Pet Talk

Animals are capable of complex thinking. To illustrate this Laurie shared stories about an African Grey parrot, a chimpanzee, and a fox. Callers had questions about a new cat with dandruff, a new puppy getting along with their older dog, a temperamental three-pound poodle, and a labrador hound mix who gets scared of loud noises.

Rabbits were the subject of the day. Dr. Tanya Battison, rabbit expert, explained why you should think carefully before getting a rabbit as a pet, especially as an Easter gift. Rabbits are not easy pets. Dr. Battison explained the many responsibilities involved with having a pet rabbit as well as the fun side. She is the veterinarian for Every Bunny Counts Rabbit Rescue. Home - Everybunny Counts (everybunnycountsct.org) More information about Dr. Battison can be found hereDr. Tanya Battiston, DVM | Star Meadow Animal Clinic and here Transcendent Souls Illuminated LLC | Spiritual Mentor | 5 Grosvenor Place, Farmington, CT, USA

There are so many gadgets, gizmos, and supplements for pets. Which ones are useful and which ones aren't? A caller with an itchy Puggle wanted advice, and a "frantic mom" wanted suggestions for her new, sometimes overly rambunctious rescue dog.

Dr. Andrea Dennis is joined by Dr. Ally Salazer, owner and founder of Canine Behavioral Blueprints to discuss the process of working with a certified animal behaviorist and your veterinarian to resolve unacceptable pet behavior which can often start with a medical issue

 Dr. Andrea Dennis from the Bloomfield Animal Hospital recognizes February National  Pet Dental Awareness Month. Along with answering questions from the listening audience, dental maintenance at home and in the veterinary hospital are discussed

In the news recently; dogs being stolen and a woman pretending to be a veterinarian performs a C section on a Bulldog resulting in the dog's death. Laurie cautions people and gives some suggestions to keep pets safe. A caller wanted to give a progress report about a stray cat he took in and how well it eventually acclimated with his cats. Another caller wanted to know how to handle her chihuahua who snaps when people move their hands away after belly rubs.

Laurie explains why she dropped out of college and decided to become a dog trainer. Three things Laurie didn't use for years, but changed her mind when she realized their value. Those things were crates, muzzles, and prong collars.

Dr. Andrea Dennis leads a discussion on osteoarthritis and the latest treatments for dogs and cats. She is joined by her guest, Dr. Sharon Campbell, Zoetis Animal Health lead  in canine chronic pain

Liz Bennet from Bandits Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation was a guest. Liz is also the ACO (animal control officer) from Southwick MA. Topics included the currently overcrowded dog pounds, Laurie's memories of an encounter with  a bully ACO  from years ago, how the standards for selecting ACOs have changed over the years, and an article about how the policies at the Victoria County Texas pound drastically improved the outcomes for the animals there.