Not Just Fluff: Pet wellness from the pros at Banfield Pet Hospital

Ever wanted to travel through time? Bet you didn't think you could do that in a podcast! 

In this special bonus episode of Not Just Fluff, host Hannah Shaw sits down with Dr. Alea Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Banfield Pet Hospital, to celebrate seven decades of impact and explore the past, present, and future of pet care. Dr. Harrison shares her personal journey into veterinary medicine, her philosophy on leadership, and how innovation will shape the future of pet health. Whether you’re a longtime pet owner or just beginning your journey, this conversation offers inspiration and a deeper understanding of how prevention truly creates a better world for the fluffy friends that give us so much! 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

Few things can make a pet owner’s head spin faster than a long list of vaccines and booster schedules. What’s required? What’s optional? And how do you know what’s right for your pet?

In this episode of Not Just Fluff, host Hannah Shaw sits down with Dr. Marissa Rothenbaum, Director of Veterinary Field Programs at Banfield Pet Hospital, to break down one of the most important parts of preventive care: vaccines. Together, they explore how vaccines actually work inside your pet’s body, why puppies and kittens need multiple doses, and how lifestyle, environment, and underlying health conditions all play a role in shaping a vaccine plan. Whether you’re welcoming a new furry friend or you’re a seasoned pet lover, this episode will help you feel more confident making informed decisions that protect both your pet and your community.

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Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

This episode includes a brief discussion of rabies. If you believe you may have been exposed to rabies, you should immediately seek care from a qualified human healthcare provider. Do not use this podcast as a source of medical advice for human health concerns.

How do you know if the cat on your lap, or the dog at your feet, has the right care plan? Just like people, the needs of our pets change with age, lifestyle, and environment. In this episode, Hannah Shaw chats with Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital in Mt. Hood, Oregon, about what it really takes to keep pets thriving long term. Together, they talk through how lifestyle factors shape preventive care, how to make decisions around vaccines, nutrition, and travel, and why it’s important to have open conversations about cost, wellness plans, and pet insurance. Dr. Thompson also shares real stories from the clinic that show how proactive care can catch hidden issues early, and even save lives. If you are ready to team up with your veterinarian on preventive care, this episode is for you! 

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Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

If your pet has ever gone into a full-on scratching frenzy, you know how alarming it can feel. Is it just a normal itch…or a sign of something deeper? In this episode, Hannah Shaw sits down with Dr. Tova Pinsky, Area Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital to break down the real reasons behind itchy skin in pets, one of the top causes of veterinary visits. Whether your pet has seasonal redness, chronic ear issues, or mystery scratching that just won't quit, this episode will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and how to partner with your veterinarian to get to the root of the issue.

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Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

Most of us know to call the vet when something’s wrong—but what about when everything seems fine? In this episode of Not Just Fluff, host Hannah Shaw is joined by Dr. Kimberly Riley, Director of Veterinary Quality at Banfield Pet Hospital. Together, Hannah and Dr. Riley unpack why routine checkups are about so much more than a quick once-over, from catching hidden health issues before they escalate to reducing stress, saving money, and strengthening the bond you share with your animal. They also touch on the importance of dental care, how to make vet visits easier, and why it’s never too late to start preventive care. If you’ve ever wondered whether regular exams really make a difference, this conversation will leave you with practical takeaways and a keen understanding of preventive care’s role in animal health! 

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

Class is officially in session! Welcoming home a new puppy comes with equal parts excitement and nerves, which is why this episode is your crash course in Puppy 101. Host Hannah Shaw is joined by guest professor Dr. Jennica McGuire, a dedicated veterinarian and Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital. Together, they cover everything you need to know in those first 30 days, from pre-pickup prep and building daily routines to what to expect at that all-important first vet visit. Consider this your study guide on vaccines, safe socialization, early health red flags, and even how to manage all that puppy energy (and teething!). Plus Dr. Jennica shares a surprising hot take that might ruffle some fur but will help set your pup up for long-term success. Grab your notebooks, today’s lesson is one you won’t want to miss!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

When Hannah’s senior cat was diagnosed with arthritis, she learned firsthand how subtle the signs can be and how much life can improve with the right care. In this episode of Not Just Fluff, Hannah talks with Dr. Erica Pounds, Veterinary and Senior Program Manager of Veterinary Development with the Veterinary Affairs Team at Banfield Pet Hospital. 

Together they share what arthritis looks like in both cats and dogs, the role weight and genetics can play, and the many treatment options available. If you’ve ever wondered whether your animal’s slowing down is “just age” or something more, this conversation will help you feel more empowered and prepared to support their health at every stage of life.

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether your cat or dog’s upset stomach is just a one-off or a bigger concern? Not Just Fluff is here to help! Hannah Shaw sits down with Dr. Carl Winch, Senior Manager of Veterinary Relations at Banfield Pet Hospital, and Kayla Peters, a credentialed veterinary technician and Community Programs Coordinator at Banfield Foundation, for a deep dive into GI health. Together, they explore the many causes of tummy troubles, from stress and bacteria to the risks that come with certain dietary choices, and share how caregivers can step in early to prevent things from escalating.

Packed with practical advice, personal stories, and even a few hot takes, this conversation offers a GI care playbook that will leave you feeling more confident about your pet’s health, and maybe save you from a few messy clean-ups at home too.

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

Believe it or not, cats are only about half as likely to see the vet as their canine counterparts. But why is that? What is it about our independent feline friends that keeps so many of them away a little longer than they should? In this episode, host Hannah Shaw sits down with Dr. Michael Kearley, a veterinarian with a soft spot for cats, to unpack the myths and realities of feline health. From the subtle red flags that often go unnoticed, to practical ways to make vet visits less stressful (even if your cat hates the carrier), Dr. Kearley shares everything you need to know to help your cat live a healthier, happier life. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or just starting your feline journey, this conversation is full of easy tips to make caring for your cat a little simpler and a lot less stressful! 

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Statistics on cats visiting the vet HERE. 

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this podcast.

The listener question featured in this episode is a hypothetical scenario presented by an actor. It does not reflect the views or experiences of an actual listener.

Welcome back pet lovers! It’s time for Season Two of Not Just Fluff! If you loved Season One, you already know what to expect: Trusted experts, real stories, and actionable advice to help your furry friends live their best life. And now… we’re back with all that and more. Hosted once again by Hannah Shaw (aka The Kitten Lady), Season 2 dives even deeper into the pet wellness questions you’ve been asking, and the ones you didn’t even know you had. We’re talking everything from itchy skin mysteries to vaccine questions, and even GI drama. So if you missed us (we missed you too!), hit that follow button and get ready for another round of expert-backed, tail-wag-worthy content. Because the conversations to come? They’re still anything but fluff. 

This season, catch full video episodes on YouTube and Banfield.com.

Follow us on social media!

Facebook: Banfield Pet Hospital

Instagram: @banfieldpethospital