Why does your veterinarian recommend bloodwork when your pet seems perfectly healthy? What can a urine test or X-ray reveal that a physical exam can't? And how do veterinarians decide which tests are truly necessary?In this episode of Dr. A for Animals, we're taking a closer look at veterinary diagnostic testing and the important role it plays in keeping our pets healthy. From routine wellness screenings to advanced imaging, you'll learn what some of the most common tests are, what they can tell us, and how they help veterinarians detect disease early, monitor ongoing conditions, and make informed treatment decisions.We'll also discuss common questions and concerns about diagnostic testing, including cost, stress for pets, and why "normal" test results can be just as valuable as abnormal ones.Whether your veterinarian has recently recommended diagnostic testing or you're simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode will help you better understand the "why" behind these recommendations—so you can feel more confident making healthcare decisions for your furry, feathery, and scaly family members.

Understanding animal behavior is the foundation of a safe, trusting, and joyful relationship with our pets. In this episode, we explore why animals behave the way they do, how they learn from the world around them, and why reward-based training methods are the most effective and humane approach.You’ll learn how to recognize common body language signals, avoid everyday training mistakes, and use simple, practical strategies to encourage the behaviors you want to see. For any of the animals you share your life with, this episode will give you the tools to communicate more clearly, reduce stress, and strengthen your bond through compassionate training.
Time stamps:1:30: The importance of understanding animal behavior5:00: How behaviors are shaped, nature vs nurture7:10: Normal behavior vs problem behavior and abnormal behavior9:00: Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence11:50: What are positive and negative reinforcement/punishment?23:45: Providing alternate outlets for potentially problematic behaviors26:45: Flooding and learned helplessness29:30: Getting started on training using positive reinforcement40:30: Noticing body language and stress46:45: Desensitization and counter-conditioning51:10: Common mistakes in training or managing behavior 59:00: The importance of basic training and building trust1:00:00: When you need professional help

Summer heat can become dangerous for animals much faster than many people realize. In this episode of Dr. A for Animals, we explore the risks hot weather poses to dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, exotic pets, and even wildlife. We discuss why animals are vulnerable to overheating, common situations that lead to heat stroke, and which pets are at highest risk during warm weather.You’ll also learn practical ways to keep animals safe and comfortable during heat waves, how to recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what to do in an emergency before getting veterinary care. From hot pavement and parked cars to outdoor hutches and wildlife dehydration, this episode is packed with tips to help animals stay safe all summer long.Whether you share your home with a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile, or simply care about the wildlife around you, this episode offers important information that could save a life.

A quick safety announcement for the upcoming holidays, a fun tidbit about really cool animals, and a big thank you!

Caring for an aging pet can bring both deep joy and new uncertainty. In this episode, we explore what it truly means for a wide variety of species we love as pets to grow older — including the normal, healthy changes of aging and how to recognize when something more serious may be developing.We discuss the most common medical conditions seen in senior pets, many of which can be successfully managed to maintain comfort and quality of life. Because arthritis is one of the most widespread and under-recognized problems in older animals, we take a deeper look at the subtle signs of pain, available treatment options, and practical ways to make the home environment easier for aging companions.This episode is designed to help pet owners feel empowered rather than afraid of the senior years — with guidance on preventive care, quality-of-life monitoring, and the emotional side of loving an older pet.Aging is natural. Suffering doesn’t have to be.

Resources:

Episode 5 on oral health and dental disease: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oral-health-and-dental-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/id1852856063?i=1000741808188

Episode 6 on quality of life, end of life, and coping with grief:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-end-of-life-for-beloved-pets-coping-with-grief/id1852856063?i=1000743400342

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484193/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144988/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3525174/

Giving your pet medication can feel confusing, stressful, or even overwhelming—especially if your pet isn’t cooperative. In this episode, we walk through the basics of understanding and managing your pet’s medications, including why medications are prescribed, how to read labels and instructions, tips for giving pills and liquids successfully, and what side effects to watch for. Whether your pet needs short-term treatment or long-term medication for a chronic condition, this episode is designed to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported as a pet parent.

Resources:
How to give medications tutorial: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUpOWKSjsMJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Time Stamps:1:00: Medications for animals4:40: Various formulations for medications5:30: Compounded and transdermal medications11:20: Generic drugs13:20: Off-label prescribing19:20: Medication labels - what’s required, and what it all means27:50: Timing of medication administration29:50: Getting the medication into the animal with minimal stress40:00: Do’s and don’t’s of giving medication in food45:30: Giving pills directly to dogs and cats 50:20: Giving liquid medication directly 52:00: Towel wrap for “handsy” pets54:55: Applying topical medications for skin, ears, eyes1:00:00: Applying transdermal medications1:02:00: Giving injectable medications1:13:00: Side note - don’t scruff the cat!1:15:30: What to do if your pet absolutely refuses all routes of medication1:21:40: Adverse drug reactions, when it’s manageable, when it’s an emergency1:37:00: Storing and handling medications1:38:00: Missed doses1:41:00: Long term/chronic medications and monitoring, managing costs1:49:00: Follow up

This episode delves into the effects of nature exposure on human health and how we can enjoy and experience nature while minimizing our impact and helping to protect the animals and land around us. We discuss how to keep pets safe from wildlife, how to handle unwanted wildlife encounters, and how to help an injured wild animal.
Resources:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.allaboutbirds.org
Merlin Bird ID app: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.org
Studies mention:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20207-6?utm
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/2/153?utm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24697969/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39209768/

Time stamps:1:00: How nature exposure affects human health8:40: Getting into nature: watching birds15:40: Feeding wild birds - pros, cons, and how to do it right31:30: Providing water sources for wildlife34:00: Handling unwanted wildlife interactions and “nuisance” wildlife55:30: Encountering injured or orphaned wildlife - what you can do1:09:00: Keeping pets safe from wildlife and wildlife safe from pets1:25:00: Making yourself a good steward of the land

Is your senior cat losing weight but eating like a champ? Or has your dog been slowing down, gaining pounds, and losing that shine in their coat? These could be clues that your pet’s thyroid — a tiny gland with a big job — isn’t working as it should.In this episode, Dr. A breaks down how the thyroid regulates your pet’s metabolism and what happens when things go off balance. You’ll learn about hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and even a rare congenital form that can affect kittens. We’ll cover symptoms to watch for, how veterinarians diagnose these conditions, and the good news: with the right treatment, most pets live full, healthy lives.Whether you’re a curious pet owner or just love learning about animal health, this episode will help you understand how this little gland keeps your furry family members feeling their best.
Time stamps:1:00: Basics of thyroid function5:45: Thyroid dysfunction - hypo and hyper6:38: Hypothyroidism in dogs, causes and symptoms10:00: Diagnosing hypothyroidism13:58: Treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for hypothyroidism16:20: Hyperthyroidism in dogs16:58: Hyperthyroidism in cats, causes and symptoms24:50: Diagnosing hyperthyroidism30:02: Treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism and monitoring concurrent conditions47:00: Monitoring and prognosis for hyperthyroidism49:15: Hypothyroidism in kittens, cause and symptoms55:00: Treatment for hypothyroidism57:30: Importance of regular senior check-ups58:15: Thyroid supplements

In this episode, we discuss how to prepare for emergency room decisions; how to manage and support a chronically or terminally ill pet; thoughts about humane euthanasia, and what to expect if you and your companion animal are faced with this procedure; and how to cope with grief and work towards recovery after losing a beloved animal.

Time stamps:
3:50: Life threatening emergency situations7:10: Providing comfort asap for a suffering animal9:00: Using prognosis as a guide in decision making11:10: Considering finances and financial aid17:30: Monitoring quality of life in chronically ill animals25:03: Palliative care/hospice care37:00: What does a peaceful end look like?38:09: Conflicting opinions about humane euthanasia44:25: How do we know if it’s too soon?46:40: Dealing with feelings of guilt or selfishness47:30: Humane euthanasia, what to expect58:00: Coping with grief1:01:00: The pain of guilt along with grief1:03:25: Dwelling on traumatic memories1:04:00: The power of happy memories, ritual, and memorials1:08:30: Helping kids cope

Resources: Financial assistance:https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/https://scratchpayapp.com/https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/financial-assistance-veterinary-care-costsGrief support:https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-supporthttps://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/coping-loss-petQuality of life monitoring:https://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time/lap-of-love-quality-of-life-scale.pdfhttps://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951966

In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most common—and most overlooked—areas of animal health: the mouth. Dr. Lindsey Schneider, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, joins us to break down what every pet owner should know about oral hygiene, dental disease, and when to seek professional care.Together, we explore how dental problems develop, what early warning signs pet parents often miss, and why regular oral care is essential for long-term health and comfort. Dr. Schneider also walks us through what happens during a professional dental cleaning, the risks of untreated dental disease, and practical steps you can take at home to keep your dog or cat’s teeth and gums healthy.Whether you want to improve your daily dental routine with your pet or you’re curious about what really happens behind the scenes in veterinary dentistry, this episode offers clear, compassionate guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Time Stamps:
01:50: Why dental health is important for animals05:30: Dog and cat dental anatomy and physiology vs humans’07:25: Periodontal and endodontal disease, tooth fractures11:19: Tooth resorption in cats14:20: Gingivostomatitis 17:40: Jaw fracture21:00: Oral masses and cancer23:00: Signs of oral discomfort and dental disease25:50: Maintaining dental health at home34:00: Professional veterinary dental care 43:30: Tooth extractions49:00: Geriatric patients in need of dental care, anesthetic safety52:30: Pain management56:00: Advanced dental procedures1:06: Surgical treatments for oral cancers1:12: Effect of oral health on overall health and quality of life1:14: Myths about animal oral health1:19: Dental health and disease in other species
www.vohc.org