PetAbility Podcast

Can sound really help your dog heal? In this fascinating episode of PetAbility, we sit down with Dr. McCauley, a trailblazer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore the emerging world of acoustic therapy for pets. Using tuning forks, this gentle, non-invasive technique can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility—helping dogs feel better naturally.

Dr. McCauley breaks down the science of how sound waves impact fascia, muscles, and nerves, and shares how tuning fork therapy compares to other common rehab modalities like laser, acupuncture, and massage. We also dive into her brand-new online course, where pet parents and professionals alike can learn safe, effective techniques—including “Slide & Glide” and trigger point release with the tuning fork —to improve their dog’s comfort and movement at home.

From success stories to safety tips, Dr. McCauley shows us how this simple tool can create deep relaxation, support healing, and even improve quality of life long-term. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or eager to try it yourself, this episode will leave you with a whole new appreciation for the power of sound.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What acoustic (tuning fork) therapy is and how it works
• The conditions most commonly helped by this approach
• Why relaxation is such an important part of the healing process
• A preview of Dr. McCauley’s online course and who it’s for
• Practical guidance on using tuning forks safely at home
• Inspiring stories of dogs whose mobility improved with sound therapy
• How tuning fork therapy fits into a broader rehab and wellness plan

Resources & Links:

• Learn more or enroll in Dr. McCauley’s acoustic therapy course
• Bonus: Enrollment includes a tuning fork (U.S. only)
• Connect with Dr. McCauley at Optimum Pet Vitality
• Explore other PetAbility Podcast episodes with Dr. McCauley: 
  • Fascinating Fascia
  • How to Improve your Geriatric Dog's Healthspan and Lifespan
    
    

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 interview with Dr. Tonya Cooksey 

"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or even a reptile, learn the signs of imbalance, the impact of diet and antibiotics, and cutting-edge research shaping the future of pet health. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips to keep your pet happy from the inside out!

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 inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Shields, a true icon in veterinary medicine whose compassion, innovation, and work ethic continue to shine at age 88. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dr. Shields shares his remarkable journey from founding Bethayers Veterinary Hospital in 1964 to still practicing today, focusing on end-of-life care.

You’ll hear firsthand about his pioneering work with pacemakers in dogs (as early as 1974!), his travels to Switzerland to study innovative orthopedic techniques, and his contributions to the field through writing and mentorship. Whether caring for Bradley Cooper’s dog or co-authoring a piece on Myasthenia Gravis for Scientific American, Dr. Shields has always been ahead of the curve.

This episode highlights not only his clinical accomplishments but also his passion for feral cat welfare, along with his wife, Donna, his enduring athletic spirit (30+ RAGBRAI rides, skiing, tennis, and sailing!), and his belief that general practitioners were once the heart of a “golden era of veterinary medicine.”

What You’ll Learn:

• What veterinary medicine looked like in the 1960s and how it’s evolved
  
  
• The story behind two dogs with pacemakers - truly groundbreaking in the 1970-80s
  
  
• How human orthopedic techniques influenced animal surgery
  
  
• Why Dr. Shields still chooses to work at 88—and the cases he’s proudest of
  
  
• The joys and challenges of a life devoted to animals

Click here to learn about an organization called ReGen that collects and refurbishes donated human pacemakers for placement in animals.

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...

Please join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Christin Finn. 

Located in the knee, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Yet there is little consistency or agreement about how to manage this condition. It goes well beyond surgery vs. no surgery.  Pet parents angst about what to do to help there dog's knee pain and function, then often second guess themselves once they decide. Rest assured that there is a multitude of options to choose from and there is no one right - or wrong - answer.  Along with describing the CCL's function and mechanism of injury, Christin Finn DVM, CVA, CVSMT, CCRT, discusses that treatment is often multifaceted and a CCL injury is not an emergency. So, the good news is that you've got time to explore viable alternatives that are right for YOU and YOUR PET.

For more information about cruciate ligaments and other topics, go to finndvm.com.
You may contact Dr. Finn directly 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...

Cathy and Chris sit down with Clayton Blunk of My Pet’s Brace, a leader in custom orthopedic solutions for pets. With nearly 90% of their braces designed for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries—the most common orthopedic issue in dogs—we explore how custom knee bracing offers a non-surgical path to pain relief and mobility. From choosing the right candidates to partnering with veterinary teams, we take you inside the journey of bracing…and beyond.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• 🦴 What CCL injuries are and why they’re so common in dogs
• 🛠️ How custom knee braces support healing and mobility
• 🐶 Which dogs are best suited for bracing vs. surgery
• 🤝 The importance of collaboration with vets and rehab pros
• 🎯 Setting realistic expectations and tracking progress
• 👣 A behind-the-scenes look at how each brace is crafted

Clayton Blunk, Senior Practitioner & Co-Owner of My Pet’s Brace
An engineer-turned-animal-advocate, Clayton brings a unique blend of mechanical expertise and compassion to his work. He’s helped thousands of pets regain mobility through custom bracing.

📌 Why You Should Listen:

• Learn a non-surgical option for managing CCL injuries
• Understand the full bracing process—from cast to comeback
• Hear real-world stories that highlight the pet-human bond
• Discover how orthotics can change your pet’s quality of life

🔗 Resources & Links:

• MyPetsBrace.com
• Follow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and  Linkedin
• Watch My Pet's Brace in action by searching "Second Chance Pets" on your television or paying for the online version 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...

Anxiety is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues facing our pets today. In this comprehensive episode, Chris and Cathy explore the staggering prevalence of pet anxiety, common triggers, and a wide range of effective strategies to help our furry (and feathered) friends feel safe and secure.

Did You Know?

• Over 72% of dogs show anxiety-related behaviors
• 76% exhibited separation anxiety during the pandemic
• Cats, birds, and even exotic pets experience anxiety, too

From fear of fireworks to changes in routine, vet visits to mobility challenges, anxiety can stem from many sources. You’ll learn how age, pain, trauma, and socialization all play a role—and how to spot the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of distress in dogs, cats, and birds.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Triggers: Loud noises, strangers, separation, mobility decline, and more
• Symptoms: From panting and pacing to aggression, hiding, and over-grooming
• Treatment Toolbox:
  • Behavior & enrichment techniques
  • Nutraceuticals, CBD, pheromones, flower essences
  • Prescription meds & complementary therapies
  • Safe spaces and calming products like Thundershirts and Calm & Cozy Cat Wraps
  • The critical role of veterinary input and behaviorists

🎙️ Plus, we highlight key PetAbility episodes on related topics—from gut-brain health connection (biome) and post-surgical behavior to calming tools and environmental enrichment.

Whether your pet is young or old, anxious by nature or triggered by circumstance, this episode is packed with practical, compassionate insights to help them live their best (and calmest) life.

👉 Takeaway: Anxiety is common—but manageable. With awareness, empathy, and the right tools, you can help your pet feel more secure every day. 

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 heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference.

🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• Why Jerri first stepped into the world of horse rescue
• The emotional and physical rehab process for neglected or abandoned horses
• A powerful story about Micah, Jerri’s “heart horse,” and their special bond
• What the duties of volunteering entail
• Misconceptions about horse ownership—and what every prospective adopter should know
• How you can support horse rescue, even if you’ve never saddled up

💡 Key Takeaways:

• The vital role of volunteers in equine rehabilitation
• How prey instincts shape therapeutic approaches with horses
• The deep emotional rewards of giving animals a second chance

📢 Resources & Links:

• 🐎 Learn more about Colorado Horse Rescue: chr.org
• 🐴 Read Jerri’s blog: Micah’s Journey: From Feral to Friend
• 💕 Want to help? Volunteer, donate, foster, or sponsor a horse.

 📲 Spread the Love:
If this episode inspired you, share it with fellow animal lovers! Every download helps raise awareness about equine rescue and the incredible work being done behind barn doors. 

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...

Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, what it takes to get certified, and why temperament matters more than breed. Diane recounts moving moments from visits to nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and veterans' facilities, while also discussing the profound impact these dogs have on human health and well-being. Discover how you can get involved in this rewarding volunteer work.

For more information about therapy dogs and the certification process go to:
Alliance for Therapy Dogs - https://www.therapydogs.com/
Therapy Dogs International - https://www.tdi-dog.org/

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 heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby. Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company, her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs.

🐾 In This Episode:

• The Origin Story: How Dr. Buzby’s experience in integrative and rehab medicine inspired the creation of ToeGrips® and a full line of senior dog products.
• ToeGrips®: A simple, powerful mobility aid for senior dogs — how they work, who they help most, and troubleshooting common questions from pet parents.
• Brain Boost: Dr. Buzby’s latest innovation to promote cognitive health and combat canine cognitive dysfunction (link).
• Encore Mobility™: A unique joint supplement formulated to support aging dogs from the inside out with key natural ingredients.
• Empowering Pet Owners: Free resources, educational blogs, and courses designed to help pet parents navigate their dog’s golden years with confidence and compassion.
• Behind the Scenes: How customer feedback and real-world veterinary experience shape new product development.
• 🔗 Resources & Links:
• Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company Website
• ToeGrips® | Encore Mobility™ | Brain Boost Product Pages
• Blog & Educational Resources
• Follow Dr. Buzby on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

🐶 Final Thought: Perhaps the way we treat our senior pets can help inspire a broader shift toward honoring and supporting our elders — with compassion, dignity, and love.

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...

🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome, this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch!

In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that makes your pup’s tail go limp. We’ll break down:

• 🐕 The breeds most often affected (hello, Labradors and hunting dogs!)
• ❄️ Surprising triggers like cold water, crate rest, and even too much wagging!
• 🩺 How to spot the signs and what your vet will look for.
• 💊 Easy treatments that’ll have that tail wagging again in no time.
• 💡 Prevention tips to keep your pup’s tail healthy, happy, and wagging strong.

📦 Quick Takeaway?
Swimmer’s Tail may look scary, but with a little rest and TLC, most dogs bounce back fast. When in doubt, your vet is your best friend!

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...