Steve Dale's Pet World

Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, discusses several major animal welfare stories that have received little national attention. He explains why the USDA has resumed using poison-loaded devices to kill predators—including more than 100,000 coyotes, along with bears, wolves, and other wildlife—and the risks these devices pose [&#...

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Chris Brennan offers the 4-1-1 on heart disease in dogs and in cats, and the latest on new treatments.  Dog trainer Zak George wonders out loud how and why the American Kennel Club (AKC) appears to support puppy mills by fighting bipartisan legislation known as the Puppy Mill Protection Act. That’s not to mention that the […]

Dr. Leilani Alvarez serves as Director of the Tina Santi Flaherty Rehabilitation & Fitness Service and leads the Integrative and Rehabilitative Medicine Department at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City. One of only a select group of veterinarians worldwide board-certified in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Alvarez is also the author of […]

Journalist, Radio Hall of Famer, and CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Scott Simon joins the show to discuss his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known. Simon shares heartfelt and humorous stories about the pets that became part of his family, delivering the wit, warmth, and storytelling that have made him a […]

More than half of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese—but the reasons go beyond table scraps and too many treats. Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says the issue is far more complex, and in cats, the link between obesity and diabetes has reached epidemic levels. […]

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows says when an older small dog or cat suddenly becomes picky about food, dental pain is often the real cause. He discusses new research on stomatitis — a painful condition in which a cat’s immune system attacks its own mouth — along with a new product called Yummy Combs, designed to […]

Actor Joey Luthman traveled from California to Maine on a one-wheel to raise money for cat health research benefiting the EveryCat Health Foundation. His one-of-a-kind journey inspired the documentary film CAT MAN, which is now appearing at film festivals across the country.  Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Hum...

Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behaviorists and co-authors of Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior, 3rd Edition, explore topics in pet behavior. They discuss whether there is ever a justified use for shock collars—even as a last resort to protect a dog’s life—while addressing widespread misconceptions about how […]

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames, Associate Professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and President of the American Heartworm Society, explains what heartworm disease is and why prevention is critical. She emphasizes that heartworm is completely preventable, yet still too common. In dogs, treatment can be costly and may leave lasting, permanent damage. In […]

The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is an amazing animal shelter on many levels, guiding homeless pets toward loving homes while operating entirely with volunteer support. Longtime volunteer Louise Basgall shares details about their most important fundraiser, hosted by Steve Dale, happening May 28 at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. Darlene Duggan, president of Anti-Cruelty...

Legendary researcher Dr. Niels Pedersen, Professor Emeritus of Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is most known for playing a pivotal role in finding a treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). He tells the FIP story and how, with EveryCat Health Foundation, the disease, which was previously considered fatal, is now treatable, and with [...

Boarded Surgeon Dr. Aaron Jackson of Midwest Veterinary Surgical Services on dealing with the cost issue for non-vital surgeries, and that there may be other options instead of the knife to dispel myths regarding anesthesia. Dr. Jackson is so prolific that countless Chicago-area families have met him.  Joe Roetheli calls dental disease in dogs an “epidemic.” The […]

 A “sit-down” discussion about Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) with the newly named Executive Director, Sue Cappello. Discussed are the realities and challenges of running any city’s municipal animal shelter, as well as why so many people are currently relinquishing animals. CACC is always seeking new volunteers. And there are various other new programs which Cappello [...

Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and dog trainer Mikkel Becker has a fascinating take on shock collar use in dogs compared to how people with psychiatric issues were once routinely treated similarly with shock therapy. She offers personal anecdotes and also the best solution for desperate dog parents as an alternative to using shock. Becker, who is also […]

Veterinary technician Kara Burns announces a fund she’s launching to support studies for improved treatment for diabetic cats and other endocrine issues with the EveryCat Health Foundation. The fund is named for one her beloved cats, named O’Malley, and is the center EveryCat Springing into Action Campaign.   Burns also offers details about the upcoming April 11-12 Symposium […]

Dr. Rustin Moore Dean of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine on his most recent book, Unlocking the Bond: The Power and Paradox of Human-Animal Interactions. He explains what people mean by this, “I rescued the dog but the dog actually rescued me.” Also discussed is the bond we have with horses. Loneliness – […]

Dr. Sara Ruane, Associate Curator of Herpetology, Director of Core Laboratories on their reptile exhibit at the Field Museum called Reptiles Alive! And many are indeed alive! You can enjoy seeing everything from a rare iguana to a crocodile. And there is tackling of the forever question, “Are birds reptiles?”. Dr. Ruane also offers advice on what […]

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman is the author of several best-selling dog/cat behavior books and  co-founder of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies. And a great part of the focus of this organization is about creating citizen science projects and revealing the validated results. Also, Be Bite Smart which is all about dog bite prevention, and the […]

The one and only Victoria Stilwell from It’s Me or the Dog and positively.com offers a new way to think about reactive dogs. And what to never think about (using a shock collar, as just one example).  She explains how often we not-so-intentionally make matters worse by pulling the dog in opposite direction. Does a shock collar ever work as […]

Mags Roemer a Co-founder and Young Professional Board Co-Chair of Paws for Patrick explains in detail what this unique non-profit does to support mental health of young people nationally through the comfort and connection of animals. Yes, dogs can serve as support and even suicide prevention.  Dog trainer Julie Oskerka, founder of a Sound Beginning Program and Founder Positive [&#82...

The  Lincoln State Cat Club Cat Show is at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 25 S Randall Road, St. Charles, Feb. 21 -22. Show President Jeremy Basterash explains what cat shows are about. On Feb. 21st, Steve Dale will talk from 1 to 2:15 p.m, about a new Secure feline pheromone product and offer updates on cat health, specifically heart disease […]

Noted pet expert Steve Dale joins John Williams, to talk about his new book, “Ask the Dog!” He takes a listener question and teaches us the S.T.O.P. method when meeting new dogs.

Veterinary technician Mary Ann Minnick talks about how she’s making her dream come true with All Pets Wellness Centers, Aurora, IL.  This is a lifestyle center for pets and people who love them. So much is offered, including inviting seniors in to interact with dogs. This is a large enough space for special events, which can be […]

Rehab veterinarian Dr. Kelly Fishman says this is her busiest time of year due to injuries related to cold, snow and ice. Before any outside running to chase a ball, she says stretching is as important for dogs as it is for people to avoid injuries, and she explain how. She also explains that more […]

Dog trainer Will Bangura has authored a book like none other, Sniff to Soothe: Rewiring Neurobehavioral Patterns of Aggression, Anxiety and Reactivity Through Structed Scent Work. The dog’s nose is a pathway to normalize many problem behaviors, prevent some behavior problems and inhibit or delay the onset of cognitive decline – yes, all of this by allowing dogs to […]