We've all been there... it's the middle of the night on the Friday of a holiday weekend and your beloved pet is suddenly very ill... and you're on vacation! You're worried sick that she won't make it through the night, you are stressed trying to console her, and you have no idea where the closest veterinary emergency center is or if it's even open. This scenario and others like it occur more often than we care to think. Did you know there is now an app called the Minson's Guide to Veterinary Hospitals, to help you locate the nearest 24/7 emergency vet center? With the touch of a few buttons, you not only know exactly where to go, but also the phone number so the emergency center knows to expect you! The app also includes Veterinary Schools by state as a resource for specialties that your pet may need. It's simple, it's fast, it’s accurate, and it's a must-have for every pet owner!

For more information, please visit Minson'sGuide.com

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Chris Cranston, MPT, CCRP, as both a Physical Therapist and a Small Animal Rehabilitationist, often hears, "I didn't know there is Physical Therapy for dogs," quickly followed by, "What conditions do you treat? And how do you do it?" The truth is that the techniques used for people (manual therapies, therapeutic exercises, modalities, education) and expected outcomes (decreased pain, improved function, increased strength, restored motion) are very similar for animals. Practically anything that is treated in people with physical therapy (orthopedic, neurologic, obesity, conditioning) can be treated in pets.  Of course, there are some notable differences!  Pets can’t speak so picking up on nonverbal signals and gaining trust is part of the PT skillset. They also can’t do exercises on their own, so owner and pets must work together for treatment to work.  However, anatomy, biomechanics, and disease processes are more similar than different. Listen to Chris, as one of the first 100 certified canine rehabilitation practitioners in the world, share her lesson from 20 years of working with animals in Massachusetts.  But according to Chris, whether treating people or animals, the satisfaction of helping them to feel better and improve their function is rewarding, fulfilling, and just plain awesome!

Find Chris at PetAbility or email her at [email protected]

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Pet birds need physical rehabilitation, too! Listen to Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, share her personal journey of rehabbing pet birds. You will be astounded at the skill and creativity it takes to perform avian rehab. Cathy delves into handling, gaining trust, and a variety of specific techniques that she successfully employs to rehabilitate both birds with injuries and those suffering the consequences of growing older. Cathy shares examples of safe food rewards, enrichment items, and activities while ever cognizant of addressing our pet birds emotional lives. Here's an idea,  turn up the volume and listen to this informative show with your feathered friend!

To find Cathy Symons,  CVT, CCRP, go to EnableYourPet.com or right here at PetAbility Podcast including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook

To find great information on everything related to care of pet birds, visit Lafeber Company at Lafeber.com.

To find a potential bird to adopt and support pet birds in need of care, visit Project Perry.

For information about Fear Free, click here if you are a veterinary professional or here if you are a bird owner.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Is your senior dog sleeping the day away? Are you noticing “brain fog?” Have you given up on their ability to engage in family activities? Remember that aging is not a disease! You can help!! Listen along as Lisa Schmitt discusses fitness training with our seniors. Although there are certainly safety and health considerations, our older canines will benefit in mind, body, and soul from the attention and activity of fitness. A few minutes a day with your aging pet will enhance their strength, balance, flexibility, and cognition! Learn some specific tips and tricks of what you can do to keep your pet moving, enhance their quality of life, and optimize their function as they move into their golden years.

Find Lisa at In The Zone Agility and on Facebook.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

What is a wobbly cat, you ask? It is a cat with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), an underdeveloped cerebellum in their brain. Because the cerebellum controls motor skills, these cats often appear a bit uncoordinated. It is a non painful, non-progressive, non-contagious developmental disorder that affects kittens that contract Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FVP.) The good news is that CH is preventable through vaccination. Although a wobbly cat may move differently, they have normal lifespans and make wonderful companions. Suzi Langer shares PetAbility’s mission of normalizing specially-abled animals through education and advocacy. Suzi specifically campaigns for her own wobbly cat, Bifford, for President and other Misfits within her own family and around the world! Listen as we discuss diagnosing CH, classic signs of cats with CH, care and potential accommodations for CH cats, possible other causes for “wobbly cats”, and more. These wobbly cats are misunderstood even within the veterinary community; unfortunately this leads to unnecessary euthanasia. Help us teach the world about the resilience that these marvelous cats demonstrate and consider adopting a wobbly cat of your own!

To learn more about wobbly cats and Suzi's mission, go to PresidentBifford.com.
Follow @PresidentBifford on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Listen to our expert educator, Doreen Reynolds-Consolati, Vice President and Education Chair for The House Rabbit Connection, as we burrow deeper into rabbit care. Packed full of information, this episode addresses rabbit's specific medical concerns, elimination habits and marking territory, litter box training, the process of bonding bunnies, Easter holiday no-no's, how hormonal changes lead to behavioral changes, thumping as communication, rescuing rabbits up for adoption, and what to do if you find an wild bunny! In the spirit of ever-adored, Bugs Bunny, “ That’s all folks!!!”

Find Doreen at The House Rabbit Connection of Massachusetts & Connecticut
Email [email protected]
Call 413-439-7472
For those beyond MA-CT, go to House Rabbit Society for everything pertaining to rabbits!

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Hop along with Doreen Reynolds-Consolati, Vice President and Education Chair for The House Rabbit Connection, as she discuss the commitment it takes to have a pet rabbit. This includes bunny-proofing your home, appropriate housing, proper diet, handling & bonding, and toys & enrichment. These endearing fluff balls may be too cute to resist, but it may surprise you to learn that these seemingly docile, quiet, cherubic critters can be willful, messy, destructive, vocal, and generally don't like being held! Who knew?!?

Find Doreen at The House Rabbit Connection of Massachusetts & Connecticut
Email [email protected]
Call 413-439-7472
For those beyond MA-CT, go to House Rabbit Society for everything pertaining to rabbits!

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Austin Roo is just like any other dog; he plays, he hikes, he swims, he only has hind legs, he stars in a national commercial... Wait, what? Yes, this rescue mutt's super power is his ability to inspire. He is fast becoming an Instagram sensation and you might have already seen him in his front-wheeled cart on the Bissell commercial. But according to his people, at the end of the day, he is just another dog that does dog things. Hear his owner Ed talk about Austin's story and what message they are trying to get out there about handi-capable pets.

Follow Austin Roo on Instagram @TheAustinRoo!
See Austin Roo in the Bissell Commercial!!
Learn about Pets With Disabilities, the rescue group that saved Austin's life.
Check out mobility carts like Austin's at Eddie's Wheels.
Austins' new Watercollar from Hedz Up Pets!
Learn more about Austin's therapy pet visits at Pets On Wheels.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

Ahhhh.... the laying on of the hands, therapeutic touch, massage - it's more powerful than you might think. Listen to Cathy and Chris describe preparing for a massage session with your pet, getting your pet's consent, the myriad of massage benefits, specific massage techniques, and generally how to get the most out of  the time spent massaging your pet. Packed with information, your methods are bound to improve after listening to this show. And remember, practice makes perfect, so go forth with confidence and get your hands on your pets -  you'll be glad you did and they'll thank you  for it!

Check out our massage video that demonstrates small animal massage in action!
See Cathy performing skin rolling here!

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...

My dog is really fit because I take him for a walk EVERY day. False! According to founder, Rich Allen, true fitness requires attention to strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. But what does this mean when it comes to your pet and how do you implement it? His creation, Pet.Fitness, a premier pet fitness website,  does all the "heavy lifting" for you! Their programs don't require a lot of space and utilize items that we commonly have in our households. With over 50 exercises to choose from and growing, you will be sure to find simple, creative ways to stimulate you dog both physically and mentally.    Whether you want to your pet to lose weight, enhance performance, decrease the likelihood of injury,  or promote overall health and happiness, Pet.Fitness has got you covered. Their before and after pictures say it all!

Check out their website at Pet.Fitness!
Find them on Instagram at GoPetFitness.
Find them on TikTok and YouTube at PetFitness.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework 
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...