PetAbility Podcast

By PetAbilityScience Education Kids & Family Pets & Animals

PetAbility Podcast episodes

October 19, 2021 Veterinary Chiropractic with Dr. Linda Rogers
Chiropractic for pets? Yup, it’s a thing. A really good thing! If you notice that your pet is not moving quite right or is holding themselves oddly, chiro may be the answer. And its not what you may think in terms of snap, crackle, pop. It’s a very gentle manual technique that our furry family members are surprisingly amenable to. Why? Because it makes them feels better! Listen to Linda Rogers, DVM, describe what it looks like to perform this holistic technique, share the broad spectrum of conditions that chiropractic can positively impact, and what its benefits are. The science and art of chiropractic impacts the nervous system to alleviate pain, promote proper movement, and ultimately restore homeostasis. Like we said, veterinary chiropractic is a really good thing!

Click here to find Dr. Rogers at Integrative Animal Health Center.
For more information about veterinary chiropractic and to find an animal chiropractor near you, click American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) or International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) or American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA).
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...
55 min
October 05, 2021 The Nose Knows! Canine Nosework with Michele Ellertson CNWI
Dogs navigate their environment through their amazing sense of smell. So why not utilize this natural gift through practicing nose and scent work with your canine companion? It doesn't have to be formal or fancy, although there are classes and competitions aplenty. This relatively new sport (~2007) uses the canine olfactory system to solve problems and instill confidence. Moreover, EVERY dog can - and should - do this because it's what they are born to do! And when it comes to enrichment and gentle movement, this is an activity that senior dogs, physically disabled dogs, and blind or deaf dogs can master! Listen to Michele share what nosework is, how its trained, and its myriad of benefits.

Click here to find Michele and more info about nosework.
Click here for the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
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...
57 min
September 21, 2021 Punishment and its Fallout with Ran Courant-Morgan, M.S., Behavior Analysis
Of course, none of us wants to think that we are actually punishing our pets! But in truth, punishment is simply anything that results in a decrease of a behavior either by adding something (positive punishment, perhaps a verbal reprimand) or removing something (negative punishment, maybe taking away a coveted toy). So we are all likely to be inadvertently punishing our pets without realizing it. This can result in unintended consequences. Listen as Ran, an expert in behavior analysis, helps Cathy and Chris to decipher what punishment actually is, what its outcomes are, what to look for in a dog that's experienced it, and ultimately, how we can mitigate its fallout.

Click here for the Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
Click here to to learn more about Ran and The Dog Behavior Institute.
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...
1 hr 6 min
September 07, 2021 Pet Obesity: It's a BIG problem!
Is Rover looking a little heavier than usual? Have you found yourself dipping into the treat jar more often – especially during COVID? Turns out that keeping your pet trim is directly correlated with quality and length of life. The equation for consistent weight is simple and familiar: calories in = calories out. But there are a host of items that can upset this balance. Listen to Cathy and Chris discuss factors leading to obesity, from breed disposition to diseases to lifestyle to medications. The plethora of life-threatening issues that obesity contributes to is shocking, ranging from breathing difficulties to increased risk of cancer. This episode is intended to inform, not shame. We provide helpful tips to determine your pet’s ideal weight, get it there, and keep it there.

Click here for the Dog Body Condition System chart.
Click here for the Cat Body Condition System chart.
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...
49 min
August 24, 2021 The ABCs of CBD with Dr. Joshua Sosnow
There is a lot of "buzz" going around about the use of CBD to help our pets. Listen to Josh Sosnow, DVM, share his vast knowledge about CBD. We address what is known and unknown, but its potential use is immense and evolving. The use of CBD to help your pet’s osteoarthritis, anxiety, cancer, allergies, or seizure disorder is certainly worth exploring with your vet; however, the primary challenge today is accurate dosing. Another challenge is ensuring the product is high quality, free of heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants. Dr. Sosnow helps us navigate what to look for when purchasing CBD given limited product regulation. The good news is that CBD is a natural alternative to prescribed drugs, plays well with other medications, has little to no side effects, and is generally very safe. Although not a panacea, the potential is HUGE! Stay tuned as real science continues to be published about these plant-based chemicals.

Click here to find Dr. Sosnow at his company, Companion CBD, and ask a vet!
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...
47 min
August 10, 2021 Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS) with Dr. Freya Mowat
To go from normal vision to completely blind within days is what happens to dogs with Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome or SARDS. This disease is extremely scary and confusing, for both dog and owner. Unfortunately, SARDS is a syndrome with more questions than answers, but Dr. Freya Mowat, BVSc. Ph.D DECVO DAVCO, dedicates her work to learning more about this disease and other eye issues that impact not only dogs, but people, too. Although SARDS can affect any dog, the disease is neither painful nor life-shortening. Plus, dogs are incredible at adapting to their new set of circumstances and can continue to lead a high quality and enriching life full of joy. Just ask cohost Cathy – she has owned two pugs with SARDS!

Click on this link for more information about Dr. Mowat, SARDS, her research and ways to contribute, including a questionnaire if you'd like to be added to the list for upcoming studies.

Click on this link for cohost Cathy Symons information about living with blind dogs and her book, Blind Devotion, in Enable Your Pet.
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...
51 min
July 27, 2021 First Aid Kits for Pets
If you've ever had a sick or injured pet, you don't want to be scrambling around to find the items needed to provide immediate necessary care. Plan ahead by making or buying a first aid kit that includes everything that you might need in one place. Easy-peasy! Cathy and Chris share their ideas about what your kit should include and why. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Animal Poison Control
ASPCA Animal Poison Control phone number (888) 426-4435; 24 hrs./day, 365 days/year

Put the number of your nearest veterinary emergency department, poison control and vaccine records/allergies in your kit!
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...
51 min
July 13, 2021 Petiquette: Manners Matter with Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA
We all know what proper etiquette is, but have you ever thought about proper petiquette with your dog? Let's be real, it is an absolute privilege to partner with our pet in the community. Let's not blow it - manners really do matter!! Listen as Amy Campbell, certified professional dog trainer, shares her tried and tested tips and useful insights as it pertains to appropriate greetings with other dogs and people, dog body language (your dog's and other dogs), recognizing a dog's social intelligence, poop patrol, proper use of the leash, and much more.

Click here to find out more about Amy and her place of business!
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...
44 min
June 29, 2021 Hip Dysplasia with Dr. Michelle Powers
You wince as you hear your vet tell you that your 2 year-old German Shepherd has hip dysplasia. You did nothing to cause it. The special x-ray he just got told you he was born with excessive laxity in his hip joints. You thought he was a little lazy because he didn't always want to follow you up the stairs or jump into the car. Sometimes, the morning after a big hike, he didn't even want to get up to go outside and then laid down to eat his breakfast. At times, he would snap his head around when you gave him butt scratches, but you thought that was because it tickled. And no matter how much your daughter tried to get him to stand on his hind legs for a treat, he just wouldn't do it. It isn't that he is lazy; it's because his hips hurt!

Even though his loosey-goosey hips could not be prevented, there is still plenty you can do to manage the onset and severity of hip joint arthritis that follows. And it’s pretty simple stuff like weight management and strengthening! After listening to Michelle Powers, DVM, DACVS, CCRT, DACVSMR educate you about hip dysplasia, your worst fears will be allayed and you'll feel empowered. Hip dysplasia is not a death sentence, just an unfortunate and very common orthopedic condition that needs lifelong management. You got this!

Click here to find Dr. Powers at MoVeS.
Click here for the Purina 14-Year Life Span Study in Dogs.
Click here for a study regarding obesity and your dogs quality of life.
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...
1 hr 7 min
June 15, 2021 How to Pick Up Chicks and Other Chick Tips with "The Chicken Lady," Gretchen Munafo
Whoever thought that raising backyard chickens could be such a hoot (sorry, owl friends!)? Listen to "The Chicken Lady" a.k.a. Gretchen Mufano as she shares her pearls (sorry, oyster friends!) of wisdom about the benefits of having a backyard flock, considerations before procuring your new chicks, proper housing for your ladies, and the nutritional requirements for your feathered friends. You will be so infinitely informed and thoroughly entertained that you will be cluckin' glad you did - you are welcome, chicken friends!!

Reach out to The Chicken Lady at Chickadee Seed & Feed!
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...
58 min

About PetAbility Podcast

From the publisher's feed

This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in…

treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…

Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.

After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.

Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.

Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit.

Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa.

Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!