Pet Talk

Laurie Fass shares her experience helping pet parents train their animals, talking about the importance of voice tone and how pets respond and adapt to it. She also reflects on her background as a trainer and introduces the idea of resilience, what it means for dogs, how it shows up in both animals and humans, and how pet parents can recognize and build resilience in their own pets. Plus, she takes a call from a listener dealing with tension between her three cats, as two of them have begun chasing her older cat, and offers guidance on how to manage the situation.

Dr. Andrea Dennis reflects on the past year in veterinary medicine and looks ahead to the new year, sharing updates on avian flu and symptoms pet owners should watch for. She takes calls from listeners, answering questions about a dog with elevated liver values, feeding and diet options for an elderly cat, and practical ways to help a dog stay safe and comfortable during cold weather outside walks. Dr. Dennis also discusses cognitive dysfunction in aging pets, outlining signs to watch for in both cats and dogs and emphasizing the importance of working with a veterinarian to help maintain their quality of life.

Dr. Andrea Dennis offers practical advice to help pet parents keep their pets safe during the holidays, highlighting the importance of having emergency contact numbers easily accessible. She discusses common holiday hazards pets may face when guests are over, including unsafe foods, decorations, and household items, and explains which foods are safe or dangerous and the risks if pets ingest them. Dr. Dennis also addresses seasonal dangers such as ornaments, tinsel, and Christmas trees, emphasizing the need to think like your pet to help prevent accidents.

Laurie Fass reflects on the past year, looking back at her previous shows, memorable guests, and the many topics she’s covered, all while sharing humorous and thoughtful insights. She also takes a call from a listener who asks about dog food, prompting a discussion on when to transition dogs from adult food to senior food and what pet parents should keep in mind as their dogs get older.

Dr. Andrea Dennis is joined by Dr. Allyson Salzer of Canine Behavioral Blueprints, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, for a timely conversation about holiday treats, pet nutrition, and the growing issue of obesity in our animals. They break down how to use treats responsibly, what owners should watch for during the indulgent holiday season, and practical tips to keep pets healthy without skipping the fun.

Laurie Fass talks about the shift in seasons and how it can create unexpected challenges for our pets. She shares a lighthearted story about being asked to track down a dog’s poop hidden among fallen leaves, and reflects on Thanksgiving traditions and this year’s National Dog Show, including her thoughts on the winner. Laurie also takes listener questions, offering advice on training a dog to drop a ball on command and addressing a therapy dog’s persistent barking. Plus, she highlights the importance of proper training through the book Don't Shoot the Dog! by Karen Pryor, and explains why techniques like consistent reinforcement and ignoring unwanted behaviors can make all the difference.

Dr. Andrea Dennis welcomes Dr. Allyson Salzer of Canine Behavioral Blueprints, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, to dive into all things pet behavior as the holidays roll in. They cover how to keep your pets safe during the hectic season, from what foods they can and can’t eat to the hidden hazards in our holiday menus and decorations. They also share practical tips on prevention, creating safe spaces, and making sure your pets stay calm, comfortable, and out of trouble while the festivities are in full swing.

Dr. Andrea Dennis is in and she talks about heartwarming and helpful pet news. She highlights a local aquarium that cares for aging penguins, fire stations in Oklahoma City that allow scanning of microchips of found lost pets, and why microchipping is so important. Dr. Dennis also offers tips to make holiday travel less stressful for pets, discusses National K9 Lymphoma Day and her experiences treating dogs with the disease, and reminds listeners about the importance of keeping pets vaccinated.

Laurie Fass welcomes Dina Fischer from Soluna Chinese Crested to discuss the unique world of Chinese Crested dogs. They explore what makes the breed special, including the different types from the “powderpuff” to the “hairy hairless” variety, and explain the difference between fur and hair. The conversation also covers what goes into dog shows, being a dog breeder, the training process, how to become an AKC breeder, and what to consider if you’re interested in getting a Chinese Crested.

Dr. Andrea Dennis talks about the changing season and how to keep your pets safe as the holidays approach. With Halloween right around the corner, she shares important tips on protecting your pets, from avoiding dangerous treats like raisins, grapes, and chocolate, to understanding how the holiday looks through your pet’s eyes. Dr. Dennis also gives an update on the bird flu situation and offers advice on what to do if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk, including a simple, effective recipe to eliminate the smell. Plus, she touches on pet allergies and why it’s important to be cautious about potential overdosing on Apoquel.