Speaking of Pets

Dogs that participate in sled racing are built differently. Therefore, they also need a different kind of dog food if they are to perform at their best. Janet King and Dr Alice Jeromin are joined by Dr Tim Hunt , who has launched his own pet food company to bridge the nutrition gap being faced by dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He explains why fat is the most critical en...

Are you still using the "lit match" trick to remove ticks? If so, you could be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we sit down with renowned veterinary parasitologist Dr. Lindsay Starkey to debunk the dangerous myths surrounding parasite control that are putting your pets at risk. From why "winter breaks" from preventatives are a dangerous gamble to the terrifying resurgence of the New Wor...

Witnessing your beloved pet experience a seizure is undeniably terrifying, but understanding what’s happening in their brain can make all the difference. Is it a sudden health emergency, or a condition that can be managed at home? In this comprehensive look at seizures in pets, we sit down with renowned veterinary neurologist Dr. Missy Carpentier to separate fact from fiction. From the subtle faci...

Planning for your future is responsible, but have you considered who will care for your furry family members if you are suddenly unable to? Today, host Dr. Alice joins attorney Nolan James to tackle the critical, often overlooked topic: What You Can Do Legally To Provide For Your Pets. While most pet owners consider their companions family, the law views them as property—making proactive planning...

Animal behavior is pretty difficult to understand. Our cats and dogs cannot speak for themselves, and we often panic when they suddenly behave differently or erratically. Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin unpack the common reasons behind behavioral issues with your pets with Dr. Carlo Siracusa , a veterinary behavior specialist. They delve into the right way to manage aggression, anxiety, and chron...

Could your dog save another dog’s life just by taking a sniff? The answer is a resounding yes! Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of biomedical olfaction with Dr. Cindy Otto and Dr. Clara Wilson , authors of the groundbreaking paper, Trained Dogs Can Detect the Odor of Hemangiosarcoma in Canine Blood Samples . Hemangiosarcoma—a silent killer that devastates breeds like Labradors, German...

Thinking of getting backyard chickens or already have a flock? Chances are you’re still “winging it” on some aspects of chicken care. We sat down with Dr. Maurice Pitesky , a UC Davis veterinarian and poultry expert, to discuss his new book, Dr. Cluck's Backyard Chickens . The book is a lighthearted, comical, and essential reference designed to convey the best science regarding husbandry, nutritio...

Ever wondered what it's like to be a "vet"s vet"? Meet Dr. Doug Mader , a triple-board certified specialist who treats everything from cats and dogs to reptiles, amphibians, and even 350-pound alligators. In this episode, we dive into his fascinating journey from the gritty streets of inner-city Los Angeles to the sun-drenched shores of Key West, where he now spearheads critical wildlife conservat...

Pet surgery makes any owner anxious and nervous, especially since they cannot see what happens to their fur babies once they enter the operating room. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Sheldon Padgett is here to set the score on what really happens when your cats or dogs go under the knife, and why there is nothing you should be afraid of. Together with Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin, he breaks down the di...

Many people are "afraid to adopt a senior dog" because they worry about attachment and loss. Rachelle "Chelle" Allen , founder and director of the Silver Snout Senior Dog Rescue in Venice, Florida, is here to challenge that fear. She believes it is a "beautiful thing" to love a dog in the last chapter of their life. In this heartwarming interview, Chelle shares how Silver Snout pulls little old do...

Animal abuse is a dark and hidden issue, but knowing what to look for can save a life—both human and animal. In this powerful episode, we sit down with recently retired Officer Gary Levine of the Lee County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Task Force . He reveals the shocking link between animal abuse and other crimes (like drug offenses and domestic violence), explains how Florida classifies these...

Many people cannot resist short-nosed dog breeds because they are cute, loving, loyal, and even portable. However, they require a high level of maintenance if they are to live long and healthy lives. Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin are joined by Dr. Liesl Bigge , a small animal internal medicine specialist, to discuss how to properly take care of French Bulldogs, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spani...

Spring is not just a vibrant season of bloom, but also of pollens and allergies – and even our pets are not safe from it. Dr. Alice Jeromin is joined by her sister, Janet Novotny King, to take a deep dive into pet allergies during springtime. Together, they discuss how to properly take care of itchy pets, the benefits of allergy shots and immunotherapy, and the recommended drugs to use such as Ato...

Have you ever wondered what really goes into the food you give your beloved pet? In this episode of Speaking of Pets, veterinary dermatologist Dr. Alice Novotny and Janet Novotny King sit down with industry veteran Dr. Marcie Campion to pull back the curtain on the pet food world. Dr. Campion, who has spent over 35 years working for major pet food companies, tackles your most pressing questions: W...

DNA testing is crucial in maintaining your pets' health. But how does it really work? Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin are joined by Dr. Adam Boyko , Founder of Embark DNA Testing For Pets. He explains that this procedure is not just about identifying the breed of your pets, but also about preventing major diseases and detecting genetic defects before they worsen. Dr. Boyko also shares about his e...

Heart problems in your pets are certainly life-threatening, especially for these creatures who cannot verbally describe what they are feeling. Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin sit down with Dr. Jonathan Goodwin , a veterinary cardiologist, to share the next steps you should take in case your pets are experiencing some discomfort. He explains what to do when your cats or dogs are experiencing heart...

Cats are some of the most loving creatures out there, and they deserve all the love in the world. If one ever finds its way into your house, be it a stray or an adopted cat, you must know how to properly take care of it. Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin talk all about it with Dr. Linda Schoenberg , a cat veterinarian and immunologist. Together, they discuss the most practical way to bring a cat in...

Are you going through hell whenever you give medications to your pets? Perhaps a compounding pharmacy can finally put an end to this problem. Janet King and Dr. Alice Jeromin chat with Dr. Rae Hutchins , inaugural Chief Veterinary Officer of Wedgewood Pharmacy , who explains how customizing pet medications into palatable forms can make medicine time for your pets a breeze. She explains how such dr...

Concerned about watching your beloved middle-aged or older pet slow down? Discover the secrets to better pet mobility and a higher quality of life in this essential episode of Speaking of Pets! Join us as we welcome integrative veterinary expert Dr. Kelly Fishman . Dr. Fishman, owner and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists , shares her multi-modal approach—combining nutrition, fitness, an...

Tired of feeling like there's no hope left for your aging or ailing pet? In this episode of Speaking of Pets, we dive deep into the world of Integrative Veterinary Medicine with expert Dr. Neal Sivula . From the basics of pet acupuncture (and why cats might prefer laser!) to the truth about herbal medicine sourcing, Dr. Sivula shares science-backed insights and heartwarming stories of turning "las...

Speaking of Pets episode 102 - Back to the Wild LIVE Take 2! In this fascinating revisit, we check back on our visit to Back to the Wild, a remarkable wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing, healing, and releasing native Ohio wildlife. Our hosts experience the magic up close as the team introduces us to several of their beautiful owl ambassadors—each with a story of survival and hope...

Speaking of Pets episode 101 - Dr. Jonathan David Dear Take 2! We're excited to bring you a special re-release of one of our most popular episodes from the Speaking of Pets Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Jonathan Dear—a small animal internal medicine specialist turned passionate beekeeper—guides us through the remarkable world of honey bees. Listen as Dr. Dear recounts his transformation from hobby...

Celebrate a major milestone with Episode 100 of the Speaking of Pets Podcast! Dr. Alice Novotny Jeromin and Janet Novotny King are joined by Dr. Tod Cooperman, founder of ConsumerLab.com, for a fascinating, funny, and crucial conversation about supplements for both people and pets. Dr. Cooperman shares the founding story of ConsumerLab, explains the surprising realities of supplement regulation, a...

Speaking of Pets episode 99 - Dr. Deborah Greco! Join hosts Alice and Janet as they welcome Dr. Debbie Greco DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM-SA—a veterinary internal medicine specialist and pharmacologist—for an enlightening discussion on the "Twitter of the Body": the endocrine system. In this episode, Dr. Greco breaks down: - Veterinary Endocrinology 101: What an endocrine disease is and why tiny horm...

Is the bird flu (H5N1) still a threat? The media may be quiet, but the risk to your pets, particularly cats, is very real. Hosts Alice and Janet welcome renowned expert Dr. Andrew Bowman, MS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVPM, and a specialist in zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases, to get an urgent update. In this vital episode, Dr. Bowman breaks down:- The Current Threat: What strains of highly pa...