PetAbility Podcast

Our conversation with pet photographer, Fred Levy, uncovers the unique challenges of photographing pets. We discuss what differentiates a professional photo from those smartphone pics we snap on an almost daily basis, tips for getting the right shot with your own pet, and why everyone should consider professional pet photos at various stages of their pet's lives. Additionally, Fred discusses his infamous The Black Dogs Project  that sheds light on "black dog syndrome", which suggests that black-colored dogs are more likely to be passed over for adoption.  In this book, Fred creates unforgettable photos along with owner-written passages of what their black dog means to them.

You may find Fred at FredLevyArt.com  as well as his studio in Littleton, MA. 
Fred is on social media @FredLevyArt.

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 your dog has ever had a seizure, you should listen to this. If your dog has never had a seizure, you should listen to this. The truth is that approximately one in ten dogs will experience a seizure in their lifetime. Listen as Gena Sliver, MS, DVM, DACVIM, explains everything from the various types of seizures to what can cause a seizure to what we can do both during a seizure and over time to manage a seizure disorder. As a veterinary neurologist, seizures are among the top three reasons pet owners seek Dr. Silver's expertise. Allay panic - be prepared.

You can find Dr. Gena Silver at Mass Vet 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!
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...

Write it down! Often times when it comes to things we need for our pets, we have to create them ourselves, like the old adage "necessity is the mother of invention" implies. This is exactly what Erin Scott, self-proclaimed dog mom, did when she created the electronic Dog Health Journal. This practical, informative  guide facilitates keeping track of all of your dog's information in one place: diet, meds, changes in behavior, it's all in there.  You can record vet visits, vaccination records, and much more in one place to maximize vet appointments and get to answers efficiently. In Erin's case, the Dog Health Journal saved her dog, Penny, from permanent deafness.  It could even save a dog's life. PetAbility loves this tool and you will, too!

To learn more about Erin and order your own Dog Health Journal, go to ErinTheDogMom.com for quick links, including her two podcasts: Believe In Dog Podcast and The Alternative Dog Moms.

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...

Whether you have an exotic pet or don't even know what exotics are, you will be entertained and educated as you listen to expert storyteller Dr. Doug share his adventures of treating exotic animals for over 30 years. From parrots to primates and snakes to alligators, he's done it all with great passion. We discuss what attracts some of us to exotic pets, the ubiquitous human-animal bond, and the unique challenges of exotic veterinary medicine. Dr. Doug, a world-renowned veterinarian of exotics and international speaker, literally "wrote the book" in veterinary medicine on reptiles. Speaking of books, check out Dr. Doug's new memoir, The Vet rom Noah's Ark: Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital.

More interesting stuff:
See Dr. Doug perform surgery on Split Jaw on Gator Boys
Click here to see the video of Lola, the sea turtle, getting her prosthetic flipper!
Go to DougMader.com for Dr. Doug's new memoir, The Vet from Noah's Ark.
Also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Interesting article about Dr. Doug on the job in the Florida Keys.

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...

Bringing your pet to the vet can be a stress-inducing blur! Listen as Chris and Cathy share suggestions to best prepare for your pet's trip to the vet and get the most out of your visit. They cover everything from what to do before leaving your home, providing helpful tips to maximize efficiency and managing expectations during the visit, and helping to ensure that you remember not only what happened, but why tests or treatments were done when you leave the appointment. Bottom line is trust your gut, be forthright, ask questions or seek a second opinion, and be prepared to advocate for your pet during the visit.  Not only will your pet appreciate this, but the veterinary team will as well!

Click here for more information about the Dog Health Journal.

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 as Phoebe Hart takes us on her journey with Hugo, her endearing, 12 y.o., mixed breed rescue that was diagnosed 1.5 years ago with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a neurological disease with no known cure that causes progressive paralysis. Phoebe shares her reaction when she learned of Hugo's diagnosis. She stresses the importance of not panicking, but rather processing, as she assembled a care team that supports both Hugo and herself. Phoebe also discusses  the resources, equipment and supplies she found useful, and the many "pivots" that were necessary as Hugo's disease progressed. Ironically, Phoebe describes Hugo's life now as more enriched than before his diagnosis despite his hind legs no longer working. We examine the physical and emotional stress related to the 24/7 care for any being (also known as compassion fatigue.) Although euthanasia is likely inevitable, Phoebe shares that as long as Hugo keeps exhibiting his can-do attitude and joyful outlook, she will be at his side, celebrating his daily victories and enjoying the company of her best friend.
 
For more information, go to Living with Dogs with Disabilities, Sarah MacKeigan's online educational platform for owners of dogs with DM and disk disease.
Join Living with Dogs with Disabilities on Facebook.
For DNA testing  for DM through the University of Missouri, click here.
For general information about DM from the University of Missouri, 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...

Who has one of the coolest jobs ever? Our vote goes to Bethany Brown, founder of the Saco River Wildlife Sanctuary in Maine in 2015. Listen as Bethany shares tales of rehabilitating all kinds of critters, including racoons, foxes, opossums, skunks, porcupines, squirrels, coyotes, fisher cats and even bats! The Sanctuary takes in over 800  animals annually (and ever-growing) with the goal of setting them free in their natural habitat once healthy. Bethany educates us about what to do if we find an animal in distress (it is not likely what you think) and also dispels some common myths about various species. Education is key to understanding how important wildlife rehabilitators are to protecting, preserving, and rehabilitating the wildlife that keeps our local ecosystems in balance.  Fun fact: did you know that an opossum is called a "yard angel" due to all the good things it does?

Go to sacoriverwildlifecenter.org for more information.
Find them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Email [email protected] or call 207-420-7159 for more information.
Go to Animal Help Now - your 24/7 resource for wildlife emergencies and conflicts.

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...

Dubbed by some as "The Mother of Canine Rehabilitation," it was an honor having Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, on our show to discuss how each of us has the ability to improve our dog's health and longevity through exercise. It's not hard as long as you know a few basics, like the type  of exercise to use to achieve specific goals for your dog's body AND brain. Listen and learn:

• When is my dog geriatric?
• What happens to my dog's body and brain with aging? 
• How can I positively prevent or reverse some of the natural effects of aging?
• How to perform Rhythmic Stabilization, one of Dr. McCauley's Top 5 Exercises for Geriatric Dogs.
• Signs to look for before, during , and after exercise
• How to create an exercise program for your dog?
• What is Myos and how can this supplement help build muscle?

Find Dr. McCauley at OptimumPetVitality.com.
Get free e-book: The Top 5 Exercises for Geriatric Dogs here or text ebook to 1+866-949-0068.
Pet parents, sign up for Dr. McCauley's new course, Core & More - Foundational Core Exercises For Your Dog, using promo code PETPOD22 to receive 10% off!
Veterinary professionals, sign up for Dr. McCauley's Optimum Geriatric Exercise Course to learn more!
Purchase Myos using promo code OPV25 to receive 25% off!
Get 10% off all coursework and help support our podcast by using PROMO code PETPOD22 at checkout! 

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...

Returning guest, Beth Innis, DVM, CVA, CVCHM, CCRT, CVSMT, discusses how the use of Eastern and Western veterinary medicine complement each other to provide more treatment options for our pets. Dr. Innis gives examples of each philosophy and how the integration can enhance the effect of the other. She also takes us on her career journey to her current mode of practice. In the U.S. we often think of Eastern medicine as "alternative" and Western medicine as "conventional," but Dr. Innis explains that alternative is based on your geography or starting point. She help us to understand the 5 branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM: Acupuncture, Food therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na, and lifestyle), the role of supplements, and the use of both Western medicine and Eastern medicine with a beloved cat patient named Paul!

Find Dr. Innis at her practice, Sleep Dog Veterinary.
Consider a donation to Miles of Smiles offering low cost dentistries to shelter and rescue cats and 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...

When it comes to itchy ears, this perceived annoyance can quickly turn into a veterinary emergency. Itchy ears caused by allergies, is a VERY common problem in our pets and  one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. Left unaddressed, yeast, fungus, bacteria, parasites, debris, and water in the ear can lead to infections, severe pain, and diminished quality of life. As your pet's caregiver, you are left feeling helpless. Education is the answer. Listen to Jennifer Greene, vet tech and rep for Pet King Brands, explain what causes those itchy ears, what signs to look for, how to prevent ear infections, and options to treat these infections once they occur. She compares and contrasts the use of antibiotics with more natural solutions including enzymes derived from milk products that don't even require cleaning those ouchy, irritated ears. Just remember, when it comes to caring for your pets ears, you heard it here first - and your pet will thank you for it!

You may contact Jennifer Greene at [email protected] with any questions.
You may find the enzymatic ear product that is discussed in this show at Zymox.

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...