In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, the hosts interview Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant, about aging in cats. They discuss the physical and behavioral changes that cats experience as they get older, such as muscle wasting, hearing loss, and picky eating. Amy provides tips on how to keep senior cats active and engaged, including using food puzzle toys, providing vertical spaces, and playing with them. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding a cat's love language and meeting their needs on their terms. https://shop.shojai.com/ https://shojai.com/ Keywords ..read more

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, the hosts discuss the different life stages of cats and the important aspects of their healthcare. They are joined by Kristal Stanfield, a licensed veterinary technician, who provides valuable insights. The primary themes covered in the conversation include the life stages of cats (kitten, adult, and senior), the importance of vaccines and prevention, the role of diet and exercise, dental care, and reproductive health. The hosts also touch on the topics of urinary tract issues, weight management, and joint health. The episode concludes with fun facts ..read more

Register now for the annual Walk My Dog Challenge! The Family Pet Podcast discusses the fifth annual Walk My Dog Challenge, an event that encourages pet owners to walk their dogs and track their miles for a chance to win prizes. Originally, this was created for the dog-loving people of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but now we have walkers registered from all over the world! The challenge is free to participate in and runs from April 29th to June 28th. The podcast hosts provide tips on equipment needed for walking dogs, such as harnesses and leashes, and emphasize the importance of proper training ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Ben Bergstrom, a boarded veterinary ophthalmologist, discusses various aspects of veterinary ophthalmology. He explains the difference between ophthalmology and optometry, the basics of the eye across different species, and the most common species he treats. Dr. Bergstrom also highlights the importance of early detection in eye conditions and the benefits of cataract surgery. He shares a fun fact about dogs' night vision and emphasizes the role of preventive care in maintaining pets' eye health. Takeaways Ophthalmology focuses on the practice of medicine and surgery for t ..read more

Mikkel Becker, lead trainer at Fear Free Pets, joins the Family Pet Podcast to discuss fear, anxiety, and stress that pets experience during veterinary care. They cover the importance of protecting the emotional well-being of pets, the benefits of Fear Free certification for veterinary practices, and tips for preparing dogs and cats for vet visits. They also share fun facts about calming music and scents for pets. Overall, Fear Free veterinary care aims to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, creating a more positive and comfortable experience for both pets and their owners. Fear Free Ha ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Holly Brown from Antec Diagnostics continues the discussion about lab testing. The sensitivity and specificity of the CBC test are explained, highlighting its ability to detect abnormalities but not always provide specific information about the underlying disease process. The importance of further testing and interpreting lab results with veterinary professionals is emphasized. The role of the chemistry test in assessing organ function is discussed, along with the significance of heartworm testing and prevention. The episode concludes with a reminder for pet owners to prio ..read more

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, host Stephen and guest Dr. Holly Brown discuss the importance of lab work in pet healthcare. They cover topics such as the complete blood count (CBC), fecal testing, and urinalysis. They also explore the differences between in-house testing and reference labs. Dr. Brown emphasizes the value of baseline lab results and provides a fun fact about the origin of the word 'leukemia'. The episode concludes with a preview of Part 2, where they will delve deeper into specific aspects of lab testing. Takeaways Lab work is an essential part of pet healthcare a ..read more

In this episode, Justin Wallen teaches us the basics of keeping bugs and spiders as pets! Check out his business Justin's Critters located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia ..read more

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, Dr. Christine Garrett discusses chronic kidney disease in pets. The kidneys act as filters, removing waste and maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by irreversible loss of kidney function. Common signs and symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood work, urinalysis, and imaging. Prevention strategies include maintaining hydration and avoiding toxins. Treatment options include dietary changes, fluid therapy, and medication. Th ..read more

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, we talk to Dr. David Levine and Ashley Wheeler LVMT to discuss rehabilitation for pets. They explain the purpose of rehab, which includes reinforcing post-operative surgeries and maximizing function in cases of arthritis or neurological conditions. The guests also highlight the importance of assessment and individualized treatment plans. They discuss various rehab techniques such as underwater treadmills and balance tools. Additionally, they provide tips for preventing the need for rehab, including maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating regula ..read more