(Scroll down for episodes)............Bernadine D. Cruz, DVM
Veterinary Media Consultant
Diane Levitan, DVM
Co-host
............
It's Your Pet... Health Matters
You go to the doctor regularly—and so should your pet. Annual checkups give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illness and take care of it right away. Your vet will want to know about your pet’s behavior, eating and exercise habits, and will check her temperature, pulse and respiratory rate. The doctor will also inspect her gums and teeth, heart and lungs, and assess the health of her internal organs. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!
Do a weekly health check. Regular home checkups are a great way to nip potential health problems in the bud. Plus, they’re as easy as one, two, three: 1.) Check under your pet’s fur for lumps, bumps, flakes or scabs. 2.) Check your pet’s ears and eyes for any signs of redness or discharge. 3.) Make note of any changes in her eating or drinking habits. If something seems off, call the vet.
The goal….to entertain, educate & motivate you to be the best pet owner you can be!
Watch Dr. Bernadine Cruz on The Today Show
Bring your local veterinarian a sick dog or cat and they will adroitly determine what is ailing it. Bring them a guinea pig, hamster, bird or fish that ‘just isn’t right’ and they will likely be flummoxed. Though veterinarians are trained to care for all species, the nuances of tending to the general well being of small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish are a very focused subspecialty of pet care.
What can an owner of one of these unique pets do to keep them healthy? What are some of the common emergencies to which they are prone? What can they do to prevent them? The answer to these questions is a diplomate of the American College of Zoological Medicine. This is a title held by less than 200 veterinarians in the entire world. My guest, Olivia Petritz has the distinction of being one of two in this elite assemblage to hold a sub-specialty in Zoological Companion Animals.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Does this sound familiar? 'I would like to take my dog for a walk but it tries to attack every person and dog we meet. He has pulled me off my feet. I just don’t understand. He is so good at home,' 'Why is my dog jealous of my new baby? Initially everything was OK but now it tries to snap and run away whenever the baby approaches…do I have to give my dog away?' 'My neighbors have reported me to the authorities because my dog whines and barks whenever I leave…Should I get another dog to keep her company?'
These are the types of questions I get from frustrated and concerned dog parents. Why can’t their dogs be more like Lassie? Is the dog being belligerent, stubborn, mean or is it just stupid? Could the human be at fault? Dr. Debra Horwitz and some of her board certified veterinary behaviorist colleagues have just released a marvelous book for all cynophilists (dog lovers), Decoding Your Dog. Better understanding what is going on between your dog’s ears can keep your pet out of the dog house.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
As a child I loved sitting on my dad’s lap as he drove. I pretended I was piloting the car. Now we strap our kids into their Department of Transportation approved car seats, safely ensconced in the back seat. But not all our family members get the same safe guards. Our pets can become projectiles in even a slow speed crash, injuring themselves or other passengers.
Lindsey Wolko, the founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety will disclose the results of a landmark study comparing dog car safety harnesses. The findings may cause you to rethink taking your pet for a jaunt in the car.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If you've watched the NetFlix series, House of Cards our suspicions of the stereotype of politicians is probably true, and they don't have our best interests at heart. Other professions are held at much higher esteem - veterinarians for instance. But if you watched a recent television exposé it casts some doubt on veterinarians and veterinary medicine. My guest today is Dr. Clark Fobian. He is the President of the American Veterinary Medical Association, and we're going to try to debunk some of those stereotypes that were brought about on this 20/20 exposé.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
They hide in alleys, abandoned houses, fight over scrapes of food and live lives tragically cuts short by disease, neglect and misunderstanding. These are the oft forgotten feral cat. My guest, Becky Robinson is the Founder and President of Alley Cat Allies. Promoting the health, welfare of all cats has been the mission of this unique organization of ½ million supporters. Learn how you can help feral colonies, your local animal shelters whether or not you are a cat owner.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Visions of the bucolic James Herriot and doctors caring for cats and dogs is what typically comes to mind when people think of veterinarians, but there is so much more to this profession. Dr. John de Jong of Weston, Mass, and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s leadership is my guest today. We will discuss how vet med in USA has evolved in the past 150 years and the exciting advances that are taking place every day.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Debates concerning the Affordable Care Act of 2013 have at times resembled a dog and cat fight. But what about the care we give our four legged members of the family? Are pet parents doing the best they can?
Current research has shown that pet owners are increasing their expenditures of on pet food and products but are not investing in proactive wellness care for their pets. Why treats and not treatments? My guest, Dr. Sandi Lefebvre of Banfield Pet Hospitals will help to answer that question and reveal the results of the Banfield Pet Hospital 2013 State of Pet Health Report.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You are as cautious any parent of a human child when it comes to the health and welfare of your four legged charges. But could the world around you be conspiring to expose your pet to toxins? What are some of the most common poisons that your pet may encounter? How would you know if your pet has been sickened? Can you avoid the possibility of inadvertent toxic exposures?
Dr. Robert Poppenga, a veterinarian and head of the Toxicology Section of the California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System at the University of California, Davis will help answer these question and more.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The evening news is awash with intrigue and scandals from our nation’s capital, but there is some behavior that America’s elected officials should be ashamed of…their relations with animals. Who is looking out for the health and safety of America’s animal and food? From the Farm Bill, to animal welfare, food safety, conservation and research, it is the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Governmental Relations Division who is advocating behind the scenes for the needs of animals, people and the environment.
My guest is Dr. Mark Lutschaunig, Director of the American Veterinary Medical Association. We will discuss whether Washington gets a paw up or paws down on animal related issues.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Every time there is a survey to determine which profession is most respected and trusted, veterinarians always rank toward the top. But does America have a favorite veterinarian? Yes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation it is Dr. Carlos Campos of Spring Hill, Florida. After we chat you will see why he is so special.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
One moment your pet seems absolutely normal and then it happens. It might be just a chatter of its jaw or it may fall to the ground and paddle with its feet totally unaware of what is going on around it. Is your pet in pain? Is it going to die? You feel helpless and don’t know what to do.
My guest will give us great insights into seizures. She is veterinarian Dr. Karen Muñana. She is a board certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in neurology and professor of neurology at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Today we are discussing a very scary problem for pet owners. Have you ever seen a person faint, have a stroke or have an epileptic fit? Have you ever seen that in a pet? Did you know that pets, like humans, can suffer from seizures from a number of different causes? They can even have epilepsy. I doubt anyone listening every thought their pet would have a seizure- it is not something we are generally prepared for. Hopefully after listening to this episode you will have a much better understanding of seizures in our pets. What are they, why they occur and what we can do about them. Our special guest and expert today is Dr. Jason Berg, a board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist and veterinary neurologist who will help us understand the conditions associated with seizures.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Mary Bly may have said it best…’Dogs come when they are called; cats take a message and get back to you.’ Despite some deeply held personal preferences America loves its pets. U.S. households share their beds and laps with over 74 million cats and 69 million dogs. But what does it say about you if you have a fondness for felines or are crazed about canines?
Royal Canin recently commissioned a survey to discover why a purr or bark is more likely to tug at your heart strings. Are we swayed by the flip of a wily whisker or does size really matter? Dr. Laura Peltz of Royal Canin will discuss the findings and why feeding to the breed can insure that no matter your choice, your pet lives as long and healthy a life as possible.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Pet owners often get that glazed over look to their eyes when the topic of pet insurance is broached. It is too expensive. The paperwork is complicated. There are too many limitations and exclusions. What if these concerns were eliminated? Think of how the health and well-being of your pet could be impacted.
Dr. Kerri Marshall is a veterinarian with a unique insight into the statistics of pet health and the tragic consequences of not safeguarding our pet’s health with insurance.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Some people may take them for granted but there are certain aspects of our everyday life that I find to be mini wonders of the world…how bridges stay up, communications can be instantaneous ½ way around the world with only a small handheld device, the disembodied know it all can guide me on a road trip with only the occasional ‘recalculating’ prompt and how veterinary dentists at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have been able to use 3-D printers to construct models of an animal skull…Amazing.
Dr. Boaz Arzi is my guest today. We are going to chat about collaborative efforts of engineers and veterinarians at UC Davis to improve the health of animals and people.
In medical circles, there is a common adage amongst surgeons…a chance to cut is a chance to cure. If it is up to my guest, Dr. Bill Culp of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, that phrase may become antiquated in some veterinary surgical situations. Dr. Culp is a board certified veterinary surgeon who is foregoing the blade and using radiology to treat conditions previously thought to be inoperable.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You can spot them 6 strollers away, the new parent. They look ecstatic and a bit frazzled. They tote around the jumbo size of cleaning products to decontaminate the world for their precious bundle of joy. You would think that their home would be one of the safest places for 2 and 4 legged critters but you may be surprised to learn, that items associated with babies can be highly toxic to pets.
To tutor us in the ‘A.B,Cs’ of safeguarding our furry kids, is my guest Dr. Justine Lee, associate director of Pet Poison Helpline.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I’ve heard it said, that cats are lick potato chips…you can’t have just one. But mixing flavors like the British turkey and stuffing variety with flaming Cajun American snacks could leave a strange taste in your mouth. If you are like me, you have multiple perpetrators of TV screen paw prints. Sometimes a clowder (a collective of cats) works and sometimes it can have dire effects on your carpeting and sanity.
The new book, Your Ideal Cat co-authored by my guest Dr. Ben Hart; board certified veterinary behaviorist and his wife, Lynette Hart, a professor of veterinary medicine and human-animal behavior will tell us how we can keep purrrrfect harmony in our homes.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Ever wonder what it would be like to share an evening of witty banter with America’s Golden Girl Betty White? Now is your opportunity. Through an eBay auction, fans can bid to be Betty White’s guest at the Morris Animal Foundation Gala of HOPE, An Evening with Betty White in Los Angeles in October.
Our guest today is Dr. David Haworth, President and CEO of Morris Animal Foundation to tell us about the Gala of HOPE and your chance to win a date with Betty! Bidding for “Win a Date with Betty” will start at $1,500. Click here and start bidding!.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
They may be our companions, helpers, even surrogate children. We think we know why we want and need canines around but why do dogs need us? Do they even like us? Is it more than our ability to open a can of dog food? What do we add to their lives? Are they really looking for a master to dominate them or a pal that will obligingly lavish biscuits and praise?
Dr. Gary Borjesson, in his book Willing Dogs and Reluctant Masters offers a philosopher’s view of the journey these two disparate social creatures have taken to become best friends.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Is your Corgi incorrigible? Does your poodle ponder life more than bound headlong into the fray at the dog park? Why does one dog seem to be a genius and another can barely find its way out of the backyard? Is knowing how and what your dog is thinking helpful to caring for a dog? What does this information do for the mental wellbeing of their owners?
My guest is Dr. Brian Hare is a Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, founded the Duke Canine Cognition Center at Duke University and is a cynophilist…. a dog lover. We will examine how to play, discover and connect with our best friends through Dognition.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Your dog has just come home from having major surgery on its knee, back or hip. There is so much to remember…antibiotics, pain medication, keeping it quiet…now how long was it supposed to be on leash walks only? How are you supposed to flex the joint? When can you give it a bath? You thought you remembered all the directions but you just aren’t sure? If it could only be written down in a way that you could easily access and understand.
Top Dog Health and Rehabilitation is just what the doctor ordered. Dr. James St.Clair will lead us through why he founded this company and how it ease your mind and your dog’s body before, during and after surgery and just maybe how to keep it from needing surgery.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I love the start of a new year, it holds so much promise. Like many, I resolve to eat better, exercise more, read more books, practice my Spanish and spend more quality time with friends, family and my cats.
Having resolutions for your cats is also a great idea, but don’t ask them what they want. They would probably say more treats, a slow mouse to chase and a cushier bed on which to lounge. I would however ask Dr. Jane Brunt. She is the executive director of the CATalyst Council, a group dedicated to the health and welfare of cats.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You've seen them on the news, at the airport and major sporting events... detection dogs. They can sniff out explosives and contraband, but how do they do what they do? A dog's nose is so exquisitely sensitive that it's said that where you and I might detect the scent of stew wafting through the air, a dog could pick out the individual ingredients as well as the person who made the meal from the same aroma stream. Though a dog may have the physical ability for the task, it takes special training to turn them into potentially lifesaving canines.
Dr. Cynthia Otto is the director of Penn Vet Working Dog Center, in Philadelphia, PA. She's going to give us a glimpse into the care, training and ongoing research that goes into these spectacular canines, and what you can do to get involved.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You wouldn’t feed your newborn baby like you would a teenager. Their bodies demand extremely different levels of nutrients. A senior citizen and world class athlete don’t require the same number of calories per day. This just makes common sense. But what about our pets, how do you meet their individual, distinctive nutritional needs? Most pet foods are labeled as being complete and balanced for all life stages, from the puppy or kitten to the gray muzzled elder. Is that the optimal way to feed your cat or dog, one bag fits all? Where can you find a diet that is as unique as your pet? Keith Johnson, Founder and CEO of Petbrosia appears to have found the answer to this question.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
There are times as a veterinarian in Southern California, that if it weren't for allergies, I would be out of a job. A pet can itch, bite, scratch, lick and chew incessantly to the point that it can inflict severe damage to itself and to a good night's sleep of its owners. Pet owners often seek relief and advice from the pet store's sales staff or Dr. Google, neither of which have degrees in veterinary medicine.
Itchy skin in pets and people can be for myriad reasons. Determining the cause whenever possible is of paramount importance, not just treating the symptoms. But is it always possible? My guest is Dr. Jon Plant has the answer. He is a board certified veterinary dermatologist in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He has some unique insights into what is getting under your pet's skin.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Have you ever wondered how your favorite movie star or TV personality escaped from the burning building with only a bit of soot on their nose, survived a fall from a height taller than an Olympic high diver would ever consider or walked unscathed from the exploding airplane with nary a scratch? Body doubles and expert stunt men and women along with some movie magic keep the stars safe. But what happens when the personality is an animal? Who protects them?
Beth Langhorst, a Safety Specialist for the American Humane Association is one of a cadre of dedicated animal welfare advocates that you will find on the set of movies and television productions that take animal safety seriously; productions that proudly display the 'No Animasl Were Harmed' tagline. She will be my guest today and let us in on some of the behind the scenes safeguards for insects to pachyderms.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
'I always wanted to be a veterinarian.' I've heard that phrase so many times during my career as a veterinary medical doctor, and I'm always saddened by the reality that people have given up on their dreams, frequently without even exploring the possibilities.
Today's four guests never gave up on their aspirations. A kid who went to a one-room schoolhouse with a passion for fish and writing, a first generation Filipino-American who started playing 'doctor' at five years of age, and attended Yale, planning on becoming an MD, an emergency medicine veterinarian whose early experiences of being stalked by an alligator, being bitten by a moray eel, left him delightfully twisted, and a little girl with an incurable horse-craziness who grew up to be a recognized authority on equine orthopedics.
This apparently motley crew has penned a scientific medical mystery that follows a fictitious class of first year students through the misadventures and challenges of what, at least for me, was the start of the four best years of my life - veterinary school.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
One of the most common feline surgical procedures performed by veterinarians and which generates some of the most misconceptions is spaying and castration. Neutering is a simple operation that has a big effect on cats. To help debunk some of the misleading notions is well known radio personality and animal advocate, Steve Dale.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Animals impact the lives of people throughout the world in myriad ways…they provide companionship, transportation, muscle for work and their bodies for food, fiber along a host of other products. Keeping them healthy is not only important for their well-being but also for people who interact with them directly or not. A group of dedicated veterinarians, lay public and companies are making a difference in the world community…one animal, one person at a time. My guest is Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, spokesperson for World Vets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I recently saw a new client with a petite little kitten he adopted several months ago from a shelter. Since cats are like potato chips … and you can’t have just one, he adopted her brother as well. Now in a little over a month, he is going to have a litter of kittens cavorting through his house. Yes, she is pregnant. Yes, she is very young. And yes, her brother is the father.
I will be speaking today with Esther Mechler, the founder of SpayUSA and Dr. Richard Speck of the Animal Protective League of Springfield, Illinois about the early spay and neuter program, Beat the Heat.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
A lifelong, loving home for every pet…wow, what a fabulous vision. But how do you accomplish such a monumental endeavor? There is the matter of adoption, neutering, physically getting the pets to their new homes, educating new and existing pet owners, research and emergency services, it would seem impossible for one organization to tackle all of these issues let alone triumph but my guest, Julie White of PetSmart Charities will share how this vision is becoming a reality.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
How you talk about yourself can greatly influence how you think about yourself. If you keep saying 'I am so dumb…I’m a loser…I can never do it right'…do it long enough and you will start to believe it…a self fulfilling prophecy. But how about the way we talk and think about our pets? Each pet has its own strengths and limitations. Understanding them and you can lead to a more harmonious connection. Lisa Knowles and I will explore why we should respect our pets…how to understand their unique qualities and how to more fully enjoy life with pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Ricky Martin made us all a bit bilingual as we sang along with his hit single 'Livin la Vida Loca’. Vida means life and thanks to a dedicated group of advocates, the lives of South American animals, people and the volunteers who aid them are being transformed.
Dr. Faran Dometz is no stranger to the fast balls and curves that can assail a veterinarian working in the economically challenged countries of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala. And he is going to tell us how we can be part of an incredible program.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Affordable health care reform, oh my goodness, what a contentious topic. I recently attended a national convention where this topic was being doggedly discussed... the annual caucus for the American Veterinary Medical Association meeting held in San Diego, California. There I spoke with the chief operating officer of Pets Bets Insurance, Chris Middleton. We had a chance to converse on various topics ranging from which pets need to be insured, is it better to start kittens and puppies with coverage, or wait until they're older, can't you just save for potential expenses , do you really need insurance, and how are human and pet insurance policies similar and different? All these questions will be answered in today's show. Tune in!
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Have you ever seen a novel word and despite a lack of training in formal Latin or Greek, you immediately understood its meaning? This is how people often feel when they see the word ‘zoobiquity’. Barbara Natterson Horowitz, M.D., Director of Imaging at the UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center coined the term. It is meant to promote the concept that the health of all animals is interconnected. She believes veterinarians and MDs working together, looking at overlapping health issues is needed to insure that all life thrives rather than just survives.
I am honored to have as my guest, Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD., the author of the new book, Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You’ve heard it before…’Save a life donate blood’, but for our pets? Myriad reasons exist that may require a blood transfusion for a dog or cat. But where does your veterinarian obtain it? They can’t just phone up the local Red Cross and request a unit. Are there such things as blood types? Can your pet be a donor? And does a pup get a Milk Bone after donating?
Dr. Sean Owens is a board certified veterinary pathologist and associate director of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital Laboratory Services at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. For the next half hour we are going to learn about veterinary transfusion medicine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
At the retired cold war Nike missile base, on the headlands of Marin County, just north of San Francisco, lies the Marine Mammal Center. Whether it is waging a war on plastic, tending to a beached humpback whale that was trying to crash a baseball game at Candlestick Park, rescuing and treating over 16,000 elephant seals, sea lions, sea otters and other marine mammals that get stranded along the California coast or offering exceptional edu-tainment for visitors, this Sausalito facility is truly one of a kind.
My guest today is the Executive Director of the Marine Mammal Center, veterinarian Jeffrey Boehm. I had the pleasure of visiting the center in June of this year and saw firsthand the fabulous work they are doing and why it is so vitally important for each of us to protect our ocean’s health. For pictures of my visit, click on today’s show on the Pet Doctor tab at the PetLifeRadio website.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The National Cancer Institute predicts that based on current breast cancer incidence rates, about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. These are frightening statistics. Thankfully due to increased awareness, improved diagnostics and treatment options, the survival rate for this group of diseases is improving. But some members of our families, dogs and cats, are still dying needless from this potentially preventable disease. As pet lovers what can we do? If it is up to Dr. Marty Greer of Wisconsin, we will be sporting Pink Paws along our Pink ribbons.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Heave, gag, hurl, puke, spew and upchuck…anyway you say it…yuk! A pet can do any of the fore mentioned for myriad reasons. Figuring out why can be as simple and taking away that fuzzy toy that the pet insists on eating or a frustrating process for pet owner and veterinarian. It can even be life threatening. Stan Marks is a board certified veterinary internist and Professor in the Department of Medicine and Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He has a special interest in remedying retching.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Thousands of pets die needlessly each year because of unrecognized and untreated behavior problems. A pet owner may think that their pet is just being naughty, vindictive or stubborn when in reality there is a medical condition- yes, a behavioral issue is medical, that could be addressed, modified and treated.
Is your pet driving you crazy? How do you know if there is something that can be done to correct the seemingly untenable dirty deeds? My guest, Dr. Debra Horwitz is just what the doctor ordered. She is an internationally recognized authority on behavioral issues in pets. She is a board certified diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist. She received her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Many an American pet owner is entangled in a retched situation…leave their pet at home when they travel or risk cleaning up the remains of the last meal upchucked on to their auto’s upholstery. A car sick pet is just no fun…for the pet or for the owner. But why do they get travel sick and what can be done to quell a queasy tummy?
My guest is Dr. Amy Trettien of Pfizer Animal Health. We are going to visit the topic of how to navigate the perils of pet travel making it safe, sane and spit up free.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The discovery of the fountain of youth and cure for diseases that weaken and kill have flummoxed mankind for centuries. However, the answers may have closer than we ever imagined. The elixir to health may literally lay within us…within unique multipotential elements of our bodies…our stem cells.
When we hear the word stem cell, we often think of the controversy swirling around the cells of embryonic origin. But we all have stem cells within our bodies and within our pet’s bodies. They can be harnessed to perform a plethora of amazing feats. Think you will need to go to a specialist far from home for this type of care? You may not need to go any further than your primary care veterinarian’s office.
My guest is veterinarian Bob Harman. He is the founder and CEO of the first US based veterinary stem cell company, Vet-Stem. And I am honored to say that we are classmates of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It doesn’t seem too bad…your pet just seems a bit off. You have been watching it for the past day or two and you just aren’t sure if it is serious or not. Now it is 7 PM…you just got home from work and your regular veterinarian is closed for the day…and your pet looks terrible…what to do?
Dr. Mike Walters is all too familiar with the previous scenario. He is board certified in veterinary emergency and critical care. He practices in Southern California at Dedicated Veterinary Care in Tustin. We will learn about simple preventive steps you can take to keep your pet out of the ER and when you should and shouldn’t practice ‘Ready, Set, Wait’.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Since you are listening to this podcast, you are likely a pet lover. But why did you get a pet in the first place? My guess is because you sought the type of companionship and special form of love and attention that only a pet can give. You probably wanted to laugh at the antics that a crazy furry, feathered, scaled or finned animal can produce..
So if pets can be so marvelous, why are so many of them abandoned in vacant lots or relinquished to shelters? The answer is often their inability to meet the owner’s expectations…. behaviors such as excessive barking, inappropriate elimination, hyperactivity or aggression. But is it their fault or ours of not understanding their psyche? Are these pets bad or just misunderstood and in need of some behavioral counseling? No, they don’t need to lie on a couch but sitting next to you while we chat today with Dr. Gary Landsberg, a board certified veterinary behaviorist may be the first step to a happier home for the entire family.
Questions or comments? Email Dr.Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I believe PAIN is the most under diagnosed problem in veterinary medicine today and I know that your pets will all benefit from this incredibly serious discussion about PAIN in our pets.
In our last episode, we taught listeners how to recognize pain in their pets. In this episode, we concentrate on different methods to address and treat pain from natural to medication and other types of manipulation. Our guest for this series, Dr Robin Downing, is quite an accomplished veterinarian. Dr. Downing has dedicated herself and her career to helping recognize and treat pain in animals. She is certified in 7 areas of specialized practice relating to pain and is a Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management. Because this is such an huge and important topic… we concentrates wholly on how to recognize pain in our pets in part one of our series, and in this, part two of this series, we discuss pain management in detail. Now we recognize it, what can we do about it? We are thrilled to educate about this most underserved important topic for our pets!Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I believe PAIN is the most under diagnosed problem in veterinary medicine today and I know that your pets will all benefit from this incredibly serious discussion about PAIN in our pets.
I don’t have to tell listeners how hard it is to detect discomfort in our pets. Since we love them so much and are well attuned to their behaviors - after listening to this, everyone will feel much better about how to detect pain/discomfort in our pets- both dogs and cats. Our guest for this series, Dr Robin Downing, is quite an accomplished veterinarian. Dr. Downing has dedicated herself and her career to helping recognize and treat pain in animals. She is certified in 7 areas of specialized practice relating to pain and is a Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management. Because this is such an huge and important topic… we will concentrate wholly on how to recognize pain in our pets in this part one of our series, and in part two of this series will discuss pain management. Now we recognize it, what can we do about it? We are so happy you are listening and hope to raise awareness of discomfort in our pets!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I’ll always remember meeting Howard. He was a 3 year old, intact, male German Short Hair Pointer that purred, or at least that is what his owner said he was doing. Thankfully I knew that dogs don’t purr. What I was hearing was a deep throated ‘I am seriously contemplating biting you’ growl.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs on a yearly basis. 1 in 5 requires medical attention. But why do dogs bite? Are there certain breeds that are more prone than others to nip? What can a pet owner do to make their canine companions less likely to strike out? Dr. Stefanie Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist. She is going to help put some teeth into your efforts to make sure your dog doesn’t purr.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Eat first, think later is the mantra that many dogs live and sometimes die by. Cats tend to be more cautious…nibbling on novel food offerings, being wary while venturing through their environment. Cats are often found snoozing while canine housemates are being whisked off to the animal emergency clinic because of a one of those ‘doggy duhhh’ moments. But cats can also find themselves in need of urgent medical assistance.
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. My guest is Dr. Diane Eigner. She is the immediate past president of the ‘CATalyst Council’. Together, we are going to discuss some of the common medical predicaments our feline family members find themselves in and what we can do to help them.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Humor me…no I haven’t given up my day job and turned to stand up comedy. In medieval physiology, the body was believed to possess four elemental fluids or humors, blood, phlegm, black and yellow bile. Modern science has found a remarkable way of using one of the body’s humors, blood, to assist in healing itself.
If you own a dog, it may be the one in five adult canines that suffers from the pain of osteoarthritis. It can become debilitating over time robbing it of the quality and quantity of life you want it to have. It can also adversely impact your wallet. My guest is veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Schaffer. He is the director of Pall Animal Health. We are going to discuss the use of your own dog’s blood to improve mobility and enjoyment of life. And that is not a joke.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You’ve seen them before. Those colored ribbons that people wear to bring awareness to the various causes. Probably the most recognizable is the pink ribbon that represents breast cancer awareness. Great advancements have been achieved against this potentially deadly disease. But not all of our loved ones have received the attention they deserve.
A grass roots movement has been started to educate pet owners that their furry members of the family can also be afflicted. My guest, Dr. Marty Greer, is a veterinarian with a strong interest in canine reproduction and is also a 2010 graduate of Marquette Law School.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Cats, canines, cuddling, kisses…OK, my spell check isn’t very good but you get the idea…these are the type of ‘C’s pet owners can’t get enough of. And then there is the ‘C’ word we all fear, cancer. It can happen to any breed, at any age. It could be an innocuous bump or there may be no external indication that a malignant menace is lurking inside. It can destroy your pet’s health until you are in a battle that may truly be life and death. The ‘C’ words we don’t understand are the ways that are available to care for, control and sometimes cure these diseases.
We’ve heard the phrase ‘cutting edge advances’ but my guest, Dr. David Bommarito is a veterinarian who wields a cyberknife, destroying cancers that previously were untouchable.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Urban legends abound about regarding dog behavior, but are they based on science, or speculation? TV personalities and other self-proclaimed experts perpetuate many of them. Do you really need to be the ‘leader of the pack’? Is the secret to housetraining your pup found in a crate? Well it’s time to think outside of the box… or crate and establish a healthy relationship with your dog. Dr. Suzanne Hetts has a PhD in Zoology with specialization in animal behavior, has written a myriad of articles and books on the subject and is an internationally sought after speaker. We will doggedly dig into Dog Behavior 101 so tune in to this informative episode!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I try not to laugh when a client tells me that they have a pet that is a very picky eater. They have a terrible time finding something it will eat. They have tried every commercial food, and now they are home cooking. Oh what to do? And sitting in front of me a pet suffering not from anorexia but over nutrition…it is downright plump. Why don’t these concerned pet owners see what is right there in front of them? How did these pets get this way? What can you do to insure that your dog or cat isn’t afflicted with this all too common form of malnutrition?
Texas prides itself in all things big but my guest, San Antonio veterinarian Dr. Michael Woolley has a special interest in keeping pets slim and trim. To learn more about Slentrol, please visit: www.slentrol.com.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Guaranteed to cure warts, lumbago and make dry brittle hair shine - all of these condition and more treated by this one little bottle of liniment that you can buy today and today only for 1 thin dollar! If you heard anyone pitching a product like this you would probably call them a snake oil salesman. But not that many years ago, there were unscrupulous hucksters with similar lines. And sad to say, there are still companies who prey on our fears and desires. Their spiel has now gone high tech.
How do we know what is safe and effective? We want the best for ourselves and our pets. Thankfully there are governmental organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration that are looking out for us. My guest today is Dr. Carmen Stamper. She is a veterinary medical officer for the Center for Veterinary Medicine; their mission is to protect human and animal health.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
No matter the month, there always seems to be an excuse for a party. New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Super Bowl, birthdays, anniversaries….Americans love to celebrate life. These festivities often include the furry members of our households. With a bit of planning and keeping their safety and that of other guests in mind, everyone can have a howling good time. Sit, stay and tune in!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The last thing you want to do on Thanksgiving or the day after Thanksgiving is rush your cat or dog to the emergency room. A few simple precautions will help make sure that your holiday feast remains festive. Tune in for these Turkey Day Tips to keep your pet happy and healthy!
Also, It is estimated that at least 75% of all pets over 4 years of age, have some form of dental disease. Which animals develop significant problems is a matter of genetics, routine veterinary dental care and consistent at home dental hygiene. Dr. Heidi Lobprise, a board certified veterinary dentist with Pfizer Animal Health talks turkey about teeth!Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
In this episode we will discuss a very common problem that happens in older cats- it’s a disease that has become much more common since the 1980s and is something that has been a difficult one to figure out. There turns out to be a good reason why older cats eat like crazy but still become very thin, they drink tons of water all the time and their hyperactive behavior keeps their owners up at night! It is very likely that the symptoms are due to an over-active thyroid gland, also called hyperthyroidism. There is a great deal of information on Feline Hyperthyroidism that has been learned in the last 20 years- what is it from? Why is it so common? What are the long-term effects on our cats and how can we prevent it?
Today we are extremely privileged to have Dr. Mark Peterson, a veterinary endocrinologist and the first in the world to publish information on this ever so common illness in cats, hyperthyroidism. He is known worldwide for his research and contributions to veterinary medicine and veterinary endocrinology and is the go to person in the world when it comes to feline hyperthyroidism and many other veterinary endocrinology topics. Learn more about Dr. Peterson by listening and also check out his web site: www.animalendocrine.com
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dr. Roy Yanong, host of Aquariumania on Pet Life Radio stops by to talk fish, aquariums and everything aquatic. One area of veterinary concern that many people are not aware of, is aquatic veterinary medicine. , Dr. Roy will immerse us in knowledge regarding veterinary involvement from industrial fish production to serving the needs of the fish hobbyist.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Who ripped the French Ambassador's pants off? Where did dog biscuits come from? What's the difference between ticks and fleas? What happened to the pets aboard the Titanic? These and other interesting "bites" of pet trivia are covered in this week's episode.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Will my crossed eyed male Siamese cat’s uncross when he is neutered? That was the question that launched the book The Secret Sex Life of Dogs and Cats.”
“Where do the puppies come out?” “Why did his testicles grow back?” “Can my rabbit get my cat pregnant?” These are but a few of the questions that are answered in this ‘edu-taining’ book, written by none other than your ‘Pet Doctor’ host, Dr. Bernadine Cruz.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
As Americans we spend more on our pets than on candy, toys and jewelry. We spend more on our pets than the combined revenues from Hollywood’s motion pictures, video games, and recorded music. If pet spending in the U.S. were a country, it would be the 65 largest in the world.
America is in love with its pets, no matter if they have fur, feathers, fins or scales. We dress them up. Purchase designer diets. They don’t spend the day locked in the backyard…oh no, not our babies. They have nannies. Which car we purchase is often predicated on which one best will transport our lovelies from day care to play dates. With all of this pampering you would surmise that they would be some of the healthiest critters on the globe. Alas, this is far from true. Banfield Pet Hospitals, the largest general veterinary practice network in the world analyzed their extensive data base to compile the first ever look at the state of pet health in the United States. Their findings may shock you. I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Harry Smith.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Commercial or homemade….organic or natural….raw or home cooked….what is a pet owner to feed? The choices in pet foods would cause a Shar Pei’s hair to curl. People are becoming more aware of nutritional options for themselves as well as their pets. But making well-informed decision can be difficult. Who do you believe….your breeder, your neighbor, the veterinarian or the kid at the pet store? Dr. Edward Moser is a veterinary nutritional expert. He will help us take a bite out of the mystery of which food will best enrich your pet’s health.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
America’s pet population is graying. Thanks to advances in pet nutrition, veterinary medicine and awareness of proactive health measures by pet owners, our furry companions are living longer and healthier lives. But there are some issues that are still stymieing and frustrating veterinarians and pet owners alike – a pet’s decrease in mental sharpness that comes with age. I see it happen to my client’s pets…I see it happening to me. I hate it.
Awareness of the need to improve the health of seniors is one of the newest areas of research and outreach in veterinary medicine. A new association, the International Veterinary Senior Care Society, has been formed and my guest is the recently elected chair of its Board of Directors, Dave Merrick.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It almost seems to be a weekly occurrence, the recall of a pet food or treat because of bacterial contamination. Of course we don’t want our pets to be sickened by tainted food but did you know that you or a member of your two-legged family could also become ill from these products? And then there are the stories of children being sickened by their pet turtles along with headlines of people and pets sharing viral infections such as H1N1 or MRSA. You love your pet but is it worth the risk of contracting one of these diseases? How do you insure that you provide a healthy environment for your pets and yourself?
Dr. Sharon Hunt Gerardo, a veterinarian, doctor of microbiology and a pet lover will answer some frequently asked questions about worms, germs and life with pets.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You probably remember the admonition that you should never ask a woman her age, if she is pregnant and if she has had any work done. It would seem that veterinarians have been subliminally instructed not to bring up the subject of pet obesity unless the pet’s toes can’t reach the floor past its belly. Yes, a pudgy pet can be cute but that cuteness can lead to a myriad of medical issues, a decreased quality of life and a markedly shortened life span.
Obesity is an epidemic for people and pets. Research is finding that there is more to being overweight than just a lack of will power. White fat, the type found in our bellies, is very chemically active, producing chemicals that can damage our skin, hearts, joints and may even contribute to the development of certain types of cancer.OK, so we know our pet may be more fat than fluffy. You have tried cutting back on the treats and changed to a low calorie food but it just isn’t losing weight. What is a pet owner to do? My guest is Melissa Morrison, one of the founders of Fur Fitness based in Upland, CA. She will tell us about the pet Fitness Challenge and ways you can help your cat and dog slim down and have some fun in the process.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Animal lovers…we know we’re softies. We cry at schmaltzy TV commercials that feature distressed critters. We open our hearts and wallets to myriad of causes. But recent news reports have revealed that even some of the well known, apparently legitimate charities are helping their personnel more than their intended recipients. How do you find a foundation that deserves your support? What have they done with the money we have given them? What contributions have they made to the welfare of animals and the people who love them?
Paul Raybould is the executive vice president of the Morris Animal Foundation. Learn about an organization that is concerned with bats to cats, canines to quarter horses and has a 4 star rating with Charity Navigator.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Not just a lot of hot air—Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is for animals too! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sounds like some weird holistic treatment, but actually, it is very advanced and state of the art therapy for so many ailments in humans and pets! Sadly, it is greatly underutilized and therefore we are fortunate to have the wonderful venue of PetLifeRadio.com and The Pet Doctor as a means to educate pet owners about this amazing healing machine. It is helpful for wound healing, to reduce any type of swelling (brain trauma, spinal cord trauma, fractures, post-operative swelling, swelling of organs associated with diseases such as pancreatitis or urinary bladder disease and so much more); stem cell regeneration, corneal ulceration, abscesssation where oxygen does not get to tissues effectively and so much more! For more information on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, see www.peacelovepets.org and listen to this show! .
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Sometimes I feel like a broken mp3 player. Almost every pet I see in an office call is being presented for itching, biting and scratching. Pet owners always want to blame skin issues on fleas but with the advent of advanced flea control medications, fleas are almost a parasite of the past. So why are these pets and the people who love them so miserable? What are the causes and more importantly what can be done to safely and effectively give them some relief?
My usual guests on this show are veterinarians but other professionals also address the health concerns of dogs and cats, biochemists are also integrally involved. Dr. Mervyn Levin holds a Ph.D in biochemistry and is the president of Spectrum Labs.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If the eyes are the window to the soul, what is the gut to the skin? It just might be the answer to all the itching, biting and scratching that plagues our cats and dogs. Some of the most common reasons pets are taken to their veterinarians are allergies. A cure is not always possible. Control can be difficult. Treatment options can sometimes cause more problems. The internet abounds with lotions, potions and supplements that promise relief. But do they?
My guest is Dr. Kristin Holm. She is a board certified veterinary dermatologist. We will discuss allergies, traditional treatment protocols and some exciting new advances.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dogs are commonly called ‘man’s best friend’, but according to Humane Society of the United States surveys, it’s time canines start believing the saying…cats rule and dogs drool. It is estimated that there are 93.6 million cats in the United States, while dogs are barking up the tree with a mere 77.5 million in their pack. Thanks to You Tube, cats are garnering the respect they deserve. Cats can scuba dive, play patty cake, tickle the ivories of a piano and chase bears away from their backyards. But they are still misunderstood.
If you have been thinking of adopting your first cat or adding another to your clowder, my guest, veterinarian Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council and true ailurophile, will give us some pointers and tell us more about ‘National Adopt a Cat Month’ plus she will explain why cats are like potato chips, who can have just one?
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
One of the most common reasons why dogs are relinquished to an animal shelter is unacceptable behavior and those can be the lucky ones. Too many dogs are banished from the home to the back yard, never to enjoy the company of the people who had hoped that they had found that perfect addition to the family. Others are dumped along a roadway to fend for themselves. And then there are those who are abused and die a horrid death.
What can we do as dog caregivers to insure that our pets are well mannered? How do we know if a behavioral issue has a psychological or medical basis? Do dogs need a psychiatrist or do we need one to even consider such a question? Is there doggie Prozac? My guest today is Dr. Stefanie Schwartz. Dr. Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist will answer some of the most common questions pertaining to achieving outstanding canine comportment.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
This episode we discuss the ever so pleasant topic of kitty vomit! That’s right, hairballs, puke, the gift between your toes in the morning… cat vomiting. But seriously, cats to seem to vomit a lot and it can be hard to know when it is significant! When is lots of vomiting too much vomiting? Why is it happening and what can we do about it? In this episode we turn to feline expert, Dr. Arnold Plotnick. He is a board certified internal medicine specialist and a brilliant and kind person and veterinarian. Contrary to the belief that the world is going to the dogs, Dr. Arnold Plotnick has made a career believing in felines. In fact, he has been one of only a handful of board-certified cat specialists in the United States. He helps us unravel the mysteries of the pre-chewed gifts our cats often leave us with and what we can do about it!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If you’re a cat owner like me, you realized a long time ago, we don’t own them, they own us. Cats have never forgotten that they were once worshiped as gods in ancient Egypt.
Though I have enjoyed the company of cats since I was a child and have been a veterinarian for over 20 years, I can’t say that I fully understand what happens between their little ears…their behavioral quirks can be mystifying.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We have all experienced pain caused by sound, think of music blaring from your neighbors stereo system at 1 in the morning…instant headache! But how about sound easing pain? It reads like science fiction…no surgery, no pills, no salves, lotions or potions. Simply send sound waves through a body and stop pain, heal bones or treat long standing wounds. Thanks to extra corporeal shock wave therapy being used in veterinary medicine, dogs, cats and horses are heeding the call to an improved quality of life. My guest, is board certified, Los Angeles based veterinary surgeon, Dr. Ed Leeds. So sit, stay and learn about this exciting way of treating a plethora of ailments.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
One of the most common orthopedic procedures presently being performed on America’s aging population is a knee replacement. Man’s best friend is also plagued with stifle (knee) issues. Dr. Randy Fitch, a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons will discuss why dogs have knee problems, what can be done to prevent them and how to treat them and get your dog back to peak performance after injury.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I remember being a little girl and having recurrent ear infections. They were so painful. I cringe when a pet is presented to me for an ear problem that has been ongoing for several weeks. This pet must have been suffering. Sadly, the owner often can’t decipher the signs of discomfort and what is causing them. Ear issues can be frustrating to get under control and sometimes take a specialist like my guest today, Dr. Craig Griffin, a board certified veterinary dermatologist to clear up the confusion surrounding cause, control and prevention.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The presenting complaint is so often the same. “My cat is peeing all over the house…in the sink, on my clothes, even on me while I’m in bed” or “My cat must be constipated. It keeps going to the litter box, over and over again and nothing is coming out.” Sound familiar? The cat may be suffering a potentially life threatening condition known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.
Dr. Mark Acierno is an expert in perplexing disorder. He is a researcher in kidney disease at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and has developed the only dialysis center for pets in the Southeastern United States. He is also an associate professor.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Your pet is ill. You can’t say exactly what is wrong, but you know there is a problem. Your veterinarian can be equally stumped. All the blood and urine tests are normal. Radiographs may show some areas of concern but they are not definitive. Sometimes the only way the diagnosis is made is after the pet dies and a post mortem is performed. The answer…cancer. Why couldn’t it have been diagnosed earlier? With the discovery of biomarkers for some cancers, now a simple blood test may be able to save your pet’s life. My guest is the President and Founder of Veterinary Diagnostics Institute, Randy Ringold.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We have all heard the adage that the eyes are the window to the soul. Another saying that pets owners should take to heart is ‘a pet’s oral health is the gateway to its body wide well being’. I know it’s not as catchy but bad teeth and gums can be a source of pain and insidiously lead to diseases that can shorten your pet’s lifespan. And who wants to be kissed by a cat with tuna breath or a hound with halitosis?
Orange County, CA, veterinarian, Eric Van Nice, a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, will discuss general pet dental care and the newest techniques available to take a bite out of dental disease.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We have all heard of pets who have weaseled their way into our homes and hearts and how the loss of a pet can leave us heartbroken but were you aware that dogs and cats can suffer with many of the same cardiac, heart conditions that plague their owners? There is a very unique and specialized team of veterinary medical professionals who are advancing the knowledge and treatment options that are saving the lives of pets and hopefully in the future, the people who care for them.
My guest today is Dr. Leigh Griffiths, who leads the open-heart surgery program at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Davis, California.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You’ve heard these warnings before…don’ t swim for at least one hour after eating or you will cramp up and could drown. Don’ t cross your eyes or they will get stuck that way. To prevent your dog from developing the potentially life threatening condition, bloat and torsion…don’t feed dog food that contains grain , feed it from an elevated dish and keep it quiet for an hour after eating? Well I haven’t drowned yet and my eyesight is OK.
Dr. Kim Luce, a veterinarian whose primary focus is emergency and critical care medicine will discuss the medical syndrome, gastric (stomach) dilatation and volvulus.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
There are mornings when I get out of bed that I know I have fallen through a time warp and aged 20 years overnight. My back is killing me. Back aches are a common complaint of people. Just listen to all the advertisements on the radio. Human are not the only species that suffer from this malady. Our cats and dogs are also plagued by slipped discs, pinched nerves and more. So what are the causes and what can we as caregivers do to prevent these painful and often crippling conditions?
My guest today is Dr. Wayne Berry, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Neurology.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Winter, what a fabulous time of year. Perfect for grabbing a cup of hot chocolate, donning your ‘Snuggie’, delving into a good book with your pet curled up at your feet. And then when you most need it, along comes Spring and you are drawn outside into the warmth of the sun. But huh, your pet’s collar doesn’t fit anymore. It must have shrunk. And last year’s outdoor wear is a bit too tight on you. It must be a conspiracy. No, you know what happened. You and your pet are certifiably pudgy. No exercise and snacks in front of the TV have taken their toll.
Winter holds many threats to our pet’s health, not just the packing on of pounds. My guest today is veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Vanek. He is an expert in keeping some of winter’s premier athletes, competitive sled dogs, in top form. We will chat about these canine champions and weekend warriors. Dr. Vanek will also talk about winter safety issues around the house.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
In the overall scheme of veterinary medicine, dogs have been treated like little people. Health issues that affected people in a certain way were thought to act similarly in dogs. Cats were often treated like little dogs. With the advances in feline medicine has proven that cats are very unique creatures, medically and behaviorally.
72 million cats in the United States prove to cat owners and my guest, Dr. Mark Cousins, that they are the purrrfect pet.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
One of my favorite experiences in the whole world is being slathered with sour milk kisses from a 6 week old puppy or kitten. What could be more innocent? The majority of the time, this is a perfectly harmless act, but there are instances that it can lead to some serious health concerns.
My guest is Dr. Jeffrey Rhody. He is a veterinarian who is concerned not only with the health and well being of his animal patients but that of the entire family that lives with them. Dr. Rhody will inform us on what we need to know and do in order to share a happy , healthy life and home with our pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Your veterinarian’s education doesn’t stop when he or she graduates from veterinary school. When I graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary medicine, we were told that 50% of what we had learned was going to be outdated and wrong in 10 years. Our task was to determine which 50%.
A marvelous way for veterinarians to stay current is with state conventions. Some of the brightest researchers, clinicians, and professionals update veterinarians on latest discoveries and trends. The exhibit halls are another fabulous avenue of learning what products can help our clients and patients experience a better health span.
This podcast comes to you from the California Veterinary Medical Association annual PacVet Conference, held in San Francisco, California. You will learn what is new in dental care, pet insurance, allergies, fleas and lasers.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Probably the only time you think of rabies is when you need to get your dog licensed. Some might think that getting a dog vaccinated for this antiquated disease is just a ploy of local government to get more money out of pet owners. And why don’t cats need to be vaccinated? Besides…rabies is an eradicated disease. Isn’t it?
My guest today is Peter Costa. He serves as the director of Global Communications Coordinator for the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and campaign coordinator for World Rabies Day, celebrated on September 28th.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You might think that most DVMs embark on their journey to veterinary school from either working on a farm or in a veterinary clinic. Dr. Matt Toia took a slightly different route, from literally flying high as a Special Forces member of the Green Berets to Auburn University, School of Veterinary Medicine. This non-traditional streak was to be a hallmark Dr. Toia’s career. Dr. Matt has chronicled his sundry adventures as a veterinarian in his book... ‘You Want Me to Declaw What?’
A rampaging bull, an out of control chimpanzee, a goose named Gary -- Dr. Matt Toia has seen it all and will tell us all about it on today’s episode of ‘the Pet Doctor’ on PetLifeRadio.com
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
How do you know when a sea horse is sick? How do you get it to a veterinarian? How do you find a veterinarian who has the expertise to diagnose and treat aquatic animals? These are but some of the questions that cause aquarist’s heads to swim.
When the California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium recently underwent a major reconstruction campaign, they turned to Dr. Freeland Dunker to help insure that the thousands of species of land and underwater creatures were healthy and happy. How do you know if a sea horse is happy? Does it gallop around its tank with bubbles blowing through its gills? Dr. Dunker will give us a behind glimpse at the day in the life of a veterinarian at a world class entertaining and educational landmark, the California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
When is the best time to think about the end of your beloved pet’s life? There never seems to be the right time and you definitely don’t want to wait until your pet is in severe, intractable pain. Dr. Julie Reck, a companion animal veterinarian in Charlotte, North Carolina is all too familiar with the heartache pet owner’s experience while trying to grapple with end of life decisions for animals they love. Dr Reck has written a very compassionate book on understanding our emotions, a pet’s perception of death and how to work through one of the most difficult and loving decisions a pet owner can ever make.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
No matter if you want to find a Korean barbeque restaurant in the middle of Tulsa Oklahoma, find your way around Sidney Australia or learn how to play mahjong, there is an iPhone app for that. Now, if you want to find the quintessential canine companion, there is an app for that also.
My guest today is one of the creators of the new application called ‘DogBeMine’. We will learn how high tech is helping this very emotionally charged process. And once you have chosen the perfect pooch, what to do once you get it home.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It is not uncommon for cat owners to me for what they believe is a bladder infection. The cat is either flooding out the litter box or urinating all over the house. All they want is a prescription for some antibiotics. It is also not uncommon that they get a bit miffed when I explain that I need to have them bring their kitty in for an examination. I listen, I look, I feel their cats all over. I explain that I need to run some blood and urine tests to rule in or out other possible causes of what they are seeing. The answer is sometimes diabetes mellitus.
My guest today is Dr. Richard Edling. He is a professional services veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim pharmaceutical company. We will be chatting about what is diabetes mellitus. Why cats seem to be falling victim to this disease in greater numbers. How it is treated and what can you do to decrease the chances that your cat will become a diabetes statistic.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Boy meets girl. Boy and girl get married. They have their first-born child…and these days that is often a cat or a dog. Pet is the apple of their eyes. Girl gets pregnant and the first born, possibly highly indulged pet is expected to abdicate its place on the bed and owners’ heart to a squirmy, smelly, crying creature. The transition can be rocky.
The American Humane association wants to maintain peace and harmony and insure that the pet isn’t relinquished to a shelter because these two members of the family just aren’t getting along.
My guest is Ms. Jane Greco Deming. She is the director of education for the human-animal interaction program of the American Humane association. She will give us some pointers on how to make the pet meeting baby experience a howling success.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
When you think of Hawaii, visions of palm trees, frosty umbrella drinks and white sand beaches languidly sway in your imagination. But life can be hard if you are a homeless cat or dog. Pet overpopulation is not just a mainland dilemma. The impact of homelessness affects not only the cats and dogs but also the fragile wildlife on the islands. How are the islanders addressing the problem? What can we learn from them….and why are there so many chickens on the Kauai? Dr. Becky Rhoades of the Kauai Humane Society will share her story of being a veterinarian in paradise.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Bring a puppy home and the first thing you hear is a lot of barking and not necessarily from the dog. The new puppy parent starts to bark orders, come, sit, stay, and the ever popular – NO! We sound like drill sergeants. This is the way that it has always been done, but is this the best way to get through to a very impressible youngster? How do we get a pup to learn its role in our pack and have good social manners? My guest is Sarah Wilson. She is co-author with Brian Kilcommons of the book ‘My Smart Puppy – the fun, effective and easy puppy training’.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
What a spectacular time of year, Spring. You are soooo over the thrill of the first flakes of snow. The cozy nights by the fire wrapped in your Snuggie is getting old. Spring, your chance to clean the cob webs out of your home and mind. But not all cleaning products are created equal when it comes to being safe around you, your family or your pet.
My guest, is Dr. Justine Lee, a board certified emergency and critical care veterinary specialist and current associate director of veterinary services for Pet Poison Helpline. She will give us some pointers on how to safely declutter and deep clean.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You think you are a good pet caregiver, maybe even a great one. You provide the best in veterinary care and food. Your pet does not want for toys, attention or mental stimulation. Your home is a safe haven for this special member of the family. But is it? Your home, yard, and car could be putting your furry friend in peril. My guests today are Bob Tucker of the home security system company, ADT, Dr. Justine Lee of Pet Poison Hotline, and Dave Kaler of IMMI, producers of the pet travel safety system, PetBuckle.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Fads and craziness often starts in California and works their way East. Some of the fads are great - think hula hoops, Barbies and the green energy movement. Some however, can have potential dire unexpected side effects such as the movement by local municipalities to regulate the relationship of a veterinarian and pet owner. Several California cities have made it illegal for a veterinarian to declaw a domestic cat. My guests today, the executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Association, Dr. Peter Weinstein and veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Rolan Tripp will discuss the legal, ethical and behavioral aspects of this emotionally charged topic.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
There are times in our lives when we need someone to care, someone to just be there. One of these critical periods is at the end of our lives, when we are in hospice. But what if we were told that one who held a very important part in our lives was prohibited from being with us? Someone that didn’t care what we looked like. Didn’t mind if it was a good day or bad, or even remember their name. What if someone told you that you couldn’t have your beloved pet with you when you near your time of passing?
Pet Peace of Mind is a non-profit hospice support group, part of the Banfield Charitable Trust. Dianne McGill, the executive director and CEO of the trust, will tell more about this very special example of the human/animal bond.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It’s probably happened to you….you casually stroll by the pet store window and you are inexplicably drawn inside and exist with a fur ball of a pup or kitten. You can’t put in words why but your life just seems incomplete without a quadruped to share your home. And after a tough day at work, you get more comfort from stroking your pet than anything else you can think of. The connection that we feel with our pets has garnered a great deal of press recently but is this phenomenon all in your heads or can it be explained in terms of cold hard facts? My guest, Meg Olmert, has unraveled the mystery of human/animal bond.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Some people believe that a rabbit’s foot is good luck. Alyna was skeptical. Born with a congenital disorder, that left her paralyzed from the waist down, not even two rabbit’s feet was doing her any good. That was until she met some very inventive and creative people at the premier rehabilitation hospital for children in Israel, ALYN. Now Alyna is helping other patients at this facility. Oh did I mention…Alyna is a rabbit.
Everyone believes that they have the most marvelous dog- so smart, loves everyone and is great with people. My second guest today, Corrine Fahy of Lake Forest, CA, spends a lot of time in the hospital with her dog, Gus. Gus isn’t ill… he’s a certified therapy dog and helps out people who are going through woof times. I thought you might like know if your dog has the right stuff to be a therapy dog and what it involves.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The last two weeks, the Pet Doctor podcasts have been a series of interviews from the AKC/Eukanuba Dog Show, held in Long Beach, CA in early December of 2009. I learned about some very distinctive breeds.
Dogs can do so much more than keep us company. They can be another set of eyes, ears and serve as an enforcement aid for police departments. They can assist a disabled person with daily chores that we may take for granted. Sometimes the disabled one is the dog such as retired military canines that need our help.
And don’t think that trotting around with a dog at a show like this is only a beauty contest. I will speak with a junior handler who told me how working with her dog has helped raise her personal level of confidence and improved her grades at school.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Welcome to part two of my adventures at the AKC/Eukanuba Dog Championships held in Long Beach, CA., at the Long Beach Convention Center. Though the main event took place on a Saturday and Sunday of early December, a plethora of events occurred in the proceeding days. You can see video clips and tons of photos by going to the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AENC.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Have you ever been to a dog show? They can be absolutely fascinating and can also verge on being overwhelming. The variety of events, performances and demonstrations will put your sneakers to the test. And then there are the dogs – some with names you have never heard of, some you have never seen on the street or in magazines.
I spoke to so many people and learned so much that this podcast is going to be a three part series. Tune in the next 2 weeks for part two and three. In case you want to see photos of the dog breeds I mention in these segments, go to the Pet Doctor on our website, PetLifeRadio.com and scroll to these installments. So sit, stay, listen…..I’m Dr. Bernadine Cruz and this is the Pet Doctor coming to you from the AKC/Eukanuba Dog Championships.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
H1N1 affects many species of animals as well as humans. This includes cats, ferrets, possibly dogs, turkeys and more… Listen to this show and learn the facts as we currently know them to be about 2009H1N1 aka Swine Flu and your pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If you have had pets in your lifetime, you have undoubtedly shared the fear of losing them to the great outdoors—an innocent mistake like leaving the door ajar can leave your family devastated and your pets unprotected on the streets…
Dogs often wear identification tags, and if the loose dog permits a kind stranger to get close enough to read the tag, your pet could be in luck… but that is not always the case. Tags and collars can be lost and information on tags may not be current- especially in cases of emergency evacuations- when pets are separated from their owners and owners are forced to leave the location on the pet tag…As for cats, they do not often wear id collars— as collars would interfere with their playing and bird catching and could be dangerous. Mr. Gary MacPhee, director and general manager of HomeAgain, a microchip company for pets discusses everything there is to know about pet identification systems with us and shares a great reunion audio of Gypsy, the miracle dog, returned home from over 500 miles with the help of her HomeAgain microchip!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
As a child, I remember my mom explaining the fine points of proper behavior at the dinner table, especially when that dinner included guests. I don’t remember, however, being instructed in the fine art of behaving around dogs. All I recall is ‘don’t touch strange dogs’. She tried to scare me into compliance. It’s a miracle I ever became a veterinarian. Sadly, the majority of children are never schooled in the skills needed to not become one of the 3.5 million youngsters that are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Surprisingly, most of these dogs are familiar to the child that is bitten.
My guest today is Jane Greco Deming. She is the Director of Humane Education for the American Humane Association. She will explain the ‘Kids Interacting Safely with Dogs’ (KIDS) program. It is fun, educational for children and adults and it could save your children from injury or even death.Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
There are few sights as marvelous as watching your dog romp and run. You could swear that they smile as they cavort during a play day at the dog park. But mobility can be tragically taken away from your canine companion by trauma, disease or birth defects. In the past all that veterinarians could offer was palliative relief, which too often required the amputation of a limb. Then came OrthoPets, a very unique service that custom makes prosthetic, orthotic and adaptive devices for dogs. My guests today are the founder of OrthoPets, Martin Kaufman and their resident veterinarian, Patrice Mich, a board certified veterinary anesthesiologist.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Every November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month and there has never been a more relevant time to educate ourselves about the factors that contribute to cancer in our pet and the early warning signs to look for. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) the number of pets with cancer is growing each year. The AVMA approximates that 1 in 4 dogs will develop a tumor of some kind in their lifetime, and the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center approximates that cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease related pet deaths each year. Our guest this show is one of the most esteemed veterinary oncologists in the world today, Dr. Mona Rosenberg. She will share with us her knowledge and insights about animals with cancer.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Some will say that you are only as old as you feel. And there are some mornings when I feel really old. I know that aging is a process and not a disease. It happens every day, second by second, year by year until you suddenly realize those highlights are really just gray hairs and not sun kissed streaks. And your pet, the one you refer to as your baby, just got a letter from your veterinarian saying that it is now a senior citizen and needs targeted care. Is that just a marketing ploy or are there things that you can do to increase the quantity and quality of your pet’s life?
Thankfully with advances in medicine, nutrition and the science of aging, people and pets are living longer and healthier lives. But what determines if your pet is a senior citizen? Do all pets age at the same rate? What body systems are most commonly affected? Can pets suffer from an Alzheimer-like disease? What can you as a pet owner do? Dr. Kyle Creech of Ceva Animal Health will talk to me about the aging and answer the ‘age’ old question, can you teach an old dog a new trick and will it remember it?Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
What impact can one person, one veterinarian, one initiative make to help our pets when there are disasters as devastating as Hurricane Katrina, as horrible as the flooding in the Midwest, horrific as the wildfires in California or blizzards in Colorado? Countless animal lives have been saved and pets have been reunited with misplaced owners because of a unique partnership called Paws to Save Pets. But what can you do to help? More importantly, what can you do to help insure that your pet is not a victim of a preventable disaster? How can you prepare for catastrophes that just can’t be predicted but are all too common? My guest today is Dr. Hal Little of Merial Animal Health. He will tell us how to plan ahead to safeguard the pets in our lives.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The Earth, is often referred to as the ‘Blue Marble’ of our solar system. The blue hue, as seen from space, is a reflection of the water that covers 70% of the earth’s surface. This water is very attractive, enticing over ½ of the U.S.’s population to live within 50 miles of the coast. Sadly, the seemingly boundless nature of our marine resources has caused people to take it for granted. We become outraged when there are huge oil spills but what about the small amount of oil that our cars leak onto our roadways everyday?. Where does it go? Much of it into our oceans.
The oceans have served as a convenient garbage dumping site. The junk that pollutes our oceans ranges from pet droppings that enter the storm drains and ground water, industrial noxious waste, and runoff. Regrettably, the health of our oceans and its inhabitants have suffered tremendously. But it is not just the seas and fish that are feeling the ill effects….the health of land dwellers are also impacted. What can a veterinarian do? What can you do? Dr. Joseph Gaydos, chief scientist and wildlife veterinarian at UC Davis Wildlife Center, Orcas Islands in Eastsound, Washington will be my guest today and give us some sobering facts and reason for hope.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You know the look…the back yard that is a depressing combination of dead grass punctuated with moonscape craters and all the welcoming appeal of a dusty interstate rest stop. The homeowner isn’t cursed with a brown thumb, only pets. But having a dog or cat doesn’t mean you will never have color, fragrance and live plants in your outdoor living spaces. My guest today, Ms. Jule Eller, is a green thumb specialist from the home improvement company, Lowe’s. She will give us a paw up on how to have a yard that is pet friendly and pet safe.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
In a whoosh of a whisker, a pet seems to go from being a cuddly bundle of fluff to a mature member of the family with silver whiskers. You try to be a good pet owner..take your pet when it is ill or when you get those pesky vaccine reminders in the mail. But are you doing all that you can in insure that your pet’s health span equals its life span? Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president of Underwriting and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI Pet Insurance, will explain why ‘Pet Wellness Starts with a Plan.’
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I have been a veterinarian for over 20 years. At least once every week of my practice life, I have had clients gasp when I tell them how much it is going to cost to administer care to their pet. Veterinary medical services are not free. Yes, veterinarians love animals or we would not be in our profession. We can’t discount every case because the pet owner is short on funds. We strive to give good service at reasonable fees and provide a living for ourselves, our families and our employees.
The miracles of veterinary medicine come with a price tag that too often, especially in these economic times, force people to decline the level of care they want to give their pets. Tragically, pets are frequently euthanized, when other medical options are available because their owners just did not have the requisite funds. What can a pet owner do to avoid finding themselves in such a dire situation? Three words…pet health insurance.
Loran Hickton is the Executive Director of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. He is my guest today. We will explore what is pet insurance? How does it differ from people health insurance? How do you find the best policy for you and your pet?
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You’ve seen them…that pudgy pup waddling down the street. They look cute with the swaying of their thunder thighs and paunchy gut almost touching the ground. And those internet photos of the 30lb. cat, who wouldn’t go ‘ahhhh what a honey of a chunky monkey’. Deep down you say to yourself, my pet isn’t that fat. It just has big bones. My cat must have Maine Coon in it. That’s why it is so chubby. It really doesn’t eat that much. But did you know that 1 extra pound on a Chihuahua is like a 125lb. woman gaining 30lb.s! Though my guest is a stand up comic and internationally recognized veterinarian of Animal Planet’s Emergency Vets, Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, obesity in our cats and dogs is no laughing matter.
We will talk about how to recognize if your pet is fat and not fluffy. What are the health risks associated with being overweight? How to put your pet safely on a diet? What are calorie safe treats for your pets? And calculating how much to feed your pet.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Eat first, think later is the mantra many pets profess. This philosophy can send them to the emergency room faster than they can bark or meow. Sometimes the results are just an upset tummy or minor inconvenience. It can also be deadly. Dr. Justine Lee, one of only 240 board certified veterinary specialist worldwide in emergency medicine and critical care will chat with me today on ways you can increase the safety profile of your home and yard. We will also explore the pages of her two edu-taining books….’It’s a Dog’s Life….but It is Your Carpet’ and ‘It’s a Cat’s World…You Just Live in It’.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Most 10 year olds are busy playing with their ‘My Little Pet Shop’ toys. Miss Courtney Oliver however is doing what many adults only dream of; she has earned her certificate as a veterinary assistant. While summer vacation for most grade schoolers is a trip to the shore or a week at camp, Courtney spent a week in Grenada at St. Georges University of veterinary medicine. Who is this remarkable young lady and what are her plans for life? Let her story inspire and motivate you.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Bird flu, swine flu, canine influenza makes you almost want to pull the covers over your head. Well, have no fear, you can’t catch canine influenza from your pooch. Your canine companion however should be cautious about who smooches the next time it goes to the doggie park or meets at doggie day care. Canine influenza is a real and potentially serious condition. My guest today is Dr. Holly Brianceau. She will tell us about canine influenza and a newly released vaccine to help safeguard your precious pup.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
‘Birds of prey’ is a term that conjures up the African desert and a flock of vultures circling some unfortunate lost, very thirsty wanderer. Closer to home are hawks soaring above our fields, country sides and cities. They are graceful, strong and are at the top of their food chain. They are also frequent victims of the close interface of wildlife and man. Altercations with cars, high voltage lines and toxins have all taken their toll of these magnificent birds. Why are they important to our ecosystem? What can we do to protect their lives and their habitats? My guest today is Dr. William Ferrier. He is the Senior Clinical Veterinarian of Campus Veterinary Services at the University of California.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Though dogs may have once been given the moniker of being man’s best friend, paws down, the cat now meows supreme. In 2007, a study by the American Veterinary Medical Assoc. estimated that there were 81.7 million owned cats in the United States. That was 40 million more cat paws than dog paws padding around our homes. If you are math challenged, there are 10 million more cats than dogs sharing our beds and gracing our couches with their fur.
Many urban legends abound concerning cats, their behavior, their nutritional and medical needs. The CATalyst program was formed in 2008 to make it purrrfectly clear that cats make awesome pets and to improve the care and welfare of these furry members of our families.
My guest today is Dr. Jane Brunt. She is the executive director of the CATalyst Council. Dr. Brunt is one of the leading feline practitioners in the United States. She owns two cat exclusive veterinary hospitals in Maryland. And if you couldn’t tell, she is a true ailurophile, an ardent lover of cats. We will discuss the CATalyst program. Learn how it can enhance the lives of the cats that share our homes. Discover which American cities have been rated as being the Top 10 Cat Friendly Cities, how to find a great veterinarian for your kitty and the all important question, how do you get your cat in its carrier?
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You are likely listening to this podcast because you have one or two that sleep in your beds, eat at your table, dress them up and spoil them as if they were your children. Dogs, they have become part of our families and we want the best for them. But how do you know if they are receiving the best care possible and what is best for one pet…is it the best for yours?
My guest today is Dr. Nancy Kay. She is a board certified specialist in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Her passion is communications between veterinarians and their clients. Her new book is “Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life.”
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
This extraordinary on line pharmacy works with you and your vet, to ensure the highest level of quality, care and convenience you can get! Medications, special diets, treats and more—delivered with trust right to your door!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We see them on the news, military dogs, helping to protect the lives of military and civilian personnel in areas. Their duties range from detecting explosives and drugs, used on patrols, to other specialized functions for the for the Dept. of Defense and other government agencies. But who takes care of them when they get injured? What types of treatments are available to them? And when they can no longer actively serve their country, do they get military retirement benefits?
My guests today, Col. Robert Vogelsang and Col. David Rolfe, of the U.S. Army Corp will brief us on what the military is doing to select, train and protect our four legged soldiers.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Veterinarians touch every aspect of our lives from the moment we wake up to the time we close our eyes at night. They keep the food we eat safe, the pets in our lives healthy and monitor the health of the environment by keeping an eye on the animals that inhabit it.
One area of veterinary concern that many people are not aware of, is aquatic veterinary medicine. My guest today, Dr. Roy Yanong, will immerse us in knowledge regarding veterinary involvement from industrial fish production to serving the needs of the fish hobbyist.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Who ripped the French Ambassador's pants off? Where did dog biscuits come from? What's the difference between ticks and fleas? What happened to the pets aboard the Titanic? These and other interesting "bites" of pet trivia are covered in this week's episode.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It seems that everyday in the news some disaster or emergency situation has arisen in the U.S. that impacts people and the animals they care for. The emergency may affect a single family or cities and counties. Disasters know no season, snowstorms, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and floods. We expect the local, state or national authorities to take care of us but who takes care of the animals? What can you do to prepare your entire family for potentially life threatening situations?
Today I will speak with Dr. Heather Case. She is the AVMA coordinator for emergency preparedness and response and Michael Cathey, the Director of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You may have heard of the ‘Butterfly Effect’. It basically states that seemingly inconsequential alterations in one event can have a major impact in the long term behavior of a system. The butterfly that I am referring to today is the health of wildlife and the environment in which they live. Most people would say that they want to save the panda and baby harp seals but what is so important about some non descript fish, wolves that prey on livestock or the myriad of other inhabitants of the wild that aren’t so cute and cuddly?
My guest today is Dr. David Jessup. He is the Senior Wildlife Veterinarian for DFG Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center in Santa Cruz, CA. We will discuss how veterinarians are helping to protect the health of Mother Nature by caring for animals, humans and the environment itself.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dr. Diane Levitan, guest host while Dr. Cruz struggles to stay warm in Alaska, interviews Dr. Cynthia O’Connor- veterinary geneticist! Yep, you heard correctly, geneticist for pets- she is also a pediatric and reproduction specialist! What next, in vitro manipulation of genetic diseases? Listen and find out!
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dr. Diane Levitan fills in for Dr. Bernadine Cruz who is at the Iditarod Great Sled Race in Alaska. Dr. Levitan interviews Ms. Dawn Reilly, TNR expert and Director of Animal Alliance of Long Island as well as Robert Misseri, Rescue Inc. member about the importance of TNR and some very unconventional methods of persuasion…
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Itchy pets keep us up at night with clanking collars and incessant scratching—Dr. Jeanne Budgin, board certified veterinary dermatologist, discusses ways to stop the clank and shake.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Dr. Diane Levitan fills in for Dr. Bernadine Cruz who is at the Iditarod Great Sled Race in Alaska. Why do dogs drink from the toilet, eat their own poop, eat cat poop, eat grass, condoms, underwear, and smell each other’s butts? These and other exciting questions you’ve always wanted to know are answered by today’s guest , veterinary behaviorist Dr. E'Lise Christensen.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Levitan at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Ask any puppy parent, and they will tell you that their puppy is the smartest one in the world. But what makes a smart puppy? Is it nature or nurture? Research has shown that human babies benefit from having certain essential fatty acids added to their formulas. Is the same true for puppies? My guest is Dr. Amy Dicke. We will explore how nutrition can affect not only can your pup learn new tricks but can it remember them later?
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
You hear about it on the news. Oprah raves about its benefits. Open any health magazine and you will see articles on anti-oxidants. You can get them in a glass of wine. Fish are swimming with them. Your sweet tooth can be satisfied them in a chunk of dark creamy chocolate. But how do they really work? Can they really help to slow down the aging process? I have the pleasure of speaking with dog owner and health advocate, Peter Brandt. We will chat about the health benefits your pet can experience by incorporating anti-oxidants in their diet.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Man and woman’s new best friend is the cat. There are over 82 million kitties purring their way into our homes and hearts. Sadly, our feline house guests receive less medical care and less research dollars. This shortcoming, along with their ability to hide their signs of illness often condemns them to shorter, less healthy lives. The Morris Animal Foundation and the Happy Healthy Cat Campaign aim to keep our cats ‘purr-fectly’ healthy. Listen and learn ways in which you can spot potential health issues and keep the kitten in your cat. My guest today is Dr. Joe Bartges. He is board certified in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine along with board certification by the College of Veterinary Nutrition.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Travel a few minutes south of San Diego, CA, and you will find a distressingly large number of people and pets trying to scratch out a meager living in Tijuana, Mexico. Dogs and cats often have to fend for themselves, searching for bits of food where ever they can find it. Tragically, pet overpopulation is kept in check by unnecessarily short life spans. Lives cut short due to lack of routine medical care. Thanks to the efforts of a band of volunteers, the Humane Society of Tijuana is improving the lives of the pets and people in some of the poorest sections of this border town. Today’s guest is Richard Massa. He is the president of the Friends of the Humane Society of Tijuana.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
According to the nation’s largest pet health insurance company, Veterinary Pet Insurance, GI upset ranks as the second most common reason for dog owners to seek medical attention for their canine companions and the fourth most common reason for cat owners. A pet’s digestive system is amazingly complex and sensitive. It is responsible for more than just processing food into energy and waste products. An upset GI system can lead to a decreased quality of life and a decrease in its quantity. My guests today are from the Purina Pet Care Company, Drs. Grace Long and Gail Czarnecki-Maulden. They will tell us how to keep our pet’s GI system on the right tract.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Thanks to advancements in veterinary medicine, nutrition and general care, the average age of America’s pet population is greater than ever before. But just as with the aging of their owners, senior pets are more prone to aches, pains, challenges and diseases.
My guest today is Dr. Diane Levitan. She is a board certified veterinary internist. Dr. Levitan assists her aging patients in living the best quality of life for as long as possible. She will discuss how therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, gamma ray therapy, radioactive isotope treatments and ultrasounds can diagnose and help save the lives of our silver whiskered pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Unwanted pet behavior is a leading cause of pet neglect, abuse, surrender, and euthanasia!
It would seem so simple to train a dog or cat to be a welcome member of the family but that is not always the case. Issues may be with the pet. It may be just a bit more tenacious in exhibiting behaviors that are less than endearing. Or with an owner that doesn’t realize the need for consistent, compassionate training and attention. Any parent who has had more than one child will know that no two children are alike. The same is true for pets. Even if you have had pets for years, each pet presents his or her unique challenges.
Today’s guest is Dr. Rolan Tripp. He is a veterinarian whose passion is insuring that each pet starts off on the right paw and that both owner and pet experience a loving, healthy relationship.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We never outgrow our need to be loved. But too frequently as we age, we are cut off from friends and family. Maybe the senior has outlived all of his or her relations or maybe they are just too busy. A pet can often soften the long hours of solitude and be just the impetus needed to get off that couch and take the dog for a walk.
But this companionship comes with a price tag that especially in these difficult economic times, makes it impossible for a elder American to own and care for a pet.
Today’s guest, from Purina Pet Care, Brenda Bax, and Joann Turnbull of the Delta Society will tell us how they two organizations have teamed up to bring ‘Pets for Seniors’.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Studies have shown that people typically remember only 50% of what they are told during a doctor’s visit. Of that 50%, only 50% is correct. Accurately remembering what your doctor tells you can be critical to your health and well being. During today’s show, I will give you tips that you can use during your pet’s veterinary visits. You may even find them useful during your own trips to your doctor’s office.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
A ‘Catalyst’ is defined as a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction. At Tails Humane Society in DeKalb, IL, it is the chemistry between dogs, cats and teenagers in need that has sparked some amazing changes. Injured animals and teens at risk are thriving. Thanks to an innovative program, ‘Catalyst’ is teaching life skills and compassion to the teens and the shelter animals receive the extra attention they need in order to become good adoption candidates.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Shirley MacLaine must have been right when she talked about reincarnation. I know I must have been a cat in a previous life. I love to be rubbed, kneaded and massaged. There is little else that will get me to purr like a masseuse with a knowing, firm touch.
Well now our dogs can benefit from massage techniques that you can learn at home. Raquel Wynn is a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, licensed massage and neuromuscular therapist as well as an avid animal lover. This combined passion for optimizing the health and well being of others has lead her to release her first book, Stretch Your Dog Healthy.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
As the weather starts to chill, the time is perfect to curl up with a great book, especially one about your pet. But which is the right book for you? Or maybe you want to start your holiday shopping early…..books make a great present. But which book to buy? Maryanne Dell is a reporter for the Orange County Register, in Southern California. She is a voracious reader, writes the pet column for the Register and is wild about pets. She is the perfect source for helping you find a great book for your or a friend.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Going to the dentist is usually not on the top ten list of exciting activities for people. Tell a pet owner, that their cat needs a trip to a board certified veterinary dentist and they will likely think that you have been sniffing cat nip.
All cats will periodically need to have their teeth professionally cleaned. How often is often a matter of diet, genetics and a bit of luck. Dental disease can be more than a cat being plagued with ‘tuna breath’. Bad teeth over time can lead to serious health issues. My guest is Dr. Jan Bellows. He is a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry. He will tell us how we can keep our cat’s teeth purrrrfectly healthy.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
The last time your pet was ill, your veterinarian likely recommended that your pet have a battery of tests run. What was he or she looking for? Why do they want to repeat the tests? Why isn’t there a test for cancer? And why do they want to run tests when your pet seems totally healthy?
My guest is Dr. Saundra Willis. She is board certified in veterinary internal medicine. She is going to let us in on the secrets of what a doctor can learn from drops and drips of our pets’ bodily fluids.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Mention the word rabies, and most people will have visions of Cujo, Steven King’s vicious, slobbering, rabid St. Bernard. If all rabid animals were that easy to recognize, over 55,000 people annually would not fall victim to this fatal disease.
What can you do safeguard your family and your pets? What can you do to make a difference in the lives of children world wide and save endangered wildlife in Africa? Listen and learn more about this preventable disease and the second annual World Rabies Day.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Summer is a time of outdoor fun for the entire family, and that often includes the family pet. Some of the best summer memories involve travel and family gatherings like barbeques. Making sure that your summer is a fantastic one and doesn’t involve a trip to the veterinary emergency hospital is sometimes as easy as planning ahead and being prepared.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Instead of “how much is that doggie in the window”, the better question to ask these days is “what is that doggie”. We used to just call them mutts. Those dogs that have the face of a Labrador, the body of a whippet and the personality of a Jack Russell terrier were always a source of great debate at the dog parks. Now many mixed breed dogs are designer pooches that come with hefty price tags. But knowing what composes a dog’s genetic background can be more important than just settling a debate. Knowing which breeds are in your dog’s genetic history can answer questions regarding health and behavioral issues. My guest today is Dr. Angela Hughes. She is a veterinary geneticist in Davis, California.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Will my crossed eyed male Siamese cat’s uncross when he is neutered? That was the question that launched the book “the Secret Sex Life of Dogs and Cats.”
“Where do the puppies come out?” “Why did his testicles grow back?” “Can my rabbit get my cat pregnant?” These are but a few of the questions that are answered in this ‘edu-taining’ book, written by none other than your ‘Pet Doctor’ host, Dr. Bernadine Cruz.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If you have seen the movie Dr. Doolittle more than 6 times and have read the series of books “All Creatures Great and Small” you probably have pawed at the idea of becoming a veterinarian.
What does it take? How many years is veterinary school? What if you love science but hate math? Is there a chance for you? Today’s guest is in the midst of becoming a licensed veterinarian. Amber Anderson is a fourth year veterinary student at Western University in Pomona, California.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
‘Pen Pals of San Quentin’…no it is not a correspondence initiative for the inmates of this northern California prison but rather an innovative partnership between the Marin Humane Society and this penal institution. Dogs with special rehabilitation needs are matched with selected minimum-security inmates. This program and its coordinator, Larry Carson, have had such a phenomenal success that the California Veterinary Medical Association has honored them.
Why You Want to Become Your Pet’s Personal Masseuse
There are few things more relaxing than a good massage for relieving stress, but massage for a dog or cat? My guest, Jean Pierre Hourdebaigt, is an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of dog, cat and horse massage. He will inform us of the benefits of pet massage, from speeding postoperative healing to increasing the loving bonds that you and your pet share.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
They itch, they bite, they scratch themselves until you think you will go crazy. Your poor cat or dog is miserable. Pets can have skin issues for all the reasons that you and I do and then some. How to figure out the cause and get it under control can make you feel like a CSI agent. Dr. Wayne Rosenkrantz, a board certified veterinary dermatologist will help you scratch out an answer to what may be bothering your pet.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Almost 60% of U.S. households as of the end of 2006 owned a pet. Most were cats and dogs but others owned much more unusual pets like tarantulas, hedgehogs or spider monkeys.
Over the years, fads in animal ownership can go in and out of style like bell-bottom trousers. ‘Must have’ pets have run the gamut from alpacas to Zambesi Parrotfish. Owning an alternative type of pet can be fun but it can also spell disaster for the animal as well as the owner.
Dr. Scott Weldy, a veterinarian who has treated all creatures great and small, from cheetahs to chimpanzees will chat with us about the perils, pitfalls and pleasures of owning some of the more exotic animals on our planet.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Cancer is a disease that affects all animals. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, it is the number one cause of death in our companion animals. But how would you know if your pet has cancer? What signs could you see? Does the diagnosis of cancer have to be a death sentence? What hope is there for a pet with cancer?
My guest today is Dr. Mona Rosenberg. She is a board certified veterinary internist. She is the chief of staff of the Veterinary Cancer Group in California.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
If you have ever said to yourself that you would love a career that combines your love of animals, a desire to improve the health of people as well as animals and one that challenges your mind, you don’t have to be a veterinarian. You might want to consider the field of veterinary technology.
Registered veterinary technicians are skilled professionals work in veterinary hospitals as well as in the field. They play an essential role in research laboratories, and diagnostic companies. The RVTs are in the military as well as help to protect the environment with the work that they do with wildlife conservation.
Today’s guest is Cherylann Gieseke, a registered veterinary technician at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It is estimated that there are 10 million more cats in the United States than dogs. That’s almost 82 million cats at the end of 2006 and the number continues to rise. But with the increasing popularity of cats, the fact that these furry felines receive less professional attention than their canine cousins makes you want to yowl. The latest figures reveal that in a single year, 83% of dog owners take their dogs to the veterinarian as compared to only 64% of cat owners.
Are cats just healthier than dogs? No, they can experience just as many maladies as dogs. Today I will be speaking with the president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Dr. Valerie Creighton, about conditions that affect cats, how to recognize if your cat is sick as a dog and what you can do to ensure that your feline friend experiences the best quality of its nine lives.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
I sometimes think that ophthalmologist try to trick their patients….”which is better one or two?” Do they really change anything or do they just want to watch us squirm as we look through that funny device with all those dials and lenses. And reading the eye chart can be an exercise of mind numbing squinting and guessing.
But what do you do if your pet has vision issues? Do you hold up a mouse in front of a cat and ask it to raise 1 paw or two? Veterinary ophthalmology is extremely sophisticated. A primary care veterinarian can diagnose and treat most eye ailments but at times needs to refer a patient - cat, dog, bird or even a horse to an eye specialist.
Today’s podcast features Dr. Bill Miller, a board certified veterinary ophthalmologist. Together we will clearly look into the issues of our pet’s vision and investigate the advances in veterinary ophthalmology. We will also discuss a special initiative of providing free eye examinations for those animals that assist vision impaired people, the Seeing Eye dog.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
With all the advances in veterinary medicine, it seems as though there is a pill for everything. There are however, many instances when surgery may be indicated. Your primary care veterinarian can perform most surgical procedures but there are times when he or she will find it necessary to refer you and your pet to a board certified veterinary surgeon. Even amongst these highly specialized individuals, there are those that specialize to only doing procedures on bone, orthopedic surgeons, or those who provide relief for patients suffering with neurological issues.
Today’s guest is Dr. Phil Zeltzman; a board certified veterinary surgeon based in Lehigh Valley, PA. He will discuss the use of surgery to save lives, correct birth defects, retrieve those bizarre items that pets will sometimes ingest as well as a host of other topics.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Pet birds - they may weigh only ounces or be as big as a cat. Their voices may be a quiet coo or an ear splitting squawk. It is estimated that over 5 million households share their homes with these winged creatures. Though they don’t require yearly vaccines, periodic visits to a veterinarian trained in avian medicine can help insure that your feathered friend lives a long and healthy life. This show will answer the questions: What bird is best for you? How can nutrition and routine well bird check ups help to keep your bird healthy. What to do if you think your bird is ill. Can you really spay a budgie?
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Our bodies and those of our pets are affected by chemicals called hormones. Over production, as well as deficiencies can wreck havoc with our health. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease are but a few. Signs of these diseases can be subtle. They can be difficult to diagnose and even more challenging to treat. A primary care veterinarian will often consult with or refer a pet to a board certified veterinary internist. Our podcast today will focus on this veterinary medical specialist and learn how internists unlock mysteries occurring under your pet’s skin.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It was something in his eyes, a funny ‘Sheepa-dor’ named Watson that made his owner, major league baseball player, Arnie Costell realize that he couldn’t give up. Watson’s quality of life was compromised because of old age infirmities. When others said that it might be time to let Watson pass, Arnie knew that with hard work, some creativity and luck that he could give Watson back his dignity, extend his life and maybe help some other pet owners facing similar issues. So was born the “Bottoms Up” leash and one man’s passion to help senior dogs everywhere. This is a shaggy dog tale that will give your heart a lift and your dog’s hind quarters a boost.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
We know that it is going to happen sometime. We know it is going to happen to ourselves or to those we love. We know it is may be very expensive. We know we should plan for it, but too often we don’t. I am talking about accidents and illness. It is critical for everyone to possess health insurance. It is our hedge against a possible financial melt down if we are stricken with a catastrophic illness or injury. But what if the family member that becomes ill is the family pet?
The advances in veterinary medicine are spectacular, but they come with a price tag. How is the pet owner supposed to pay for these potentially life saving treatments? Pet insurance is making the miracles of veterinary medicine more affordable for the caring pet owners. But not all insurance companies are created equal. This segment of ‘the Pet Doctor’ will explore how the concerned pet owner can find pet insurance company that fits their individual needs. My guest today is Ms. Laura Bennett of Embrace Pet Insurance.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
With the advent of computers, a great deal of research that previously was performed using animal models can now be done with machines. But computers are not living organisms and the best computer model can not always predict what will occur in real life. The Foundation of Biomedical Research is the oldest, and largest organization in the United States devoted to promoting public understanding, respect and support for the humane and responsible use of animal research. Mr. Paul McKellips, the vice president of FBR will discuss with me the ways that animals have made an irreplaceable impact on life saving advances in human and veterinary medicine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is estimated that of the 83 million cats in the United States, only 1/3 receive adequate, regular veterinary attention. Why are these felines merely scratching the surface of the medical care they need? This segment of the Pet Doctor will feature Dr. Patricia Olson of the Morris Animal Foundation. She will help to clear away the fur and show cat owners how to keep their feline friends purring with optimal health.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Saying goodbye to a friend is always hard. When it is a pet that has become a part of the family, it can be especially difficult.
The need to allow a pet to pass on quickly, painlessly and with dignity can be due to a myriad of reasons – organ failure, uncontrollable medical conditions, crippling arthritis, cancer, senility or other issues that rob your friend of a good quality of life.
“When is the right time to euthanize my beloved pet?” This is a very personal decision. You never want to do it too soon or too late. Dr. Alice Villalobos will discuss coming to terms with saying our final farewell.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Medicine cabinets throughout the U.S. bulge with supplements meant to ease arthritis improve eyesight and sharpen the wits….not only for people but for their pets. But it is a ‘buyer beware’ situation for pet owners because there is no governmental agency insuring that what you are purchasing for your pet is safe, efficacious or even contains the ingredients listed on the label. I will speak with a veterinarian who has dedicated his professional career to alternative herbal medicine for pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
A pediatrician and veterinarian are similar in many ways. Their patients have difficulty voicing their fears and concerns over medical procedures. And being separated from those that love them merely worsens the situation. Thanks to 2 dads, a dog named Josh, a marvelous book and a plush toy Golden retriever, children undergoing medical diagnostics or surgeries, have a friend who will be with them at all times and let them know that ‘it will be all right.
What do premature babies and dogs suffering with separation anxiety have in common? They both are calmed by the sound of a beating heart and soothed when played simple children’s lullabies. Learn how a unique blending of these two sounds can bring tranquility to your baby…human or canine.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Science has shown that a pet’s nervous system is very similar to ours. So why is it that when we are in pain, everyone around us knows about it but our dogs and cats rarely declare their discomfort. Dr. Steven Fox, of Norvartis Animal Health will help us understand the signs of pets in pain and discuss new ways that veterinarians have to relieve it.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It seems as though it should be easy enough…go to your local pet store and purchase a shampoo for what ails your pet, whether it be a stinky coat, dandruff or fleas. But the choices are staggering and the labels are of little assistance. We will banish the soap scum forming rings around ingredient lists and wash away the confusion of product selection.
Bathing your pet doesn’t have to resemble either a three ring circus or involve a trip to the emergency clinic for the pet or the owner. We will learn some tricks and tips from a professional groomer that can make bath time almost play time.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are over 54 million cats and dogs in the United States that are overweight. What is worse, many pet owners are in denial thinking….”Oh no, not my pet, it just has big bones or is just a little fluffy.” February has been designated the first ever “National Canine Weight Check” month. This is the perfect time for pet owners to determine if their pet is really fit or flabby, fluffy or fat.
My guest today is Dr. Elizabeth Flickinger of Iams Pet Care. Dr. Beth has a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences and is a registered dietician. She is currently a senior scientist at Proctor and Gamble, with a primary research focus on obesity and obesity related conditions in dogs and cats.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
It is not unusual to covet what you can’t have. Cats are the number one pet in the United States but millions of people who would love to own one can’t. Often it is because they suffer with the singular most common cause of itchy eyes and runny noses in people…cat allergies. Now, thanks to Allerca Lifestyle Pets, any tears they shed around these unique cats will be tears of joy. These cats are guaranteed hypoallergenic.
Caring for a pet properly is a major commitment of time, money and love. When you bring a dog into your life, typically it is for life, their life. But what if you work long hours, travel a great deal or don’t have the other resources that are needed? With the advent of a new concept and company, FlexPetz, you can experience the thrill of dog ownership on a more flexible basis.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Stem cells promise to hold all the answers to curing disease and reversing the effects of time on our bodies and that of our pets, but seemingly with a very controversial price tag.
Scientists have found a way to reap the benefits of stem cells by utilizing adult cells rather than embryonic. Learn exactly what these cells are, how they function and what promise they hold for our pets.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
There is no such thing as a bad dog or cat. There are only misunderstood pets with behaviors that don’t fit our definition of good. A trainer may be able to get your pet to come, sit and stay but for the dog with panic attacks and the cat with territory issues, a veterinary behaviorist may be just what the doctor ordered.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
Advances in the study of infectious diseases and immunology have radically changed vaccine protocols for pets. But what are vaccines? What are the up and downsides of exposing our pet’s immune systems to these agents of disease?
Which vaccines will provide optimal health for your pet will best be decided by your pet’s lifestyle, where it lives in the United States and by your veterinarian.
Questions or comments? Email Dr. Cruz at: thepetdoctor@petliferadio.com.
“…Cancer to be cured by 2015.” This was the challenge issued by the director of the National Cancer Institute several years ago. Though some fantastic advances have been made towards the realization of this goal, the gold ring is still eluding the medical profession.
In the past, lab rats have been given cancer, but the behavior of these artificially induced malignancies was not always the same as that seen in real life. Comparative oncologists, scientists who study cancer in people and animals have found a champion in the quest to eradicate this type of disease, the pet dog. Dogs have taken the lead in demonstrating ways in which we can improve detection, optimize treatment and ultimately prevent cancer in the future in dogs, other animals and people.
Between the United States and Canada, pet owners will spend more than $45 billion on their four-legged family members. But, a single traumatic event or serious disease can devastate personal finances or potentially lead to heart-wrenching decisions. Fortunately, the availability of pet insurance, pet health savings plans and even credit for pets may help some pet owners keep their pets around longer.
Listen to this podcast & receive a 10% discount from Pets Best Insurance!
Studies have shown that the touch of an animal can lower a person’s blood pressure by having a calming effect, now the touch of a person can ease the pain that a pet feels and improve their quality of life. Physical therapy is not new in human medicine and now physical rehabilitation is available to pets with some amazing results. Learn how a veterinarian working with a physical therapist is easing pain, improving mobility and providing that healing touch.
Children's Pet Book Reviews
Maryanne Dell is responsible for pet coverage for The Orange County Register, the fourth-largest newspaper in California. She has been writing about pets, with a special interest in dogs, since 1994. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She competes in agility with her chow mix, Fly, and does pet therapy work with her Tibetan spaniel, Jitterbug.
Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. An unhealthy mouth allows bacteria to access the body’s blood supply. This shower of bacteria can cause irreversible damage to the liver, kidneys, joints and heart muscle. The damage will not be immediate but insidious in nature.
It is estimated that at least 75% of all pets over 4 years of age, have some form of dental disease. Which animals develop significant problems is a matter of genetics, routine veterinary dental care and consistent at home dental hygiene.
Also, the VNN Report: Thanksgiving Safety for Pets
More pets die every year because of avoidable mistakes on the part of their owners than from a combination of all infectious diseases combined. The mistake….not wearing identification at all times. The owners just never think that their pet will get lost. We will hear from Dr. Dan Knox of the AVID microchip company who will tell us how something as small as a grain of rice could save your pet’s life.
We will also talk with Maryanne Dell of the California Orange County Register Newspaper. Maryanne loves pets and loves to read. This passion has made her the perfect person to review children’s books that deal with pets. She will be a regular guest on this show.
Dr. Gregory Hammer, of Dover, Delaware, the current president American Veterinary Medical Association, will address the shortage, what can be done to correct it and the ways that veterinarians are helping to feed the burgeoning population of the world and their role in homeland security.