Steve has so many stories that we will have to do a Part II episode to cover more. But in this episode, Steve talks about where his love for both radio and animals came from, how far back he goes with WGN-TV political analyst Paul Lisnek, how he first got on the radio, the multiple writing jobs he had at Chicago newspapers, how he incorporated his love for pets and animals in his work, advice he got from Lucille Ball (YES, THAT LUCILLE BALL!), his new book (Ask The Dog!), how the Booth 46 Podcast at Petterino’s came to be, his own advice for those wanting to do what he does, and so much more!

Our sponsor, Career Vision and the Ball Foundation help students and professionals discover their strengths and navigate their career opportunities. Learn more at CareerVision.org.

And you can subscribe to the Career Vision Podcast with Michael Piff on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

His most recent book is Barking Up the Right Tree: The Science and Practice of Positive Dog Training. In this discussion, Dr. Dunbar – always with strongly held views – discusses Fear Free, puppy socialization, and even prevention of what is likely now the most common behavior problem in dogs, which is separation anxiety. Dr. Dunbar offers free books here.

We do have more geriatric pets than ever, and to answer questions about their needs she’s authored old pet bibles: It’s Never Long Enough: A Practical Guide to Caring for Your Geriatric Dog and Nine Lives Are Not Enough: A Practical Guide to Care for Your Geriatric Cat.

Ear infections are among the most common complaints heard by veterinarians, which makes ZYMOX a savior for pet parents, ZYMOX Ear Cleanser combines protein, enzymes to gently cleanse. ZYMOX Ear Solution provides two options with the patented combination of enzymes. Billy Bosco, research and development at Pet King Brands, explains how this company, now celebrating 25-years, grew from a seed of an idea in his mom’s basement to what it is today. Zymox products are available on:  Amazon, Chewy, at select Petco, and Petsmart stores and at many other fine pet retailers!

Merrick Pet Care Far Star interview is brought to you by Merrick Pet Care.

Merrick Pet Care Far Star interview is brought to you by Merrick Pet Care.

I too am involved, as I am Secretary of the Board of Directors, and explain how I created a fund called the Ricky Fund for heart disease in cats, and why that is important to all cats, and we are making progress.

Progress is the key word for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), once fatal and now considered treatable as a result of funding from the EveryCat Health Foundation.  This is newsworthy because FIP is caused by the feline coronavirus (not the SARS coronavirus-2 now impacting people around the world), but as a result a drug called Remdesivir was found to help people.  

We cover LOTS of ground in this Petcast, from rattling off lots of very subtle signs of pain in cats you might not be aware of to defining feline cognitive dysfunction (sometimes dubbed ‘Kitty Alzheimers’). We talk about how learning throughout life and providing an enriched environment might even delay or prevent the onset of cognitive impairment with age. And how Dr. Carney has fun surprising older cats with crickets (her idea of fun might not be the same as yours, but cats enjoy it). We also discuss nutrition and how to create a comfortable environment for senior cats (ranging from night lights to kitty step stools). 

This Petcast features the very first  announcement: International Human Animal Bond Day is November 8. And Dr. Johnson and Dr Flynn both explain that indeed it’s all about celebrating our relationships with dogs, cats and other companion animals but the human animal bond is truly much deeper than that. And what exactly is this bond? Both offer fascinating examples.

Also, another exciting announcement, the  Human Animal Bond Academy, which launches soon. 

Dr. Lobos offers tips on both prevention – so the cat isn’t overweight or obese in the first place. And we absolutely talk about how to get that extra weight to gradually come off.

Dr. Conway is all about integrating traditional and what was once termed non-traditional or alternative medicine. However, today we know these are merely different modalities and what works best for most pets is a multi-modal approach, using the best of what is most appropriate for an individual pet.

We talk about how to determine if your dog or cat is in pain – sometimes it’s not so clear.

From Omega 3 fatty acids to help with mobility and joint pain to acupuncture to diet to massage therapy– we talk about options which there are more of than ever before.

Dr. Lobos also offers the secret to tell if your dog is overheating. We explain that indeed dogs overheat far more easily than people, and some breeds in particular.

Dr. Lobos says there’s good and bad news about swimming. It’s physically great exercise, and keeps dogs cool but there are concerns about algae blooms and leptospirosis.  And we discuss dogs left in hot cars. 

Dr. Radosta talks on this Merrick Pet Care Petcast about what to do about separation anxiety in dogs. And even offers brilliant ideas which may prevent separation anxiety in the first place, something you may have not heard about before.

Check out expert advice from Dr. Radosta and colleagues at the RealDogNerds.com It’s a platform for learning about pet behavior.

Steve Dale’s Petcast is brought to you by Merrick Pet Care.

Steve Dale’s Petcast brought to you by Merrick Pet Care.

Steve Dale’s Petcast brought to you by Merrick Pet Care.