Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Maggie O'Haire, a noted researcher in the field of human-animal interactions. Dr. O'Haire's work is paving the way for understanding how service dogs can make a tremendous difference in the lives of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Tune in as they discuss:

• How the Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education was named
• Dr. O'Haire's inspiration to study human-animal interactions
• The ways Dr. O'Haire persisted in studying a relatively new field with few opportunities
• The difference between service dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs
• What is cortisol and how does it relate to post-traumatic stress disorder?
• How having a service dog impacted veterans' stress physiology in Dr. O'Haire's study
• How Dr. O'Haire hopes her work will improve health care for veterans
• The pros and cons of a national certification or registration body for service animals
• Dr. O'Haire's next project
• In addition to veterans, who can service dogs help?

Also on this month's show: 

• Viral trending animal story about Albert, the "gentle giant" 750 pound alligator seized from a home in New York state
• Animal news, including new research showing that 25% of Labrador Retrievers carry a genetic mutation that predisposes them to obesity
• Pet Health Listener Q&A 

Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.

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