Call the Vet - an insider's guide to dog and cat health

Are you the “alpha” of your home pack or does your dog dictate the order of the day? Our dogs are part of the family, but is the way we treat them at home actually making them confused, anxious, and unhappy?

The fact is that dogs are dogs. And as obvious as this sounds, so many are treated like children which can lead to a whole range of different behavioral problems that impact the entire family.

When you hear the term “alpha” you may think, like me, about the need to punish, shout, or physically dominate your dog. Actions that are nothing but detrimental to your relationship and your dog’s well-being.

There is another kinder, gentler way of becoming the leader of your home “pack” that ensures your dog really is living their best life both physically AND emotionally.

In today's episode I’m joined by dog trainer Doggy Dan as we discuss:

• How to set boundaries for your dog, and why it is important
• Why parenting and dog training are very similar
• The gentle way to become pack leader
• Giving pats, cuddles, and affection value
• The dog-owner pecking order
• Online dog training resources
• How to become a dog trainer

All too often we focus on physical health without recognizing the importance of our dog’s emotional health.

Make the change today!

You can find all the links and resources discussed over at callthevet.org

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Have you ever found yourself standing in the pet food aisle utterly confused about what to feed your dog? It can seem almost impossible to decipher all of the marketing terms, ingredients list, and all the small print on the packaging.

And so today we’re going to go on a journey of discovery. To highlight the information that is really important and shed light on the tricks and tactics that pet food manufacturers use to convince you to buy their diet. All so that you can choose the best diet for your furry family.

Head over to the show notes to dive deeper into how to read dog food labels.

And if you think that commercial pet food is not the right choice for your dog, be sure to get your free copy of my guide I'm a Dog, Feed Me Raw - the benefits and risks of feeding rad diets vs kibble

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

You don't want to hear this but the chances are better than not that your dog or cat will suffer from arthritis during their life. You owe it to them to recognize their pain as early as possible and then take the steps needed to ensure their comfort and quality of life are maintained. Thankfully, there is so much that we can do, and some of the steps that have the biggest impact are completely free!

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Every year, the number of animals euthanized in the shelter population is equivalent to twice the population of San Francisco.

Combine this with the fact that only 3% of all charity donations go to help animals and the environment combined and you can see that there is plenty of work to be done.

There is hope, and we can all make a difference. The reality is that the conversation needs to change from helping with people OR animals to people AND animals.

The benefits of bringing a rescue dog or cat (or rabbit or horse…) into our lives can be unbelievably powerful. This simple decision has the potential to be truly life-changing.
Carol Novello, and her organization Mutual Rescue, collect stories of the transformative effect that rescue animals have been proven to have time and again.

And for those of us who don’t have space in our homes for a new furry family member, Carol gives us the language, avenues, and permission needed to support the global pet population in a way that will pay us back and improve the world many times over.

Head over to the show notes for all the links discussed and to dive into the world of rescue animals.

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Getting your female dog spayed is something all owners need to consider, and as well as making sure the timing is right, choosing the best surgical technique for your dog is really important if you want the lowest chance of complications and the fastest recovery.

Laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery is becoming increasingly available, but while it does provide some clear benefits over the traditional surgical technique it is not the right option for every dog.

For a deeper dive into spaying your dog, be sure to head over to the full show notes.

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Have you ever considered the impact that your pet dog or cat has on the environment?
Are you wondering how you can reduce their ecological pawprint?
The fact is that, depending on how you are caring for your pet, their carbon footprint due to diet alone could be very similar to yours! Thankfully though, some simple changes you can make today will make a hugely significant difference over the lifetime of your pet.

In this wide-ranging interview we discuss:

• How your pet contributes to climate change and their ecological impact
• Options you can take to be more green, including:
  • Diet choices
  • Sustainable pet accessory options
  • Parasite control
• The impact of climate change on both animal and human health and disease control challenges
• How the veterinary industry is adapting to be more environmentally conscious
• The 3 big changes you can make today

Check out the full show notes for more information and links discussed

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

A cancer diagnosis is the last news any pet parent wants for their furry family member, and then you're hit with some potentially drastic treatment options. With a cancerous mass on the leg, this can mean the potential for amputation of the whole leg.

If this episode I discuss:

• The tumor characteristics you need to know about when any surgery is being planned
• When amputation may be the best option for your dog's longer-term quality of life
• The other treatment options you should consider
• Why an oncology referal will provide you with the best information

Find out more

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Inflammatory bowel disease can be a challenging disease to diagnose, involving many different tests and treatment trials. Frustration levels can run high!

In this episode I dive into:

• What IBD in dogs actually is - the body’s own immune system over-reacting to what is going on in the gut causing inflammation
• The common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease
• The challenge of making a diagnosis, which can include: blood samples, stool sample testing, medication trial, diet trials, ultrasound, and intestinal biopsy
• Other diseases that may need to be considered (especially in Marley’s case with straining and greasy stools
• The importance of clear communication and option of referral

Learn more

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So many great questions were asked during this special live version of the show (and hopefully the answers were equally good!). I also review the year we all want to forget. And look forward to 2021 and how I can best serve you and your furry family

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review

Today we're on a puppy information extravaganza and I talk all about the best time to spay or neuter your dog, how to tell if your puppy is having potty training accidents or actually suffering from a bladder infection, and when to transition your pup onto adult dog food.

So take a deep breath and let's dive in!

full show notes

Love the show? Sharing this episode or leaving a review helps others know it's worth a listen! - https://ourpetshealth.com/review