In this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we flip the script on how dog owners think about disease risk.
For years, the conversation has been dominated by Parvo, Lyme disease, and heartworm—and for good reason. They’re serious, they’re scary, and they’ve been drilled into every dog owner’s mind. But what if those aren’t the biggest threats anymore?
Dr. Pete breaks down the real numbers, putting these well-known diseases into perspective. When you zoom out, the data tells a surprising story: while roughly 1% of dogs are affected by the conditions we constantly worry about… 30% or more may be dealing with copper storage disease.
That gap raises a big question—why aren’t we talking about it?
How Parvo has changed over time and why it’s less common todayThe true risk levels of Lyme disease and heartwormWhy modern veterinary focus may be missing a growing issueWhat copper storage disease is—and why it matters more than most people realizeAlong the way, you’ll get real-world perspective, honest conversation, and a few classic Off Leash moments that keep things grounded and easy to follow.
If you care about your dog’s long-term health, this episode might completely change what you pay attention to—and what you don’t. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!