Feet of all creatures are amazing structures that serve multiple purposes. This episode focuses on canine feet: their intricate anatomy, things to watch for, the importance of proper care, including nail trims, and the foot's role in overall health and well-being. These extraordinary assets not only allow for locomotion, traction, and protection, but are so sensitive that they give our dogs remarkable insights about their surroundings that enhances balance, agility, and function. Paying close attention to our dogs paws is important for pain-free and efficient navigation of their world. Whether it's a foot, paw, or claw, they  really are quite a feat!!

What the following YouTube videos for more information!
Anatomy and Palpation of the Dog Paw.
Toe Stretching!

You may reach Cathy and Chris by messaging them on Instagram or 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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

This is a game changer! DogLeggs is a company that has provided innovative, quality products since the formal inception of small animal physical rehabilitation. One of Cathy and Chris's favorites is their Shoulder Stabilization System which offers a way to protect a healing shoulder joint to allow for safe rehabilitation and activity at home while mitigating reinjury. All of their 21 products are made in the U.S. with the vet community,  pet, and owner in mind. They are easy to put on and take off, durable, breathable, and so much more. The entire suite of products is designed to allow for healing through support and coverage (an alternative to the "cone of shame" or Elizabethan collar.) Listen to Ben Blecha, MPO, CPO, as he describes the plethora of applications for DogLeggs with a focus on their front limb offerings, specifically the Shoulder Stabilization System. We hope you will never need it, but if you do, you will be armed with information to potentially help your pup heal.

To find more information about Ben Blecha's entire line of products, go to the following links:
DogLeggs
MediVetProducts
GoHeroGo
WiggleLess
MediPaw

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Have you ever wondered what your pet would say if they could actually talk? Listen to Danielle MacKinnon, a luminary in the realm of animal communication. With a rare and innate gift, she bridges the gap between humans and the animal kingdom, and has dedicated her life to unraveling the mysteries of interspecies communication. Her deep connection with animals transcends the ordinary, allowing her to tap into the rich tapestry of their thoughts, emotions, and desires. As a trailblazer, Danielle has not only demonstrated the power of animal communication but has also become a sought-after teacher, speaker, and author. 

For more info about Danielle, her work, and resources for you, go to DanielleMacKinnon.com/PetAbility.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Many every day movements using every day surroundings can become exercise that can profoundly impact your dog's performance, quality of life, and longevity. Bobbie Lyons, CCFT, KPA CTP, Cert CF, describes just how easy it can be. However, we need to first observe what our dog is doing repetitively - the patterns of posture and movement that may not be ideal and contribute to injury - and then know what to do to address these issues. Contrary to popular belief, increasing your pet's confidence, building their strength, enhancing their balance, and probably most importantly, cluing them into where their feet are, especially those hind feet, can take as little as 15 minutes 3 times per week. So no excuses, let's do this!!!

Find Bobbie Lyons at Pawsitive Performance and Bobbie Lyons Canine Campus.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Did you know that a pet pig has the intelligence of a 3-year old child, can be easily litter-box trained, is affectionate and craves companionship, and that the pig's primary senses are smell and taste? These are merely some of the fun facts that Susan Armstrong-Magidson of Ross Mill Farm and Pig Placement Network shares with us from over 33 years of experience raising and caring for pet pigs. The very same qualities that make a pig endearing can also lead to challenges resulting in many pigs being surrendered. They are not agile and should not be required to negotiate stairs. They are prey animals that frighten easily. They are difficult to transport, find proper veterinary care for and victims of zoning. So do your homework before getting a pet pig and if/when you are ready, remember to adopt, not shop. The pigs need you!

As Susan Armstong-Magidson says, "Pigs are not like dogs. Pigs are not like cats. Pigs are just like pigs!!!"

For more information about pet pigs, the Pig Placement Network, or to contact Susan, go to PigPlacementNetwork.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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

When your dog exhibits signs of stress, did you know that pain could be the trigger? If pain is left untreated, the signs of stress can escalate into aggression. Many of us are not aware of these early signs and even if we are, we certainly may not attribute them to pain, but perhaps some other factor like fear or displeasure. Ran Courant-Morgan, M.S., Behavior Analysis, and Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., Behavior Analysis, of The Dog Behavior Institute in Boston educate us about signs of pain and how these signs might manifest behaviorally with evidence-based, data-driven information and a variety of anecdotal examples. It always pays to explore if pain is at the root of changes in behavior. By addressing any pain, not only will your pup feel better, they will behave better!

Check out these resources:
The Ladder of Aggression
Doggie Language by Lili Chin
The Dog Behavior Institute
Follow on Facebook and Instagram @TheDogBehaviorInstitute.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Your young dog starts limping on his front leg; there was no injury that you know of. You bring your pup to the vet and the doctor tells you it could be elbow dysplasia. Now what? Listen to veterinary radiologist, Dr. Marjorie McMillan, DVM, ACVR, CCRP, explain what elbow dysplasia is, how it's diagnosed, and the various treatment options. This is a condition in a complex joint that needs to be addressed in order for your pet to have the comfort and quality of life it deserves. If you want to know what elbow dysplasia might feel like, it is analogous to having a rock in your shoe that you feel with every step. Ouch!

You can find Dr. McMillan at Windhover Veterinary Center.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Patty Ramirez is not your average pet owner. Patty took something potentially devastating and turned it into something positive. She lost her dog, Gideon, to lymphoma. Then she adopted Zeke, an anxious, deaf Boxer, who helped Patty not only learn the importance of checking her pups for lumps and bumps when she found a mast cell tumor on him, but also to pay it forward with a public campaign to remind other pet parents to do the same. Patty's goal is to save lives. Now after you listen to this show (or watch it on YouTube) go check your own pet's lumps and bumps. It just  might save your own pet's life!

Find Patty on Instagram @ Zeke_and_Zella
To learn more about "Dr. Sue Cancer Vet" go to:
https://guardianveterinaryspecialists.com/specialist/dr-sue-ettinger/
Click here for The National Canine Cancer Foundation 

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Listen to Cathy and Chris as they pounce into the world of cat physical rehabilitation. Discussing everything from recognizing when your feline friend may be in pain to  rehabilitation tips and tricks to modifying your cats living environment.  This episode is sure to get you purring about all the pawsitive measures you can take to ensure your cat is not only comfortable, but also embracing life to its fullest.

Click the following links to help you determine if your furry feline companion is painful.
Cat facial expressions as an indicator of pain.
How to tell if your cat is in pain.
Glasgow Pain Scale - validated for cats.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Very common in toy breed dogs, but occurring ever more frequently in large breeds such as Labs, is a condition called patellar luxation, also known as a kneecap dislocation. Listen as Karen Pastor, DVM, DACVS, explains why patella luxation occurs, how it's diagnosed, and how to treat it, both surgically and conservatively. Have you ever noticed your  dog "skip" when walking?  This is a tell-tell sign of a luxating patella and something that should not be dismissed. Don't skip what you kneed to know!

Click here to learn more about Dr. Pastor and Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital.

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! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...