Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Debbie Horwitz, a contributing editor of Decoding Your Dog (with Steve Dale and Dr. John Ciribassi) on what you can do now about pets fearful – sometimes downright panicked – about fireworks.  Sometimes pets can deal with it on their own, and others do require help. Also discussed is traveling by car with pets, or is the pet happier being left home? 

Also, information on running with your dog, or don’t you?

Dr. Nikko Grossapoulos, professional services veterinarian at Zoetis on fleas, ticks and mosquitoes and how prevention of diseases spread by the buggers is a FAR better strategy than treating the diseases they cause.

If you have a pet fearful of fireworks, now is the time to begin to get ahead of the problem.

A fascinating discussion about a unique program from Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy to help children afraid of dogs to deal with their fear with director of programs and Vice-President of the Board, Susan Burrows. This program, with specially trained dogs and humans, called the dog apprehension class, is for kids ages four to 13-years.

A detailed discussion with the President/Founder Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Dr. Ernie Ward. He offers an update on the latest data from the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention. Just as in human health, obesity is a disease regarding pets, and medical risks are significant and among pets. There’s a psychological impact as well. However, the explanation for the problem is often far more complex than feeding too many treats or too much table food. So, what are the causes of obesity in pets? And what can pet parents do about it?

Mark Cushing, president of the Animal Policy Group, discusses the hot topic of the shortage of veterinary professionals and why there is a shortage in first place, and how virtual care can make a huge difference for pets and pet parents. We also discuss the notion of a mid-level professional, like a physician’s assistant in veterinary medicine: Is this a good idea or not?

Fireworks happen in this conversation with Debra Hamilton Law & Mediation. For reasons she explains, she supports the American Kennel Club (AKC) efforts to block efforts to ban sales of dogs and cats at pet stores. I suggest, banning sales at pet stores destroys the puppy mill pipeline, and that no responsible breeder ever sells to a pet store. She says there just aren’t enough dogs out there, and hobby breeders are going away (because they’re painted with the same brush as puppy mills). And so much more into this heated conversation.

Doggy in the driver seat?

Lead sales enthusiast at Canopy Chicago Sarah Becker talks about how this dog friendly property, 226 W. Jackson Blvd.

Wayne Read, CEO/President Forged & Formed, Inc. explains unique jewelry artisan keepsakes and customizable pet pieces which are available to honor or to celebrate your current four-legged family or dogs and cats who were once in your life, and to do so in everything from stainless to gold. He also says there’s even a way to celebrate your pets’ nose.

Loretta Swit says she loved being Hotlips Houlihan on M*A*S*H, but has always loved advocating for pets. Her latest celebration is a book showing off Swit’s watercolor works, called SwitHeart: The Watercolour Artistry & Animal Activism of Loretta Swit. She relates many stories, including how she supports Guide dogs in Israel, dog who do animal assisted activities and says “I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am.”

Celebrating Memorial Day week with Chris Willingham, president of U.S. War Dogs Association. This amazing non-profit sends care packages to currently working military dogs (MWD) but there’s a special focus on retired MWD, who ultimately do require veterinary care which they support. Also discussed is a history of MWD, and what the canine soldiers do, and the incalculable number of lives saved by these heroic dogs. In fact, Willingham says his own life was saved by his canine partner.

K9’s for Warriors CEO Carl Cricco describes what this incredible non-profit does to save lives on both ends of the leash. They take dogs, typically destined for euthanasia, train the dogs and match dogs with veterans who have returned with PTSD.  For example, without a dog about 20 veterans will take their own lives daily, and with a dog that number levels to about the same as the general population.

Steve also talks about an amazing medication just approved for arthritis with osteodogs, called Liberla.

Michael Puck, founder K9 Photo and Global Art Dog Gallery explains that we know dogs are healthful. For example, in hospital, patients do better when dog therapy appears. However, that’s not always possible so the next best thing is dog art, even in an office setting to alleviate stress at work. 

President Animal Wellness Action and Center for Humane Economy Wayne Pacelle explains  why we need to update dogfighting and cockfighting laws into what’s called the FIGHT act (HB 2742 and a soon to come senate bill).  We also discuss pet store sales of dogs and cats and puppy mills and what Illinois’ own Senator Dick Durbin hopes to do.

A new job for dogs, turtle-seeking dogs.

There’s nothing Dr. Natalie Marks would rather talk about – it’s leptospirosis. And why Chicago, named ‘the rattiest city,’ is so prevalent with this disease. Lepto can make dogs very ill or even be fatal, and potentially be spread to people – yet it’s also preventable.

Registered veterinary technician specialist in behavior is Tabitha Kucera offers tips on what to do when a kitten (or adult cat) happens into your life, including offering a safe room, litter box tips and why training (can cats be trained?) is so important. And what consent means.

Chicago tried to ban pit bulls but Steve led a task force to prevent that, and now Miami Dade County is about to rescind their pit bull ban.

The 29th Annual Bark in the Park is around the corner benefiting Chicago’s oldest animal shelter. A discussion with Tracy Elliott, president of the Anti Cruelty Society of Chicago Bark in the Park is Saturday, May 20 at Soldier Field at The Stadium Green (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). One option is a 2-mile walk along the Lakefront, or hang out at the pup pawty. Elliott also discusses many of the Anti-Cruelty programs (which proceeds benefit) and the real state of homeless animals in the Chicago area.

Debbie Martin, licensed veterinary technician, on where to get dogs and perhaps not where to get dogs.

Miami Dade County is about the rescind their pit bull ban, which we call ‘Chicago Dogs.’

Dr. Kelly St. Denis is a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. We discuss why declaw has negative consequence in nearly all cats, instead living with clawed cats is the way to go. And Dr. St. Denis explains how to encourage cats to scratch in all the right places. And she explains what Cat Friendly veterinary practices are. In Illinois there’s a bill which will ban declaw.

A deep dive in cardiac disease in dogs and cats with veterinary cardiologist Dr. Brian Scansen, associate Professor of Cardiology, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Discussed is heart disease in dogs and cats, two very different things. What to watch for? Also discussed are possible treatments. And there’s the Ricky Fund of the EveryCat Health Foundation, which Steve founded to support studying heart disease in cats.

Jack Daniels vs a dog toy Bad Spaniels goes to the Supreme Court