The Pet Parent Hotline

Is your dog getting the right amount of exercise, or are they overdoing it without you realizing?
Whether your pup is high-energy, low-key, or somewhere in between, knowing how to safely meet their physical needs is crucial to keeping them healthy and pain-free. But most pet parents don’t know when to push their dog or when to let them rest.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinary sports medicine expert, about how to customize exercise for your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle and how to spot the signs of overexertion before it leads to injury.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to gauge the right level of daily activity for your dog
• Red flags that your dog may be pushing too hard
• Simple strategies to protect joints, boost mobility, and keep dogs active through every stage of life

Dr. Fishman’s practical, prevention-focused advice will help you support your dog’s health from puppyhood to senior years, without burnout, boredom, or unnecessary injury.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. KELLY FISHMAN:
www.strutanimal.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Myos Pet Muscle Supplement

In this episode you may hear us refer to our show as "Muddy Paws and Hairballs," that was our previous name, so don't worry- you're in the right place!

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro

Thinking about getting goats? Don’t let Instagram fool you.
Goat ownership isn’t just cute photos and fresh milk. It’s daily work, specific care, and a long-term commitment that catches a lot of new owners off guard.
In this episode, I talk with goat expert and homesteader Deborah Niemann, host of the For the Love of Goats podcast,  who pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to raise goats the right way. From fencing to vet care to the emotional lives of goats, she covers it all with honesty and experience.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• Why goats aren’t house pets and what you need to understand about their behavior
• The real cost and complexity of goat nutrition, health care, and housing
• The biggest mistakes new goat owners make and how to avoid them

If you’ve ever dreamed of goats, fresh milk, or farm life, this episode will help you decide if it’s the right move—or a messy mistake.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEBORAH NIEMANN:
Website: Thrifty Homesteader
Book: Deborah’s book on Amazon
Podcast: For the Love of Goats on Apple Podcasts

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro

Would you know how to save your pet if they started choking or collapsed from heatstroke?
Pet emergencies can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do could be the difference between life and death, especially before you can get to your vet or an emergency vet. Most pet parents aren’t prepared and that’s exactly what this episode aims to change.

I’m joined by Arden Moore, a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, award-winning author, and host of Oh Behave and Four-Legged Life. She shares the lifesaving skills every pet owner needs to know.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:

• How to recognize common emergencies like choking, heatstroke, and trauma
• Simple first aid techniques that can stabilize your pet until you reach the vet or emergency vet
• What to include in your pet first aid kit and how to use it effectively

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who lives with pets. Because when emergencies happen, panic is not a plan.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Pet First Aid for You – Arden’s courses, certifications, and recommended kits
• ASPCA Poison Control – 24/7 emergency hotline
• Pet Poison Helpline – Toxicology support for pet emergencies
• Shop Arden’s Pet First Aid Kits

ARDEN MOORE’S PODCASTS:

• Oh Behave on Pet Life Radio
• Four-Legged Life

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro

Worried your cat will freak out in the car? You’re not alone. Whether you’re planning a move or just need to get your cat to the vet without a meltdown, cat travel can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I’m sharing practical pet travel tips for cats with Certified Feline Training and Behavior Specialist LeeAnna Buis, including what to do before, during, and after the ride to reduce anxiety and set your cat up for success.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
 • How to help your cat feel calmer in their carrier and in the car
 • What to pack for a safe, smooth trip with one or more cats
 • Simple ways to prevent behavior issues and keep travel low-stress

If you’ve been putting off a trip because your cat gets stressed, these pet travel tips will help you feel prepared, confident, and way-more calm, too.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LEEANNA BUIS:
www.felinebehaviorsolutions.com

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• PreventiveVet.com – Checklists and travel resources
• DaBird Toy – The cat toy mentioned in the episode

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro

The #1 Most Downloaded Episode of All Time!
While we’re on a break, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes of all time!

In this episode, holistic veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet emphasizes the critical importance of understanding pet vaccinations, including core and non-core vaccines, potential risks of over-vaccination, and tailored vaccination schedules based on pet age and lifestyle. This episode empowers pet owners to have informed discussions with veterinarians and advocate effectively for their pets' health and well-being.

Highlights:

• The significance of core vs. non-core vaccines
• Assessing the risks related to vaccinations, including allergies and adverse reactions
• Evaluating age and lifestyle factors in determining vaccine needs
• Understanding rabies vaccination protocols and legal requirements
• Exploring alternatives to traditional vaccination practices
• Guidance on how to communicate effectively with veterinarians
• Stressing the importance of informed consent and pet owners’ rights

Learn more about Dr. Jeff, his work, and his courses at www.newearthvet.com.

Support the show

Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!

Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.

Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.

Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Bonus Episode From the Vault: 
While we’re on a break, we're bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from the vault!

This episode focuses on addressing the top five dog behaviors that frustrate pet owners and providing actionable strategies to manage them effectively. Through insightful discussions with dog training expert Ruth Hegarty, listeners gain tools to:

• Improve their dog’s leash manners using positive reinforcement
• Reduce nuisance barking with effective management strategies
• Train reliable recall skills to ensure safety
• Manage jumping behaviors to keep guests happy
• Curtail destructive chewing and protect your belongings

To Learn More

• Explore Ruth’s dog training programs on her website: https://www.creaturegooddogtraining.com/
• Access Ruth’s resource library with helpful handouts: https://mailchi.mp/a21acb0bb44f/dogtalk
• Discover your dogs breed and health traits with EMBARK DNA tests. 

This re-airing of a fan-favorite episode delivers practical dog training advice that every pet parent needs to hear. Don’t miss this opportunity to tackle common dog behavior problems and strengthen the bond with your furry friend!

LOOKING FOR A GREAT CRATE? I focused on benefits in this episode, but one of my top picks is Impact Dog Crates. They’re an investment, but built to last a lifetime of safety and security for your dog. 

Support the show

Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!

Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.

Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.

Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Bonus Episode From the Vault:
While we’re on a break, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from the vault!

This episode dives into the financial options available for pet healthcare, providing actionable insights to help pet parents prepare for unexpected expenses. Join Amy and Jonathan Wainberg, Senior VP of Synchrony Financial Service’s Pet Business, as they discuss strategies like budgeting, CareCredit, and pet insurance, while emphasizing the importance of open communication with veterinarians.

Key Topics Covered:

• Examining the rising costs of pet ownership
• Exploring financing options for pet healthcare
• The role of CareCredit in managing expenses
• How to budget for vet bills and unexpected healthcare costs
• The importance of pet insurance as a financial tool
• Communicating financial capabilities with veterinarians
• Resources and assistance available for pet parents in need
• Educational tools to help pet owners prepare for healthcare expenses

Discover how to plan for pet healthcare expenses and ensure your pets get the care they need.

Relevant Links:

• Learn more about Synchrony's Pet Lifetime of Care study: Read the Study Here
• Explore the benefits of CareCredit for pet healthcare: Visit CareCredit

Support the show

Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!

Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.

Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.

Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

Bonus Episode From the Vault:
 While we’re on a break, we’re bringing back one of our listeners' all-time favorite episodes from the vault!

Understanding responsible rabbit care is essential for anyone considering adding a bunny to their family. Join Amy as she interviews Marcy Berman, founder of Save a Bunny Rabbit Rescue, to discuss the complexities of rabbit care, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the misconceptions surrounding bunny ownership.

You'll Learn About:

• Marcy’s journey from discovering an abandoned rabbit to founding Save a Bunny Rescue.
• Common misconceptions about rabbits' needs and proper care.
• The challenges faced by rabbits in shelters and rescue environments.
• Why spaying and neutering rabbits is vital for health and population control.
• The emotional and physical benefits of having rabbits as pets.
• How fostering can help you better understand rabbit and small animal care.
• Ways to support rabbit welfare and advocacy in your community.

To Learn More About Save a Bunny Rescue:

• Visit: https://saveabunny.org/
• Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaveABunny

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro

Bonus Episode From the Vault:
While we’re on a break, we’re bringing back one of your all-time favorite episodes from the vault!

In this episode, Dr. Marlene Siegel joins us to explore how integrative veterinary care can transform your pet’s health and longevity. Forget masking symptoms—Dr. Siegel focuses on addressing root causes of disease and shares practical tips to help your pet thrive. From nutrition to detoxing and emotional care, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you can start using today.

What We Cover:

• The danger of treating symptoms instead of the root problem.
• Why your pet’s diet matters more than you think.
• How inflammation wreaks havoc on pet health.
• The surprising role of water quality in wellness.
• Healing the gut for long-term health.
• Detoxing your pet’s environment for optimal well-being.
• Why emotional well-being is crucial for your pet’s overall health.
• How to educate yourself and advocate for your pet effectively.

Special Resources:

• Learn more about Dr. Siegel: www.drmarlenesiegel.com
• Access her free e-book and courses: www.transformingvetmedicine.com
• Special Offer: The first 10 people to purchase Dr. Siegel's Pet Parent Course and share a photo of their completed purchase on Instagram, tagging @drmarlenesiegel with the hashtag #starlight, will receive a free 15-minute online consult with Dr. Siegel.

Hit play and get ready to take your pet’s health to the next level!

Support the show

Expert Pet Advice for busy pet parents!

Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it.

Follow:🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

Real pet parenting gets crazy when you're facing behavior issues, rising costs, and confusing pet advice. You need real pet care solutions, pet behavior help, and pet budgeting tips you can use every day.

Each week you'll hear pet parenting advice plus expert guidance on dog and cat behavior, dog training, nutrition, stress-free vet visits, and routines that make life easier. We'll help you manage puppy biting, cat aggression, separation anxiety and cat anxiety, emergency vet decisions, and show you how to stay ahead of issues that create stress for pets and their pet parents.

No fluff, no guilt, just practical pet care advice and pet cost hacks to save money, avoid pet parent guilt, and enjoy life with pets.

Follow to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying your pets again.

Contact: [email protected]

©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro

As we wrap up Starlight Pet Talk, we’re taking a moment to celebrate everything this podcast has meant over the past two years. This episode is all about gratitude, reflection, and a little bit of fun as we look back on the episodes that resonated most with you – our incredible listeners.

In this episode, we’re:
 • Reflecting on the core mission of Starlight Pet Talk – connecting with and educating pet parents with honesty and heart.
• Sharing memorable stories and moments that capture the ups and downs of pet ownership.
• Highlighting amazing community support and standout listener interactions that have shaped this podcast.
• Looking back at the most downloaded episodes of 2024 and why they stood out.
• Offering a sneak peek at what’s ahead with the show – keeping the same values, but adding fresh energy and topics.

This isn’t goodbye – it’s just the next chapter. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to see you in the next phase!

Let me know if this feels more aligned, or if there’s something specific you’d like me to highlight further.

PS: If you hear us mention Muddy Paws and Hairballs, that was before we shifted our focus to what really matters: helping you thrive as a pet parent. Same host, sharper mission. 

Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.

Practical pet advice for busy pet parents.

Love the show? Follow The Pet Parent Hotline so you don’t miss an episode, and share this one with a pet parent who needs it.

Listen & Follow: 🌍Official Site |📱Facebook |📺YouTube | 🍏 Apple |🎵Spotify

The Pet Parent Hotline covers real-world dog and cat behavior, training, pet health and nutrition, veterinary decisions, pet-care costs, aging pets, and everyday life with animals.

No fluff. No guilt. Just useful advice to help you make smarter decisions and enjoy life with your pets.

Help us reach more pet parents like you: A 5-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts helps new listeners feel confident trying us out.

Contact: [email protected]
©Ⓟ 2026 Amy Castro