Pet Talk

Laurie Fass talks about the importance of watching your pets, especially dogs, and understanding their behavior. She shares stories about dogs jumping onto counters and stealing dangerous items, explaining why it’s a habit that won’t go away without proper training. Laurie offers practical tips on how to correct this behavior, discusses the difference between a command and a rule, and shares effective ways to help your dog learn. With Halloween approaching, she also talks about keeping pets safe during the holiday, from choosing comfortable costumes to recognizing when your dog doesn’t want to wear one.

Laurie Fass welcomes Liz Bennett from Bandits Place Animal Rescue and Wildlife Rehabilitation to discuss the growing problem of people abandoning animals. They focus especially on cats, explaining the differences between feral cats born outdoors and those that were once pets but have been abandoned. The conversation includes practical advice on how to help these animals, such as building outdoor shelters and contacting local animal shelters or the ASPCA for assistance. They emphasize community involvement and compassion as key steps in addressing the issue of abandoned pets.

Dr. Andrea Dennis welcomes Dr. Mark Russak, President of Nutmeg Veterinary Consulting and board chair of Cat Tails Feline Shelter, to discuss important pet health topics. They take listener calls about the appropriate age for a rabies vaccination, a cat diagnosed with stomatitis and leukemia, and hair loss in a bully breed dog on a raw diet. With Halloween approaching, they also talk about pet safety during the holiday, including why dyeing your pet’s fur can be risky and what to consider when dressing pets in costumes.

Laurie Fass explores the differences and similarities between dogs and cats, the two most popular pets in the U.S., and reflects on the idea of being a “dog person” versus a “cat person.” She discusses a University of Texas study that attempts to connect pet preferences with personality traits, though she raises questions about the subjectivity and reliability of such surveys. Drawing on her experience working with animals, Laurie also addresses common behavioral issues such as cats not using the litter box and dogs pulling on the leash and offers practical advice for managing these problems. In addition, she shares useful health and training tips aimed at helping pet owners create better routines and stronger relationships with their pets.

Laurie Fass discusses the complexities of dog aggression, sharing her own experiences and offering tips and strategies for managing dogs that show aggressive behavior.

Laurie Fass discusses the importance of dog training and compares different approaches, including private lessons and group classes, highlighting the pros and cons of each. She emphasizes that the best method depends on both the dog’s and owner’s needs and shares insights from her own training experiences. Laurie also talks about two supplements, “Gussy’s Gut” and “Fatty 15,” explaining their potential benefits for digestive health, overall wellness, and longevity. Additionally, she touches on pet ownership statistics, noting that 66% of U.S. households about 86.9 million people own pets, and that cleaning up after them is one of the least favorite responsibilities. She reviews various inventions designed to make cleanup easier, from leashes with built in waste containers to harnesses that catch poop directly, as well as robotic litter boxes for cats, offering her thoughts and cautions on these products.

It’s Hurricane Season, and Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses the importance of being prepared for severe storms, focusing on both personal safety and the well being of pets. She outlines best practices for storm readiness, including assembling supplies, creating an evacuation plan, and ensuring animals are accounted for in every step of the process. Dr. Dennis explains what pet owners should do if evacuation becomes necessary, offering practical tips for traveling safely with animals and keeping them calm during emergencies. In addition, she takes a call from a listener struggling with a cat’s inappropriate bathroom habits, urinating in the litter box but defecating on rugs and scooting across the floor. Another caller seeks guidance on the best diet for a cat with lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease.

Laurie Fass discusses a recent story about a pet Asian monitor lizard named Goose that was loose in Massachusetts, cautioning people about owning exotic pets and reminding listeners that some animals aren’t suited to be pets. She also shares helpful tips for dog owners on how to prevent dogs from being overly grabby when receiving treats. During the show, Laurie takes calls from listeners, one about managing a Chihuahua that barks wildly at the doorbell, and another about training a cat to stay off counters, offering practical advice and strategies for both situations.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses the importance of paying attention to your pet’s eyes, emphasizing that eyes are the "windows to the soul" and can reveal a lot about an animal’s health and emotions. She covers various aspects of eye care, including cleaning, recognizing signs of disease, and understanding common conditions like glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in dogs. Dr. Dennis explains what glaucoma is, which breeds are more prone to it, and available treatments. She also warns about cyanobacteria, a harmful bacteria often found in waterways, and shares tips on how to protect pets from exposure, along with symptoms to watch for. Additionally, she answers a caller's question about cat allergies, offering advice on treatment and relief.