PetAbility Podcast

Arthritis affects millions of pets, quietly limiting mobility, comfort, and quality of life. While medications and supplements remain important tools, many pet parents are searching for safe, evidence-based options they can use at home to support long-term joint health. Alon Landa, CEO of MedcoVet, explains the science behind how specific red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with the body at a cellular level to reduce inflammation &  chronic joint pain and support healing for improved daily well-being.

Listeners will learn how MedcoVet’s Luma device was designed specifically for pets, what unique features set it apart from other light therapy products, and how it fits into a comprehensive, multimodal arthritis care plan. The conversation also covers real-world outcomes and practical treatment guidelines.

Whether your pet is showing early signs of stiffness or living with advanced arthritis making it difficult to get up from the floor, this episode offers clarity, science-backed insight, and realistic expectations for using red light therapy to restore comfort and ease of movement.

Find your comprehensive guide to treating arthritis here.

What's covered:

• What red light therapy is and how it works in pets
• Why specific wavelengths matter for arthritis and inflammation
• How Luma differs from in-clinic lasers and online devices
• Signs your pet may benefit from light therapy
• What a typical treatment protocol looks like
• Integrating red light therapy into a multimodal treatment plan
• How clinical support offered by MedcoVet impacts results

Alon Landa is the CEO of MedcoVet, a veterinary technology company, that developed the Luma to bring research -based, clinically-informed red light therapy into the homes of pets who need it most.

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...

Grooming isn’t always a simple spa day—especially for pets who are fearful, painful, aging, or medically complex. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Chris and Cathy sit down with experienced groomer and veterinary assistant, Sophie Wasniewski, to explore sedated grooming: what it is, why it’s sometimes necessary, and how it can dramatically improve safety, comfort, and quality of life for both pets and their people.

Sophie explains how sedated grooming differs from traditional grooming, which pets benefit most, and what indicators (chronic pain, mobility challenges, anxiety, or past trauma) might suggest that sedated grooming is the often the kindest option rather than a last resort. The conversation walks listeners through what a sedated grooming appointment looks like, who’s involved on the veterinary team, and how sedation protocols are carefully chosen and monitored for safety.

Key Takeaways:

• When and why sedated grooming is recommended
• Which pets benefit most
• What happens during a sedated grooming appointment
• Safety considerations and preparation
• How sedated grooming can reduce fear, pain, and injury

Whether you’re a pet parent struggling with stressful grooming appointments or a veterinary professional supporting complex patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and expert insight.

You can find Sophie at Sleepy Dog Veterinary in Arlington, MA. 

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...

With the holidays at full throttle, we thought it timely to revisit this episode on pet obesity. Pets often gain weight in winter because shorter days lead to less activity (fewer walks, more naps.) Owners might give more treats, while their pet's metabolism slows to conserve energy, creating an "extra pounds" scenario. It's crucial for owners to manage food intake and keep their dogs and cats active to prevent unhealthy gain. In 2018, obesity, along with dental issues and osteoarthritis, was put on the list as a major health concern. So yes, obesity is indeed a big problem!

Excerpt from original show notes:
Is Rover looking a little heavier than usual? Have you found yourself dipping into the treat jar more often? 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...

In this powerful episode, PetAbility welcomes Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), to explore the harsh realities of commercial puppy mills and the transformative work being done to save and rehabilitate the dogs trapped within them. Theresa shares the emotional beginnings of NMDR, the rescue process from start to finish, and the medical and behavioral challenges mill dogs face on their path to adoption. Listeners will gain practical tools to recognize and avoid supporting puppy mills and hear uplifting stories that prove the resilience of the canine spirit.

What We Cover:

• The moment that inspired the creation of NMDR
• What defines a puppy mill or commercial dog farm
• Common misconceptions
• Inside look at a rescue operation
• Medical and emotional trauma mill dogs endure
• Rehabilitation and preparing dogs for adoption

Key Takeaways:

• Puppy mills persist because of consumer demand and lack of awareness.
• NMDR gives breeders another option when their dogs are no longer useful.
• Mill dogs often require patience, specialized care, and time to heal.
• Transformative process from intake to adoption, from fear to joy.
• Every dog deserves compassion, dignity, and a loving home.
• Ultimately, dogs from commercial breeding facilities make wonderful pets.

 👉 National Mill Dog Rescue: https://nmdr.org/ for more information/resources/ and adoptable dogs.

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...

We are revisiting this timely topic with a Rehab Rewind.  Since this episode aired in March of 2024 Cathy has proudly earned the title of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician.  Join us as PetAbility hosts, Cathy and Chris, share their expertise around this topic that will undoubtedly touch all our lives in some way, shape, or form.

Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkable in the past. If you couple this with our ever-growing attitudes that pets are full-fledged members of our families, then the fields of palliative care and pet hospice become vital. Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, deftly explains the integral role that physical rehabilitation plays to 1) alleviate symptoms and stress from medical conditions (palliative care) and 2) compassionately support owners and their pets, physically and emotionally, during their end-of-life journey, while preparing pet parents to let go of their loved one with dignity and grace when the time comes (hospice). 

For more information, please click on the following links: 

• International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
• Lap of Love: Veterinary Hospice & In-home Euthanasia 
• Pet Loss Support Hotline and other resources

Other related PetAbility Podcast episodes include:

• Pets Are Family - an Impactful Approach to Pet Loss with Erika Sinner, Dog Mom, Author, & CEO
• Pet Hospice with Dr. Becky Schoenberg
• Believing in Grieving with Laurie Levine, LMHC
• End-of-life Pet Photography I The Tilly Project with Lauren Kennedy

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...

Dogs are family — and these days, they’re welcome almost everywhere: cafés, breweries, stores, and even offices. But as our world becomes increasingly dog-friendly, some are wondering… have we taken it too far? In this episode, Chris chats with Lillian Ciardelli, ACAAB, and Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA, of Behave Atlanta, two canine behavior experts who help people and dogs navigate real-world settings with empathy, skill, and good manners.

Together, they unpack what happens when “dog-friendly” tips into “dog-frenzied,” how to balance freedom with respect, and why understanding natural dog behavior is the key to creating harmony in shared spaces. Whether you’re a dog lover, trainer, or business owner, this conversation will make you think about life with dogs in the modern world.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Why we’re seeing more dogs in public than ever before
• The difference between inclusion and entitlement
• Are we putting our own desires ahead of what’s best for our dogs?
• Natural dog behaviors vs. “bad” behaviors
• How to manage overstimulation and anxiety in public spaces
• Training tips for café- and brewery-ready pups
• Dog etiquette starts with human etiquette
• How to handle unwanted attention or off-leash encounters politely
• The growing concern over fake “service animal” claims
• The “social contract” of responsible dog ownership
• How trainers, vets, and business owners can model better behavior
• One simple mindset shift that benefits every dog and every person

Key Takeaway
Being truly “dog-friendly” isn’t about allowing dogs everywhere — it’s about creating spaces where dogs and people can coexist safely, respectfully, and happily.

Connect with Behave Atlanta
🌐 BehaveAtlanta.com

💬 Virtual behavioral consultations available

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...

Galen Myotherapy is a holistic, mindful approach that goes far beyond massage—helping dogs feel safe, understood, and pain-free while deepening the bond they share with their people. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Cathy and Chris explore this powerful form of canine bodywork with Lisa Buchanan, a certified Galen Myotherapist. Lisa explains how her gentle, evidence-informed, choice-led treatment protocols help dogs release tension, move more freely, and even improve behavior. Most importantly, listeners will discover why addressing a dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing together is the key to lasting comfort and mobility. 

Highlights include:

• What makes this therapy different from other canine bodywork approaches such as massage, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.
• Core principles of the Galen approach, including assessing posture, movement, and emotional cues.
• The types of dogs that benefit most — from puppies to seniors to dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
• How quickly guardians may see changes in their dog’s mobility, relaxation, and overall demeanor. 
• Insights to what a typical session involves - environmental changes, passive touching techniques, and movement/exercise.
• How practitioners identify tension or discomfort before starting treatment.
• Heartwarming success stories — dogs whose quality of life improved dramatically through this work.
• How pet owners and professionals can learn more or even pursue Galen Myotherapy training themselves.

For more information about Lisa, her business, and Galen Myotherapy, please visit these websites:

• Kinder K9 Mind & Motion
• Galen Myotherapy

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...

Learn from premier veterinary neurologist, Gena Silver, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology,) all about intervertebral disk disease (IVDD,) a common neurological disease in all pets. What is it? Can it be prevented? How do you recognize it? What do you do when your pet gets it? Explained in a clear and understandable fashion for all pet lovers.

To learn more about Dr. Silver, click here.
For an IVDD Facebook education & support group, click 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...

PetAbility Podcast  welcomes Kim Smothermon, the director of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, to the show to share insider insights from life at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. Together with Cathy and Chris, Kim dives into everything you need to know about guinea pigs—whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned pet parent, or simply fascinated by these gentle companions.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• How the Guinea Pig Sanctuary began and the mission behind it
• What makes guinea pigs so appealing and why people are drawn to them
• How guinea pig ownership compares to caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, or rats
• Social nature of guinea pigs: why companionship matters and how bonding works
• Housing needs: how much space do they really require?
• Diet essentials and bathroom habits
• Ideas for enrichment to keep guinea pigs happy and stimulated
• Interactions with other household pets: what works and what doesn’t
• Personality traits: cuddly, quirky, and everything in between
• Common myths and misconceptions about guinea pigs
• Health care basics: lifespan, vet visits, and common medical issues
• Importance of exotic vet specialists for proper care
• How guinea pigs sense and interpret the world around them
• Communication: how they interact with each other and with humans
• The #1 thing Kim wants every guinea pig owner to know

Resources & Links:
Learn more and support the Guinea Pig Sanctuary: www.guineapigsanctuary.org
Facebook @guineapigsofnewengland and
Instagram @guineapigsanctuary

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...

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.  

Why is my 13 y.o. dog seeming so confused by every day tasks? She doesn't seem to recognize me anymore and went to the window to be let outside. Then she seemed to get lost on our usual walk and became quite anxious. She is pacing all night long and then sleeps throughout the day. She's never had an accident, and now urinated on the dining room rug twice last week! Sound familiar? According to Bronwyn Riggs, VMD, DACVIM (Neurology), perhaps it's cognitive dysfunction that is responsible for changes in her behavior, disorientation, and confusion. The brain experiences age-related degenerative changes just like muscles. Impairment of memory and learning with age exists across all species. Factors such as genetics, diet, environment, lifestyle, and metabolic diseases contribute to susceptibility. Although there is no cure, cognitive decline can be managed with enrichment, behavior modification, targeted nutrition, medications, and certain supplements. To exercise their brain, you can teach your old dog new tricks!

Links:
Found out more about Thundershirts to decrease your pet's anxiety.
For some great puzzle toys and brain games, check this out!!
To learn more about Dr. Riggs and her place of employment, click 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...