interested in getting a larger breed what kind of general caveats would you give them to help them make sure their dog lives a long and happy life?

Would you recommend they get pet insurance?

What kind of recommendations would you give for large dog breed owners to proof their house in a way that helps the large dog lives a long life?

Would you say less jumping off of things

Build/buy ramps instead of stairs where possible for home and car?

What is the most common cause of hip dysplasia from a vet’s perspective?

How much of nutrition and genetics play into it?

What is the cause of wobbler’s syndrome?

Why are bigger breeds more prone to GDV or bloat?

Is it bc of the level of their water bowls? Eating food too fast?

Some of these sound super preventable and some of these just sound like the roll of the dice.

What breeds are more prone to the roll of the dice health problems?

What is your recommendation for preventing the joint issues or I guess slowing it down?

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Hi there everyone! Welcome to the Theory of Pets Podcast thank you all for joining us today!

Today I am joined by Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley and we are talking about dental health!

Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterVet, mobile veterinary care for happier pets!

They are offering a limited time offer for Theory of Pet listeners. If you sign up at bettervet.com use the promo code: TOPDOGTIPS to get $50 off their

Here are some of the topics we discuss:

How important is dental hygiene for dogs?

Can it be a life threatening situation or is it more commonly a mild scenario?

Why do dog’s teeth become full of plaque and tartar vs when they lived in the wild

a. It just doesnt seem like a common cause to die from periodontal disease before we domesticated them

How much does their diet play into the tooth decay?

Let’s start out the gate with being able to provide value to our listeners. How often should you brush a dog’s teeth or have their teeth brushed?

What are the best tooth brushes?

Does brushing your dog’s teeth actually work?

a. It seems like it’s pretty difficult and tedious to get the dog to sit still to brush their teeth

How dangerous is sedating a dog for a dental cleaning?

If they were to get a dental cleaning vs owner brushing their teeth how often would you recommend

I’ve heard that dental hygiene affects everything downstream including digestion in humans is it the same for dogs?

What can happen to dogs if they do not get their teeth cleaned

How bad can periodontal disease get?

What is the cost for teeth removal?

Does teeth removal even cure periodontal disease?

Can a dog live a normal life without teeth?

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Hey there everyone! Welcome to The Theory of Pets Podcast

I'm your host, Connor Knight. I am the President of our company Top Dog Tips.

You can check us out at topdogtips.com

Today we are going to be talking about winter risks and what you need to know as a pet owner and how to be prepared for them!

So winter is coming up and what are the most common problems you see from pet owners when winter comes around, and let’s say fall for some areas bc I know it gets pretty cold in certain parts of the country in fall
I have a short haired dog, what is the coldest she would be able to go outside in?
1. Do a lot of dog owners that live in cold places have short haired dogs?
  1. Is that dangerous for the dog
What should I be putting on my dog if it is pretty cold outside to protect them
How cold is too cold
1. Long hair
2. Double coat
3. Short hair
Let’s say we get snowed in for a few days and I cannot walk my dog except maybe taking them out
1. How do i go about making sure they stay entertained and get good exercise physically and mentally
If my pet is less physically active do I need adjust their calories?
I live in the city and walk my dog on the sidewalks in the dead of Winter, what’s the right way to protect their paw pads?
Should I be putting on the funny dog clothing during winter?
1. Is there actual practicality other than anthropomorphizing my dog?
Let’s say its 10-15 degrees outside
1. Both my dog and cat are outdoor animals, but obviously it isn’t safe. However I want them to get a little if any exposure outside
  1. How long can they be outside before it becomes risky
Are there any viruses or pests people should be aware of during winter for their pet?

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Hi there! Welcome to the Theory of Pets Podcasts! We started this podcast to uncover truths in the pet industry.

Today I am joined by Robin Bennett. Robin Bennett has been a dog behavioralist trainer for over 30 years.

After successfully running her own behavior training business, she started a business that teaches doggy daycares how to understand dog behavior and body language. Enter the Dog Gurus.

After that she decided again to evolve her business into a recent venture called Ruffly Speaking!

This is a platform where you get access to years of experience from dog behavior trainers and they also help educate dog owners like you and I make the best buying decisions for our pets.

In today's podcast we talk about dog behavior and she drops some golden nuggets in certain scenarios that I felt would be valuable to touch on for you all. Give it a listen!

Here are the questions I ask her today:

Tell everyone a bit about you and your story and what you did before ruffly speaking
How would your sessions go with clients, walk me through the individual clients and the questions you would ask them when you would work with individuals
You also trained owners and employees how to run doggy daycares
1. Why did you start doing that?
Now let’s start digging into ruffly speaking
1. Why did you create it?
  1. What did you see that was missing that you could fulfill for people with your background
  2. With ruffly speaking what will people get that they don’t normally have access to?
    1. What is the difference between ruffly speaking and a typical facebook group or a local dog trainer?
  3. What problem do you see in the pet ownership world it solving?
What is the biggest thing you see that people miss when they get a dog and the dog does a behavior their owner does not like or approve of
Tell us about the behavior of dogs from your experience and perspective
1. What about them that makes it easy to understand them
2. What about dog’s behavior that you understand and teach people can how their dogs are going to behave
What is your philosophy in dog training?
1. Why do you have that approach?
2. We’ve talked off camera about the “balanced training” approach (rewarding dogs when they do something right, and correcting them when they do something wrong), why do you think it isn’t as effective as positive reinforcement
  1. What is wrong with “balanced training”?
How should people seek out dog training
1. Quick little checklist so they get it right
How can people sign up for ruffly speaking?
Where else can people find you on social media?

I personally started using Ruffly Speaking's platform and it has a wealth of knowledge, I HIGHLY recommend if you are a dog owner that you sign up. It'll be the best investment in building your relationship with your pup.

It's $19.99/mo. if you are interested, make sure to sign up using this link: https://tz203.isrefer.com/go/rufflyspeaking/topdogtips

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Hi there, welcome to the Theory of Pets Podcast where we uncover the truths about the pet industry! I am your host, Connor Knight!

Today we are going to be looking at basic how care for a new dog and training from a veterinarian's perspective. The guest today is none other than Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley.

She has been a wealth of knowledge continuously coming on the podcast and sharing what she knows with us!

This episode goes on a deep dive so listen in!

Here is the lay out of the questions I ask:

So there are some basic guidelines for pet owners and new pet owners on how much physical and mental activity with dogs. You have trainers saying that they need mental stimulation and physical stimulation in order to be happy
1. HOW MANY MINUTES PER DAY SHOULD DOGS BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE AND HOW MANY MINUTES SHOULD THEY BE ACTIVE MENTALLY
  1. Outside of nutrition, how much do you think mental stimulation and physical exercise plays into how long a dog can live?
Let’s talk about hygiene, dogs clean themselves for the most part, in the wild they never really would get baths except for the occasional dip into a river I guess.

And you know it’s funny bc people like to anthropomorphize their dogs.

There’s this whole movement out there where people don’t shampoo their hair bc they believe it strips the oils from their hair, however, for dogs word has been going around that there are definitely some shampoos that cause itchy skin problems and dry skin issues.

My question is how often should dogs be bathed, if at all?
1. It sounds gross but my Dad, he’ll give his dog a bath maybe once a year. But if you smell her she doesn’t smell at all really. She maybe has had one skin issue bc she runs around outside and got bit by something, but other than that her coat is perfectly healthy.
We’ve talked about nutrition before and if people want to go listen to a deep dive into nutrition go listen to podcast #128
1. What kind of dog food would you recommend, and if you could recommend homemade, or raw dog food and people could afford it would you recommend that over commercial dog food, and why?
Now let’s move into training, this is a big topic bc it’s kind of this area where there’s these dog trainers that have no background in science for the most part BUT THEY HAVE 10, 20, 30 years in training dogs so they are considered experts.
1. From a veterinary perspective what is the best protocol you would recommend to follow for a training program for a new dog, adult dog, and a senior dog (if needed at all)
2. Do you think senior dogs need to be trained?
  1. I definitely do, my girlfriend she has a 17 year old dog who has some questionable habits and I try to train him, but it’s a lot of work so i don’t think im qualified to mold him like I was able to with my dog when she was a puppy
3. How should people be going about finding the “right” training. In your opinion who are the best trainers and who should people trust
  1. What are your thoughts on balanced training (takes into both positive and negative reinforcement) similar to that of a little kid
  2. What are your thoughts on ONLY positive reinforcement training?
    1. Do you think it is as effective to only reward the dog when they do something good and never correct them when they do something bad?
Okay let’s move from basic training to more behavioral training
1. Ideally let’s say someone has a new puppy, how should they be going about introducing them to environments, other dogs, external things that might be frightening
2. Let’s talk about dog’s that are super fearful and have a bad reaction to things
  1. There’s a type of training that talks about exposure to the thing they hate or fear
    1. Is it inhumane to continually do this if they eventually get over the fear?
3. Veterinary Behaviorists
  1. When is it time to go from a dog trainer to a veterinarian
    1. And what should people look for when trying to find a great veterinary behaviorist
When is it appropriate to opt for medication as a solution to behavioral problems
1. What do people get wrong about opting for medication as a solution to behavioral problems like anxiety
Let’s talk about CBD
1. Everyone i know in the veterinary field dances around this topic
  1. Why is that?
  2. Have you seen any positive results from your clients using CBD for anxiety?

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Hey everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

Today I will have Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley back on for a three-peat or four-peat?

We are going to be talking about Mobile Veterinary Care, and she goes on a deep dive on Veterinary House Calls.

Here are the questions and topics I cover today:

So there’s this recent trend in the pet industry for house calls and mobile vet care. How did that come about?
1. Was this how veterinary care used to be?
2. When did BetterVet start?
  1. Who came up with the idea
Why has mobile vet care become so popular?
So I might not be happy with my current veterinarian, how would I find and choose a mobile veterinary care
1. Is there anything different in standard costs?
  1. Outside of the care being done in your home, what is the difference in the quality of service?
2. Is it more expensive?
3. Can a mobile vet service prescribe the same treatments and prescriptions as a normal vet office?
What if my dog needs something more serious like emergency attention or service?
1. How quick is it to get them to the location they need vs bringing a dog into a vet’s office surgery
How difficult is it for people that live in gated communities to have a mobile vet service come to their house?
1. If there is an emergency, does a vet need to come through the gate to the house or does the pet owner and vet meet at a designated location for the emergency service?
Tell me about telemedicine side of BetterVet
1. Are you able to diagnose anything over zoom, or does the vet need to physically be handling the dog before any action steps are taken for treating and solving any problems with their dog
So give me the run down of all the services BetterVet can provide for people
Where do you see the trend going as far as mobile veterinary service as an industry
How does BetterVet set itself apart from it’s competitors, since the trend is going more mobile
1. What obstacles do you see your competitors having to overcome to outperform BetterVet?
I heard through the grapevine that BetterVet is coming out with a veterinary nutrition department. Does BetterVet provide veterinary nutritionists as well?

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Hi there! Thank you everyone for joining me today.

My name is Connor Knight I am the president at Top Dog Tips and the co-host of the Theory of Pets Podcast.

Today we have a special guest from Embark Vet. Her name is Jenna Dockweiler.

She is a veterinary geneticist.

Today we are going to be doing a deep dive on proper breeding practices.

Here are some of the questions I ask:

Now I see your job is a veterinary geneticist at Embark Vet
1. What does a veterinary geneticist do and how is there some overlap with your roles and the idea of responsible breeding?
2. And I saw that you were a board certified theriogenologist that specializes in animal reproduction, and canine rehab. Tell us a little about veterinary acupuncture. It’s quite a new topic for me. What are some of the benefits?
3. Can you explain to me about “purebreeds” why are they so coveted if there are a lot of health problems that come with those types of dogs
4. Can you tell me about the process of a breeder and how careful they have to be to prevent any health issues?
  1. What kind of measures do they have to take?
What does it mean to be a "good breeder"?
1. What kind of training have good breeders undergone to be considered a good breeder?
2. What are your thoughts of rescue vs. choosing a breeder?
Where are the best places to start when looking for a breeder?
What are the top questions to ask when selecting a breeder?
1. What kind of expenses should one expect to be taken care of before purchasing from a breeder?
What questions should I expect a reputable breeder to ask me?
How do I find out which health tests my breed needs?
How much should I expect to spend?
How long should I expect to wait?
What should I consider if I am looking to breed my dog?
I have found a breeder - how do I look into them further?

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Hey Everyone! Welcome to the Theory of Pets Podcast.

I am your co-host, Connor Knight, and the President of Top Dog Tips.

Today we are going to brush up on some controversial topics and questions.

Commercial Dog Food Recently, commercial dog food has been intensely scrutinized for its process of providing cheap and affordable dog food at scale.

To do this at their level, many believe the dog food companies cut corners and lack quality control.

We will go through some tough questions, and you'll hear direct answers from a veterinarian, so stay tuned!

Here are some of the questions we tackle:

How did homemade dog food come about?

What is the difference between raw dog food and homemade dog and cat food?

What is considered healthier between the two?

What are your thoughts on carbohydrates being included in their diet?

What are the important vitamins and minerals that need to be included in those diets that commercial dog foods claim to have?

What is the issue with commercial dog foods?

Is the controversy valid that commercial dog foods lack qc and cut corners on protein sources?

What are your thoughts on the past decade of controversy that commercial dog food has come under?

What exactly do dogs and cats need nutrition on a general rule of thumb?

What are extreme home recipes?

What are middle-of-the-road home recipes?

Does a dog need carbohydrates?

How much more expensive is it for owners to switch to homemade dog food or raw food compared to kibble?

What are your thoughts on some of the higher-end kibble dog food?

Do they hit all the nutrients that a dog needs?

What are your thoughts on the synthetic vitamins and amino acids added to commercial dog foods?

Me: I am not a vet but I took a course that was designed by a veterinarian that taught me how to read dog food labels and talked about how these synthetic vitamins and minerals work and how they act differently than the real vitamins and minerals dogs and cats get in food.

What are the health benefits of homemade dog and cat food?

The best advice, work with a nutritionist. https://acvn.org/

What are the potential health downsides of homemade dog and cat food?

I learned that salmonella already exists in the gut of some healthy dogs, so would you say outside of that is there really any risk to the dog?

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Hey there everyone! My name is Connor Knight and I am the President of Top Dog Tips. I currently

Thank you again for tuning into our podcast. And thank you for your continued support of the channel.

Today we will be discussing the confusing and misunderstood topic of vaccines for dogs.

Here is the previous podcast w/ Dr. Kingsley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w7ShS7lKSg

The person that will be answering all of my questions about vaccines for dogs is Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley.

Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley is the Chief of Staff of the Bettervet.com. Better Vet is a mobile veterinary service that brings vet care to your home.

Which means, yes, these veterinarians perform house calls.

Better Vet offers very basic care all the way up to more minor services like surgery and teeth extraction. Check them out at bettervet.com for your next dog's vet visit.

Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley has been practicing since 2015, and her practice currently resides in Austin, Texas.

She has worked with hundreds and thousands of domestic pets during her tenure and is very well versed in discussing vaccines.

Some of the things I ask Dr. Kingsley are:

How did vaccines start? Where did they originate?

So why should people get their dogs vaccinated?

Were there any vaccines that didn’t work or were recalled?

What are core and non-core vaccines?

Which vaccines are ones that all dogs should have? (core vaccines) Why?

Do you recommend different vaccines for breed, age, lifestyle?

Even if a breed is more prone, do you still recommend vaccine if their lifestyle limits that exposure? - Which vaccines are important for west a. Midwest b. Northeast c. Southeast

What are the differences in vaccines dogs and cats should have

How does their indoor or outdoor frequency change what vaccines you would recommend?

Is over-vaccination a thing in dogs? Why is overvaccination happening?

What can happen when a dog is over-vaccinated?

Can a dog recover from being over-vaccinated? I even think my dog got one of these vaccines back to back years.

Can you explain why vets continue to vaccinate yearly or even every three years if this is the case for these kinds of vaccines?

What complications can come from over-vaccination?

Can some vaccines cause cancer?

Enjoy the podcast!

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Hi there everyone!

Thank you again for tuning into this next episode of the Theory of Pets Podcast!

Today I am joined by Julie Napolitano. Julie is the owner of the company Puppington!

Julie started the company in 2019 and it was originally called Pup Wax.

Pup Wax is a balm/moisturizer that is her original flagship product.

She came up with the product formulation after being fed up with the typical general balm or moisturizer in the pet industry at the time.

She talks in the podcast about how almost all of them had some harmful ingredients in the mixture.

This led her to constantly doing research and studying what the best ingredients would be for making sure her dog's nose and paws were protected and moisturized.

Enter Pup Wax, and since then she has recently rebranded the company into what is now known as Puppington.

She has expanded her product line to chews for immunity and calming effects.

Today we are going to talk about how she got started, her background, and some of the biggest lessons she learned building an e-commerce business geared towards pets from scratch!

It's going to be a great episode so stay tuned!

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Hey everyone, my name is Connor Knight and I am the President of Top Dog Tips.

Today, I am joined by Dr. Lyndsey Kingsley with BetterVet and we are going to talk about beating the Summer Time Heat!

We all think of taking a dip in the pool, or going to the beach, or having a couple of beers on the boat, or a nice summer cookout!

However, if you're a dog owner, you know you're about to get that notice from your vet for their heartworm checkup. Believe it or not there are a host of other things that can come with summertime heat depending on where you live.

And we're here to talk about them:

tools for keeping dogs cool in the heat (towels/bandanas, a cooler, pool time for dogs, ice cubes, cooling vests/collars/pads)
common pests and animals to watch out for

a. what diseases can be passed and treatments

loud noises: thunder, 4th of July
water quality depending on where you live, how to let them enjoy the lake, ocean, and pool

All this good info is just in time for summer! Enjoy!

As a side note, we have recently partnered with BetterVet for a series together.

We wanted to be able to provide expert advice on pet ownership and felt that BetterVet is the one to do it.

BetterVet is a mobile veterinary service.

This means yes, vets making house calls.

With a wide range of experience in several different states, we feel they can have their ear to the ground about the best way to handle some of the toughest challenges we face as pet owners.

BetterVet handles all forms of care from vaccines to teeth removal, and spaying and neutering your dog!

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Today! We are doing a long-format video because we are reviving our podcast!

We originally had prioritized other goals after August of 2020, but we are back now!

We will have podcasts in the future with Samantha, and me along with other guests.

My name is Connor Knight, her co-host of the Theory of Pets Podcast. We are joined today by Janet from Lovin Bowl. She currently runs a local homemade dog food company and she serves her clients through local delivery or by having it delivered to other locations around the country.

She has been feeding her dogs a homemade diet their whole lives and is here to talk about her personal experience of cooking her dog's homemade dog food.

She currently has 3 dogs, two of which are a Rhodesian ridgeback and an English Mastiff.

Her Rhodesian ridgeback is 12 and her Mastiff IS 15!!

The average age of English Mastiffs is 6-12 years old. She talks about her beliefs and why she's had dogs her whole life that have lived long happy lives.

We talk about the commercial dog food industry and why there has been such a big shift to real food in the commercial dog food industry.

She also talks about why she prefers homemade cooked food vs raw food!

There's a lot of great stuff in here and I am excited to share it with you all.

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Have you ever had a hard time finding a ride home from the airport? Or had trouble getting a ride to bring your pet to the vet? If you rely on ridesharing for some of your transportation needs, it can be very difficult to find a driver that will agree to bring your pet along. And, unless your pet is a service animal, they’re not typically allowed on public transportation.

Aparna Srinivasan is changing that. She is the founder and CEO of SpotOn, a fairly new rideshare company that is dedicated to getting pets and their owners from point A to point B. Unlike other companies, SpotOn drivers are willing (and excited!) to welcome pets of all kinds into their vehicles.

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Have you ever thought about owning your own franchised business? We’re all familiar with McDonald’s, Burger King, Sonic and all the other popular fast food franchises, but what about franchise options in the pet industry? If you’re wondering what franchising is all about or how to get started with this entrepreneurial adventure, this podcast is for you!

I invited DanBarton, founder and CEO of Splash and Dash Groomerie and Boutique, to be a guest on my show. He’s sharing information for potential franchise owners and tips and tricks for anyone thinking about starting their own business. You’ll learn what makes this particular franchise different from others and what features you should be looking for when choosing a company to franchise through.

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Do you think your dog understands you when you speak to him? Or does he just associate the sound you’re making with a certain action? For example, does he understand what the word ‘sit’ means or does he just associate that sound with the action that you are expecting of him?

If your dog actually understood the words that you were using, you wouldn’t need to repetitively train him to perform a trick - he would just understand what you are expecting and do it. Dogs don’t speak English, or German or French for that matter. Dogs have their own language, which is based more on actions than sounds.

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Pets and humans have a lot in common, including mental health and disorders. One of the best ways to keep your pet’s mind sharp is to provide mentally stimulating toys and activities. Pets can suffer from boredom, stress, anxiety and even depression. For this reason, it’s just as important to care for their mental health as it is their physical health.

Exposure to different environments, stimulating different sensory receptors, playing games, and teaching pets new tricks/commands can all be viable methods of mental stimulation for pets that impact canine behavior, prevent mental disorders and may even trigger changes. There are hundreds of pet products on the market designed to stimulate animals and increase their mental health.

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If you take your dog with you everywhere you go, you probably take a lot of safety precautions. He probably wears a harness, and I’m sure you bring a leash with you wherever you go. There are also some precautions that you should take when bringing your pet along for a car ride.

If your dog is free to roam around the vehicle while driving, it will be dangerous for you, him and any other passengers in the vehicle. A free roaming dog will distract you, and he will become a dangerous projectile in the event of an accident. He could also climb into your lap, get into things that he shouldn’t, or any number of other distracting behaviors.

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Picking the right type of nutrition for your dogs and cats can be quite overwhelming for pet owners. There are so many options to choose from. How do you know which product is the best choice for your furry companion? Reading labels can be confusing, and online research is time consuming.

Tom Arrix is the founder of Joy Food, a fairly new pet food company that builds vet-designed, curated meals for your pet from fresh and wholesome ingredients. In 2018, one of Tom’s dogs became very sick. He worked with his vet to change the dog’s diet, and quickly saw a direct correlation between the quality of food and his dog’s quality of life.

In this podcast episode, Tom discusses why he decided to create a new pet food company instead of buying a product that was already available. He also tells us about the ingredients he uses, and why he chooses these ingredients. He’ll talk about what a human-grade dog food diet is and why it’s important for your pup.

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Digestive health is a topic that is greatly underserved in the pet food industry, and vastly underappreciated by pet owners. Most pet parents believe that feeding a high quality food is equivalent to caring for their pet’s digestive health. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

If your pet’s gut health is not balanced, their body cannot properly digest food. So, no matter how good the food is, their body won’t be able to get the nutrients it needs from the meal. In this podcast episode, I spoke with Rei Kawano, Co-founder and CEO of Heed Foods.

This relatively new company has taken a different approach to creating high quality meals for dogs. Not only are they focused on using the healthiest ingredients, they are also determined to help pet owners care for their dog’s digestive health. Find out more about the importance of proper digestive health and how you can get your dog’s digestive tract back on track in this episode.

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Did you know that rodenticides and insecticides are among the top 10 household toxins that poison pets, especially dogs, every year? Insect and rodent poisons can be just as toxic to our curious pets as they are to the pest itself. Common active ingredients include long-lasting anticoagulants, which can prevent animal’s blood from clotting, Cholecalciferol, which can lead to kidney failure in animals, and Bromethalin, a neurotoxin that can result in tremors, seizures and paralysis.

March was Pet Poison Prevention Awareness month, with Poison Prevention Week spanning from March 14th - 21st. We’re responsible for protecting our four-legged friends, so as we gear up for spring, it's time to choose pest prevention that doesn’t put them in harm’s way.

In this episode I interview Kari Warberg Block from EarthKind’s. They special in making plant-based, poison-free pest prevention. Their products are eco-friendly and safe for use around pets and children. Kari also discusses the dangers of chemical-heavy products and their effects on your pet. She’ll tell you what to do if your pet is poisoned, and how to keep your furry family members safe from these harmful products.

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A few weeks ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus a global pandemic. As the panic around this virus grows, many pet owners are worried about the health of their companion animals. Can dogs get coronavirus? Is this something that you should be worried about?

I’ll answer that question in this podcast episode. I’ll also tell you about some things you can do to keep your pet safe during these trying times. I’ve done a lot of research, and I share information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the American Veterinary Medical Association in this episode.

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The pet industry is booming! There are new businesses popping up everyday. If you have a dream of working with pets and their owners, there has never been a better time to get into this thriving industry. But, how do you get started? How do you take your dream and turn it into a successful pet business?

In this week’s episode, Kristin Morrison (founder of the Six-Figure Pet Business Academy) is some of her top tips on starting your own pet-related business. She has provided pet business coaching to thousands of pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers and other service-based pet business owners. Her million-dollar pet business is an inspiration to many aspiring business owners, and she’s sharing some tricks of the trade in this episode.

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Canine obesity is a growing epidemic and it is just as dangerous as obesity in humans. If a human is overweight, they can make changes to their lifestyle to quickly shed a few pounds. Unfortunately, it is up to us to manage the weight of our pets. That means if your dog is overweight or obese, you're the only one that can help him.

The longer you wait, the more severe the health effects will be. Obesity could ultimately take years off your dog's life. In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Alex German about this topic. He is a Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool.

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If you’re a pet owner, you have seen the amazing effects that animals can have on our overall health and well-being. These positive effects have piqued the interest of scientists around the world who have recently taken a strong interest in this topic. The more research is done, the more we are realizing that animal interaction has a much greater effect on humans than we originally thought.

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m chatting with Austin Gerber. He is the licensed administrator of a nursing home in Ohio. He has seen the positive effects that animals can have on his residents, and feels very strongly about making animal interaction a part of the treatment options on his campus.

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Of course pet owners buy certain products that non-pet owners do not need. But, did you ever consider how owning a pet influences your shopping habits? We all need pet food, supplies, toys, treats, etc. How do we choose one product over another? What influences our buying decisions?

In this week’s episode, I’m speaking with Adrian Tennant. He is the Vice Pesident of Insights at Bigeye, an advertising agency based in Orlando, Florida. The company has recently done a research study, led by Tennant, to find out how owning a pet influence purchases, brand appeal and devices.

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I recently ran into a problem trying to find a sweater for a new rescue pup that we adopted. It was difficult to find a sweater that was thick, warm and made from quality materials. I started looking into the materials used in most pet clothing, and was really disappointed with the quality of the garments for the price.

In this week’s episode, I am chatting with a like-minded fashion designer who recently launched a pet clothing company. You may recognize the name Ivy Higa from Season 8 of Project Runway. She has been working in the fashion industry for over a decade, and is now bridging that passion with her love of pets.

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There is a longstanding narrative that dogs were domesticated from orphaned wolf pups. This narrative is being overturned with the emerging theory that we didn’t tame wolves into dogs, but instead, dog packs integrated with our families in an Alpha partnership. This developing theory is reinforced by recent DNA evidence, archaeological discoveries from Paleolithic caves and our own better understanding of dog dynamics.

I find this theory fascinating, and I wanted to speak with an expert that could help me understand more about it. Bernie Taylor is an independent naturalist, thought leader and author. His research explores the mythological connections and biological knowledge among prehistoric, indigenous and ancient peoples.

In this week’s episode, Bernie shares his thoughts on this interesting theory and the scientific proof that supports it.

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Blue-green algae has been a hot topic of discussion over the past few months. Did you know that this type of bacteria is toxic to dogs? If you’re not worried about your pet getting sick from blue-green algae, you should be!

Did you know that this bacteria has been identified in all 50 states across the country? Many pets have become ill after ingesting it, and some have even died because of it. The best way to protect your pet from blue-green algae is to educate yourself about what it looks like, how to identify it and the symptoms of ingestion.

In this week’s episode, I’ll explain what this toxic algae is and how you can keep your pet safe from it.

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This is the time of year when many families are preparing for the harsh winter months ahead. Other families are gearing up for hurricane season or wondering what they should do to prepare for the next hurricane. No matter what region of the world you live in, it’s important to be prepared for any disaster or emergency that may come your way.

Getting your family prepared for a disaster doesn’t stop with the human members. Do you know where the emergency shelters are located in your area? Do you know which shelters allow pets? Do you have an emergency bag packed for your pets? Do you know what to put in it?

In this week’s podcast episode, I’ll be answering all of these questions and more!

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With Veteran’s Day right around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to share the story of one of my favorite Veteran’s. Matthew Lamarand is the CEO of Dogology University. He is a United States Military Veteran K9 Handler. He has almost 10 years experience training K9's to scout for explosives.

After realizing that 96% of surrendered dogs never went through any type of obedience training, he dedicated himself to train these rescue pups for service dog work. He rehomes the canines that he works with to families in need of service dogs, and he gives the dogs to these families for FREE! Matthew has trained dogs for children dealing with Diabetes or behavior disorders and Veterans battling symptoms of PTSD.

Today, he’s sharing his story on my podcast!

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Most pet owners think that all pee pads are the same. If they need to use these pads for their puppy, they just head to their local pet store and buy the first package they see. In fact, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. There are many different types and sizes of pee pads, and they are all made with different materials.

Another common misconception is that pee pads will actually train your pet to go to the bathroom inside. When used properly with training and reinforcement, pee pads are actually a benefit to pets and owners.

In this week’s episode, I’m talking with Linda Bernier from BARK! She explains the many different uses for pee pads and shares some tips for properly training your pet to use them. She also discusses BARK!’s new line of pee pads and what makes them stand out from similar products.

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Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is becoming a growing treatment in the human and veterinary medical fields. CBD is a substance extracted from the hemp plant, which makes it a controversial topic in either industry. As more research is being done on the effectiveness of CBD on health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, stress and anxiety, more and more people are seeking this treatment for themselves and their pets.

This week I was able to speak with Jeremy Feldman and David Nichols, co-founders of Pet-Ness. I interviewed Jeremy and David to find out why they decided to get into the business of CBD for pets, what benefits pet owners may notice after using these products and the many different types of pet products that contain CBD. They are also sharing many tips for pet owners who are interested in learning more about the benefits of CBD for pets.

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From time to time, you’ll need to transition your pet to a new diet. Whether it’s because of a change in age, a health condition or just the fact that you’d like your dog to eat a healthier diet, you need to be sure that you transition your pet to the new food properly. If not, your pet will likely suffer from digestion problems including diarrhea, excessive gas and nausea.

Dr. Jennifer Adolphe is a regular guest on my podcast. In this week’s episode Dr. Adolphe discusses the importance of adding variety into your pet’s diet, how to properly switch from one dog food recipe to another and what to do if you notice that your pet isn’t adjusting to the diet change accordingly.

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Dealing with a pet that has anxiety problems can be a struggle for even the most experienced owner. Whether it’s separation anxiety, noise aversion, anxiety about car rides or anything else, it’s important that you find the best way to help your pet deal with this issue. From over-the-counter treatments to home remedies, there are dozens of ways to treat pet anxiety. But, which option is best for your furry companion.

Anxiety can present in many ways. While some dogs may go to extreme measures to deal with anxiety (like chewing through walls, scratching up doors or breaking through windows to escape), others will not show such easily noticeable symptoms. For some dogs, anxiety could be shown through whining, excessive panting or shaking.

In this week’s episode, I speak with Lisa Radosta. She is an animal behaviorist with Purina. Lisa is sharing tips and tricks for dealing with pet anxiety, and she also discusses Purina’s new supplement that is specifically designed to help pets struggling with anxiety problems.

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Fourth of July is almost here, and when you think about this upcoming holiday, you probably think about barbecues, lounging on the beach or fireworks. Unfortunately, our dogs only think about the bright lights, loud noises and strange smells that this holiday brings. Did you know that more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year?

I reached out to the Executive Director of Michelson Found Animals, Aimee Gilbreath, to find out what pet owners can do to help keep their pets safe on the Fourth of July (and every other day of the year). She’s sharing tips to help owners and their pets have a safe and enjoyable holiday celebration without having to cut out the bright lights and loud sounds.

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Do you know the difference between a therapy animal and a service animal? Most people use these two terms interchangeably, but they are actually two very different things. Therapy animals provide physiological and psychological therapy to people other than their owners. Service animals help their owners perform tasks that the owner cannot do on their own.

What types of animals can be therapy animals? What tasks do they perform, and what environments can they work in? In this week’s episode, I’m speaking with Elisabeth Van Every, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for Pet Partners. Pet Partners is the nation’s largest and most prestigious nonprofit organization that registers handlers of therapy animals.

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Owning a gun dog means devoting your spare time to ongoing training. It’s a big responsibility, and you can’t expect your gun dog to be fully trained in just a few short months. There’s a lot of research to be done before you even bring a gun dog home. What breed will be best for your needs? When should you begin training?

This week’s episode features dog training expert Martin Deeley. Martin has been training dogs for more than 35 years, his dogs have won trials in the United States and Britain, and he’s also an accomplished writer on the subject of gun dogs. In this interview, Martin discusses some tips for gun dog owners and gives advice to hunters who are training and working with gun dogs.

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Choosing high quality grooming products for your dog will have a positive impact no his overall health and well-being. It may even increase his life expectancy. I know this sounds like an extreme statement, but it’s true. Many dangerous ingredients found in a majority of pet grooming products have been linked to life threatening conditions including cancer, organ damage and neurological problems.

Today, I’m discussing the dangers of low-quality commercial pet grooming products. I spoke with Julie Creed, VP of Sales and Marketing for Pura Naturals Pet, to get some information on the importance of choosing safe grooming products and what types of ingredients pet owners should be looking for. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn about labeling loopholes that some companies use to pass their grooming products off as safe, but that may not actually be the case.

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This week I was fortunate enough to speak with Christina O’Reilly, co-founder of Rowley’s Good Stuff. Rowley’s makes a CBD-infused nutbutter for dogs. In this podcast episode I will explain why CBD products may be better for your pet than over-the-counter or prescription treatments and how to choose the right CBD products for your pet.

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Fostering a pet is a unique experience that allows you to help your local shelter or animal rescue organization learn more about the pets in their care. Living in a shelter can be an overwhelming experience for some animals. There are new smells all the time, new people to get used to on a daily basis, and other animals coming and going regularly.

Sensory overload in a shelter environment can lead to behavior trouble, aggression issues or cause some pets to become extremely scared and introverted. Bringing a foster pet into your home allows you to see what the animal is like in a home setting. You can report this information to the shelter or rescue organization you’re working with, and they will pass it on to potential adopters.

Foster Dogs Inc. is an organization specifically dedicated to helping foster parents work successfully with shelters and rescue groups. They offer the communication and support that potential foster parents will need to make it through the challenges of bringing a new pet into their home. Today, I’m speaking with the founder and executive director of Foster Dogs Inc., Sarah Brasky to learn more about the responsibilities of pet foster parents and how you can get started helping animals in need.

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I get a lot of questions from pet owners who are curious about feeding their pet a plant-based diet. Is it safe? Can your pet get all of the nutrition that he needs from a plant-based diet? I feed our pets an omnivorous diet, so I was curious about a plant-based diet as well.

I asked one of my most popular podcast guests, Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, to come on Theory of Pets again and discuss a vegetarian diet for pets. She is the Senior Nutritionist for Petcurean, a premium pet food company. Dr. Adolphe has a PhD in companion animal nutrition and is a registered dietician.

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Scientists around the world are exploring how a better understanding of our genetic makeup can improve our lives – and those of our beloved pets. In the age of “wearables”, trackable health technology and DNA testing for ancestry and health, more and more healthcare is heading toward a future of personalised, proactive and preventative care. Did you know that recent genetic research is helping to improve the lives of our pets?

Researchers looking into the DNA profile and biomarkers of pets are unpacking the secrets behind what makes them tick. By understanding a pet’s genetic history it can give us more insight into their behaviour (e.g. why certain cats might be more talkative or affectionate – or why particular dogs might “den”, dig or “herd”). It’s also providing some insight into our pets’ health (e.g. which breeds are likely to develop certain diseases and which breeds require a specific diet). This information can allow pet owners and vets to make better decisions about their animal’s nutrition and exercise needs, and enable preventative solutions and improve their pet’s overall health.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Angela Hughes, the veterinary genetics research manager for Mars Veterinary (a division of Mars Petcare). Dr. Hughes is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and has a PhD focused in Canine Genetics. She will be discussing some of the research that is being done on pet genetics currently and what impact that research will have on the future.

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Proper mental stimulation is imperative to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Like us, our dogs get bored doing the same mundane things day after day. Playing with the same toys, eating the same food and sniffing around the same yard will get monotonous over time. While it’s difficult to change up Fido’s schedule every day, Sniffspot is making it a lot easier to find new places for your dog to roam whenever you have the time for an outing.

David Adams is the founder of Sniffspot, a company that allows anyone to open their property to dog owners looking for a new space for their pooch to explore. As David explains in this interview, providing mental stimulation is a necessary part of responsible dog ownership. Find out more about Sniffspot and how you can make money by allowing dog owners to use your space ny listening to this podcast episode.

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Over-vaccination is a term that we are frequently hearing these days. It’s a concern for parents of human and furry children alike. What is over-vaccination? How can you prevent it? This is a common question that I am asked by listeners, and it’s a question that I myself asked many years ago.

Roxanne Hawn is the author of the award-winning dog blog Champion of My Heart and my guest today. Sadly, she has first-hand experience dealing with a pet that had a terrible reaction to a vaccination. Roxanne shares her dog’s tragic story, what she’s learned from the experience and tips for pet owners to prevent over-vaccination in the future.

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Pet sitters perform countless jobs for pet parents. You surely know that they can watch your pets for you while you are out of town, but did you know they might also get your mail, water your plants and keep an eye on your home? Many pet sitters are also available for daily pet visits, not just overnight stays. All pet sitters offer different services, and it’s important that you choose the sitter that will be right for you and your pet.

Laura Vorreyer is an entrepreneur who pioneered the dog walking business in Hollywood more than 15 years ago. She has grown her business substantially to include many different dog walking and pet sitting services. And now, she is an author! Laura published a book about her experience as a Hollywood pet sitter, and she’s sharing some of these experiences with me in this podcast.

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Have you read news stories about cats and dogs rescued from foreign countries? Do you wonder how that happens? Believe it or not, shelters and rescue organizations around the world are much different than what we are used to here in the USA. They have a staggering number of homeless pets to help, and oftentimes their resources are extremely limited.

Deb Jarrett created the Dharamsala Animal Rescue in India. In this week’s podcast episode, she’s talking about her first-hand experience rescuing pets in a foreign country and why she is so passionate about this cause. She’ll also explain how she started her rescue organization and how interested animal lovers can help.

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Pet blogs have become very popular in recent years, which has driven more and more pet owners to get into this business. Knowing that there are so many successful dog and cat bloggers out there, it can be a bit daunting to start at first. But, the best time to get started is right now, and it's actually very quick and easy to launch your own pet blog.

Of course, you’ll need some writing and technical skills. So today, I’m chatting with Maggie Marton, the writer behind Oh My Dog! Blog. She’s sharing some first-hand experience that will be beneficial to anyone considering writing their own blog. Whether you’re thinking of starting a pet-related blog or a blog about any other topic that you’re passionate about, Maggie has some advice on how to get started.

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If you’ve ever struggled to pay for your pet’s veterinary expenses, you know what a difficult situation it is. You’re forced to choose between getting your dog the medical help he needs or paying your weekly bills and expenses. Some people rack up credit card debt or borrow money from family and friends to help their injured pet, while others don’t have any options.

What happens to a pet in need if their owner cannot pay for their medical fees? Sadly, many of these animals are euthanized. Steven Mornelli of Waggle.org has set out to provide a last-chance safety net for pets in medical crisis. He has created a crowdfunding platform specifically for pet owners struggling to pay their dog’s medical bills.

What is this platform? How can pet owners get the help they need? Steven will explain all of that and tell you how you can help pets in need in my latest podcast episode.

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Traveling with your pets can make the adventure even more exciting. However, there are a lot of things to consider before taking your dog along with you. You need to plan ahead to ensure your dog’s safety, and to make the trip as easy as possible for yourself.

In this podcast episode I’m speaking with Kelly, the author of the Paws Across Britain blog. She has taken her Lhasa Apso, Elsa, with her on many adventures - from car trips and overnight hotel stays to short outings at local restaurants. In this episode she shares some tips to help you decide whether or not your pet will be a good traveling companion.

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There are dozens of different types of dog training methods. How do you know which method is right for your pooch? Do you know when to begin training your new addition? What if your dog has developed some bad habits that you would like to change? Today my podcast is focusing on this hot topic, and it’s full of beneficial tips for pet owners of every experience level.

Scott Sheaffer is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. He is the founder and CEO of USA Dog Behavior located in Dallas, Texas. In this week’s podcast, Scott is sharing tips for proper dog training and explaining how to find the best dog trainer for you and your pet.

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All dogs require grooming from time to time. Of course, some breeds require much more grooming than others. Every dog needs their ears cleaned, nails trimmed, teeth brushed and should be bathed occasionally. Did you know that keeping your dog well-groomed will aid in his overall health and well-being?

Tim Vogel, founder and CEO of Scenthound, has built a grooming business that focuses on caring for a dog’s overall health, not just his coat. When most pet owners think about grooming, bathing and brushing are the two topics that come to mind. While keeping your dog’s skin and coat shiny and healthy should be a priority, there is a lot more to grooming than just that.

In this podcast episode, Tim explains the importance of regular grooming for ALL dogs and how to find a groomer that is right for you and your pooch. He also discusses how he started Scenthound and why he wanted to create a grooming business unlike any other.

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There is a lot more to owning a pet than most people realize. Your responsibilities as a pet owner will change throughout the course of the animal’s life, and you need to know what you’re getting into before you make the commitment. The average lifespan of a dog is 10-13 years, and the average lifespan of a cat is 16 years. When you adopt a pet, you’re making that long-term commitment, whether you realize it or not.

Today, Noora Keskievari of One Mind Dogs is here to discuss responsible pet ownership and all the things you should consider before adopting a pet. This topic is especially important for first-time pet owners, but it’s also beneficial information for anyone that may recommend pet ownership to friends or family.

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Taking care of your pet’s dental health is a crucial responsibility. Poor dental health will deteriorate your companion’s overall health and well-being. Studies have linked periodontal disease in pets to a greater risk of heart disease, liver disease and even certain types of cancers.

Today I spoke with Dr. Danielle Bernal of Wellness Pet Foods. She explains the importance of pet dental health and how you can care for your pet’s teeth and mouth at home. She’s also got some tips to make brushing your pet’s teeth more enjoyable and a little easier.

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Fostering is a great way to help pets in need. Virtually every shelter and rescue organization around the world is in need of foster families to home pets until a forever home can be found. It’s not just a benefit to the shelter, it can also be extremely rewarding to the foster parent as well.

Most people think that taking in a foster animal will be troublesome. They are under the misconception that most foster pets have behavior issues or need special medical care. That’s not always the case, and today Simone Hurst from Dogwatch UK is here to tell us more.

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You wouldn’t want to eat the same thing day in and day out for every meal, right? It's possible that your pet feels the same way. Many owners continue to buy the same brand and the same flavor of dog or cat food for months or even years, but there's a better approach, according to veterinarians.

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Do you have a great idea for a pet related book, but you don’t know where to go from here? I spoke with a representative from Dogwise, a well-known publisher that sells books all over the world. I’ll explain how to turn your great idea of a pet book into a published work, and how to find a publisher that is willing to give you a shot.

Once you get your book published, the work isn’t over. You’ll need to be willing to market your book and help the publisher get your name out there. In this podcast episode, I’ll let you know what you’ll need to do to market your book and get it in the hands of dog-lovers around the globe.

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It’s no secret that companion animals can play a big role in the health and well-being of their owners. In the last few decades, there has been mounting research that proves that companion animals can have a positive effect on emotional health, heart health, fitness and social/emotional enrichment.

Today I am speaking with Kaushik Roy, executive director of The Shanti Project. He explains some of this interesting research and how it relates to pet owners. He also tells us what the Shanti Project is doing to help owners keep their companion animals, even if they are struggling with a financial hardship.

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Reading pet food labels can be a challenge. With all of the recent recalls in the pet food industry, many owners are finding it difficult to trust pet food manufacturers and have become skeptical about the information contained on pet food labels. There is a lot of misinformation floating around about the rules and regulations that pet food companies must follow, so I wanted to speak with an expert that could help to clear some of this up.

I’m welcoming back Dr. Jennifer Adolphe. She has a PhD in Companion Animal Nutrition and is a Registered Dietician. She is also the Senior Nutritionist for Petcurean, a premium pet food company. Dr. Adolphe has come on the show to answer my pet food questions before, and today she is sharing her tips for reading pet food labels properly.

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Parasites are one of the leading health issues that our pets face. Depending on the region that you live in, the risk of contracting certain parasites may be much greater than in other parts of the country. Some pet owners worry about the dangers of parasite preventatives, the cost associated with these products and/or how frequently they should use them on their pets.

In this podcast episode, I’m speaking with Dr. Craig Prior, a certified veterinarian who sits on the board of the Companion Animal Parasite Council. He’s sharing some very helpful information on the most common parasites found in companion animals and what we can do to prevent our pets from contracting them.

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The ASPCA is an inspiring organization that works to help animals around the world. I often hear people mistakenly say that it is difficult to adopt animals from the ASPCA, and today I want to set the record straight. Not only is it easier to adopt from an ASPCA shelter than you may think, there are many other things you can do to help this organization if you’re unable to take in one of their homeless animals.

I am speaking with Rena, a director of an ASPCA adoption center. She’s giving me some insight into a typical day in her shoes. She also walks me through the adoption process and shares some helpful information for potential pet parents.

If you’re wondering what you can do to help your local shelter or rescue organization without adopting, Rena has some great tips for that too! Whether your home is already full or you cannot adopt for other reasons, there are a number of things you could do to help an animal shelter in your area.

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What exactly are sheepdog trials? Have you ever watched this fascinating dog sport on television or seen a YouTube video of these amazing dogs at work? I’m captivated by the dedication of the dogs and handlers that compete in sheepdog trials, and I wanted to learn more about the sport.

To do that, I spoke with Bridget Strang of the National Finals Sheepdog Trials. I wanted to learn more about the history of the sport and what exactly the dogs are required to do. I also wondered if the sport was safe for the dog and the sheep?

Bridget helped to answer these questions and tell me more about the dogs that perform best in these trials and the benefits of this sport for dogs and their handlers. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved in sheepdog trials, Bridget has some tips on that subject too!

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Canine agility has been a popular sport for decades. It’s something that I have recently taken up with our Labrador, Saddie. I’ve seen the benefits of this sport firsthand, and I’ve also seen just how exciting and rewarding it can be for our canine companions.

Today I’m speaking with Cindy Swiney, she has been involved with the sport in various capacities since 1990. Cindy has trained many dogs and competed on various levels in the field of agility. In this interview she explains more about the sport for beginners and tells advanced agility handlers how they can get involved in the competition circle.

As you’ll hear Cindy mention in this interview, virtually any dog can try agility to some degree. Whether your dog is a young athlete or a slower senior, there are obstacles that are suitable for all breeds and ages. You can participate by setting up a couple of obstacles in your backyard or training at a canine agility facility in your local area.

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Dock diving has been a popular sport in the pet industry for decades. In recent years it has grown substantially. I recently stumbled onto the sport with a little from our Labrador Retriever, Saddie. Saddie loves the water and took to dock diving very quickly. It’s something that her and I both enjoy!

Today I’m speaking with Kristen Cooper, who has been involved with dock diving in various capacities. From training to competing, Kristen has firsthand experience to share with us. She has even served as a judge for competitions in recent years. In this interview she explains more about the sport for beginners and tells advanced dock diving handlers how they can get involved in the competition circle.

Dock diving may not be a good fit for every dog, but if your pup loves the water there is a good chance he’ll enjoy this sport with a little practice. As Kristen explains, it may take some time and patience to get him off the dock the first time, but once your pooch gets over those initial nerves, it may just be his new favorite pastime.

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The dictionary defines something that is transparent as being something that is easy to perceive or detect. Transparency in the pet food industry means that a company should offer all the information that a pet owner needs to detect the quality of their product. What ingredients are used in the making of the product? Where are these ingredients sourced? How is the product prepared?

Redbarn Pet Products is one of the most transparent companies in the pet food industry, which inspired me to speak with a representative of their company to find out why this is so important. I was able to chat with Lindsay Tracy, their director of new business and product development about transparency in the industry and why pet owners should be looking for this quality in the companies they support.

In this interview, Lindsay discusses the importance of knowing where pet food ingredients are sourced, and why it’s not always best to focus on ingredients sourced in the USA. She’ll also talk about some of the beneficial ingredients that you should be looking for and the unhealthy ingredients that you need to avoid when choosing a diet for your pet.

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Skin and coat health go hand-in-hand. If your dog has dry, itchy skin, his coat is likely going to be dry and brittle too. Most pet owners think of grooming products first when brainstorming ways to help moisturize and condition their pet’s skin and coat. Did you know that proper nutrition is one of the best ways to help pets with skin issues?

Dr. Jennifer Adolphe is a regular guest on my podcast. She is the senior nutritionist for Petcurean, and is speaking with me today about how your pet’s meals can affect their skin and coat health. Dr. Adolphe has a PhD in pet nutrition, and she is my go-to resource for all things related to a pet’s diet.

Today she’s sharing some tips and tricks for pet owners who are trying to improve the condition of their pet’s skin and coat. She will also share helpful information about choosing the right dog food/ingredients for pet’s with skin allergies, as well as which ingredients you should be avoiding. If you’re wondering whether or not your pet may be suffering with skin allergies, Dr. Adolphe also describes the signs and symptoms you should be looking for in this week’s podcast episode.

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Preparing for winter is important for everyone, but especially for those of us living in regions that see snow, extremely cold temperatures and brutal winter storms. While you’re making preparations to keep your family safe and healthy this winter, don’t forget the furry members! There are many winter dangers that pet owners need to be aware of, and there are a number of things that you can easily do to keep your pooch safe and healthy in the cold winter months.

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Cheryl Nelson, Weather and Disaster Prep Advisor for Cummins. Cheryl specializes in helping people prepare for inclement weather, and she shared some tips for winter pet care with me in this podcast.

Does your pet spend a lot of time outside year round? Cheryl has some tips for you too! When is it too cold for your pet to be left outside? While it all depends on the pet, Cheryl will let you know some basic guidelines to follow that will keep your dog safe and give you peace of mind.

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Dealing with dogs that have aggression issues can be nerve wracking and even dangerous for owners. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up making the problems worse. To begin, you must figure out what is triggering the aggression and work toward solving the problem, but there's a lot more to it, so hence this podcast episode.

Jereme Paddock is a dog training working in Arizona who specializes in helping dogs that have been deemed aggressive. He works with all types of canines at his facility – Paddock’s Paws Pet Care & Training. Today he is answering my questions about aggressive dogs and what owners can do to help pets struggling with these issues.

From the signs to watch out for to choosing the right dog trainer to help you, Jereme has all the information that you’ll need to decide whether or not you can care for a dog with aggressive tendencies. He’ll also discuss some of the most common types of aggression in canines and what you can do to help reduce the chances of an aggressive outburst.

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What are functional ingredients in pet food? I’ve heard this term used quite often lately, and I was curious to learn more about these ingredients and the benefits that they could have for our pets. Nutrition is my top concern when it comes to caring for our pets. Proper nutrition has a direct link on our pets’ overall health and wellness, so in my opinion it should be the first thing on every owners’ mind.

Dr. Jennifer Adolphe is the Senior Nutritionist at Petcurean, a company devoted to creating premium pet food. I knew Dr. Adolphe would have some advice for pet owners about functional ingredients and what we should be looking for when shopping for pet food.

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This week I was fortunate enough to speak with Odessa Gunn. Odessa began her career as a professional bike racer, which took her to many different countries around the world. While traveling, she saw that animal welfare was a huge problem everywhere she went. Odessa has been rescuing animals around the world for over a decade, and her work has recently earned her a ‘Local Hero Award’ for her rescue efforts in China during the Yulin Meat Festival.

Odessa has also fostered more than 200 animals over the years, and currently has 21 rescue animals on her small farm. Many of these foster animals have had health conditions, which is what pushed Odessa to seek natural treatments that wouldn’t have the harmful side effects of many pharmaceuticals. She found CBD oil and has seen its many health benefits for humans and animals first hand. Now, she’s started her own company, Odessa’s Essential Health, that focuses on CBD products.

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Is your dog a picky eater? Does your cat turn her nose up at meal time? If you’re struggling with a picky pet your first instinct may be to feed them table scraps or other human food. This can be dangerous, because it will provide inadequate nutrition and too many calories for your furry companion.

I spoke with Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, PhD senior nutritionist at Petcurean, to find out what we can do to help our companion animals eat the food that we provide. Of course, the first thing you need to consider is the quality of the food that you’re providing. If you’re not providing a high quality food, your pet will be less likely to gobble it up.

Dr. Adolphe also explains why our pets may be picky eaters and the easiest ways to get them to eat regular meals. For example, did you consider increasing your pet’s daily exercise? Perhaps he just isn’t hungry at meal time. For more information and some very helpful tips, check out this week’s podcast episode.

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You wouldn’t want to eat the same thing day in and day out for every meal, right? Why do you think that your pet would? Many owners continue to buy the same brand and the same flavor of dog or cat food for months or even years!

We do this for two reasons: (1) our pet continues to eat it, so we don’t realize that it’s boring for him and (2) changing the food you feed every 2-3 days would wreak havoc on your pet’s digestive system. pawTree has created a line of superfood toppers that can be sprinkled on any canine or feline meal to add nutrition, variety and flavor to the diet without having to switch your pet’s food.

Today I was able to speak with Brooke Sloate, director of product development at pawTree, to find out about the importance of adding variety to your pet’s diet. She explains why this is so important and how superfoods can help with your pet’s overall health and well-being.

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When it comes to training a dog, there are so many methods, tips and tricks out there that it can be impossible to decide which is right for you. Tom Shelby is the author of Dog Training Diaries: Proven Expert Tips and Tricks to Live in Harmony with Your Dog, and I had the pleasure of speaking with him about his chosen method of canine training.

I really enjoy and relate to Tom’s “depends” dog training method. He calls himself a “depends trainer,” because he says that the training style used depends on the dog, the situation, the environment and other variables. I have trained many dogs over the years, and I completely agree with this method.

Today, Tom explains more about his experience as a trainer and gives some great pointers for owners who are struggling with leash training. Leash training can be quite difficult with larger breeds, dogs that pull and/or dogs that have leash aggression. When is it time to throw in the towel and consult a professional for help? Tom discusses all of that and more in this week’s episode.

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According to Best Friends Animal Society, more than 4,100 animals are euthanized in America’s shelters every day! There are many organizations fighting to stop the euthanization of shelter animals, but there are still hundreds of establishments around the world that follow this practice. If an animal is at the shelter for a certain length of time (usually 30-90 days) and they haven’t been adopted, they are euthanized.

This is a tragic practice that Best Friends is focused on stopping. Their ‘No-Kill Initiative’ has already saved the lives of countless pets, and they’re hoping that it will be a country-wide reality within the next few years. Today I was fortunate enough to speak with Terran Tull, a Dogtown Behavior Consultant for Best Friends Animal Society.

In this podcast interview Terran gives tips for potential owners who are thinking of purchasing a pet instead of adopting. She also explains what the No Kill Initiative is and its plans for the future. If you’re not currently able to adopt an animal in need of a home, Terran also explains many things that you can do to help your local shelter without having to open your home to a dog or cat.

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Planning for a pet’s passing is an overwhelming and very emotional process. The better prepared you are, the easier everything will be when that time comes. I know it’s not something that any pet owner wants to think about, but you also won’t want to do research and make arrangements while trying to cope with the loss of your furry companion.

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Don’t you wish every day could be take your dog to work day? Some employers are realizing that dogs are a big part of many families. While being considerate that working parents may need time off to tend to sick children or attend sports and school functions, most companies don’t take consideration for their employees’ pets. Paul LeBlanc, founder of Zogics and Zogics Pets, is hoping that this fact will change in the future.

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DNA tests for canines are very similar to those for humans. Whether you’ve used one yourself or you’ve seen one performed on your favorite television show, you’re probably familiar with these simple cheek swab tests. DNA testing can tell you if you’re related to someone else and how strong that relation is. They can also give you very beneficial information about your health.

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When I heard about Coley’s Toxins I knew I couldn’t keep this information to myself. They were invented in 1893 by Dr. William Coley who used them to treat about 1,000 cancer patients with better results than would be expected with a comparable group of patients today. Clinical results from this treatment have included complete cures of inoperable and/or metastatic lymphoma, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer and melanoma.

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Picking the right type of nutrition approach for your dog or cat can be quite overwhelming for pet owners. There are so many options to choose from. How do you know which product is the best choice for your furry companion? Reading labels can be confusing, and online research is time consuming.

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Have you ever watched a dog show on television? It looks like so much fun, but we all know that it’s a lot more work than it seems. How do you get started with dog shows? How do you find a dog that will be suitable for showing? If it’s something you’ve thought about, this week’s podcast episode has the answers you’re looking for.

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Fresh food is exactly what it sounds like – fresh, whole food ingredients. No processed junk. No preservatives or fillers. It’s just real food that you can see and smell. Now, think about the food you feed your dog or cat? Does it fall into this category?

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Puppy mills – we’ve all heard the term, but do you know what these breeding facilities really are, and how they're classified? Are you aware of how to avoid purchasing dogs from puppy mill? Finally, what should you do if you discover a puppy mill in your local area? PETA representative is here to answer these and other questions.

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Medicinal marijuana has become quite a hot topic in the human health field in recent years. We’ve seen some states legalize medicinal marijuana, while others are extremely opposed to the practice. With all of this talk about the benefits of medicinal marijuana for humans, many people overlook the benefits that this plant may have for our canine companions.

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This time of year shelters are overrun with spring litters. Spring is also a great time to adopt a new furry friend. The weather is getting warmer, the snow is gone and you can finally get outside to enjoy time with a pet or do some outdoor training without worrying about the cold winter winds. Especially if you’re a first time pet parent, there are a few things you need to do before bringing your new pet home.

Aimee Gilbreath is the Executive Director of the Michelson Found Animals Foundation. I spoke with her this week about the things that we need to know about adopting a new companion animal. In this podcast she shares her advice on what to think about before you decide to adopt, tips on pet proofing your home, and how to make the transition as easy for you, your family and your new pet as possible.

Aimee also discussed a recent survey performed by the Michelson Found Animals Foundation. They questioned 1,000 people about their belief in love at first sight. You may be wondering what this has to do with shelter animals. Well, you might be surprised to find out that the results showed most people believed in love at first sight with shelter pets, but did not agree that this phenomenon was possible with romantic partners!

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Now that spring is here, pet owners everywhere are looking forward to getting out and getting active with their dogs. There are many things that you can do with your canine companion from daily walks to agility training. Whether you have a senior pooch or a playful puppy, it would benefit you both to get out and get active together.

This week I had the chance to chat with Liz Claflin, the Director of Operations at Zoom Room. Zoom Room is a franchised indoor dog training gym that offers traditional training classes, advanced training classes and doggy playgroups. Liz knows all about the importance of keeping a dog active and stimulating a canine mentally to prevent boredom.

In this interview, Liz discusses the many different ways to can get out and about with your dog and how to keep Fido safe while doing so. She discusses the supplies you’ll need while adventuring with your dog and the best ways to find dog-friendly establishments in your area. Liz also tells us all about Zoom Room and how you can find a location near you.

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Are you thinking about marketing a pet product? Do you already have a prototype? Maybe you just have an idea, but don’t know how to get started. Barton O’Brien was in the same boat a few years ago, and now his company The Chesapeake Bay Dog Company has rebranded and is growing rapidly.

I was able to interview Barton earlier this week to discuss how he got involved in the pet industry and the struggles that he has faced throughout the process. He also explained all about the rebranding procedures and the exciting things that we can expect from BAYDOG in the near future.

The Chesapeake Bay Dog Company is a veteran-owned business, so I’d like to take the time to thank Barton for his service to our country. He feels that it is important for companies to give back, and he’s chosen to work with charities that benefit veterans and dogs (and in some cases, even veteran dogs!). A portion of the proceeds from BAYDOG products goes to help SaveAVet.org and The Warrior Dog Foundation.

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DNA tests for dogs are very similar to those for humans. Whether you’ve used one yourself or you’ve seen one performed on television, you’re probably familiar with these cheek swab tests. Human DNA tests can tell us whether we’re related to one another and how strong that relation is. They can also give us some insight onto our genetic makeup.

Did you know that you can get the same type of information about your dog? That’s right! Dog DNA tests can tell you a lot more than just the breeds that your Fido is made up of. Of course, it depends on the brand of test that you choose. Every company runs a different set of tests, which means that you’ll get different results depending on the test you purchase.

Embark is one of the leading doggy DNA test companies, and I wanted to see what set this brand apart from others. Ashley Troutman, a representative from Embark, spoke with me about the different types of dog DNA tests on the market, what we can learn from these tests, and what types of innovations may be coming to the canine genetics field in the future.

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Clean eating is a very simple term, literally. It just means the act of eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Clean foods are those that are minimally processed or not processed at all. Clean foods have no artificial fillers, colors or preservatives. They are just simple, whole foods that are close to natural as they can possibly be.

As with many other health food trends, we’re beginning to see the clean eating trend take over the pet food industry. Owners want more than natural, organic ingredients in their pet’s food. They want simple, unprocessed ingredients that are full of nutritional benefits. They don’t want unnecessary ingredients either. Pet owners want their dogs and cats to eat nutritious food made with ingredients that serve a nutritional purpose.

NUTRO has come out with new FEED CLEAN recipes that offer this type of nutrition to pet owners. I spoke with Arren Beach, NUTRO brand manager to find out more about the clean eating trend and how it may affect the pet food industry in the coming years. We also discuss how to choose a quality food for your canine companion without breaking your budget.

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I love hiking with my dogs, but it’s not as easy as most people think it is. I’ve heard many stories from pet owners who weren’t prepared for a hike with their dog, and it ended in disaster. It’s important that you plan ahead for the hike. You need to know what to bring, where to go and what you should be looking out for.

This week I decided to share my tips for hiking with dogs. I start by explaining what you need to do before you even think about setting off on your adventure. Does your dog have a microchip? Identification tags? Has he been checked out by your veterinarian? These are all things that you should be considering if you’re planning to go hiking with your canine companion.

I’m sharing my packing tips for all the must-have items to bring along, and I’ll also let you know what you should be looking out for during your trip. Do you know how often you should be stopping to give your dog a drink or a snack? That’s alright. I’m going to fill you in on all the do’s and don’ts of hiking with dogs in this week’s episode!

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It’s finally starting to feel like spring, and I can’t wait to get back outside with my dogs. The winters in Maine (where I live) are long. Very long! With 5-8 feet of snow blanketing the ground in the winter months, it can be challenging to get outdoor exercise. It mostly consists of regular walks and playing around in our yard.

But, with spring comes the revival of all of my favorite human/dog activities. Since we do have such long winters, I really try to make the most of the spring, summer and fall. We love hiking with our dogs, but I know that’s not for everyone. This week I decided to share some of my favorite activities to do with your dog when the weather is nice.

From paddle boarding to agility work, I’ve covered a ton of fun dog-friendly activities in this episode! I also talk briefly about the things you need to consider when selecting an activity to do with your dog. All dogs are different, and you definitely need to find something that will be fun for you and your Fido.

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Dog training is perhaps the most frustrating aspect of dog ownership. Whether you’re a first time owner or a seasoned pet parent, there are challenges that pop up during training that none of us expect. Many of us have sought help from the dog training isle of a pet store, only to find that there are countless products to choose from. How do you know which products actually work?

Jessica O’Neill had this same problem. She knows exactly what it’s like to be in this situation. And, unfortunately she couldn’t find anything that worked for her and her pooch. So, she did the next best thing – she created a harness that would help her train her canine companion. Jessica isn’t just an inventor; she’s also a highly qualified dog trainer.

In this podcast episode she’s giving us some tips on how to work with our dogs to make training as easy as possible. She’s got some great tips about understanding your dog and helping him understand what your expectations are. In the words of Jessica, “It’s not how your dog behaves that determines if you are a good dog owner, but how you respond to your dog’s behavior that counts.”

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What is a service dog? Service dogs are a type of assistance dog that are specifically trained to help someone who has a disability. This disability may be a visual or hearing impairment. Service dogs can also help individuals who suffer from seizure disorders or paralysis. Until recently, there was no record of a cardiac alert service dog, but one Labrador Retriever is changing that fact!

Marty Harris suffers from a cardiac condition that causes her to faint, and she had been fainting daily since she was in elementary school until she met Adele. In this week’s episode, Marty is here to talk about her and Adele’s inspiring story and bring awareness to the huge impact that a service dog can have on a person’s daily life.

Adele lives a life of retirement now, and Marty has brought a new service dog into their lives. How is Adele coping with the change? How is Marty coping with the change? She’ll explain it all in this week’s podcast.

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What is Dogtology? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out all the details, but author Jeff Lazarus is here to chat with me about this term that he coined. Have you noticed that dogs and cats seem to be everywhere you look nowadays? They are used in commercials and advertisements, and the pet industry has EXPLODED in the last decade.

Do we worship our dogs and cats? You may not think you do, but once you listen to what Jeff has to say you may quickly realize just how much our lives are centered around our furry companions. Jeff’s hilarious books Dogtology and Catakism are delightful reads that every pet owner can relate to. And, the books aren’t all about humor. There are also some great tips for communicating with your pets and understanding what they are trying to tell you.

In this week’s podcast episode, Jeff explains how he came up with the idea behind these books. He also explains how to go about getting your book idea off the ground, if that’s something that you’ve been thinking about.

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A runaway pet is one of the biggest nightmares that we have as cat and dog owners. The worry that your pet will escape your home or yard is one that looms over us every day. And, that worry becomes greater when we travel with our animals. What if my dog jumps out of the car when I stop to get gas? What if my cat escapes while we’re on our way to the vet?

In this podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aimee Gilbreath, the executive director of the animal welfare non-profit Michelson Found Animals. Not only is the company focused on keeping pets safe at home with their owner, they also offer the first FREE national microchip registry. Don’t know what microchipping is all about? That’s alright; Aimee gave me all the details!

We also chatted about other things that pet owners can do to ensure that their cats and dog do not get lost. Some of the tips that Aimee shared are easy every day things to keep in mind, while others (like microchipping) will require assistance from a professional. In this podcast Aimee also discusses the importance of keeping the stray pet population down by spaying and neutering your pets, and how to get help paying for these operations.

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Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences. It’s heartbreaking. Our pets become members of our family, and when we lose them there is a hole left in our hearts. Suzanna Lane is an author from New York City, and she was devastated after the loss of her first dog, Sammy. She felt compelled to write a book about Sammy’s life and the changes that he made to hers.

You see, Sammy was a rescue dog. Anyone who has ever loved a rescue pet understands that the bond you form with them is different than the bond formed when you adopt a pet as a baby. You’re rescuing them. You’re saving their life. And, if you’re as lucky as Suzanne, they just might rescue you too.

This week’s podcast focuses on the benefits of adopting pets over purchasing from a pet store or breeder. We also discuss Suzanne’s book, A Little Sammy Music. Both Suzanne and I share stories of the beloved rescue pets that we have adopted over the years and the meaning that they have brought to our lives.

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Have you ever given your pet a massage? If you’ve ever stroked your pet lovingly from neck to tail, then you have! Most of us think of a relaxing deep tissue massage when think about massage therapy. In fact, pet massage involves many different techniques, and this week I talked with an expert in the field to learn more about the benefits of pet massage and get some tips for pet owners at home who would like to give their furry companion a massage once in a while.

Jacqueline Newholm is a trained pet massage therapist based in the UK. Her business, Big Brown Dog Therapy, just celebrated its one year anniversary. However, Jacqueline has been involved with pet message for much longer than that. In this week’s episode she talks about the many benefits of pet massage and shares some tips for pet owners about massaging their companion at home.

You learn about the science behind pet massage and the many different ailments that it can help to treat. Did you know that massage is also beneficial for working animals and animals that compete in sporting competitions? It can help to stimulate the muscles and warm them up, which helps to prevent injury. Jacqueline discusses all of this and so much more in this week’s episode.

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Low level light therapy (LLLT) has been used as a healing practice in veterinary medicine for decades, but you’ve probably never even heard of it. I had heard a few whispers about the treatment method, but didn’t know much about it until an email from a company called LumaSoothe crossed my desk. They’ve created a handheld LLLT device that pet owners can use to treat their pets at home.

Of course, this piqued my interest and I started doing some research on the subject. I was inspired by what I was reading, so I decided to reach out to the CEO of LumaSoothe, Mr. Craig Froley, to talk more about the concept. In this week’s podcast, Craig tells us all of the details about light therapy for pets and his company’s unique device.

What are the benefits of light therapy? Does it work for all pets? Is it only useful for senior animals? You might be surprised to find out just how beneficial this treatment option is for pets of all sizes and shapes. Whether you’re pet is active in competitions or a mellow senior with arthritis, LLLT can have a positive effect on his health. Craig tells us all about this innovative technology in this week’s podcast!

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Raw food diet is a very controversial topic in the pet food industry right now. Some pet owners believe that our pets’ ancestors ate a raw diet, so it’s best if we feed them the same types of food. Other people believe that raw food is the home of many harmful bacteria and parasites that could make our pets very sick. This week, I wanted to get some more information about this hot topic.

I spoke with Mark Sapir, Chief Marketing Officer at Stella & Chewy’s. Stella & Chewy’s is a pet food company that strives to offer pet parents a commercially available way to feed their furry companion a raw food diet that is both healthy and safe. They follow strict guidelines to ensure that the diets they provide to pet owners are nutritionally balanced and properly prepared to prevent the spread of bacteria.

During our interview Mark explained the benefits of a raw food diet. He also told me whether or not the diet is safe pets of every age, size and activity level. While Mark offers a lot of great information in this week’s episode, it’s also important for you to consult your veterinarian or a trained canine nutritionist before switching your dog’s diet.

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Anxiety in pets is becoming more and more common. As most owners must work outside the home, we are also seeing more pets being left alone for a large part of the day. How can you tell if that naughty behavior just requires additional training or if it’s a sign of pet anxiety?

If you’re already pretty sure that it’s anxiety, how do you know that it is because of an environmental variable? What if the emotional and behavior symptoms are also stemming from an underlying healthy condition? Jessa Paschke is a professional pet trainer with Mars Petcare, and she told me all about the signs and symptoms of pet anxiety that you should be looking for and what to do if you notice them.

Jessa shares some great information for beginner and advanced pet owners in this week’s episode. She also gives us some great resources to use to educate ourselves about pet anxiety and discusses a few products that may help you when trying to cope with your pet’s condition.

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Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, PhD is back with some great information to share with pet owners about the differences between wet and dry kibble. She discusses how to choose the right diet for your dog and the advantages and disadvantages or wet and dry diets. She will also be sharing some helpful tips for dog owner who may be interested in transitioning their pet to a new diet.

One of the things that many pet owners don’t realize when shopping for a food for their furry companion is the quality of the packaging and how that can affect the food itself. If you’re buying a high quality, all-natural food for your pet with no artificial ingredients, toxins and chemicals could still be leeching into the food through the packaging.

A new type of packaging from Tetra Pak is being used by Petcurean and other pet food companies to reduce these risks. They are making food packages (which are also becoming more popular in the human food industry) that are made from renewable resources. The packages are specifically engineered to keep out bacteria, and the food is actually cooked right inside the package! Dr. Adolphe talks more about this unbelievable new packaging option in this week’s podcast.

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Did you know that the changing of seasons may require a change in your pet’s diet? As we transition from summer to fall and winter, this is an important topic to discuss. Many of us believe that our pet’s diet only needs to change as they age (for example, from puppyhood to adulthood and again when they become a senior). In fact, there are many reasons why your pet’s diet may need to be altered.

This week I was able to have an email exchange with Dr. Jeff Werber, a veterinarian and spokesperson for Mars Petcare. Mars is one of the leading companies in the world when it comes to pet care and pet products. Their brands include world leaders like Banfield Pet Hospital, IAMS, EUKANUBA, Pedigree and Nutro.

Dr. Werber spoke to me about how the change in seasons can affect your pet’s dietary needs as well as the current pet obesity epidemic. In this week’s solo podcast that I'm doing by myself you’ll learn about the dietary needs of pets in every season and the importance of consulting with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Fido’s diet. I’ll also be discussing some of the most important things to look for (and stay away from) when shopping for a commercial pet food diet.

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Do you have a great idea for a pet product that has not been created yet? Maybe your pet had a special need and you created a product to help them? Would you be interested in marketing your product to consumers? How do you get your product off the ground?

That’s exactly what I’m discussing this week with my guest, Jonathan from Dog’s Choice Dog Wash. Dog’s Choice hasn’t hit the market yet. Jonathan is in the process of trying to get his product funded for development. He’s hoping to begin manufacturing and distributing his grooming products by the end of the year.

But, what does this entail? Would you know how to raise money to get your product manufactured? What do you do once you have enough money for production? All of these questions are answered in this week’s podcast, and you’ll get some information on Dog’s Choice – the first customizable dog wash – as well.

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Kids and dogs – it’s a controversial topic that will probably never be agreed upon in my lifetime. I’m often asked about raising children with pets, and in my opinion the advantages greatly outweigh any disadvantages that you may be thinking of. In our family, our children have never known life without pets. I know it’s had a positive impact on them, and this week I wanted to talk to an expert on the subject to get some more information.

Dr. Jody Dean has written a book, Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home, that is based on the real experience that she’s had adopting her Dachshund Roxie. It details the adoption process and discusses some of the feelings that someone being adopted may feel throughout the process. It also talks about Roxie’s life in her new home, including the responsibilities that are required to care for a dog and Roxie’s success in competitions.

In this week’s podcast, I explain what happened when I read this book to my children, and Dr. Dean explains the benefits of raising children with dogs. She also discusses the importance of choosing a dog that is right for your family and not just adopting the first cute face that you see in a shelter. Because she is a therapist for children, she also discusses the benefits that dogs can have for children on an emotional level.

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Many pet owners hope to save some money by grooming their companion animals at home. What do a few baths and brushing sessions matter when it could save you hundreds of dollars per year, right? Well, there’s more to it than just that. In this week’s episode, I talk with a professional pet groomer of dogs and cats from the Andis company to get some pointers on at-home pet grooming and the grooming supplies you’ll need to do the job.

Megan Mouser is a professional pet groomer and the Education Manager for Andis, one of the leading pet grooming product manufacturers in the world. Megan shares tips and tricks for at-home grooming as well as some information you’ll need to choose the right grooming supplies for your pet.

Remember, not all pets are able to be groomed at home. Some pets become aggressive during grooming, and you don’t want to take any chances. Megan will also educate us about the signs you should look for in an uneasy pet and when it would be best to seek help from a professional groomer rather than tackling the task yourself.

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Homemade dog food is becoming a popular choice among pet owners, but is it really that health as some claim it to be? The short answer is no, but there is much more to it than that. In fact, homemade dog food can be the absolute healthiest option for your pet. Unfortunately, most pet owners look to the wrong sources when trying to find appropriate dog food recipes for their pet.

I've been cooking for my dogs for many years now and have done a lot of personal research in this area. In this week’s podcast, I cite studies from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. This research shows that a lot of the recipes found online and in books may not be healthy for most pets. They tested over 200 recipes, some that were even written by veterinarians. What did they find?

I discuss that and a lot more about cooking for dogs in this podcast episode, so you’ll have to listen to find out! But, I talk about more than just the research. I’ll explain how you can ensure that you feed your dog a healthy homemade dog food diet and the importance of varying his diet as he ages.

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You’ve seen the recalls and read the research. It’s true that most pet food companies are more interested in their profit margins than the nutrition that they’re providing for our pets. This week, Richard Darlington, CEO of Brothers Complete Dog Food, discusses the hidden dangers of pet food. He explains the importance of being diligent as a pet owner and doing your research before you choose a commercial diet for your pet.

During our conversation we also discuss the many dangerous products that can be found in your local pet store. From toys to flea treatments, you need to be extremely careful about the products that you’re buying for your dog. At the end of the day, if your dog is poisoned by the products that he’s using or the food he’s eating, it’s no one’s fault but your own.

As a responsible pet owner, you need to educate yourself on the best diet for your pet and which dog food company is going to meet your pet’s nutritional needs without adding a bunch of fillers and artificial ingredients. Richard also talks about his journey into the pet industry and why Brothers is so focused on providing pet owners with healthy, complete nutrition for their furry companions.

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Professional dog trainer Doggy Dan is here with me this week! If you’re not familiar with him, Doggy Dan has created an online dog training program that has been wildly successful in many countries around the world. His dog training program has been used by more than 25,000 people, and he has years of experience working with dog owners and their pets.

This week Dan discusses his dog training method, which focuses on fostering the bond between the pet and his owner. He uses a training method that is humane, kind and gentle. While some trainers believe that dog owners need to forceful when working with their pet in order to assert their dominance, Doggy Dan has found a much calmer method that has worked with thousands of dogs.

He also shares tips on solving some of the most common dog behavior issues, like pulling on the leash and nuisance barking. This week’s episode is filled with useful information for new pet owners and experienced trainers alike! Doggy Dan even discusses some ways that you can begin dog training as a career, if that’s something that you’re interested in.

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This week I’m welcoming Dr. Jennifer Adolphe back to the show! She is a pet nutritionist for Petcurean, and the company has recently released a new line of premium pet foods called GATHER. Last time we spoke about the humanization of pet food and the current trends that we’re seeing in the pet food industry. As humans wise up about the chemicals and artificial ingredients in the food that we eat, we’re also noticing that the food we’re feeding our pets is also full of these ingredients.

Pet owners are pushing for foods made with organic, natural ingredients. We’re also seeing some human diet trends - like raw food and the Paleo diet – crossing over into the pet food industry. Unfortunately, as the quality of the food goes up, so do the price tags. So, why does premium pet food cost so much?

Dr. Adolphe answers this question and many more in this week’s podcast episode. She also discusses the issues surrounding sustainability in the pet food industry. GATHER is sustainably produced and made with certified and organic ingredients. Why is sustainability important when it comes to pet food? You’ll find out in this week’s episode!

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If you’ve ever had a special bond with a dog, you can fully understand the amazing healing powers that these animals have. Really, it’s not just dogs – all pets have a way of helping us heal. Whether we’re struggling with emotional issues or physical problems, something about the love and affection of a dog can really turn things around.

Mark Winik spoke with me this week about an eye opening experience that he had with dogs. He learned the power of dogs as healers, and wanted to share that experience with the world. That’s just what he has done with is book The Dog Healers. It’s an inspiring story that any dog owner or dog lover can relate to. In fact, this is a great read for anyone looking for an uplifting novel.

Not only is Mark an author, he’s also working on a documentary. He has set out to film a documentary detailing the stories of people who have been healed by dogs. He’s already spoken with a number of people who have been positively affected by a canine companion, and he’s still looking for more.

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Dog training is a critical part of owning a canine. You can’t just expect a puppy or adult dog to know everything that you want him to. You also can’t expect your pet to learn on his own. If you’ve ever heard the term dog behavior work, you probably just assumed it meant dog training. It’s a common mistake, but the two are actually much different.

My guest this week is Debby Dobson. She’s a dog behaviorist that works with pet owners to help address some of the behavior issues that their dog is exhibiting. For example, if you have an issue with your dog jumping up on people when they come to your home for a visit, Debby could show you how to change that behavior.

While part of her job certainly involves training dogs, it’s also about finding the root of the problem and helping the dog to understand what the unwanted behavior is and what you would like him to do instead. In our interview, Debby shares some excellent tips and tricks for curbing unwanted behaviors. She also discusses some excellent books, products and other resources that will be a big help to pet owners trying to do behavior work with their pet at home.

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Whenever the topic of homemade pet food comes up, I’m always asked if it’s really that much better than commercial pet food. Unfortunately, that’s not a simple answer. Homemade pet food is MUCH better than SOME commercial pet food products. However, there are also some very high quality, safe, healthy and nutritious pet food products on the market.

The benefits aren’t just health related either, which surprises a lot of people. Making your pet’s meals gives you a peace of mind that you’ll never be able to have while serving commercial food to your companion. When you make homemade food, you know exactly which ingredients are being used, the quality of those ingredients and how the food is prepared. You’ll never have to worry about a recall on the food that you’re feeding your pet.

This week I discuss these advantages of homemade pet food, along with many others. I’ll explain whether homemade dog food is the right option for you and your pet or whether a commercial diet would be a better option. As always, when considering a change in your pet’s diet, you need to consult your veterinarian or a trained canine nutritionist first.

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Homemade dog food and the benefits that this diet can have for both pets and pet owners is something many pet owners forget to consider. This week, I want to discuss some of the most common myths and misconceptions that I often hear when discussing this diet with other dog owners.

As you know, I feed my dogs a homemade diet. When people find this out, they typically ask a lot of questions about the diet and why I choose to feed my dogs homemade food. Then they start asking about some of the things they’ve heard about homemade dog food. I hear things like:

How can you afford to feed homemade ?
How do you find the time to make homemade dog food? I can barely find the time to cook for the humans in my family!
Homemade diets aren’t healthy for dogs because they include fats, carbs and other unhealthy ingredients.

In this week’s episode, I’m debunking these myths and many other common misconceptions about the homemade dog food diet. If you’ve heard some of these things and it’s been holding you back from switching to homemade dog food, you’re going to want to hear what I have to say. As always, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before switching your pup’s diet, but this will give you some great information to start off with.

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This week our family has been dealing with a canine issue. Our furry nephew, my brother’s dog, has injured his back. The veterinarian says that surgery is the only way to fix the problem. My brother immediately called me to see if I had any knowledge on the subject of back injuries in dogs, and sadly I didn’t have much to tell him.

However, I knew someone that could help! Lisa Luckenback is the creator of the Wiggleless Back Brace for Dogs. When my brother called, I quickly realized that back issues in dogs are something that we don’t typically educate ourselves about until we’re faced with the problem. Sadly, they are more common than most pet owners realize, and we should really know the signs and symptoms in advance.

This week Lisa agreed to speak with me about back issues in dogs and tell us a little bit about why she created the Wiggleless back brace. She also explains why this brace is so unique. In this week’s podcast, Lisa shares her knowledge of common back injuries and which breeds are most susceptible to back problems.

Theory of Pets Podcast: Recent Episodes

Samantha Randall