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Pet Health And Wellness Episodes

From nutrition to preventive care, these episodes focus on keeping your pets healthy inside and out. Learn how to spot warning signs early, make informed choices about diet and supplements, and create a wellness plan that supports your pet’s long-term health.

Topics included: preventive care, nutrition, supplements, exercise, senior pets, dental health, holistic pet care, vet visits.
March 19, 2024

Special-Needs Pet Care: The Reality and the Reward

Ever wonder what life really looks like after your pet gets a serious diagnosis? A chronic illness like diabetes doesn’t just change your pet’s routine, it changes yours, every single day. And it can get overwhelming fast, emotionally, logistically, and financially. In this episode, I talk with pet podcaster Julie Marty Pearson about her diabetic cat, Charlie, and what it really takes to manage long-term illness without falling apart in the process. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DIS...
Feb. 27, 2024

Resource Guarding: Why It Gets Worse Fast

Is your dog growling over food, toys, the couch, or even you? Resource guarding usually doesn’t start as a big, dramatic moment; it starts small, and most pet parents miss the early red flags until it escalates. Then the internet chimes in with advice that can make it worse fast. In this episode, I’m joined by nationally recognized dog behavior and dog training expert Will Bangura, to break down what resource guarding really is, why it happens, and what to do next so you can handle it safely an...
Feb. 6, 2024

Thinking About Getting a Bunny? What No One Warns You About

Thinking about bringing home a bunny? Here’s what most people get wrong. In this eye-opening episode, Amy Castro speaks with Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to reveal the often misunderstood truth about rabbits as pets. From spaying and neutering to behavioral quirks, medical needs, and the real cost of care, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering adding a rabbit to their home—or wanting to better care for the one they already have. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LI...
Jan. 30, 2024

5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Next Level (Part 2)

Are you giving your pet everything they need to truly thrive? In Part 2 of our series with UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne, Amy Castro explores the final two of the five legally recognized pet welfare needs. These last two, companionship and the ability to express natural behavior, often go overlooked but have the greatest impact on your pet’s quality of life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: Why social connection (or solitude) matters depending on...
Jan. 23, 2024

5 Pet Needs Most Homes Miss, The Basics (Part 1)

Are you meeting all 5 of your pet’s welfare needs—or just the basics? In this powerful first episode of a two-part series, Amy Castro teams up with renowned UK veterinarian and animal welfare advocate Dr. Emma Milne to explore the often-overlooked foundations of pet care. In this episode, they tackle the first three of the five legally recognized animal welfare needs and how they apply to everyday pet parenting. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What “proper nutrition” really...
Jan. 16, 2024

10 Pet Parent Habits for a Healthier, Happier Year

Want to be a better pet parent this year—but not sure where to start? In this playful and practical kickoff to Season 2, Amy Castro and Bev share 10 powerful resolutions every pet parent should consider. Whether you’ve made your list or need a few fresh ideas, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways to improve your pet’s health, happiness, and everyday life. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How to create a proactive wellness plan with vet care, grooming, and hygieneEasy ...
Dec. 14, 2023

Adopt Or Shop? Dog Show Judge Explains How To Choose Responsibly

Caught in the middle of the “Adopt Don’t Shop” debate? Here’s what you really need to know before getting your next dog. In this balanced and thought-provoking episode, Amy Castro sits down with AKC Judge and Siberian Husky expert Sandy Weaver to unpack the tension between rescuing dogs and buying from breeders. They explore the truth behind mixed breed rescue dogs vs. purebreds, decode the doodle craze, and share expert tips for finding a responsible breeder, so you can make the best decision f...
Dec. 5, 2023

Can’t Afford Vet Care? The Pet Cost Hacks You Need to Know

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 for unexpected costs and avoid financial panic when their pets need care most. We dig into the real numbers behind vet bills and the simple pet cost hacks that help you stay ahead of expenses instead of scrambling after the fact. From smarter budgeting to understanding tools ...
Nov. 28, 2023

Why Your Pet’s Microchip Won’t Save Them Until You Do This

Think your pet’s microchip is keeping them safe? It might not be. A microchip isn’t a GPS, it doesn’t “work automatically,” and one common mistake makes it basically useless when a lost pet is found. In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Matt Goetz, DVM, MBA from Merck Animal Health, the company behind HomeAgain microchips, about what most pet parents misunderstand about microchipping, and the simple steps that actually make it work when it matters. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YO...
Nov. 21, 2023

Holiday Hazards: The Hidden Dangers That Send Pets to the ER

Could your holiday celebrations put your pet in danger? Between tempting food, breakable décor, open doors, and a house full of loud humans, the holidays can turn into a perfect storm for pet accidents and stress. In this episode, Amy Castro teams up with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to break down the most common holiday hazards that land pets in urgent care, plus the simple steps that prevent most of them. You’ll also learn how to set your pet up to stay cal...