Pet Health And Wellness Episodes

You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter. Your dog barely goes outside. Your cat’s never seen a flea. And those preventatives are not cheap. But what if that one skipped dose turns into a $3,000 emergency—or worse? In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to cut through the fear, guilt, and confusing pet care advice about parasite prevention. We’re talking flea meds, tick risks, heartworm ...

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 Outreach and Rescue, to tackle one of the most Googled questions in pet parenting: “Can I give my pet human over-the-counter meds?” We’re breaking down what’s safe, what’s dangerous, and what might help when the vet is closed and your pet needs relief now. BY THE TIME YOU F...

Thinking about adding another pet to your family? Before you give in to those puppy-dog eyes or kitten purrs, hit pause. Because while one more pet can be wonderful, it can also turn your home upside down if the timing or reason isn’t right. In this episode, I’m sharing 4 essential gut checks to help you decide if it’s truly the right time to expand your pack. After adopting out pets to thousands of families and taking in hundreds of owner surrenders, I’ll give you the honest questions no one e...

Heartworm Truths Every Pet Owner Needs to Hear with Dr. Zoo Think skipping heartworm prevention just this once is no big deal? It only takes one mosquito bite to change your pet’s life forever. Heartworm disease is slow, painful, and completely preventable—yet pets still die from it every year. In this episode, Dr. Zoo shares two cases that prove why you can’t take the risk: a two-year-old German Shepherd in kidney failure after his owners stopped prevention, and a rescue terrier whose heart ...

Did I wait too long? Did I do the right thing? What if I failed them? If you’ve lost a beloved pet, you’ve probably asked yourself these same painful questions. Grief is hard enough, but guilt can make healing feel impossible. I’ve been there too. When I had to say goodbye to our 34-year-old rescue horse, Cherokee, I was overwhelmed with guilt, even with decades of rescue experience behind me. If you’ve ever struggled with that same inner dialogue, you’re not alone. In this episode, I sit down w...

Think hairballs are just a normal part of life with cats? Think again. If your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or even monthly, it’s not just gross—it’s a red flag. Frequent hairballs can point to stress, food allergies, digestive issues, or even chronic illness. In this episode, I talk with veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins about what really causes hairballs, when to be concerned, and cat care hacks to help your cat stay healthy from the inside out. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...

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...

Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise, or are they overdoing it without you realizing? Whether your pup is high-energy, low-key, or somewhere in between, knowing how to safely meet their physical needs is crucial to keeping them healthy and pain-free. But most pet parents don’t know when to push their dog or when to let them rest. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expert, about how to customize exercise for your dog’s breed, age, and lifesty...

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...

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...