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Pet Care Basics Episodes

Every pet parent starts somewhere. These episodes cover the everyday essentials of caring for your dog, cat, or other pets—so you can build confidence, create healthy routines, and avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a new pet parent or just want to refresh your knowledge, you’ll find simple, practical advice to keep your pets happy and healthy at home.

Topics included: feeding routines, grooming, litter box setup, crate training, cleaning and odor control, introducing new pets, daily care, and first-time pet parent tips.
Aug. 10, 2025

Benadryl, Tylenol, Pepto: What’s Safe for Your Pet?

When your dog’s limping or your cat won’t stop scratching, it’s tempting to reach into your medicine cabinet, but should you? In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dr. Zoo, my vet and the veterinarian for Starlight O...

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March 11, 2025

Is Treating Your Pet Like a Baby Actually Hurting Them?

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, humaniz...

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March 4, 2025

Thinking About Getting a Dog? Listen to This First

Thinking about getting a dog? Hold that thought. Too many rescue dog adoptions fail because people fall for a face or a story without understanding what they’re signing up for. Choosing the wrong dog, whether it's a rescue do...

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Nov. 25, 2024

Pet Food Labels Are Lying: How To Feed Better Without Going Broke

Not sure what’s actually healthy for your pet to eat? You’re not alone. Pet food labels are confusing on purpose, marketing is loud, and even “prescription” diets can leave you feeling stuck and broke. In this episode, certif...

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Nov. 5, 2024

Holiday Grooming Tips Every Pet Parent Needs to Know

Holiday photos, family visits, colder weather - your pet’s grooming routine matters more than ever this season. In this episode, I sit down with Julia Benning, Lead Grooming Advisor for Well Groomed Pets and a Fear-Free Certi...

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Aug. 13, 2024

How to Afford Vet Care Without Breaking the Bank

Worried about the rising cost of caring for your pet? You’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about how pet parents can prepare fo...

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Aug. 6, 2024

Want Your Pet to Live Longer? Start With These 5 Steps

What if your pet’s health problems aren’t the real problem—but just the symptoms? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Marlene Siegel, a leading voice in bioregulatory veterinary medicine. She shares her holistic, root-cause ap...

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July 23, 2024

Dog Driving You Nuts? 5 Behavior Fixes That Work

Tired of your dog barking nonstop, pulling on the leash, or your dog chewing everything in sight? In this episode, I’m joined by dog training expert Ruth Hegarty to break down the most common behavior problems pet parents fac...

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July 9, 2024

Why Your Adoption Was Denied: 10 Reasons Shelters Say No

Think you’re ready to adopt a pet? You might want to double-check. In this candid episode, Amy breaks down 10 common reasons adoption applications get denied, and most people have no idea they’re raising concerns. Drawing fro...

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June 4, 2024

Worried About Pet Vaccines? What Most Vets Won't Tell You

Confused about which vaccines your pet really needs? You’re not alone. With conflicting advice and growing concerns about side effects, making informed decisions around pet vaccinations can feel overwhelming. In this episode,...

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