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Off Leash with Dr. Pete

Off Leash Podcast

Presented by Voyager Dog Food Co.
Dr. Pete Vanvranken gives us a deep dive into dog related health topics. From how to help your dog if they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have to new and exciting treatments for your best friends, we cover many different dog related topics on the Off Leash Podcast. As a vet of 49 years, Dr. Pete has what he calls “the privilege and duty” to help animals lead their best lives. Ask him his favorite part of the job and he’ll tell you it’s two-fold - partnering with his clients to solve their pets’ health challenges and striving to provide those same pets with long, healthy lives. And that’s our goal with the Off Leash Podcast: to educate dog owners and to advocate for your pet. Listen along with us and leave us a review!

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 26 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • #108
    May 6 · 41 min

    Listener Questions: Dog Health Deep Dive

    This week on Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we’re diving into your questions—from dental health and puppy diets to treats, chews, and controversial topics like grain-free food and overprocessed kibble. We talk about what dogs actually need, what’s often misunderstood, and how small choices—like treat size or ingredient quality—can make a big difference. Along the way, we unpack the hidden impact of dental disease, surprising truths about the pet food industry, and some of the biggest nutrition myths dog owners face today. A great listen for any dog owner looking to make smarter, more informed decisions. Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

  • #107
    April 29 · 20 min

    Microchipping Matters

    On this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, Molly and Dr. Pete talk about why microchipping could be the difference between losing and finding your pet. What would you do if your dog or cat went missing? In this episode, we dive into one of the simplest — yet most important — tools pet owners have to protect their animals: microchipping. Using real-world stories, personal experiences, and eye-opening stats, we break down why microchipping matters more than most people realize. From natural disasters to everyday accidents, we explore how quickly pets can go missing — and what actually helps bring them home. Dr. Pete shares memorable cases from his years in practice, including unbelievable mix-ups and situations where identification made all the difference. We also talk through the real benefits of microchipping, how it works, and why it’s such a critical piece of responsible pet ownership. If you’ve ever wondered whether microchipping is worth it — or just want peace of mind knowing your pet is protected — this episode is a must-listen. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

  • #106
    April 22 · 28 min

    When Is the Right Time to Say Goodbye?

    Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions any owner will ever face—and in this deeply honest episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, the conversation tackles that reality head-on. Dr. Pete opens up about the emotional weight of euthanasia, sharing thoughtful insights from years of experience along with compassionate, real-life stories (while respecting client privacy) that many listeners will find painfully relatable. The discussion explores common but difficult questions—like what it means when a pet seems to be having a “good day” right before a scheduled goodbye—and why the timing is rarely as clear-cut as we hope. The episode doesn’t shy away from tough truths, including the importance of withholding judgment when others are faced with end-of-life decisions for their pets. It’s a candid reminder that every situation is deeply personal, and compassion should always come first. Alongside the heavier moments, the conversation evolves and shifts into a more reflective and comforting space, with personal stories about beloved dogs and the many ways we honor and remember them. This episode strikes a balance between emotional honesty and warmth, offering listeners not just guidance, but reassurance that they’re not alone in navigating one of pet ownership’s most difficult moments. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

  • #105
    April 15 · 27 min

    Canine Search and Rescue

    In this episode of Off-Leash with Dr. Pete, we dive into the intense and fascinating world of canine search and rescue with special guest Beth, an experienced handler working on the front lines. From tracking lost hikers to locating critical evidence, these highly trained dogs are doing work most people never see—and the stories behind it are as gripping as they are eye-opening. We explore how search and rescue dogs are trained, the different types of tracking they perform, and the unique signals they give when they make a find. This episode takes some unexpected turns as we get into the realities of training—including the use of human remains—and what it truly takes to prepare dogs for these high-stakes situations. It’s shocking, fascinating, and gives a whole new appreciation for the work these teams do. We also cover practical, real-world advice: What search and rescue teams want you to do if you get lost How weather impacts scent tracking Tips to stay safe when you’re out in the field Whether you're a dog owner, outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who loves hearing incredible real-life stories, this episode will pull you in from start to finish. Tune in to hear how these dogs are saving lives—and why, if you ever find yourself lost, they’re your best chance of being found. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

  • #104
    April 8 · 32 min

    1% vs 30%: The Dog Health Problem No One Is Talking About

    In this episode of Off Leash with Dr. Pete, we flip the script on how dog owners think about disease risk. For years, the conversation has been dominated by Parvo, Lyme disease, and heartworm—and for good reason. They’re serious, they’re scary, and they’ve been drilled into every dog owner’s mind. But what if those aren’t the biggest threats anymore? Dr. Pete breaks down the real numbers, putting these well-known diseases into perspective. When you zoom out, the data tells a surprising story: while roughly 1% of dogs are affected by the conditions we constantly worry about… 30% or more may be dealing with copper storage disease. That gap raises a big question—why aren’t we talking about it? This episode dives into: How Parvo has changed over time and why it’s less common today The true risk levels of Lyme disease and heartworm Why modern veterinary focus may be missing a growing issue What copper storage disease is—and why it matters more than most people realize Along the way, you’ll get real-world perspective, honest conversation, and a few classic Off Leash moments that keep things grounded and easy to follow. If you care about your dog’s long-term health, this episode might completely change what you pay attention to—and what you don’t. Thanks so much for listening and be sure to subscribe and review!

Showing 21–25 of 25 episodes