Help keep the hotline alive, donate now →

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.
Oct. 31, 2023

20 Rescue-Tested Pet Products We Swear By

Tired of Wasting Money on Pet Products That Don’t Work? If you’ve ever bought a pet bed your dog wouldn’t touch or a cleaner that didn’t stand a chance against cat pee, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the top 20 must-have pet products that have made life at Starlight Outreach and Rescue easier and improved the lives of the pets we care for every day. These are the tried-and-true items we actually use, love, and recommend. 🎧 By the time you finish listening, you’ll discov...
Oct. 24, 2023

Medicinal Mushrooms for Pets: What Works and What's Hype

Can mushrooms actually help your pet’s allergies, anxiety, or immune system, or is this just another wellness trend? In this episode, Amy Castro talks with Dr. Rob Silver, a veterinarian with expertise in herbal medicine, about what medicinal mushrooms can realistically support, which ones get overhyped, and how to choose products that aren’t basically expensive filler. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: • Which mushrooms are commonly used for calming support, allergy relief, an...
Sept. 19, 2023

Small Pets, Big Commitments: What Vets Want You to Know

Curious about getting a rabbit, bird, turtle—or even a snake? In this episode, Amy Castro sits down with veteran veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to explore what it really takes to care for small pets. From creating safe habitats to understanding species-specific needs, this is your go-to guide for making smart, informed decisions before bringing one home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: What to know before adding a rabbit, bird, reptile, or turtle to your homeHow to set up th...
Aug. 15, 2023

Lost Cat? How to Find Them Fast (and What Not to Do)

What would you do if your cat went missing and the advice you found online wasn’t working? Most people panic, print flyers, and shake a treat bag, but today’s guest says that’s exactly what not to do. In this episode, Amy sits down with lost cat expert and pet detective Kim Freeman, who shares what really helps bring lost cats home. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The critical mistake most pet parents make in the first 24 hoursHow understanding cat behavior can transform yo...
Aug. 8, 2023

Emergency Vet Visits: What to Do Before You Go

Do you know what to do before walking into the emergency vet? Most pet parents don’t think about it until they’re in the moment, stressed, scared, and trying to make decisions fast, with zero context for what’s about to happen. In this episode, Amy sits down with emergency veterinarian Dr. Tyler Sugerman-McGiffin to pull back the curtain on what really happens in a pet ER, how emergency care is different from your regular vet, and what you can do now so you’re not scrambling later. BY THE TIM...
July 25, 2023

5 Ways to Help Your Pet Live Longer with Dr. Gary Richter, DVM

What if a few simple changes could add years to your pet’s life? If you've ever worried about whether you're doing enough to keep your pet healthy, you're not alone. In this episode, Amy talks with holistic veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter, founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition, to uncover the everyday choices that can make a major difference in your pet’s longevity. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER: How vaccinations and parasite prevention affect long-term wellnessThe truth about p...
July 18, 2023

What Skipping Playtime Is Really Costing Your Pet

Ever wonder if your pet’s behavior problems could be solved with a toy? Most pet parents don’t realize that play and enrichment aren’t just fun extras—they’re essential to your pet’s mental and emotional health. When pets don’t get enough stimulation, they act out, get stressed, or even end up surrendered to shelters. In this episode, you’ll discover: How play impacts your pet’s brain and behaviorThe surprising link between toy selection and fewer training issuesSimple ways to prevent boredom...
July 11, 2023

Thinking About a Pet? 10 Questions to Ask First

Thinking about adding a pet to your life, but not sure if it is the right time or the right decision? Every year, pets end up surrendered because their humans rushed in without asking the tough questions first. Whether you are considering your very first pet or adding another to your household, this episode walks you through 10 essential questions that could save you from heartbreak and help ensure the pet you choose gets the forever home they deserve. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL...
June 20, 2023

What to Do (and Not Do) When You Find Wildlife

Ever come across a wild animal and freeze, unsure of what to do? Whether it's a baby bird on the ground or a raccoon in your attic, most of us want to help, but end up making things worse. In this episode, Amy talks with Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director of Wild Care of Cape Cod, to break down what you should do when wildlife shows up in your world. You’ll hear real stories, practical tips, and how Wild Care is making a difference every single day. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL D...
June 13, 2023

Pet Grooming Secrets from Hollywood’s Top Groomer Jess Rona

Think grooming is just about a haircut? Think again. Most pet parents have no idea what their groomer really goes through, or what makes a grooming session a total nightmare (or a dream). In this episode, celebrity groomer Jess Rona spills the secrets every pet parent should know, from managing coat care between appointments to handling anxious or wiggly dogs AND she provides some easy DIY dog grooming tips for beginners to help you get started. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOV...