In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, we sit down with Sam, a key member of our clinical team at Mermaid Vet Hospital, to talk about her path into veterinary medicine, what brought her to Vero Beach, and what keeps her passionate about working hands-on with pets every day.

We cover:

• How Sam transitioned into veterinary medicine and surgical care
• What daily life looks like behind the scenes in a busy general practice
• Why interacting directly with pets is her favorite part of the job
• The one topic she wishes every Florida pet owner understood better—and why it matters

This is a relaxed, honest conversation about veterinary medicine from the perspective of someone who lives it every day, and a great listen for pet owners who want a deeper look into the people caring for their animals.

In Part 3 of our pet nutrition series on the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Tim Hopson dive deeper into one of the most confusing topics for pet owners: dog food, supplements, and nutrition myths.

This episode focuses on what veterinarians actually see in real clinical cases — not marketing claims or trendy labels.

We cover:

• When supplements like omega-3s and probiotics actually help (and when they don’t)
• Joint supplements, bioavailability, and why “more” isn’t always better
• How to avoid low-quality or unregulated supplements
• Common real-world cases like itchy dogs, overweight cats, and raw-fed pets with chronic diarrhea
• Why grain-free diets, raw food, and buzzword marketing can backfire
• A lightning-round breakdown of common nutrition red flags pet owners hear every day

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to choose the “right” food for your pet, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make more informed decisions.

👉 Be sure to listen to Part 1 and 2 of this nutrition series for foundational context.
👉 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover next? We’d love to hear it.

In this episode of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Tim and Dr. Peter Mosites dive deep into one of the most confusing parts of pet nutrition: pet food labels.

From misleading ingredient names to misunderstood guaranteed analyses, we break down what actually matters when choosing a dog or cat food — and what’s just marketing noise. Dr. Mosites explains the AAFCO naming rules (the 100%, 95%, 25%, “with,” and “flavor” rules), why guaranteed analysis numbers can be deceptive, and how ingredient lists tell a very different story than the front of the bag.

We also cover:

• How to tell if a food is truly complete and balanced
• Why most itchy dogs don’t have food allergies
• What elimination diets and hydrolyzed protein foods are really for
• Practical weight-management advice using body condition scoring
• Why “one cup twice a day” can accidentally lead to obesity
• How treats can quietly make up 20%+ of your dog’s daily calories

If you’ve ever stood confused in the pet food aisle — or wondered whether you’re feeding your pet too much, too little, or the wrong thing entirely — this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

🎥 Watch on YouTube for visual demonstrations: https://youtu.be/ff2ch2of0VM
🧮 Use our Dog Calorie Calculator at themermaidvet.com/dog-calorie-calculator/
💬 Questions about your pet’s food? Drop a comment or email us at [email protected]

In Episode 7 of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Dr. Peter Mosites and Practice Manager Tim Hopson tackle one of the most confusing topics in pet care: nutrition. From kibble to canned food, raw diets to trendy subscription meals, this episode breaks down what truly matters when choosing your pet’s diet—and what’s just marketing.

You’ll learn:
 • Why nutrition affects everything from weight and joints to skin, kidneys, and long-term disease
 • The real pros and cons of dry kibble, including storage, cost, and nutrient consistency
• Why wet food isn’t necessarily more hydrating—and when it’s the right choice
• The major health and hygiene concerns behind raw diets (and why vets are cautious)
• Which “fresh” and subscription diets have legitimate vet oversight (and which are mostly hype)
• The truth about grain-free diets, DCM, and why this trend became a veterinary headache
• When prescription or therapeutic diets are worth the cost—and what they’re designed to treat

This episode is packed with practical, vet-backed advice to help pet owners make informed decisions, avoid common nutrition myths, and keep their pets healthier for longer.

Whether you’re wondering which food is best, trying to avoid dangerous trends, or simply want to save money without sacrificing your pet’s health, this conversation gives you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

 No matter how much love or care we give them, our pets can’t stay with us forever. In this heartfelt conversation, Tim and Dr. Mosites open up about the emotional realities of euthanasia in veterinary practice—what makes it so hard, what makes it meaningful, and how they help pet parents navigate those final days.
 They discuss the subtle changes that signal declining quality of life, the difference between aging and suffering, and the compassionate steps taken to ensure a peaceful goodbye. This episode is an honest, comforting guide for anyone walking alongside an aging companion. 

In this Thanksgiving special of the Mermaid Vet Podcast, Tim and Dr. Mosites dive into everything pet owners need to know before the turkey hits the table. From the foods your dog can try to the ones that will most certainly land you in the ER (looking at you, turkey skin and toxic raisins), we walk through the real risks and real-life scenarios we see every year.

We also talk practical holiday etiquette for pets: how to prevent counter-surfing, what to do when guests leave the door wide open, how to keep your anxious pets calm with a house full of people, and why crate training is your holiday season superpower.

Plus—what to do when your Labrador eats literally anything, whether you should induce vomiting (spoiler: not always), the truth about canned pumpkin, and exactly how dangerous those hollow bird bones really are.

We wrap up with safe travel tips for visiting family with pets, how to avoid lost-pet emergencies during gatherings, and where to go in Vero Beach for urgent care when your vet is closed for the holiday.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, traveling with pets, or just trying to avoid spending Black Friday in the ER with pancreatitis, this episode will help you keep things calm, safe, and festive.

Topics we cover:

• Safe vs dangerous Thanksgiving foods
• The real risks of turkey bones, stuffing, chocolate, and artificial sweeteners
• When to induce vomiting—and when not to
• What to do if your dog eats aluminum foil, bread dough, toothpicks, or a stick of butter
• Keeping dogs calm around guests, noise, and kids
• Preventing escapes when people leave the door open
• Traveling safely with pets (air and car travel)
• Where to go for emergency care in Vero Beach on Thanksgiving

Have a question we didn’t cover? Want a topic featured on a future episode? Email us or call the clinic anytime at 772-925-1625.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Mermaid Vet family! 🦃🐾

In this episode of The Mermaid Vet Podcast, Practice Manager Tim Hopson sits down with Mermaid Vet Hospital's Medical Director and Owner Dr. Peter Mosites to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in veterinary care: risk management.

What does it really mean when your vet talks about “risk”? How do veterinarians decide which treatments are necessary—and when it might be reasonable to wait and observe? And how can pet owners balance peace of mind, cost, urgency, and outcome without feeling overwhelmed?

Using real examples like dog bite wounds, vomiting, and itching, Dr. Mosites explains:

• Why no medical option is ever risk-free
• The difference between proactive vs. reactive veterinary care
• How vets frame decisions using probability, severity, and outcomes
• When it’s safe to monitor at home—and when to seek urgent care
• How diminishing returns can drive up treatment cost without proportionally increasing safety

This episode will help pet owners feel more empowered, more informed, and less panicked when something unexpected happens—and teaches the #1 question you should always ask your vet:
👉 “What is the best-case scenario, worst-case scenario, and most likely outcome if we do X or if we wait?”

📌 Key Takeaway:
Veterinary medicine is not about eliminating risk—it’s about managing it thoughtfully, communicating openly, and making decisions you are genuinely comfortable with.

In this special bonus episode, Dr. Peter Mosites, DVM sits down with Dr. William Close, PhD (Immunology), Vice President of Mermaid SANDS (Spay & Neuter Dental Services), to discuss the launch of this new nonprofit veterinary initiative. Together, they explore the mission behind SANDS, the critical need for accessible veterinary care, and the practical steps being taken to keep costs low while maintaining high medical standards.

Listeners will hear the story of how Mermaid SANDS came to life—from early inspiration and community need to the long road through permitting and renovation—and what the clinic aims to provide for local pet owners once it opens its doors.

Topics include:

• The origins and mission of Mermaid SANDS
• How limited-scope operations improve affordability
• The importance of early preventive dental and surgical care
• Operational efficiency and client workflow (drop-off and pickup model)
• The impact of community partnerships and donor support
• Project timeline and how to get involved

 📅 Projected opening: January 2026 (soft opening)
🌐 Learn more or donate: mermaidsands.org

Tim and Dr. Mosites dive into a wallet-friendly, pet-healthy topic: how to save money on veterinary care while still doing what's best for your pet. They discuss prevention vs. treatment costs, how to choose which services really matter, where DIY makes sense, and when cutting corners can end up costing you more.

Whether you're a new pet parent or a long-time companion caregiver trying to navigate rising costs, this episode offers guidance, a few laughs and practical take-home advice.

In this inaugural episode of The Mermaid Vet Podcast, Practice Manager Tim Hopson and Medical Director Dr. Peter Mosites dive into the concept of the Spectrum of Care in veterinary medicine — what it means, why it matters, and how it helps pet owners make informed choices for their animals’ health.

They explore why “gold standard” treatment isn’t always possible or necessary, how finances and accessibility play into care decisions, and how open communication with your veterinarian builds trust and better outcomes.

Along the way, you’ll hear thoughtful analogies (including a tequila-at-the-bar comparison), practical advice for pet parents, and some fun Halloween chatter about Bluey, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Florida fall weather.

Whether you’re a lifelong pet owner or new to veterinary life, this episode helps you understand how vets work with you to find the best care plan within your means.