For many of us, we try to make choices with the environment in mind. We often ask ourselves how we can be more sustainable with our food, our clothes, and our energy. But what about with our pets? Are there ways that we as Pet Parents can think about sustainability and help the environment in a positive way? On this episode, Rachel Fall, Capabilities & Sustainability Brand Manager at Blue Buffalo Co, Nicole Kandoth, Pet Packaging Lead, Blue Buffalo, and Patrick Keenan, R&D Principal Engineer, Blue Buffalo, help us understand how the pet industry is thinking about this and provide tips on the ways Pet Parents can act and think more sustainably. 

Tune in to learn:

• Understanding the basics of pet food packaging (3:00)
• Breaking down the language of sustainability (10:15)
• Behind the scenes of designing innovative packaging (22:15)
• Where can Pet Parents find reusable options? (23:47)
• Thinking beyond sustainability (32:45)

Mentions:

• Pet Sustainability Coalition
• Walmart Loop Packaging
• Bag and Film Recycling

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org.

Veterans, by definition, are selfless in their service to their country. When a veteran has a service or emotional support animal, they receive the same level of selfless support. On this episode, Stefanie Marvin-Miller, the Human Resources and Veteran Manager for Sierra Delta, discusses the impact service animals make in the veteran community, and how you can get involved to help, as well.

Tune in to learn:

• How one dog turned a life around (0:10)
• Understanding what service animals do (4:15)
• Bringing dogs and veterans together (5:30)
• The bond between a human and their dog (10:10)
• Bringing the veteran community together (12:00)
• The ripple effects of a dog (18:55)
• How to help those who are struggling (22:40)
• How to get involved with Sierra Delta (32:00)

Mentions:

• Sierra Delta
• BJ Ganem’s episode of Life with Pets

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

There is an undeniable bond that humans have with their pets, and the benefits of that relationship are numerous. But what is actually going on between humans and animals? How are these bonds forming and what are the positives and negatives that they yield? Dr. Kerri Rodriguez, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine where she directs the Human Animal Bond Lab, researches this very subject, and she explains these powerful bonds on this episode.  

Tune in to learn:

• How Kerri began her research about human-animal bonds (3:45)
• What happens in the human-animal connection (8:30)
• The difference between human friendships and your relationship with animals (10:30)
• The benefits of being a Pet Parent (15:00)
• How human-animal relationships extend into other parts of life (21 :00)
• Understanding the difference between therapy dogs and service dogs (23:10)
• Why it’s important to continue researching these bonds (30:10)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at 

http://www.mission.org

As humans, we know why it’s important to take care of our teeth and we take steps to keep them healthy. But oftentimes we don’t do the same for our pets. On this episode, we’ll hear from Jae and Adrienne, AKA the Two Crazy Cat Ladies, about the lessons they learned the hard way about their pets’ dental health. And then Dr. Todd McCoy, a board certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon, explains everything we need to know about what’s going on in our pets’ mouths and what we can do to keep them healthy.

Tune in to learn:

• The story of the Two Crazy Cat Ladies (0:05)
• The basics about pet oral health (3:30)
• How often should you be brushing your pets’ teeth? (5:45)
• Why does your pet need to go under anesthesia? (8:20)
• Common symptoms and signs to look out for (14:18)
• The timeline of teething (15:45)
• Ways to keep your pet’s mouth healthy (19:55)
• What’s preventable when it comes to dental health problems? (24:45)
• The full picture of pet oral health (30:30)
   

Mentions:

• Lone Star Animal Dentist
• Texas Veterinary Dental Center
• AVMA
• Veterinary Oral Health Council
• Two Crazy Cat Ladies

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Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

There is often confusion about the difference between positive and negative reinforcement training, and the efficacy of each. Eric Wiese, a certified trainer and the host of Lucky Dog on CBS, joins us to clear up some of the misconceptions and help Pet Parents get on the best track with their training.

Tune in to learn:

• What could be causing increased nipping? (3:00)
• What are the differences between positive and negative reinforcement? (7:30)
• The science of dog training (9:35)
• Clearing up misconceptions about what negative conditioning is (17:22)
• Is there a right and wrong way to train? (26:40)
• When to call in a professional (32:08)

Mentions:

• IAABC.org
• Lucky Dog

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

If we could bring our pets everywhere with us, we probably would. Luckily, traveling with your pet is becoming more and more feasible. So what do Pet Parents need to know? Bryan Reisberg, the man behind Little Chonk pet carriers, and Dr. Paige Hashimoto, a licensed vet and pet travel expert, share their insights on this episode.

Tune in to learn:

• How bringing your pet on adventures can have an impact (1:00)
• Some basic considerations if you want to travel with your pet (4:20)
• Preparing to fly with your pet (7:35)
• Tips and resources for flying internationally (11:30)
• Must-haves when traveling with your pet (14:30)

Mentions:

• Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

There are people and pets who are less fortunate than others. Dr. Kwane Stewart wants to help them. On this episode, Dr. Kwane discusses why he started Project Street Vet and how he is helping pets and people who experience homelessness.

Tune in to learn:

• The early days of Dr. Kwane’s work on the streets (3:30)
• The kitten who inspired Dr. Kwane to revamp his shelter (7:00)
• Why you shouldn’t judge individuals who experience homelessness who have pets (8:45)
• Common issues Dr. Kwane sees in the animals he treats (14:05)
• Building trust with people and pets (21:14)
• How you can get involved (24:45)

Mentions:

• Project Street Vet

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Pets and children give parents incredible amounts of fulfillment. But what’s even better is when our pets and our children share a bond that brings joy to each of them. In this episode, Rashi Wiese, a former social worker and current co-host of Lucky Dog on CBS, explains the benefits of bringing pets and children together, sharing advice on how to ease each side into the relationship from the beginning.

Tune in to learn:

• The benefits of having both dogs and children (4:30)
• How pets and children can form bonds (8:30)
• Preparing to bring a baby into a home with pets (11:00)
• Letting children and pets come together safely (23:00)
• Helping family members understand and grieve the end of a pet’s life (26:30)
• Bringing a new pet home and helping children understand the new responsibilities of a pet (31:00)

Mentions:

• Lucky Dog
• Happy Puppy LA
• How to Cope With The Loss of a Pet

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at http://lifewithpetspodcast.com/. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Pet insurance is not a new industry, but Christie Horvath is trying to give it new life with her company, Wagmo. On this episode, she dispels some of the myths we’ve all heard about pet insurance and pet wellness and gives some important information on how pet parents can save money and give their pets the best care possible.

Tune in to learn:

• Christie’s personal pet story (0:15)
• What is pet insurance (4:15)
• Is pet insurance really worth the money? (7:20)
• Breaking down the barriers to entry that hold pet parents back (11:45)
• Understanding all the costs associated with your pet (19:00)
• Taking the first step to getting pet insurance (25:20)

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.com. 

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest parts of being a Pet Parent. Lap of Love tries to make the process as easy and beautiful as possible. On this episode, Dr. Dani McVety, the founder and CEO of Lap of Loves, guides us through the tough questions that surround the end of life for our pets, and how we can give them the most compassionate send-off possible. 

Tune in to learn:

• The powerful work of Lap of Love (5:00)
• Dr. McVety’s personal journey (7:45)
• How to know when it’s time (14:05)
• Dealing with feelings of guilt (23:15)
• Going through the grieving process (26:00)
• Finding the joy in your pet’s life (31:00)
• The four budgets to consider when thinking about the end (35:40)

Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

Life with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at 

https://bluebuffalo.com/buddies/?utm_referrer=lifewithpetspodcast.com