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:
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
Holiday guests coming who don’t love your pets? Don’t miss the December 3rd Quick Fix bonus episode. Amy shares simple ways to set expectations, create boundaries, and shut down holiday drama before it even starts. Listen in and keep everyone in your house off the naughty list.
Love the show? Share it with someone navigating the chaos of pet parenting, and please leave a 5-star review so others can find the pet advice they need.
Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify
Pet parenting can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling behavior issues, unexpected costs, or conflicting information. Every week, you’ll get clear, expert pet advice with simple steps you can actually use NOW, plus pet cost hacks that help you save money without sacrificing your pet’s wellbeing.
We cover training and behavior guidance, nutrition insights, stress-free vet visit tips, cleaning and home routines, and smart ways to manage life in multi-pet households. Everything is practical, supportive, and built for real life.
No fluff, no guilt, just real pet parenting advice with expert guidance and practical tools you can use today, plus easy ways to plan and budget so pet expenses don’t derail you.
Follow so you can stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.
Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com
©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro
