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.
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.
March 11, 2025
Spoiling Your Pet Isn’t The Problem, This Is
Do you think your pet “loves” something, but they’re actually just stressed, overwhelmed, or trying to cope? Many pet parenting problems start when we judge animal behavior through a human lens and miss what our pets are trying to tell us. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rachel Malamed, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (veterinary psychiatrist), to talk about what pets actually need to feel safe, balanced, and mentally healthy in a human home. We get into enrichment that matters (not...
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 dog or not, can lead to frustration, heartbreak, and sometimes surrender. In this episode, I talk with Pete Campione about how to avoid the biggest mistakes people make when bringing a dog into their lives. Whether you’re adopting a rescue dog, fostering, or buying from a bre...
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, certified canine nutritionist and holistic pet health coach Elizabeth Casas explains how to spot misleading ingredients, make smarter choices without going down a rabbit hole, and start improving your pet’s diet with small, realistic upgrades. No food-shaming, no perfection, just...
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 Certified Groomer, to talk about how grooming impacts not just your pet’s appearance but their overall health and comfort. Whether you’re prepping for your pet’s first grooming appointment or managing a high-maintenance doodle coat, this episode is your go-to guide for stress-fre...
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. With vet costs rising, more pet parents are realizing they need a better plan to handle both routine care and unexpected emergencies before the next bill hits. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Services’ Pet Business, to talk about budgeting for pets, preparing for unexpected costs, and avoiding financial panic when your pet needs care most. From budgeting strategies to und...
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 approach to extending your pet’s life and improving their day-to-day well-being. From food and water to detox and emotional health, Dr. Siegel’s five-step system challenges what most pet parents think they know about pet care. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER...
July 23, 2024
Dog Training: Fix The 5 Biggest Behavior Problems
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 face and dog training tips to help fix them using positive, effective methods. From recall issues to destructive chewing, Ruth shares practical dog training strategies that work for real-life households. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why your dog pulls on ...
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 from 15 years in rescue and sheltering, Amy shares the subtle signals that make a rescue pause. These aren’t the obvious deal-breakers like animal hoarding or a history of abuse. This is the stuff well-meaning adopters accidentally say or do that screams, “This might not be th...
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, I’m joined by veterinarian and author Dr. Jeff Grognet, who breaks down what core and non-core vaccines actually do, what risks you should consider, and how to customize a vaccine schedule that fits your pet—not a one-size-fits-all plan. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, ...
May 28, 2024
When Your Pet Dies: Aftercare And Memorial Options
What do you do when the worst happens and your pet crosses the Rainbow Bridge? For many pet parents, navigating the grief and logistics of pet aftercare is overwhelming, especially if they’ve never faced it before. In this episode, I’m joined by Gia Kondakor, director of Pet Loss Services at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, to talk about what happens after a pet dies and the choices you have to honor them with care and dignity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The differences be...