Ask the Vet

• How guide dogs support independence and help their people navigate daily life
• The skills guide dogs are trained to perform and how they work with their partners as a team
• What you should know when you encounter a guide dog
• How dogs are raised and trained before being matched with their future partners
• What’s involved in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser
• How Guiding Eyes matches dogs with the right people
• What happens when a dog doesn’t complete the guide dog program
• Ways to get involved with or support Guiding Eyes for the Blind

• Trending animal story: the first sighting of a North American river otter in the Bronx River in about 100 years
• Animal news, including new research on how dogs respond to human facial expressions; how cats use scent to identify one another; and how “HeroRATs” are helping combat the illegal wildlife trade
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: whether a fatty lump on a dog should be tested; what to do when a cat with suspected IBD refuses therapeutic diets; and when a persistent cough in a dog may require veterinary attention

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine.

Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy.

Topics include:

• Why Dr. Sykes made the move from zoo medicine to his new role at AMC
• What is considered an exotic pet
• How to choose the exotic pet species that best matches your lifestyle
• Where to acquire an exotic pet
• How caring for an exotic pet can sometimes be similar to caring for a zoo animal
• Recognizing signs of illness and when to visit a veterinarian
• What preventative care looks like for an exotic pet

 Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Jimothy, a young raccoon who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his cryptid-like appearance
• Animal news, including how a new study suggests that changes in the way senior dogs walk are associated with cognitive decline, much as they are in people
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to protect indoor pets from poor air quality and wildfire smoke; how to protect dogs from getting sunburned; and how to feed multiple cats different diets

Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support.

Topics include:

• What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic setting
• What Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to be
• What palliative care for pets looks like and how it can help pets and their families make the most of their time together
• Tips to assess a pet’s quality of life
• How to approach and navigate discussions about euthanasia
• What a peaceful in-home euthanasia experience looks like and how to prepare for it
• Navigating grief and the role of rituals, keepsakes, and memorials in providing comfort

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Romeow, a stray orange tabby cat who made an unexpected appearance during an outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet”
• Animal news, including the story of how a new study challenges the common assumption that cat ownership automatically worsens asthma in children
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: What sudden movements during deep sleep may mean; why cats may drool while kneading surfaces; and what to do if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk

Do you have a pe t health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room.

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets.

Topics include:

• Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illness
• The warning signs that a pet may be overheating
• What to do in a heat emergency — and one common mistake that can make the situation worse
• Why a day at the beach can sometimes end in the ER
• Summer travel risks many pet owners overlook
• Picnic and barbecue hazards that can lead to an emergency vet visit
• What ER veterinarians wish every pet owner knew

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about a Great Horned Owl rescued after becoming trapped inside a concrete mixer
• Animal news, including new research suggesting beluga whales may recognize themselves in mirrors, a study exploring how zebra finches learn complex skills, and fascinating findings about what pet hair may reveal about the indoor environments pets and people share
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing breathing concerns in a Yorkie with pancreatitis; whether Golden Retrievers should be shaved during the summer; and ongoing diarrhea and excessive thirst in a cat being treated for thyroid disease

Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet!

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances.

Topics include:

• What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bond
• Resources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and education
• How RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic violence
• An overview of the Purple Leash Project, including its impact and future
• Guidance for pet owners who may be facing hardship

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Dippy, the first axolotl ever found in the wild in the UK
• Animal news, including the story of Molly, a beloved dog who was successfully rescued and reunited with her owner after a life-threatening accident in New Zealand
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing inappropriate urination in a rescued Pomeranian; when to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist; and what limping after a nap may mean for dogs

Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] or click the button below to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Proper exercise and conditioning can support our dogs as they age. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Service Head of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine at AMC, to discuss exercise, mobility, and how we can keep dogs strong and active throughout their lives.

Topics include:

• What a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation does
• The changes in strength, mobility, and function you may see in your dog as they age
• Differentiating between normal aging and early signs of mobility problems
• All the ways in which regular movement can support overall health and quality of life
• Why conditioning your dog for exercise matters
• What a well-balanced exercise routine looks like
• Common mistakes and habits that can lead to strain and injury
• Regaining strength and mobility after an injury

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Buck, a dog who was rescued after being found with a plastic bucket stuck over his head
• Animal news, including how dogs may try to help their families find lost objects in ways that look strikingly similar to human toddlers
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: When to worry about hydration in kittens; how sun exposure can lead to cancer; and what to do if your cat has one pupil larger than the other

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.

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Renee Schmid, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, to discuss poisonings and toxin exposures in pets.

Topics include:

• What veterinary toxicologists do
• How Pet Poison Helpline works — and when you should call
• Trending toxin exposures and emerging concerns
• Red-flag symptoms pet owners should never ignore
• How new toxin alerts are prepared and shared with veterinarians and pet owners
• Practical tips to help prevent poisonings

 Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Splash, a small-clawed Asian otter helping law enforcement with underwater search and recovery
• Animal news, including how an endangered white rhino with a life-threatening parasitic eye infection was saved
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Why a dog may skip or hop for a few steps while walking; what a sudden bald patch in cats may indicate; and what to do if your dog tears off a dewclaw

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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In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her colleague Dr. Erin Achilles, Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Cardiology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they discuss how veterinary cardiologists play a critical role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives. 

Topics include:

• What veterinary cardiologists do and when your pet should see one
• Common types of acquired heart disease in dogs and cats
• How to monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate and why it matters
• Types of congenital heart disease seen and treated at AMC
• Tips to maintain your pet’s heart health

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about how an Austrian cow, Veronika, has dazzled cognitive biologists through multi-purpose tool use 
• Animal news, including research showing spider monkeys creating a complex social network to better find and gather food
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to know if your pet is experiencing hearing loss; understanding medication instruction labels; and whether one type of kitty litter is better than the rest

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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In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Victoria Schade, a professional dog trainer, author, and longtime lead puppy trainer/wrangler for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. With decades of experience helping dogs and their families thrive, Victoria shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of television’s most beloved animal events — and offers practical advice pet parents can use every day.

Topics include:

• What goes on behind the scenes to keep Puppy Bowl puppies safe, comfortable, and happy
• How Victoria’s training approach creates positive, low-stress experiences for puppies on set
• Why she decided to adopt Boris ("Mr. Pickles") after last year's Puppy Bowl
• How dog training has evolved over the years
• What new puppy parents should focus on in the first few months at home
• The most common mistake new pet parents make and how to avoid it
• Simple training tips that can make an immediate difference
• Victoria's journey from dog trainer to novelist
• Her newest novel, Fated Skates

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about a rare case of adoption in the wild, where a young orangutan stepped in to raise her sister
• Animal news, including a pair of endangered owls who accidentally traveled by cruise ship from Florida to Spain; a funeral for a beloved train station cat that drew hundreds of mourners; and new research showing how our own emotions can influence the way we interpret a dog’s feelings
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Persistent eye discharge in a kitten; a dog who won't go outside when it's raining; and when shedding becomes a health concern for pet rabbits

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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In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Donald Sturz, President and Show Chairman of the Westminster Kennel Club, as they celebrate a historic milestone: the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With decades of experience as a handler, judge, and leader in the dog show world, Dr. Sturz offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic events in American sporting history.

Topics include:

• Why the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is historically significant
• What happens behind the scenes at Westminster
• The role of junior showmanship and why it’s vital to the future of the sport
• How dog breed standards are developed
• Why dog shows should honor dogs as companions, not just competitors
• The history of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
• How Dr. Sturz's background as a clinical psychologist informs his approach to leadership at Westminster
• How dogs, handlers, judges, and spectators experience the event

Also on this month’s show:

• Trending animal story about the heartwarming rescue of a lost sea otter pup 
• Animal news, including research showing urban raccoons may be showing early signs of domestication
• Pet Health Listener Q&A: Whether anesthesia is necessary for dental cleanings and x-rays; enrichment ideas for senior cats on prescription diets; and whether dogs should wear collars at all times

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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