The Pet Care Report

Melissa interviews John Chrissy, a three-time founder building Perpetual, a diagnostic-driven preventative dog healthcare system aimed at catching issues early. Perpetual’s core tool is a fur tissue mineral analysis, described as a 120-day “biological time capsule” that can detect issues and toxins (including high mercury) earlier and at smaller levels than blood tests. Results return in ~48 hours via an app with diet, exercise, and supplement protocols, including metabolic-type-based feeding guidance. John shares a case where seizures were linked to plug-in fragrances and improved after environmental changes and detox.

(01:03) Why Vet Bills Are Rising

(03:09) Prevention Over Treatment

(03:56) How Fur Testing Works

(12:02) Allergies and Root Causes

(13:38) Early Warnings and Behavior

(17:11) Founder Journey and Mission

Follow John Crissy: https://www.theperpetualpet.com https://www.facebook.com/perpetualpet

https://www.instagram.com/perpetualpet/

https://x.com/perpetualcanine

https://www.tiktok.com/@perpetualpet

Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.com

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

Dog trainer and behaviorist Peter Campione, owner of Kindred Soul’s Canine Training Center, joins host Melissa Viera to discuss training all dogs—especially those with special needs such as deafness, blindness, fear, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma—through individualized communication rather than one-size-fits-all methods. He shares his path from rescue work and apprenticeships to becoming known for taking cases other trainers refuse, emphasizing that methodology is secondary to trust and clear communication that varies by breed and individual dog.

(04:28) Special Needs Dogs

(06:16) Communication First

(09:16) Start With Play

(12:04) Recall Game Demo

(14:26) Handler Energy Matters

(16:02) Home Setup Tips

(19:51) Adaptive Dogs Stories

Follow Peter Campione: https://www.ksk9.com

https://www.facebook.com/peter.campione

Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.com

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this Pet Care Report episode, Dr. Meghan interviews Jaime Nieves (“The Creature Preacher”), an ordained United Methodist pastor, author, and animal advocate, about grieving cats and how to cope, heal, and honor their memory. Jaime shares lessons cats teach—self-care through grooming and rest, savoring simple pleasures, curiosity, and focus—drawing from her experience with two blind cats. They discuss guiding children through pet loss with honest, age-appropriate conversations; encouraging feelings; sharing stories, photos, and drawings; and using the Rainbow Bridge concept for comfort. Jaime addresses “disenfranchised grief” and affirms that pet grief is real, suggesting celebration-of-life rituals, memorials, cremation or ash scattering, and involving children in end-of-life planning, including euthanasia decisions.

(02:36) Blind Cats Life Lessons

(04:23) Savoring Rest and Focus

(07:26) Preparing for Goodbye

(08:10) Helping Kids Grieve

(15:04) Grief for Cats Is Real

(18:14) Honoring Pet Memories

(19:20) Celebration of Life Ideas

(20:41) Kids at Euthanasia

(23:05) Planning a Peaceful Goodbye

Follow Jaime Nieves: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Creature-Preacher/100087636091677/

https://www.instagram.com/jaime.nieves.330/

https://substack.com/@thecreaturepreacher

Follow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.

Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-book

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode, we have International Agility competitor Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, co-founder of Crossbones Dog Academy, discussing how to get started in dog agility training. Katherine emphasizes the importance of foundational training that applies to all dogs, whether for agility competition or general obedience. She explains how correct marker training can enhance dog behavior, shares insights into the specific skills required for agility, and highlights the significance of understanding each dog's unique preferences and physical abilities.

00:55 Foundations of Dog Training

03:56 Marker Training Explained

07:44 Understanding Your Dog's Preferences

14:09 Importance of Foundations in Agility

17:17 Mindset for Agility Training

19:39 Precision in Agility Training

24:14 Breeding Agility Prospects

Follow Katherine Ostiguy:

https://www.crossbonesdog.com

https://www.facebook.com/XbonesDog/

https://www.instagram.com/cattrainsdogs/

https://www.youtube.com/@xbonesdog

Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.com

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, Dr. Megan Barrett hosts Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet and Co-brand Business at Synchrony. Together, they discuss the financial aspects of pet ownership, including the underestimated lifetime costs, rising veterinary expenses, and the importance of financial planning for pet care. Jonathan shares insights from Synchrony's 'Lifetime of Care' study, highlights the role of pet insurance and wellness plans, and explains how tools like the CareCredit card can help pet parents manage unexpected expenses. The conversation also touches on the benefits of regular wellness visits, community resources, and proactive financial strategies to alleviate financial stress during emergencies.

(02:12) The True Cost of Pet Ownership

(04:35) Rising Costs and Advanced Pet Care

(10:26) The Importance of Being Financially Prepared

(13:47) Pet Insurance and Financial Tools

(21:55) CareCredit's Network and Approval Process

(22:43) Using CareCredit for Veterinary Expenses

(30:21) The Importance of Dental Care for Pets

(33:00) Financial Planning for Pet Owners

Follow Jonathan Wainberg: https://www.carecredit.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiwainberg/

Follow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.

Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-book

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Melissa Viera is joined by Max Seifert, a certified dog behavior consultant. Max shares his expertise on managing and reframing challenging dog behaviors, particularly aggression and reactivity, through emotionally-aware, relationship-based training. The discussion covers practical management strategies, the importance of addressing both human and animal emotional wellbeing, and how pet owners can prioritize their own mental health while working through their dog's behavioral issues. Max also provides insights into his methods for ensuring client safety and support and offers advice for both pet owners and fellow trainers on maintaining resilience and empathy. 

(02:08) The Importance of Emotional Awareness in Dog Training

(03:36) Preparing for Training Sessions

(06:00) Managing Stress and Safety During Training

(10:40) Prioritizing Emotional Wellbeing for Dog Owners

(17:05) When to Seek Professional Help

(19:07) Recognizing Subtle Dog Behaviors

(20:12) The Misuse of E-Collars

(22:07) Cooperative Care for Dogs

(24:53) Self-Care for Dog Trainers

(32:43) Final Thoughts and Resources

Follow Max Seifert at: https://rosiestailtraining.comhttps://www.instagram.com/maxseifertdt/

Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.com

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Dr. Megan Barrett discusses herbal remedies for cats with clinical canine herbalist, Rita Hogan. Rita, with over 18 years of experience in herbal medicine, shares insights on the importance of herbs in feline health, debunking common myths about their use. She highlights cat-safe herbs such as catnip for nervous system support and nettles for kidney health, and stresses the importance of moisture-rich diets for cats. Rita also provides practical advice on introducing herbs safely and the significance of proactive versus reactive care. The episode covers a range of remedies for various feline health issues including digestive problems, skin issues, and overall nervous system support. 

(01:26) Herbs for Cats: Myths and Facts

(04:25) Effective Herbal Remedies for Cats

(10:25) Managing Cat Stress with Herbs

(11:19) Herbal Solutions for Digestive Issues

(13:30) Herbs for Cat Skin and Liver Health

(19:09) General Tips for Introducing Herbal Remedies

(24:09) Navigating Conflicting Information on Herbs

Follow Rita Hogan: https://www.canineherbalist.com

https://www.facebook.com/canineherbalist

https://www.instagram.com/canineherbalist

Follow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.

Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-book

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of dog nutrition with expert Josh Haygood, founder of Mia Nutrition. Josh discusses common nutritional gaps in commercial dog food and the science-backed benefits of proper supplementation for canine health and longevity. Sharing his personal story of dramatically improving his terminally ill dog's health through a specialized diet, Josh emphasizes the importance of micronutrients and offers practical advice on choosing the right supplements. The conversation highlights various studies and successful case examples, including the noticeable recovery of rescue dogs and working dogs, stressing that maintaining optimal nutrition can significantly enhance your pet's quality of life. Tune in for insights on how to provide the best care for your furry friend.

(01:22) Understanding Nutritional Gaps in Dog Diets

(03:16) Consequences of Nutritional Deficiencies

(05:52) Success Stories and Real-Life Examples

(11:41) Choosing the Right Supplements

(14:05) When to Start Supplementing Your Dog's Diet

Follow Josh Haygood here:

https://www.eatlikemia.com

https://www.instagram.com/eatlikemia/

Follow our Dog Health Host, Alora Mckinley, at https://www.instagram.com/centerfyr_gsp

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report podcast by Pet Summits, host Dr. Megan Barrett discusses how regular vet visits can help spot health issues in cats before they become critical. Special guest Dr. Zach Pilossoph, a nationally recognized fear-free integrated veterinarian, shares his insights on common health issues like periodontal disease, musculoskeletal pain, and cardiac disease that might go unnoticed without routine checkups. He also emphasizes the importance of proactive health monitoring, including regular lab work and environmental enrichment.

(01:49) Common Health Issues in Cats

(04:43) Behavioral Changes and Vet Visits

(05:42) Fear-Free Vet Tips

(08:03) Mental Wellbeing and Routine Checkups

(11:08) Unexpected Benefits of Routine Checkups

(19:58) The Importance of Pet Insurance

Follow Dr. Zac Pilossoph: https://www.naykedpet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheNaykedPet

https://www.instagram.com/nayked_pet/?hl=en

Follow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.

Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-book

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Melissa Viera welcomes Amanda VanTassel, owner of No Hassle Dog Training, to discuss leash walking. Amanda shares her personal experience with her dog, Mabel, and provides practical tips on handling dogs that pull on leashes, including using long lines and reducing distractions. Amanda also covers the importance of calmness, breaking down training into manageable steps, and using landmarks and timing for effective leash training. 

(01:31) Understanding Leash Walking Challenges

(03:49) Practical Tips for Better Leash Walking

(04:57) The Benefits of Long Lines

(07:46) Training Puppies to Prevent Pulling

(10:18) Indoor Enrichment Activities for Bad Weather

(12:28) Managing Excited Dogs

(20:27) Professional Tips for Dog Trainers

Follow Amanda VanTassel at: https://nohassledogtraining.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/nohassledogtraining

https://www.instagram.com/nohassledogtraining/

Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.com

Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits

Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/