Vets To Go Radio Podcast

Here's what we covered in this week's show: Is healthy living on your New Year's Resolution list? This week, we talk about 10 small changes you can make to help your pet live a healthier and happier life in 2015. Plus, even when temperatures drop into the negatives many high-energy dogs still need to get out for exercise. We're talking with Marianne Bertrand, founder of Muttluks dog booties, to learn more about cold weather protection for dogs and how to get the perfect fit. As always, Dr. Wendy answers your pet questions.

Dr. Wendy and Greg highlight some of their favourite feel-good animal stories of 2014 and reflect on some special moments shared with Vets To Go clients. Actions Speak Louder Calgary - Take a stand against The Top Dog Store Plus, with the arrival of The Top Dog Store opening in Calgary the controversy surrounding live animal sales in retail stores has been reignited. Jennifer Kaiser with Actions Speak Louder Calgary joins us in the studio to share statistics surrounding live animal sales, how to identify a reputable breeder, and the results of Top Dog's breeder inspection reports. Dr. Wendy answers our listener's pet questions.

Allergies are on the rise not only in people, but in our pets, too. On today's show Dr. Wendy discusses ways to identify food and environmental allergies in our furry friends, plus outlines the treatment options and alternative therapies available to manage the symptoms. Plus, with all the holiday gatherings coming up there will be ample opportunities to snap photos to remember special moments with our pets. We're joined by Holly Montgomery from BrindleBerry Pet Photography to learn her top tips to take amazing pics of our pets. Dr. Wendy answers our listener’s pet questions.

With Christmas just a few weeks away, we're reviewing our top holiday pet safety tips to help keep your furry friends happy and safe this season. Your relationship with your pet is special—it’s a bond that is very different than those that human beings share with each other. When a beloved pet passes away, people often resort to incorrect mechanisms to deal with the grief, such as trying to move too quickly past the loss or even attempt to replace the pet immediately. Our guest today is John W. James, author of The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss. He’ll guide us through common myths about pet loss, how losing a pet is different, and ultimately, how to move on with life. Plus, we’re joined by Alberta’s own Jann Arden, who in addition to be being an award-winning singer/songwriter is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She’s with us to talk about her latest project, The Aden Collar, her innovative GPS enabled tracking collar that can help reunite pet guardians with

Here's what we covered in this week's show: Everyone loves puppies, but a Portland-based photographer has found a way to beautifully capture them mid-shake in unique photo series that’s become a viral sensation! We’re joined today by award-winning photographer Carli Davidson to learn the stories behind the photos of her highly anticipated follow up book, SHAKE Puppies. Plus, Christmas is just around the corner and you won’t want Sadie’s stocking to be empty when Santa comes ‘round! We’ve got the scoop on some great new ‘Mutts-have’ toys for dogs and cats that are guaranteed to keep them busy. And, Dr. Wendy answers some listener questions.

With so many homeless cats in Calgary, we’re fortunate to have an amazing group in our own backyard helping to rehome and reduce the feral population. Today we’re joined by Michelle Caplan to get an update on the MEOW Foundation’s three core programs and find out about their ‘Home For The Holidays’ Adoption Drive. Plus, if you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for that hard-to-shop-for cat lover in your life, you’ll want to hear about the unique feline-friendly items that The Cat House has to offer. Plus, they’ve got an interesting alternative to catnip that cats are going crazy for! And, Dr. Wendy digs into the mail bag to tackle your toughest pet-questions.  

With the holidays right around the corner, travellers will be taking to the roads and the skies with their pets to visit loved ones. We’re joined today by Cristen Underwood with the Quaker Pet Group to get travel tips to help keep your furry friends safe and happy when you hit the road this holiday season. Plus, have you ever been out with your pet and noticed a dog wearing a yellow ribbon on his collar? There’s a growing movement called The Yellow Dog Project that aims to let others know when their pet needs some space. We’re talking with Tara Palardy, the Founder of the project, to hear about how she started the movement and how listeners can get involved. And as always, Dr. Wendy answers your pet questions!

Every year thousands of homeless pets living on First Nations reserves find their way to animals shelters. A large part of the population is a result of pets that weren’t spayed or neutered. Fortunately, The Alberta Spay & Neuter Task Force is helping solve the problem of overpopulation by bringing free spay and neuter clinics to reserves and rural communities across Alberta. We’re chatting today with R.J. Bailot to learn about their health clinics and the impact they’re having on Alberta pets. Plus, Dr. Jane Goodall is one of the most respected and accomplished members of the international scientific community. She has contributed immeasurably to our understanding of animal behaviours and the importance of compassion for all species and has inspired countless citizens to make a difference in our world. Andria Teather, CEO of the Jane Goodall Institute Canada, is our special guest today to discuss the Roots & Shoots program kickoff in Calgary, Dr. Goodall’s Legacy, and her visi

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month and Dr. Kerri Mashall, DVM from TruPanion Pet Insurance joins us to discuss the prevalence of diabetes in dogs and cats and explains ways to manage and treat the disease. And, from time to time, a trip to the local dog park can be frustrating if guests don’t understand proper off-leash etiquette. We’re joined today by Cheryl Herperger from the City of Calgary’s Off-Leash Ambassador Program to learn about a new volunteer position that aims to educate Calgary dog-guardians to help reduce conflict at dog parks. As always, Dr. Wendy takes your pet questions!

From time to time, people in our community may find themselves needing a little extra help keeping ‘food in the dog bowl’ in addition to keeping food on the Calgary Food Bank Pet Food Drivetable. Today we’ll speak with Cindy Drummond from the Calgary Food Bank about their emergency pet food program, plus we connect with Dog Fit Calgary to learn about their distinctive dog walking service to help high-energy dogs get quality exercise. We’ll wrap up Senior Pet Wellness Month with Dr. Wendy talking about hidden warning signs pet parents need to look for in older pets, and as always, Dr. Wendy answers your pet questions!

Bed bugs are more than just a disgusting nuisance when you travel, they can be a costly problem in apartments, town homes and other multi-unit homes right here in Calgary. We’re joined today by Rosemary Whelpdale with Progressive Maintenance to learn about Kia, her bed bug busting dog that can naturally detect and remove bed bugs without chemicals. Plus, Halloween is just around the corner and we want to help make sure your pet can be part of the fun. From costumes to candy, Dr. Wendy will give us some great tips to help keep your pets safe and sound. Finally, anyone who has ever had a pet get loose knows how stressful it can be trying to find them. Today we’ll learn about a fantastic Calgary based group that is helping reunite lost pets with their owners in real time – all through the power of social media! Janice Ter Borg of YYC Pet Recovery joins us to give us more info on their group and what you can do if you have a lost pet. Dr. Wendy digs into our mail bag to answer your pet questions

While most pet guardians know firsthand the joys and benefits that come with sharing their lives with animals, many are unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can come from this relationship. It is only recently that scientists have started to explore the benefits of the human-animal bond and today we’ll talk with a Calgary-based group that provides volunteer opportunities for your pet to become a therapy animal for children and seniors.   We’ll also learn about some incredible options for pets with limited mobility or missing limbs from Orthopets Canada and about advances in animal prosthetics and orthopedics. We’ll also find out how they are helping provide mobility to shelter and foster home animals through their “Bionic Buddies” initiative.   And, Dr. Wendy answers listener pet questions!  

Bringing a new puppy into the family can be an overwhelming experience for some, and even more so when pets enter their "teenage years". On today's show, Joe Scorgie from Clever Canines teaches us what people need to know around getting a puppy, including when to start training, mistakes that new dog parents make, and the various developmental stages that dogs go through. We're also joined today by Stacey Jespersen, Wildlife Biologist and Rehabilitation Technician at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife conservation, to learn about the impact their group is having on Alberta Wildlife in need and what people can do if they see injured or abandoned wildlife. Plus, we'll learn more about their volunteer program and how you can get involved to support this unique organization. And, as always, Dr. Wendy answers your pet questions!

You know Cesar Millan from the hit TV Show, "The Dog Whisperer", but have you heard about the good work being done by his non-profit organization, The Millan Foundation? Today we'll speak with the Foundation's Executive Director to learn more about their dedication to helping organizations engaged in the rescuing, rehabilitation, and re-homing of abused and abandoned dogs, as well as some of the major programs and initiatives that the foundation undertakes. Also today, we’ll introduce you to a NW Calgary warm water aquatic facility for dogs that touts a wide range of health benefits for aging or injured dogs! We’ll talk with the "Chief Woof Officer" of Pawsitively Pooched to learn more about the health benefits of a therapeutic swim exercise program for your pet and hear the inspiring story that led to the creation of this unique facility. And, as always, Dr. Wendy answers your pet questions!

Many dog owners are hesitant to go on trips or have time away from their furbaby because they don't know where they can leave their pet in good hands. This week, we'll speak with the owner Sleep Rover, a fast growing doggie daycare, hotel and spa in Calgary that may be a good option for you to consider. In fact, their customer service has been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce, and we'll talk to them about why they think their company has been so successful in providing pooches a safe and fun place to stay while their guardians are away.   Also today, we'll speak with a unique organization that helps people who want to donate to worthy animal causes, but don't know what organization to support. Four Feet Companion Foundation is a great organization to consider if you want to help support animals, but you're not able to foster, adopt or own a pet. They provide 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 eve

This past week's freak snowstorm was a not-so-gentle reminder from Mother Nature that winter is just around the corner .. and it's time to be thinking about the gear you need to protect your pet when the cold weather, snow and ice settle in.  This week, we're joined by Mark Bewer from Unleashed, a specialty dog store in Calgary, to discuss some of the great products and gear that's out there for you to protect your dog. We also discuss a growing trend in the home veterinary care world -- hospice care for pets.  Not just for humans, hospice care is a growing service that allows pet owners to explore options when it comes to their pet being diagnosed with a terminal or incurable problem.  Dr. Wendy discusses why hospice care may be a great option for someone with a pet that isn't sure whether "it's time" or not. And as always, Dr. Wendy answers listener questions, which you can always submit at http://www.vetstogoradio.com.

Every year here in Alberta, the very controversial subject of the wild horse cull comes up, with very vocal participants on both sides of the debate.  Some feel that the cull is a natural and needed part of managing Alberta's horse population, while many animal activists feel that it is an outdated and unnecessary exercise. This week we'll speak to the founder of an Alberta horse rescue group who not only fights for the protection of wild horses, but also provides an option to families that find themselves unable to take care of a horse. Speaking of animal rescues, Alberta has a number of fantastic ones and we'll also speak to the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society about some of the progress they've made this year in helping animals find loving homes, and we'll hear about a fun and important fund raising event they've got coming up in a couple of weeks. And of course, we'll ask Dr. Wendy your questions!  

On this week's show, we're going to look at the continuing trend of more holistic and alternative treatments from the human world that are growing in popularity among our pets.  In particular, massage therapy is one of the most popular and sought out treatments for many people, and massage is now a fast growing part of the dog world.  We'll speak to one of Calgary's certified massage therapists to learn how massage can benefits dogs, and whether dogs are good tippers or not. We'll also check in with the City of Calgary with a very important and valuable program that they offer in Calgary and area.  Getting your pet spayed or neutered is proven to be one of the most effective tools in maintaining a healthy animal population, and the City offers no cost spay and neuter services to those who are not able to afford it.  We'll find out how the program works, who it's for, and why it's such an important part of animal services in Calgary. And of course, we'll ask Dr. Wendy your questions!

We like to talk about what your pet should and shouldn't eat a lot on this show, because diet and nutrition is probably the single most important decision you make for your pet.  As they say, "you are what you eat", and your pet is no different. Just like the arena of human diet and nutrition, there are a lot of conflicting opinions and misconceptions when it comes to pet food.  Over the past several years, there's been a growing trend to embrace what's often referred to as the "raw food diet", which is really the theory of having your pet eat raw animal proteins, vegetables, and other non-processed foods. This week, we're going to be speaking with the President of the Canadian Association of Raw Pet Food Manufacturers.  Dean Picard is also the owner of Mountain Dog Food company, a raw pet food manufacturer located in Edmonton, Alberta. We're also going to check in with Tracie Nielson from Clever Canines, one of the leading dog training and care companies in the area.  Over her years of tr

We've got a very special show for you this week! Cancer is one of those things that so many people are forced to deal with in life, and it affects every one of us.  If it hasn't affected you personally, then no doubt you have family members and friends that have been affected by cancer. And that reality is no different for our furry friends.  Cancer is the leading cause of death among older cats and dogs with more than 40% passing away as the result of some form of cancer.   For a loving pet guardian, watching their pet pass away from cancer is a heartbreaking situation. If you're a pet owner today, cancer is probably something that you might even think about or have in the back of your mind, every time you find a little bump or lump on your pet.   So this week, we've got a very special guest for you.   Her name is Dr. Sarah Boston, and she is a very interesting story.  She's a veterinarian that specializes in cancer cases - and a few years ago, the tables were turned on her when