A very special conversation with Dr. Kate Meurs, Dean of Medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, talks about heart disease in cats, which may be the most common cause of death among cats who are about 2 to 8 years old. Steve discusses a fund he created to support investigators like Dr. Meurs learning more about heart disease in cats with what is now the EveryCat Health Foundation, and Dr. Meurs reveals new research for heart disease in cats. Dr. Meurs also makes a special announcement regarding cats and North Carolina State.

Cats can get heatstroke too.

Dog trainer and certified dog behavior consultant Peggy Moran goes into philosophical depth regarding positive reinforcement dog training. She knows, as she has lived through the evolution of dog training and she has evolved herself. Look for what you want and know how to reinforcement and be less concerned about punishing for what you don’t want. She also discusses training service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

The importance of playing with your cat.

Renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta co-authored the most recent edition of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (with Dr. Gary Landsberg and Dr. Lowell Ackerman). Anxiety or panic (such as in separation anxiety) does cause a physiological change in the body, which Dr. Radosta explains. She also talks about how important it is to be open to medications for behavior problems of dogs or cats. Can obese cats be depressed?  Also discussed is Fear Free, and taking cats to the veterinarian.

Could dogs walking slower be a sign of cognitive decline?

Holly Agra of the Mercury Skyline Cruiseline talks about the Canine Cruise, which began as a result of a conversation 15 years ago with Steve on WGN Radio. It’s a novel dog-friendly cruise, kind of an architecture cruise for dogs, showing off the parks with the most squirrels and oldest fire hydrant. Also discussed is Architecture Cruise, led by Chicago Architecture Center docents.

Certified dog trainer Gracie Wilkerson of the Ron and Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Foundation discusses how she is helping to support Ron Santo’s vision to save lives of children with juvenile diabetes. Gracie discusses how she trains the dogs, and what the results have been. It does cost thousands to train each dog, and you can help to provide support. 

Keeping dogs safe in hot weather.

Veterinary behaviorist Katherine (Kat) Pankratz explains what enrichment is and why for dogs and cats it’s so important for their well-being. Physical exercise is certainly a good idea, but on walks, she says let dogs smell the world.  Enrichment my vary depending on the breed. And there’s a better way to feed dogs and cats, and she explains why. She describes what cats require, from hiding places to opportunities to forage.

Taylor St. Onge is a veterinary social worker with the Premier Veterinary Group. She explains what she does, including but not limited to helping pet parents decide when it’s time to euthanize and also providing pet loss support for family members of all ages. 

Alternative ideas for keeping dogs busy indoors when it’s too hot outdoors.

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.”