#242: Avian veterinarian Dr Jennifer Graham discusses the stewardship of a pet bird and how the inherent problem is that they cannot do their normal behavior, which is to fly! Being sedentary can lead to a host of physical and emotional problems, which as their guardian you need to be aware of and try to mitigate.

#241: Dr Micah Kohles, Chief Veterinary Officer with Compana Pet Brands, talks about how to go about planning your first vet visit with an exotic pet to form the beginning of a partnership in its care. You can find a specialized vet at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians [AEMV], the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Association of Reptile Veterinarians (ARV).

#240: Are exotics hypoallergenic? "No, that’s a myth!," Dr. Doug says. Proteins in saliva, urine and feces are what can trigger allergies. These proteins dry — become airborne — and cause reactions in some people with a tendency to allergic reactions.

#239: Dr. Micah Kohles explains why foraging is a basic need that is essential to the wellbeing of all small mammals, who engage instinctually in this behavior. He describes how to support meaningful foraging activities to provide enrichment to guinea pigs, rats, gerbils and other little pets. 

#238: Dr. Karen Rosenthal describes the characteristics of a variety of snakes to help people choose the right kind for themselves.

#237: Tracie asks Dr. Doug whether exotics can get overweight — like the photos circulating on the internet about the gigantic snapping turtle nicknamed Chonkosaurus, who got too fat for his shell. Dr. Doug discusses the dangers of obesity in pets in general, but particularly exotics.

#236: Dr. Micah Kohles discusses avian nutrition and how to layer the right foods on top of basic nutrition from Zupreem by adding the variety of foods your particular species of bird needs — insects, nuts and seeds, fruit? [Hint: the shape of your bird's beak does indicate the right foods for her.]

#235: Dr. Doug tells the bizarre and hilarious story from his book "The Vet at Noah's Ark" about the woman who wanted a tranquilizer for her pet iguana so she could keep him quiet while she smuggled him into Australia — down her bra!

#234: Dr Michah Kohles [Compana Pet Brands Chief Veterinary Officer] explains the diversity of hays and leafy greens that bunnies and hamsters need to mimic their natural diet, in addition to their pellets.

#850C: Lynn Hightower, the author of the thriller “A Beautiful Risk” — which is also a book about loss and grief — talks about how this book morphed into her column on grief for Psychology Today. [She generously bought copies of her book for the doggy swag bags for the filmmakers coming to the NYC premiere of the 8th Annual NY Dog Film Festival.]