In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, host Michael Shirley and veterinary professionals discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy weight for pets. They explore the common causes of pet obesity, the health risks associated with being overweight, and the steps pet owners can take to ensure their pets are at a healthy weight. The conversation also highlights Family Pet Health's structured weight loss program designed to help pets shed excess pounds safely and effectively, ultimately improving their quality of life.

An estimated 59% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Good nutrition and weight management are key to your pet’s overall health. These healthy habits are created at a young age for your pet and it’s up to you to help them maintain these habits. Through a good diet and proper exercise, you greatly increase your pet’s chance at a long, healthy life.

Keywords

pet health, weight management, veterinary care, pet nutrition, healthy pets, pet owners, weight loss program, pet wellness, obesity in pets, veterinary advice

We are happy to have Dr. Adam Christman joins us again for this episode of The Family Pet Podcast! In this episode of the pod, host Stephen Shirley and Dr. Adam Christman discuss essential New Year's resolutions for pet owners. They emphasize the importance of spending quality time with pets, scheduling regular wellness visits, measuring food accurately to prevent obesity, and ensuring that microchip information is up to date. The conversation is filled with practical tips and engaging anecdotes, making it a valuable resource for pet parents looking to enhance their pets' health and happiness in the new year.

Where to find Dr. Adam Christman:

Website https://dradamchristman.com/
Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/adam_christman/
Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/Dr.AdamChristman
TikTok @ https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.adamchristman52
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAdamChristman

Keywords

pet care, pet wellness, pet health, pet resolutions, veterinary advice, pet owners, pet nutrition, pet safety, pet training, pet enrichment

Find Dr. Forbes DVM on all the socials @drforbeez

Lighthouse Veterinary Allergy & Dermatology website

Follow Dr Reeder on Instagram

Show Notes for This Week’s Episode: Tackling Pet Skin and Allergy Issues with Dr. Chris Reeder, DVM, DACVD

In this episode of The Family Pet Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Chris Reeder, DVM, DACVD, and owner of Lighthouse Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology, to dive into the world of veterinary dermatology. Did you know that skin and allergy issues are the top reasons pet parents take their furry companions to the vet? Even more alarming, they’re the second leading cause of pet surrenders to animal shelters.

Dr. Reeder shares insights on common dermatological conditions in pets, the importance of accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment options. From itchy skin and ear infections to food allergies and environmental sensitivities, we cover it all. Plus, Dr. Reeder provides practical advice for managing chronic skin conditions and helping pets live more comfortable, itch-free lives.

Takeaways

• Skin and allergy issues are widespread and can greatly impact a pet’s quality of life.
• Early detection and treatment are key to preventing more serious complications.
• Pet parents play a vital role in managing their pet’s dermatological health through proper care and regular vet visits.

Whether your pet suffers from seasonal allergies or chronic skin conditions, this episode offers valuable tips to keep them happy and healthy. Tune in for an enlightening discussion with Dr. Chris Reeder!

Resources Mentioned

• Lighthouse Veterinary Allergy and Dermatology
• Tips for Managing Pet Allergies at Home

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow curious pet parents!

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, hosts Michael and Stephen welcome back Marie and Frank Barnas to discuss their documentary, 'The Cost of Caring.' The conversation explores the emotional challenges faced by veterinary professionals, including compassion fatigue, and the importance of understanding the realities of pet healthcare. The documentary aims to shed light on the struggles within the veterinary profession while also highlighting the passion and dedication of those who care for our pets. The episode also touches on the future of the documentary, its distribution plans, and how it can serve as an educational tool for pet parents and veterinary professionals and students alike.

Takeaways

The documentary 'The Cost of Caring' addresses the high rate of suicides in the veterinary profession.
Compassion fatigue is a significant issue for veterinary professionals, impacting their emotional well-being.
The film aims to educate both pet parents and veterinary professionals about the challenges faced in the industry.
Marie and Frank Barnas emphasize the importance of communication in veterinary care.
The documentary has been well-received at film festivals and is set to air on PBS.
Understanding the financial aspects of veterinary care is crucial for pet owners.
The emotional toll of veterinary work can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.
The film highlights the need for support within the veterinary community.
Future plans include making the documentary accessible for free to a wider audience.
The hosts encourage pet parents to engage positively with their veterinarians.

Keywords

pet healthcare, veterinary profession, compassion fatigue, documentary, pet parents, mental health, veterinary challenges, cost of caring, pet care education, emotional toll

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, hosts Michael and Stephen Shirley speak with guest Dr. Craig Pryor about the importance of understanding parasites in pets, the role of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), and the dynamic nature of parasites. They explore the evolution of pet care, the risks associated with internal parasites and heartworms, and the challenges of resistance in treatments. The conversation emphasizes the need for pet owners to take proactive measures to protect their pets and families from parasites, while also providing valuable resources for further information.

Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) webiste

Pet Disease Alerts heatmaps

Pets and Parasites website

Takeaways

• The Companion Animal Parasite Council aims to protect pets from parasites.
• Parasites can transmit diseases to humans, making awareness crucial.
• Pets have become more integrated into family life, increasing parasite exposure.
• Ticks are active year-round, even in winter conditions.
• Resistance to treatments is a growing concern for pet owners.
• Regular testing for parasites is essential, especially in puppies and kittens.
• Environmental cleanliness can reduce parasite risks significantly.
• Veterinarians are key resources for pet health and parasite prevention.
• Dog parks can be hotspots for intestinal parasites.
• Year-round prevention is vital for protecting pets from heartworms.

Keywords

pet health, parasites, zoonotic diseases, heartworms, pet care, Companion Animal Parasite Council, internal parasites, tick prevention, pet wellness, veterinary advice

In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, hosts Michael and Stephen discuss the importance of being prepared for pet emergencies, especially during the holiday season when regular veterinary offices may be closed. They are joined by Dr. Matt Mink from VEG Murfreesboro, who shares insights into the differences between emergency veterinary care and general practice, including wait times, costs, and communication strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for pet owners to trust their instincts when it comes to seeking emergency care and provides practical tips for navigating the experience.

Takeaways

The more you know about pet healthcare, the better pet parent you can be.
Pet emergencies often occur when regular vet offices are closed, especially during holidays.
Emergency clinics operate differently than general practices, with no appointments and potentially longer wait times.
If you're worried enough to call an emergency vet, you should probably go in.
Emergency care can be more expensive due to the need for 24/7 staffing and specialized equipment.
Communication with the veterinary team is crucial during emergencies.
Pet owners should bring snacks and entertainment for potentially long wait times.
Emergency clinics often have open concept treatment areas, allowing pet owners to see care in real-time.
Pets cannot communicate their issues, so trust your instincts as a pet owner.
Emergency clinics are prepared for a wide range of urgent situations, from foreign bodies to critical care.

We rescued this from the vaults of the Family Pet Podcast, and the topic is relevant as we navigate the winter holiday season. In this episode of the Family Pet Podcast, hosts Michael and Stephen discuss many food items that can poison your pet with Dr. Renee Schmid, a veterinary toxicologist. They explore various toxins that pets may encounter during the summer months, including common household items, outdoor hazards, and the importance of using pet-safe products. The conversation emphasizes the need for pet parents to be aware of potential dangers and provides practical advice for keeping pets safe during the summer. Dr. Schmid also shares insights on the Pet Poison Helpline and how to handle emergencies involving pet toxins.

Pet Poison Helpline website

pet safety, toxins, pet poison hotline, veterinary advice, pet care, toxic plants, pet health, pet parents, animal safety, summer activities

• Onions and garlic are common summer toxins for pets.
• Moldy foods can develop tremorgenic mycotoxins that are harmful to pets.
• Alcohol can be toxic to pets, and they can get drunk from it.
• Flea and tick products intended for dogs can be fatal to cats.
• Always read labels and follow warnings on pet products.
• Marijuana exposure calls have increased significantly in recent years.
• Pet parents should be cautious with wild mushrooms during hikes.
• The Pet Poison Helpline is a valuable resource for pet emergencies.