Pet Talk

Laurie Fass discusses how hot weather can be dangerous for dogs, emphasizing that they don’t cool off easily and can overheat quickly. She shares personal experiences with her own dogs and offers practical tips for pet owners on how to keep their pets safe during heatwaves. Laurie also highlights the growing responsibilities of pet ownership, noting rising costs and a trend where more households now have pets than children, offering her take on that shift. On the topic of dog training, she compares it to following a recipe, stressing the importance of sticking to a trainer’s full guidance without leaving anything out.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses pet care during hot weather and heatwaves. She addresses common questions like whether or not you should shave your pet in the summer, offering her professional opinion. Dr. Dennis also explains how to recognize signs of heat stress and heat stroke in cats and dogs, and shares practical tips to help keep pets cool and safe during the hot months. Plus, she weighs in on how often you should be bathing your dog. Additionally, Dr. Dennis covers what to do if your dog is bitten by a snake, including recommendations and preventive measures.

Laurie Fass covers a range of pet safety concerns, focusing first on the ongoing issue of fireworks from June through early September, which can cause extreme stress for pets and wildlife. She shares practical tips for keeping animals calm and safe, emphasizing that more dogs go missing during this time than any other due to fear from loud noises. Laurie also discusses the growing bear population in Connecticut and the potential danger they pose to pets, especially when dogs are left off leash. She strongly advises keeping pets leashed and secured to prevent them from getting lost, startled, or injured. Additionally, she offers guidance on choosing secure collars and harnesses to ensure pets can't slip out. She also warns against using poison for rodent control, noting that it can unintentionally harm pets and other wildlife if they ingest poisoned rodents.

Laurie Fass is joined by Lynn, owner of Intuition At Hand in Rocky Hill, to discuss an upcoming Greyhound adoption event hosted by the Connecticut Greyhound Association. They explore what makes Greyhounds unique, the adoption process, and why these gentle dogs can make wonderful pets. The event takes place Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 12–2 p.m. at Intuition At Hand and is open to anyone interested in learning more or meeting adoptable Greyhounds. For more information, visit www.intuitionathand.com and www.ctgreyhounds.org. Laurie also takes listener calls, including one about dog training challenges and another about keeping a bored cat entertained. She also talks about summer safety reminders for pets, emphasizing how to protect animals from heat and fireworks, and shares tips for easing anxiety during storms and holidays.

Summer is here, and Dr. Andrea Dennis shares tips on keeping pets safe during the hot months. She emphasizes the dangers of fireworks for dogs, especially those with anxiety, and urges pet owners to consider things from their pet's perspective. If a dog is anxious or being treated for anxiety, they should never be taken to a fireworks display. Dr. Dennis explains how to recognize signs of fear in dogs during fireworks or thunderstorms and offers helpful tips to keep them calm. As responsible pet parents, it’s crucial to do everything we can to protect our furry friends.

Laurie Fass welcomes Liz Bennett, owner and wildlife rehabilitator at Bandit’s Place, to discuss the organization's history, mission, and the vital role of animal rescue. For more details, visit www.banditsplace.org.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses the vital role pet owners play as their pets best advocates, emphasizing that since pets can't speak for themselves, it's up to their owners to recognize and respond to health issues. She focuses on allergies in dogs, particularly atopic dermatitis, explaining the signs to watch for, which breeds are most prone, and options for testing and treatment. Dr. Dennis also answers listener questions, including one about a cat defecating on a counter instead of using the litter box, and another about preventing heartworm in outdoor cats due to mosquito exposure.

Dr. Andrea Dennis shares expert advice on how to safely remove ticks from pets, what to be cautious about, and what to do afterward. She highlights the importance of using flea and tick preventatives and offers tips for helping animals cope with the effects of the recent Canadian wildfires. Dr. Dennis also takes calls from listeners, including a follow up about a dog's white blood cell count, a question about Adequan, and an inquiry about a seeing eye dog’s reaction to a high pitched smoke alarm.

Dr. Andrea Dennis shares advice for pet owners on preparing their animals for Summer activities like picnics and fireworks, emphasizing the importance of contacting your vet early especially if your pet is on or may need medication. She also answers listener questions about a dog’s white blood cell count, protecting a small dog from a hawk, storage mite allergies in dogs, and helping a constipated cat.

Laurie Fass discusses the importance of discerning truth from misinformation on the internet, particularly when it comes to AI-generated images and videos involving animals. She emphasizes the need to verify the credibility of online content and urges caution when relying on internet sources for animal care advice. During the show, she takes a call from a listener seeking help with a rescue dog that pees in other people’s houses, and another from someone whose dog barks at night to go outside, offering practical advice for both situations.