Vets To Go Radio Podcast

A unique organization in Calgary is helping people who want to donate money to worthy animal causes, but are overwhelmed with which organizations to support. The Four Feet Companion Foundation provides grants to other animal rescues and organizations, and they help a wide range of animal groups - not just dogs and cats, but also horses and even pot bellied-pigs! We'll speak to them today to learn more about what they do, and the impact they're having on animals in need in Alberta. Plus, October 11-17th is National Veterinary Technician Week! To learn more about the important role that Vet Technicians play in the clinic we're joined by Becky Taylor, the Coordinator of the Animal Health Technology Programs at Olds College. We wrap up the hour with Dr. Wendy answering our listeners' pet health questions.

The connection between you and your veterinary team is one of the most important facets of veterinary care. This week we're joined by the President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association to learn more about Animal Health Week and get tips to improve your relationship with your Vet to help your furry friends receive the best care possible. Dash of DoomThe Calgary Marathon Halloween "Dash of Doom" fun run is right around the corner! Find out how your family and your furry friends can get involved in this great event while helping to raise money for Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). Plus, as you begin to prep your Thanksgiving feast there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind to help keep your pets safe - and out of the emergency clinic. To wrap up the hour, Dr. Wendy answers our listeners' pet health questions from the mail bag.

Recent research suggests that 50% of dogs over 10 years old and 30% of cats over 8 years old have mild to moderate arthritis. On today's show Dr. Wendy discusses the most common treatments used to relieve arthritis pain, as well as some of the holistic and alternative therapy options available. Plus, if you've ever dealt with the loss of a pet, you know quite how heartbreaking it can be. We're joined by Registered Psychologist Jeannine Crofton to discuss the complex emotions associated with pet loss and how support groups can help you work through the grief. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering our listeners' pet health questions.

Recent research suggests that more than 50% of abused women who have animals reported delaying leaving their abusers because of their pets. We're talking with the Calgary Humane Society to learn about their Pet Safekeeping Program that helps board animals involved in domestic abuse situations, as well as their Emergency Boarding Program that helps pet guardians temporarily affected by a sudden illness, fires or floods and need temporary shelter for their animals. Plus, if you're not a veterinarian yourself, it can sometimes be hard to tell a mild health problem from a true medical emergency. Dr. Wendy walks us through some of the more common health issues pet guardians experience and how you can tell if your pet's health concern warrants a trip to the emergency clinic. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering our listeners' pet health questions.

Imagine being able to track your furry friend's vital signs in real-time and share that data with your veterinarian. The PetPace collar is doing just that and today we're joined by Dr. Asaf Dagan to learn about this cutting-edge wearable device and how it can help monitor your pet's health and manage chronic conditions. Plus, if your pet is arthritic, recovering from surgery, or an athlete, pet chiropractic may be just the thing to help increase mobility and improve performance. Certified Animal Chiropractor Dr. Josee Gerard joins us to discuss how pet chiropractic works and what kind of medical conditions it can help improve. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering our listeners' pet health questions.

There's a growing body of research highlighting the undeniable link between animal cruelty and violent crimes against humans. Calgary Police Constable Brenda Murdoch is here with statistics and details about "the link" and what to do if you suspect someone of cruelty towards animals. Plus, if you're planning to sell your house and have pets at home, you need to take a few extra steps to ensure you present your house in the best possible light. Calgary Realtor Kim Fleury joins us to give us her top tips and tricks for selling your pet-friendly home. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners' pet questions.

A unique program at the University of Calgary is helping Veterinary students gain valuable hands-on experience while helping low-income families with pets in our community. Serge Chalhoub from the UC Faculty of Veterinary Medicine joins us to talk about the CUPS program and how it's helping veterinary students and participants alike. Plus, if your dog can't get enough of playing fetch, there's an ingenious new product on the market that will keep your pup entertained for hours on end! William Kennedy joins us with all the details on this award-winning dog toy. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners' pet questions.

If you're an expectant parent with a dog at home have you thought about how your pooch will handle having a new baby in the house? Mike Wombacher, Author of Good Dog, Happy Baby joins us to with tips on how you can teach your dog and baby to get along beautifully. Plus,August 29th is the 2nd Annual Paws in the Park Event in support of Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)! Event Organizer, Jeff Shikaze (Shik-az-eee), joins us to share all the details of this family and pet-friendly event and how your attendance helps animals in need right in our own backyard. As always, we'll also cover a number of important questions that listeners have submitted during our "Ask Dr. Wendy" segment in the last half of the show!

The 14th Annual Mutt Strut held by the Cochrane & Area Humane Society is just a few weeks away! We're joined by event organizer, Jaimie Anton, to hear all about the fun you and your mutt can have on September 12th to help animals in need. Plus, what are the warning signs that your pet's health may be at risk?  Dr. Wendy goes over the 7 hidden signs that often are the early indicators that your pet may have underlying health problems. As always, we'll also cover a number of important questions that listeners have submitted during our "Ask Dr. Wendy" segment in the last half of the show!

Have you ever wondered what happens to a racing greyhound after they retire from the track? We're chatting with the Northwest Canadian Greyhound League today to learn how their organization is helping to retrain and rehome greyhounds and why they make fantastic family pets. Plus, it's estimated that up to 50% of kids aged 12 and under have been bitten by a dog. Today we're learning about bite prevention techniques and their "Be A Tree" program with Teresa Lewin from Doggone Safe Canada and how their educational programs are a fun way to give kids the skills they need to be safe. We'll wrap up the show with vet Q & A with Dr. Wendy.

If you've got a pet that suffers from separation anxiety or get stressed easily, music might be able to help. Julliard pianist and co-creator of the CD "Through A Dog's Ear" Lisa Spector joins us to discuss how music can help soothe and relax animals. Plus, next weekend is Marda Gras Festival in Calgary and we're joined by festival organizer, Shannon McNally, to hear all about the fun our two and four-legged listeners can expect to have! Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions.

Dr. Wendy and Guest Co-Host Jessica Fielding broadcast the show live from Pet-a-Palooza Calgary at Eau Claire Market! Guests include the organizers of Pet-a-Palooza, Perfect Turf Pet Grass, For the Love of Danes Rescue and Natural Balance Pet Food. Plus, Dr. Wendy answers listener questions live on the air!

In recent months, there has been flurry of posts and discussions on social media related to dog thefts in Calgary backyards. Rumours range from dogs being lured from their backyards to reports of suspicious white vans trolling neighbourhoods to steal bait dogs. Staff Sgt. Michelle Doyle from the Calgary Police Service joins us today to help separate fact from fiction when it comes to dog theft rates in Calgary and what to do if you feel your pet is being targeted. Plus, Muttley Crew has been grooming Calgary dogs for the last several years using only organic and chemical free products, but they've recently moved into a new facility that boasts an impressive range of new services for eco-friendly pet parents. Owner & Groomer Annie Cole joins us on the second half of the show to tell us about her exciting new facility and the services they will be offering. We'll wrap up the show with vet Q & A with Dr. Wendy.

There's an exciting new outdoor festival in Calgary this year and if you're a pet lover you won't want to miss it! We're talking with the organizers of Pet-a-Palooza West to hear all about the fun, free entertainment and attractions happening at Ear Claire Market on July 25th & 26th. Plus, Dr. Wendy clears up some confusion with pest and parasite tips for your pet. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions

Cats are notoriously picky eaters, but researchers have recently uncovered the science as to why. Our first guest today is research scientist Michelle Sandau, and she's sharing some insight as to why your feline is so finicky and how their taste buds may perceive flavours differently. Plus, if you think all pet safety products are tested before hitting the market, think again! We've got the Center for Pet Safety on with us today to talk about how their organization is helping pet-parents make safer choices for pet gear and to learn about what car harnesses for dogs passed their safety tests. Dr. Wendy answers your pet health questions.

Hemp has been popping up in recent months in everything from pet wear to dog toys. Now, a BC company hopes to bring their hemp-based medicinal products for pets to the market with the intention of alleviating aches, pains, and arthritis. Darcy Bomford, CEO of TrueLeaf Medical Marijuana joins us to talk about their plans to launch a line of medicinal cannabis products for pets. Plus, summer patio season is here and Calgary pet lovers are fortunate to have access to the only officially licensed pet-patio in Canada! Harris Dvorkin, founder of Ranchman's Cookhouse is here to talk about their pet-patio, "Yappy Hour" and what the process was like to get approval. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions.

With so many different brands and varieties of pet food on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing and overwhelming at times. We're joined today by Brent Hauberg from Tail Blazers Health Food Store for Pets to learn how to understand pet food labels and what ingredients should be red flags for pet parents. Plus, if your kids love animals, you'll want to check out the Calgary Humane Societies 'Fur, Fins & Feathers' summer camp program! We've got Philip Fulton from CHS with us to talk about the fun and educational summer programs available for Calgary-area kids. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions.

Mosquitos are more than just a summertime annoyance; they can transmit a variety of parasites and illnesses to your pet! Calgary entrepreneur Erin Bosch has developed a chewable homeopathic remedy that can help your pet avoid being bitten and she's here to talk about her exciting new product. Plus, June is Canine Megaesophagus awareness month and Chrissy Wilson, Co-Founder of Bailey Chairs 4 Dogs joins us to talk more about this relatively unknown digestive condition and how a functional (yet adorable!) feeding chair can help extend the lives of dogs suffering from the disease. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions.

There are many reasons why dogs are called mans' best friends: not only do they offer unparalleled companionship, but a growing body of research shows they also boost human health. On today's show we're joined by Harvard Researcher Dr. Beth Frates to learn about the health benefits of having a canine companion in your life. Plus, have you ever felt like doing a dinner date with your dog or going hiking with your hound? We've put together a list of dog-friendly businesses and attractions in Calgary and area and we'll highlight some of our favourites in the second half of the show. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show with answers to your pet health questions.

Every day in cities around the world, animal control officers respond to calls that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. A new book titled "The Secret Life of Dog Catchers" chronicles the adventures of author Shirley Zindler, a California animal control officer. Shirley joins us in the first half of the show to share some of her stories from the book with us. Plus, Flames Central is hosting a fun and unique fundraiser on June 12th to benefit AARCS and help improve the quality of life for Calgary animals. AARCS Events Manager Lindsay Black joins us in the second half to talk about their upcoming 'Art Combat' event and how you can get involved in the fun.   Dr. Wendy opens up the mailbag to answer your pet health questions.