Description

Is calling your pet your “fur baby” harmless fun or actually harmful to your pet’s well-being?
If you’ve ever wondered whether treating your pet like a child is helping or hurting them, you’re not alone. The truth is, humanizing pets isn’t the issue. Misunderstanding their needs is.
In this episode, I talk with veterinary psychiatrist Dr. Rachel Malamed about what it really means to build a healthy emotional bond with your pet. Together, we explore how to strike the right balance between love and leadership, and how to avoid unintentionally stressing your pet by treating them like a human.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why respecting your pet’s species-specific needs leads to better behavior and emotional health
• How to read your pet’s body language more accurately and avoid common misinterpretations
• What it looks like to truly enrich your pet’s life in ways that serve them, not just you

This episode will challenge how you view your role as a pet parent and help you build a more fulfilling relationship based on understanding, trust, and healthy boundaries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. RACHEL MALAMED:
Website: www.behaviordogtor.com
Join the Pet Psychiatry Hub Pre-Launch Waitlist
Books: Decoding Your Cat | Decoding Your Dog
Visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Find her on: YouTube, Facebook, Support Group for Pet Parents

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Pet parenting is tough, but The Pet Parent Hotline helps solve real pet parenting struggles with practical pet advice. Each week, we provide pet care advice and pet saving hacks for overwhelmed pet parents trying to save money at the pet store and on vet bills, make puppy training easy, fix cat behavior problems like litter box issues and scratching, and keep multi-pet households in balance. We share pet advice on pet budgeting, cat care, dog training tips, dog behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning with pets. Follow for the pet parent support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro