Dr. A for Animals

Summer heat can become dangerous for animals much faster than many people realize. In this episode of Dr. A for Animals, we explore the risks hot weather poses to dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, exotic pets, and even wildlife. We discuss why animals are vulnerable to overheating, common situations that lead to heat stroke, and which pets are at highest risk during warm weather. You’ll also learn pract...

A quick safety announcement for the upcoming holidays, a fun tidbit about really cool animals, and a big thank you!

Caring for an aging pet can bring both deep joy and new uncertainty. In this episode, we explore what it truly means for a wide variety of species we love as pets to grow older — including the normal, healthy changes of aging and how to recognize when something more serious may be developing. We discuss the most common medical conditions seen in senior pets, many of which can be successfully manag...

Giving your pet medication can feel confusing, stressful, or even overwhelming—especially if your pet isn’t cooperative. In this episode, we walk through the basics of understanding and managing your pet’s medications, including why medications are prescribed, how to read labels and instructions, tips for giving pills and liquids successfully, and what side effects to watch for. Whether your pet n...

This episode delves into the effects of nature exposure on human health and how we can enjoy and experience nature while minimizing our impact and helping to protect the animals and land around us. We discuss how to keep pets safe from wildlife, how to handle unwanted wildlife encounters, and how to help an injured wild animal. Resources:Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.allaboutbirds.orgMerlin Bird...

Is your senior cat losing weight but eating like a champ? Or has your dog been slowing down, gaining pounds, and losing that shine in their coat? These could be clues that your pet’s thyroid — a tiny gland with a big job — isn’t working as it should. In this episode, Dr. A breaks down how the thyroid regulates your pet’s metabolism and what happens when things go off balance. You’ll learn about hy...

In this episode, we discuss how to prepare for emergency room decisions; how to manage and support a chronically or terminally ill pet; thoughts about humane euthanasia, and what to expect if you and your companion animal are faced with this procedure; and how to cope with grief and work towards recovery after losing a beloved animal. Time stamps:3:50: Life threatening emergency situations7:10: Pr...

In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most common—and most overlooked—areas of animal health: the mouth. Dr. Lindsey Schneider, a board-certified veterinary dental specialist, joins us to break down what every pet owner should know about oral hygiene, dental disease, and when to seek professional care. Together, we explore how dental problems develop, what early warning signs pet parents...

In this discussion with our guest, Dr. Kathy Hickey, we cover details on deciding on a new dog and setting him up for success, safety, health monitoring, vet visits and preventive health care, exercise and enrichment, nutrition, and the basics of dog behavior, body language, and training. Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/raw-or-undercooked-anim...

We discuss all the basics of living with parrots, starting with deciding whether to adopt or buy a bird and how to introduce a bird to your home. We go over how to set any parrot up for success and a happy, healthy life; what resources birds need every day; health monitoring and navigating vet visits; safety; bird body language, behavior, and training. A few resources mentioned:https://www.cambrid...

In this episode, we discuss what every cat needs to live a healthy, happy life with their human family. We start with bringing a new cat into your home and move on to basic care and feeding, monitoring health at home, safety, and what to expect at an initial or annual vet visit, including discussion about vaccines,  spay/neuter surgery, and dental care. We talk about managing stress and handl...

In this episode, we cover basic recommendations for regular preventive health care for a wide variety of companion animal species. We also help you recognize signs of pain or illness in animals that signal the need for emergency care, urgent care, or less urgent medical care. We also outline tips for transporting animals in the car and helping nervous animals get through the travel and handling th...