Shows
The Family Pet PodcastEp. 115 Walk My Dog Challenge6th Annual Walk My Dog Challengeš¾š Sign up and learn more at www.familypethealth.com/walkmydogEpisode Summary Lace up your sneakers and leash up your pupāitās time for the 6th Annual Walk My Dog Challenge! In this episode, weāre talking all about this month-long event that encourages pet parents to get outside, get active, and build a better bond with their canine companions. We cover how the challenge works, the benefits of daily walks (for both humans and pets!), and how to register to be part of the fun...2025-04-1826 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 98 Life Stages of Cats - Kristal Stanfiled LVMTIn 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 about fleas and ticks.2024-04-2340 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 97 Register now for the 5th Annual Walk My Dog challenge - Heather MooreRegister 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...2024-04-0434 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 96 Dental health for dogs and cats - Dr. Angela BriggsIn this episode, Dr. Angela Briggs, a boarded veterinary dentist, discusses the importance of dental health for pets. She explains the role of a boarded veterinary dentist and the common conditions and treatments they encounter. Dr. Briggs also provides insights into root canals and fractured teeth, as well as the structure of a tooth. She emphasizes the importance of assessing dental health and the use of dental radiographs. Additionally, Dr. Briggs shares tips for preventing dental injuries and highlights common dental issues in cats.Check out Dr. Briggs at Your Pet Dentist2024-03-2537 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 95 Taking care of your pet's eyes - Dr. Ben BergstromIn 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.TakeawaysOphthalmology focuses on the practice of medicine and surgery for the eye, while optometry is...2024-03-1430 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 94 Help your pet prepare for a trip to the vet -Mikkel BeckerMikkel 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 Happy...2024-03-0731 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp. 93 Understanding veterinary lab tests with Dr. Holly BrownIn 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 prioritize annual blood work for their pets.TakeawaysThe CBC...2024-02-2924 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 92 Why is my vet recommending Lab Work? w/ Dr. Holly BrownIn 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.TakeawaysLab work is an essential...2024-02-2426 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 91 Keeping bugs and spiders as pets with Justin WallenIn 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.2024-02-1631 minThe Family Pet PodcastEP 90 Understanding chronic kidney disease with Dr. Christine GarrettIn 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. The life expectancy and quality of life for pets with chronic kidney disease vary depending on the cause...2024-02-0928 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 89 Pet Rehabilitation Services w/ Dr. David Levine and Ashley Wheeler LVMTIn 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 regular exercise. The episode concludes with fun facts about otters and the evolution of...2024-02-0233 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 88 Brain Spine and Nerves, oh my! Veterinary Neurology w/ Dr. Christiane MassicotteDr. Christiane Massicotte, a boarded veterinary neurologist with Veterinary Care and Specialty Group in Chattanooga, TN, joins the podcast to discuss various neurologic diseases in pets. She explains the role of a veterinary neurologist, which includes diagnosing and treating brain, spinal cord, nerve, and muscle diseases. One common condition she discusses is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause herniated discs in pets. Dr. Massicotte emphasizes the importance of early intervention and proper diagnosis for successful treatment. She also highlights the signs that indicate a trip to the neurologist is necessary, such as seizures, abnormal behavior, and difficulty walking...2024-01-2526 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 87 Pet Cancers with Dr. Katelyn MarloweIn this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, Dr. Katelyn Marlowe discusses veterinary oncology and the similarities and differences between human and pet cancers. She explains the causes of cancer and the various ways it can be diagnosed in pets. Dr. Marlowe also explores the different treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies. She emphasizes the importance of considering the pet's quality of life when making treatment decisions. The episode concludes with a fun fact about contagious cancers in dogs and Tasmanian devils.TakeawaysCancer in pets is similar to cancer...2024-01-1936 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 86 Pet emergency vs urgent care vs as soon as possible - Dr. Samantha BilkoSummaryIn this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, hosts Michael and Stephen Shirley are joined by Dr. Sam Bilko, a board-certified veterinarian specializing in emergency and critical care. They discuss the training and preparation required for emergency and critical care veterinarians, as well as the body's response in traumatic situations. Dr. Bilko explains the difference between emergency and critical care and provides an example of how they work together in cases of toxin ingestion. They also discuss the considerations for scheduling exams and the impact of COVID-19 on emergency care. The episode concludes with...2024-01-1122 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 85 How to read a pet food label w/Dr. Megan SprinkleIn this episode, the Michael and Stephen discuss the basics of reading a pet food label with guest Dr. Megan Sprinkle, the president of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition. They emphasize the importance of understanding pet food labels and making informed decisions about pet nutrition. The chapters cover topics such as the attraction to pet nutrition, the importance of a balanced diet, understanding calories on pet food labels, laws and regulations for pet food, and tips for choosing pet food. The episode concludes with a fun fact and information about Dr. Sprinkle's podcast, Vet Life Reimagined.2024-01-0435 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp. 84 Year in Review - Top Five Episodes of 2023 SeasonSummaryIn this episode, Michael and Stephen recap their top five episodes of the year as voted on by themselves. They also mention some honorable mentions and discuss the impact of their guests on the show. The top five episodes cover a range of topics including dog sports, diabetes in pets, pet dentistry, cat ownership, and new treatments for canine arthritis. The hosts express their gratitude to the listeners and encourage them to leave reviews and share the podcast with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction and New Year's Greetings01:28 Honorable Mentions: Episode 68 with Dr...2023-12-2833 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp. 83 Preventive Medicine - BEFORE your pet is sick w/ Dr Christine GarrettEp. 83 Preventive Medicine - BEFORE your pet is sick w/ Dr Christine GarrettIn this episode, Dr. Christine Garrett discusses the importance of preventive care for pets. She defines preventive care as actions taken before a pet becomes sick, such as diagnosing diseases early or protecting pets from potential exposures. Dr. Garrett emphasizes that preventive care cannot prevent everything but can help detect and treat diseases early, leading to a longer and healthier life for pets. She recommends annual veterinary visits, regular diagnostic tests, and preventive medications to keep pets healthy. Dr. Garrett also highlights the significance...2023-12-2127 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp 82 Understanding Declawing: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole MoranEpisode Title: Understanding Declawing: A Conversation with Dr. Nicole MoranIntroduction:In this episode of The Family Pet Podcast, we embark on an essential conversation about the controversial practice of declawing cats. Our expert guest, Dr. Nicole Moran from The Feline Medical Center of Houston, sheds light on the considerations, alternatives, and the well-being of our feline companions.Key Points:Exploring Declawing:Dr. Nicole Moran provides insights into the practice of declawing, discussing the considerations and potential impact on cats' health and behavior.Learn...2023-12-1429 minThe Family Pet PodcastEp. 81 Considerations before bringing home a new dog - Heather Moore, Wag It Better Dog TrainingEpisode Title: Heather's Top 5 Things to Consider Before Bringing a Dog Home for ChristmasIntroduction:In this festive episode of The Family Pet Podcast, expert dog trainer Heather Moore shares her invaluable insights on the top 5 things to consider before welcoming a new dog into your home for Christmas. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a first-timer, Heather's advice is a must-hear to ensure a smooth and joyful transition.Key Points:Research Breed Characteristics:Heather stresses the importance of researching breed characteristics to ensure...2023-12-0729 min