Ask the Vet

Guide Dogs: The Life-Changing Partnerships They Form with Their People

Guide dogs offer independence, confidence, and unwavering companionship, helping people navigate the world with greater freedom. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Rebekah Cross, Vice President of Philanthropy at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and a member of a guide dog team herself. Rebekah shares her personal experience with guide dogs and discusses the important work of Guiding Eyes, as well as the time, training, and dedication that go into creating successful guide dog teams. Topics include: How guide dogs support independence and help their people navigate daily life The skills guide dogs are trained to perform and how they work with their partners as a team What you should know when you encounter a guide dog How dogs are raised and trained before being matched with their future partners What’s involved in becoming a volunteer puppy raiser How Guiding Eyes matches dogs with the right people What happens when a dog doesn’t complete the guide dog program Ways to get involved with or support Guiding Eyes for the Blind Also on this month's show: Trending animal story: the first sighting of a North American river otter in the Bronx River in about 100 years Animal news, including new research on how dogs respond to human facial expressions; how cats use scent to identify one another; and how “HeroRATs” are helping combat the illegal wildlife trade Pet Health Listener Q&A: whether a fatty lump on a dog should be tested; what to do when a cat with suspected IBD refuses therapeutic diets; and when a persistent cough in a dog may require veterinary attention Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

From the Zoo to AMC: Meet Dr. John Sykes, AMC's New Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine. Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy. Topics include: Why Dr. Sykes made the move from zoo medicine to his new role at AMC What is considered an exotic pet How to choose the exotic pet species that best matches your lifestyle Where to acquire an exotic pet How caring for an exotic pet can sometimes be similar to caring for a zoo animal Recognizing signs of illness and when to visit a veterinarian What preventative care looks like for an exotic pet Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Jimothy, a young raccoon who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his cryptid-like appearance Animal news, including how a new study suggests that changes in the way senior dogs walk are associated with cognitive decline, much as they are in people Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to protect indoor pets from poor air quality and wildfire smoke; how to protect dogs from getting sunburned; and how to feed multiple cats different diets Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Compassionate Palliative Care: A Conversation with Dr. Wendy McCulloch, Veterinarian and Founder of Pet Requiem

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support. Topics include: What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic setting What Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to be What palliative care for pets looks like and how it can help pets and their families make the most of their time together Tips to assess a pet’s quality of life How to approach and navigate discussions about euthanasia What a peaceful in-home euthanasia experience looks like and how to prepare for it Navigating grief and the role of rituals, keepsakes, and memorials in providing comfort Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Romeow, a stray orange tabby cat who made an unexpected appearance during an outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet” Animal news, including the story of how a new study challenges the common assumption that cat ownership automatically worsens asthma in children Pet Health Listener Q&A: What sudden movements during deep sleep may mean; why cats may drool while kneading surfaces; and what to do if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk Do you have a pe t health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

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Summer Pet Safety: Essential Advice from ER Veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets. Topics include: Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illness The warning signs that a pet may be overheating What to do in a heat emergency — and one common mistake that can make the situation worse Why a day at the beach can sometimes end in the ER Summer travel risks many pet owners overlook Picnic and barbecue hazards that can lead to an emergency vet visit What ER veterinarians wish every pet owner knew Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about a Great Horned Owl rescued after becoming trapped inside a concrete mixer Animal news, including new research suggesting beluga whales may recognize themselves in mirrors, a study exploring how zebra finches learn complex skills, and fascinating findings about what pet hair may reveal about the indoor environments pets and people share Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing breathing concerns in a Yorkie with pancreatitis; whether Golden Retrievers should be shaved during the summer; and ongoing diarrhea and excessive thirst in a cat being treated for thyroid disease Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet!

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Protecting the Bond: How RedRover Supports Pets and People in Times of Crisis

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances. Topics include: What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bond Resources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and education How RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic violence An overview of the Purple Leash Project, including its impact and future Guidance for pet owners who may be facing hardship Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Dippy, the first axolotl ever found in the wild in the UK Animal news, including the story of Molly, a beloved dog who was successfully rescued and reunited with her owner after a life-threatening accident in New Zealand Pet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing inappropriate urination in a rescued Pomeranian; when to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist; and what limping after a nap may mean for dogs Do you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org or click the button below to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

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Movement as Medicine: Canine Exercise Therapy with Dr. Leilani Alvarez

Proper exercise and conditioning can support our dogs as they age. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Service Head of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine at AMC, to discuss exercise, mobility, and how we can keep dogs strong and active throughout their lives. Topics include: What a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation does The changes in strength, mobility, and function you may see in your dog as they age Differentiating between normal aging and early signs of mobility problems All the ways in which regular movement can support overall health and quality of life Why conditioning your dog for exercise matters What a well-balanced exercise routine looks like Common mistakes and habits that can lead to strain and injury Regaining strength and mobility after an injury Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Buck, a dog who was rescued after being found with a plastic bucket stuck over his head Animal news, including how dogs may try to help their families find lost objects in ways that look strikingly similar to human toddlers Pet Health Listener Q&A: When to worry about hydration in kittens; how sun exposure can lead to cancer; and what to do if your cat has one pupil larger than the other Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.

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Pet Poison Risks: A Conversation with Dr. Renee Schmid of Pet Poison Helpline

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Renee Schmid, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, to discuss poisonings and toxin exposures in pets. Topics include: What veterinary toxicologists do How Pet Poison Helpline works — and when you should call Trending toxin exposures and emerging concerns Red-flag symptoms pet owners should never ignore How new toxin alerts are prepared and shared with veterinarians and pet owners Practical tips to help prevent poisonings Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Splash, a small-clawed Asian otter helping law enforcement with underwater search and recovery Animal news, including how an endangered white rhino with a life-threatening parasitic eye infection was saved Pet Health Listener Q&A: Why a dog may skip or hop for a few steps while walking; what a sudden bald patch in cats may indicate; and what to do if your dog tears off a dewclaw Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok!

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Heart Health and Your Pet's Longevity: A conversation with Dr. Erin Achilles, Specialist in Veterinary Cardiology

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her colleague Dr. Erin Achilles, Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Cardiology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they discuss how veterinary cardiologists play a critical role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Topics include: What veterinary cardiologists do and when your pet should see one Common types of acquired heart disease in dogs and cats How to monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate and why it matters Types of congenital heart disease seen and treated at AMC Tips to maintain your pet’s heart health Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about how an Austrian cow, Veronika, has dazzled cognitive biologists through multi-purpose tool use Animal news, including research showing spider monkeys creating a complex social network to better find and gather food Pet Health Listener Q&A: How to know if your pet is experiencing hearing loss; understanding medication instruction labels; and whether one type of kitty litter is better than the rest Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok!

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Behind the Scenes of Puppy Bowl with Victoria Schade, Dog Trainer and Author

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Victoria Schade, a professional dog trainer, author, and longtime lead puppy trainer/wrangler for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. With decades of experience helping dogs and their families thrive, Victoria shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of television’s most beloved animal events — and offers practical advice pet parents can use every day. Topics include: What goes on behind the scenes to keep Puppy Bowl puppies safe, comfortable, and happy How Victoria’s training approach creates positive, low-stress experiences for puppies on set Why she decided to adopt Boris ("Mr. Pickles") after last year's Puppy Bowl How dog training has evolved over the years What new puppy parents should focus on in the first few months at home The most common mistake new pet parents make and how to avoid it Simple training tips that can make an immediate difference Victoria's journey from dog trainer to novelist Her newest novel, Fated Skates Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about a rare case of adoption in the wild, where a young orangutan stepped in to raise her sister Animal news, including a pair of endangered owls who accidentally traveled by cruise ship from Florida to Spain; a funeral for a beloved train station cat that drew hundreds of mourners; and new research showing how our own emotions can influence the way we interpret a dog’s feelings Pet Health Listener Q&A: Persistent eye discharge in a kitten; a dog who won't go outside when it's raining; and when shedding becomes a health concern for pet rabbits Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Celebrating 150 Years of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with Donald Sturz, WKC President & Show Chairman

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Donald Sturz, President and Show Chairman of the Westminster Kennel Club, as they celebrate a historic milestone: the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With decades of experience as a handler, judge, and leader in the dog show world, Dr. Sturz offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic events in American sporting history. Topics include: Why the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is historically significant What happens behind the scenes at Westminster The role of junior showmanship and why it’s vital to the future of the sport How dog breed standards are developed Why dog shows should honor dogs as companions, not just competitors The history of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show How Dr. Sturz's background as a clinical psychologist informs his approach to leadership at Westminster How dogs, handlers, judges, and spectators experience the event Also on this month’s show: Trending animal story about the heartwarming rescue of a lost sea otter pup Animal news, including research showing urban raccoons may be showing early signs of domestication Pet Health Listener Q&A: Whether anesthesia is necessary for dental cleanings and x-rays; enrichment ideas for senior cats on prescription diets; and whether dogs should wear collars at all times Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Protecting Your Pet's Vision with Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her longtime colleague Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt, Department Head of Ophthalmology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they explore how veterinary ophthalmologists help keep pets’ eyes healthy — from everyday eye issues to advanced surgery. Topics include: What veterinary ophthalmologists do and when your pet should see one Common eye problems in pets, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis The types of eye surgeries pets may need, from eyelid procedures to cataract removal How to clean eye discharge at home — and when it’s a red flag How dogs and cats see the world differently (including why yellow and blue toys are easier for dogs to see) Early warning signs of eye issues How pets adapt to vision loss How eye changes can signal systemic disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Bombi, a young zebra in Kenya whose mother was killed by lions — and how rescuers helped her feel secure by wearing black-and-white striped coats to mimic a zebra’s pattern Animal news, including research into whether dogs can become addicted to playing fetch; “chemical fossil” evidence that ancient sponges — and early animals — existed far earlier than once thought; and a study showing that New York City cats caught COVID-19 from their owners during the early days of the pandemic (and why they likely weren’t a risk to people) Pet Health Listener Q&A: A Bombay cat struggling with chronic hairballs; a young Siberian Husky who eats everything in sight; and a cat with spinal lumps accompanied by vomiting and lethargy. Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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How Internal Medicine Helps Your Pets with Dr. Dennis Slade

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Dr. Dennis Slade, Department Head of Internal Medicine at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, about what veterinary internal medicine really means, and how specialists like him help pets with complicated or chronic health issues. Topics include: · What veterinary internal medicine treats · How AMC’s collaborative care model improves patient outcomes · The surprising things pets swallow and how endoscopy helps get them out · How veterinarians address multiple diseases in the same patient · Ways pet owners can prepare for a specialist visit · The future of veterinary medicine, from artificial intelligence to microbiome research Also on this month’s show: · Viral trending animal story about twin eastern box turtles successfully separated after hatching conjoined in Virginia · Animal news including the dogs guarding endangered penguins, “gifted word learner” dogs that understand toy categories, and the rats trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis · Pet Health Listener Q&A: Managing pets with both heart and kidney disease, preventing feline stomatitis after calicivirus infection, and understanding inflammatory bowel disease in dogs Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Heal the Beast: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts with Dr. Philipp Schott

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Philipp Schott, veterinarian, bestselling author, and storyteller, to discuss his new book Heal the Beast: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Together, they explore surprising and quirky stories of animal healers across cultures and centuries, while reflecting on what these traditions teach us about the bond between humans and animals. Topics include: Why caring for animals has been universal throughout human history How wars and plagues helped spark the foundations of modern veterinary medicine The scourge of rabies from ancient Egypt to today Superstitions, misguided cures, and the return of alternative approaches The emotional, practical, and spiritual reasons people treat animals What the history of veterinary medicine reveals about its future Also on this month’s show: Viral trending animal story featuring Maple, the retired police dog who now protects honeybees Animal news, including radioactive rhino horns to fight poaching, U.S. cities ranked by pet-friendliness, and TSA warnings about transporting pets Pet Health Listener Q&A on moving cross-country with cats, managing recurring ear infections in dogs, and knee problems after a common orthopedic surgery in dogs Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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How Therapy Dogs Change Lives: A Conversation with Rachel McPherson

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Rachel McPherson, Founder and President of The Good Dog Foundation, about the transformative role of therapy dogs. For more than 25 years, Rachel has been a trailblazer in the movement to bring trained therapy dogs into the lives of people experiencing illness, trauma, or hardship. Topics include: Rachel’s path from Academy Award–nominated film producer to therapy dog advocate The story of Fidel, her first therapy dog who worked at Ground Zero after 9/11 Why therapy dogs are uniquely impactful in healing and recovery How The Good Dog Foundation expanded from 3 dogs to more than 1,000 therapy teams What makes a great therapy dog and handler team Groundbreaking research partnerships with Yale and Mount Sinai The Good Dog Foundation’s new initiatives Also on this month’s show: Viral trending animal story about twin red panda cubs Animal news, including why some dogs watch TV, the mystery of cats and concrete slabs, and bearded dragons with tiny backpacks Pet health listener Q&A discussing paw licking in dogs, rare complications of rhabdomyolysis in cats, and vaccine reactions in pets Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Is Anesthesia Risky for your Pet? With Dr. Andrea Looney

In this episode of "Ask the Vet" Dr. Ann Hohenhaus talks with Dr. Andrea Looney, Senior Veterinarian at AMC and board-certified specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia, about how anesthesia is safely administered to pets. They discuss why the idea of anesthesia can make pet owners feel uneasy -- especially because general anesthesia involves a loss of consciousness -- and what goes on behind the scenes to keep animals safe and comfortable during procedures. Topics include: Dr. Looney’s childhood around animals and her love of goats Why people may be anxious about their pets undergoing anesthesia How anesthetic plans are customized for each individual patient Which vital signs are closely monitored during anesthesia The subtle physical signs that veterinary staff look for when a patient is under anesthesia Why “flat-faced” breeds like Frenchies present unique challenges Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring the giraffe who gave birth to a calf weighing 132 pounds Animal news, including a look at how humans resemble their pets, the small-clawed otters with a knack for escaping, and unlocking the secret mechanisms of a cat’s ability to purr. Pet Health Listener Q&A, with topics including hysterectomy options for small dogs, signs of kidney disease in cats, and what causes a cat to have different colored eyes. Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Minimally Invasive Surgery: Redefining What's Possible in Animal Care with Dr. Daniel Spector

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Daniel Spector for an informative conversation about minimally invasive surgery in pets. Dr. Spector has led AMC’s minimally invasive surgery program since its launch in 2024, and he brings nearly two decades of experience to the operating room. Together, they discuss: His perspective as a pet owner whose dog needed multiple surgeries The difference between minimally invasive surgery vs. traditional surgical procedures The benefits and suitability of these techniques for both small and large animals The types of procedures that can be treated with minimally invasive techniques What factors go into deciding whether minimally invasive surgery is the right fit How certain procedures can prevent life-threatening diseases Why minimally invasive surgery is a key part of AMC’s residency program How his interests in cooking, hiking, and running influence his approach to surgery Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring Bitsy, a stray cat from Alberta, Canada found with six legs. Animal news, including the story of an abandoned US postal service truck full of baby birds, how comparative research between humans and dogs is helping both species in the fight against cancer… and wild capuchin monkeys caught on camera carrying baby howler monkeys, a completely different species. Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers questions about whether or not to neuter a small toy poodle, the causes of tongue cancer in cats, and how to switch your pet’s diet for better digestive health. Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Helping Pets and People Through Cancer with Dr. Renee Alsarraf

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Renee Alsarraf for a heartfelt and informative conversation about cancer in pets. Dr. Alsarraf brings a unique perspective, not only as a board-certified veterinary oncologist, but also but also as a cancer survivor and pet parent to dogs who have faced cancer. Together, they discuss: The types of cancers commonly seen at AMC How radiation therapy works and when it’s used AMC’s use of linear accelerator technology for targeted treatment What’s changed in oncology over the years and what hasn’t How Dr. Alsarraf helps clients navigate difficult treatment decisions Insights from her memoir Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well What to expect from her upcoming webinar, Navigating a Pet’s Cancer Diagnosis How she stays hopeful doing emotionally challenging work Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring Buford, a 150-pound ranch dog in Arizona who helped lead a toddler to safety Animal news, including a biotech company that claims to have brought back dire wolves, a new study showing that dogs understand meaningful words even in monotone speech... and the oldest known domestic cats in history, found in a 1559 shipwreck. Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers questions about what a giardia-positive test means in a newly adopted cat, managing inconsistent dog-to-dog reactivity, and whether gabapentin side effects in dogs are normal or worth reevaluating. Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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The Parasite Problem: How to Protect Your Pet with Dr. Craig Prior

Parasites are a year-round threat to pets, and some can pose risks to human health as well. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with veterinarian Dr. Craig Prior, former president of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), about what every pet owner should know. From tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms to giardia and ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis, they cover the most common and most concerning parasites. Tune in as they discuss: What are parasites and how do they affect animals? The upcoming parasite forecast CAPC's parasite risk maps Ways to keep animal companions (and humans) safe from parasites Why ticks are formidable Do dog parks harbor parasites? How people traveling with animals is spreading parasites Are indoor cats at risk? The increasing problem of hookworm resistance and how it was exacerbated by the greyhound racing industry Do any natural cures work against parasites? Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring Aggie the cat, who went missing after the palisades wildfire destroyed her family home Animal news, including the newly identified genetic mutation causing blindness in Labrador retrievers Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions about giving a cat chemotherapy drugs, next steps for a dog with a persistent cough, and ideas for reducing a cat's severe anxiety in carriers. Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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Special 50th Episode: Pet Behavior with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Vanessa Spano

For our special 50th episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Vanessa Spano—AMCs first-ever veterinary behaviorist and the only board-certified veterinary behaviorist in New York City. Dr. Spano’s expertise spans a wide range of behavioral challenges, including anxiety, aggression, trauma recovery, and compulsive disorders. Tune in as they discuss: The difference between veterinary behaviorists, trainers, and general veterinarians What are the most common behavior issues among pets? How Dr. Spano determines if a behavior issue is medical or psychological Body language clues for dogs and cats How anxiety in pets can be managed The role of medication and training in treating animals with behavioral issues Managing aggression in animals Are shelter pets different from other animals? Dr. Spano's advice for pet owners struggling with behavior issues How to make an appointment with Dr. Spano Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring the opossum who ate an entire Costco tuxedo chocolate mousse cake Animal news, including how the birdwatching app eBird is helping protect vulnerable species from bird watchers Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions about urine crystals, different types of diagnostic imaging, and how to effectively apply ear drops Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

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49. How Teeth Shaped Life on Earth with Zoologist and Author Bill Schutt

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes zoologist and best-selling author Bill Schutt to discuss the fascinating history and function of teeth. His latest book, Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans explores how teeth evolved, what they reveal about survival, and why they matter for both wild animals and our pets. Tune in as they discuss: How scientists identify extinct species by their fossilized teeth Why teeth originated in the animal kingdom How teeth shaped the course of evolution, from ancient species to modern pets What fossilized teeth reveal about the diets of extinct species Why small dogs have more dental issues than large dogs The science behind bite force—and why mammals can’t match crocodiles The importance of continuously growing teeth in certain species The surprising ways animals use their teeth beyond chewing Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring Tracker, the diabetic alert dog who detected his young owner’s emergency from five houses away! Animal news, including a story on how researchers track honeybees with QR codes as well as the hidden function of manta ray tails Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions on heart disease, pet allergies, and feline vocal changes Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email askthevet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!