Vets To Go Radio Podcast

Host Greg Habstritt and guest co-host Jessica Fielding broadcast live from the 2016 Calgary Home + Garden Show! Get great pet-friendly gardening tips from Spruce it Up Garden Centre's Meryl Coombs, learn about the City of Calgary's Off Leash Ambassador Program, and discover locally made eco and pet friendly cleaning products for the home with Annie Cole from Muttley Crue. (Previously recorded)

Until recently, Crown Prosecutors had limited educational resources available to help them prosecute animal abuse cases. The National Centre for the Prosecution of Animal Cruelty has been working hard behind the scenes to design and deliver training to the legal community and today we're joined by Barbara Cartwright, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, to learn about the impact that this training is having on the legal system. Plus, if you or someone you know needs financial assistance to have a cat spayed or neutered, a local Calgary organization might be able to help out. Debbie Nelson, Director of Operations for the MEOW Foundation joins us to talk about their Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) and how it's helping to control the local homeless pet population. As always, Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering you pet health questions!

If you've got a busy schedule or a dog that gets carsick or stressed out around other animals, a mobile groomer might be the solution you need to keep your dogs looking dapper! Today Erv Unger with Fetching Fido joins us to tell us about the mobile grooming service they offer for busy pet parents and how you can win a $100 gift certificate from them. Plus, you've likely seen local pet stores offering "anaesthesia free" dental cleanings, but what you might not know about them could open your pet up to potential health issues. Veterinary Dental Specialist Dr. Terri Faber joins us to talk about these cleaning services and how they can affect your pet. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour with answers to your pet health questions!

If you're a winter sports enthusiast with a high-energy dog, skijoring is a great way for you and your pooch to beat the winter doldrums! Local skijorer Jenn Ferguson joins us to teach us about this relatively unknown winter sport and what kind of training you and your pooch need to get started. Plus, February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and Calgary is home to the Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force, which is one of Alberta's amazing animal welfare groups dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation. Executive Director A.J Bailot is here to give us an update on the work their group has done in the past year and how you can get involved to help animals. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour with answers to your pet health questions!

British Columbia recently passed the Service & Guide Dog Act, a new law that requires service animals to be licensed under strict guidelines and protect guide dogs and their handlers from discrimination. Bill Thornton, CEO and Co-Founder of BC Alberta Guide Dog Services is with us to give us a better understanding of BC's new law and to talk about what changes could be coming to Alberta to help service animals in our community. Plus, if your pet has packed on a few extra pounds we've got some great information and resources to help your pet get started on their weight loss journey! Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward, founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention joins us to discuss the pet obesity epidemic and what small steps you can take to help your furry friends get back to a healthy weight. Dr. Wendy digs into the mailbag and answers your pet health questions!

You may be familiar with the Alberta Kennel Club from the two dogs shows they put on in Alberta each year, but you may not know the rich history behind the group and the role they play in promoting responsible pet ownership and breeding. AKC President Wendy Hamilton-Petkau is with us to talk about the history of the club and tell us more about the Winter Classic Dog Show happening this weekend at Spruce Meadows. Plus, pets are an integral part of the social fabric of people's lives, and often play an extremely important role with older adults and seniors. Dr. Debbie Stoewen, Care & Empathy Officer with Pets Plus Us joins us to talk about the health and social benefits of pet ownership for the aging population. Dr. Wendy digs into the mailbag and answers your pet health questions!

Urban Coyotes are an integral part of the Calgary ecosystem, but they can be a source of fear and concern for pet owners. Dr. Shelley Marie Alexander, lead researcher for the Calgary Coyote Project joins us to teach us about the local coyote population and ways to keep pets safe if you happen to encounter them. Plus, local doggie daycare and boarding company Sleep Rover just opened a brand new facility in Central Calgary. Owner Joyce Kao joins us to share all the details about the their new building and the Sleep Rover concept. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners pet health questions!

If you've recently welcomed a new dog into your family, giving them proper training and socialization will not only help them have better manners, it can also be fun! January is National Train Your Dog Month, and Megan Armstrong from Dogma Training & Pet Services joins us to talk about the importance of training and give us some resources to get started. Plus, ferrets are now the third most popular pet after dogs and cats, but many people that fall in love with their adorable antics aren't prepared for how much work they can be. Luckily Calgary is home to FRES, the Ferret Rescue & Education Society, and President Andrea Camp is with us to talk about the realities of ferret ownership, and the work that their group does to rescue and rehome these cute critters. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners pet health questions!

Even when temperatures outside drop well below freezing, our furry friends still need exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy all winter long. Today Dr. Wendy shares her favourite ways to help your pets stay active even when it's too cold to get outside. Plus, you've likely seen therapy animals making the rounds at local hospitals, senior homes and libraries, but have you ever thought about getting your pet involved as a volunteer? Diana Segboer with the Pet Access League Society joins us today to talk about their organization and how you can get your pet certified as a therapy dog in our community. Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners pet health questions!

As 2015 comes to a close it's time to start thinking about some New Year's resolutions for your pet. Dr. Wendy shares her top tips to help your pet live happier and healthier in 2016 and beyond. Plus, lacking bylaws, licensing programs and dogcatchers, semi-feral dog populations have long been a problem in First Nations' communities. Bragg Creek Veterinarian Dr. Judith Samson-French has been leading a research project to help control dog populations without surgery. She joins us to talk about the "Dog With No Names" project and the harsh reality of life for 'rez mutts'. And as always, Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners pet health questions!

Movies and TV give people the idea that puppies and kittens make heart-warming holiday gifts, but the sad reality is that often these presents end up at shelters in the weeks and months following Christmas. Today we're talking with Hailey Seidel of Actions Speak Louder Calgary to talk about responsible pet ownership and what you need to think about before buying a pet as a present. Plus, if you're still on the hunt for that purrrfect last minute holiday gift for your furry friends, Pisces Pets Emporium has some fun toy ideas to keep your critters entertained all winter long! Kelsey McNeil joins us to dish about what hot in store this Christmas. And, Dr. Wendy wraps up the show answering our listeners pet health questions!

As our dogs get a little greyer around the muzzle and head into senior territory, there are a few extra considerations around the holidays that pet parents should keep in mind. Dr. Andy Roark, host of the hit YouTube show, Cone of Shame, joins us to share tips to help your senior dog get the most out of the holiday season. Plus, the creators of the insanely popular new card game, Exploding Kittens, have developed a simple new way to tell if roaming cats are actually escaped house cats. Game co-creator Elan Lee joins us to talk about the brilliantly simple "Kitty Convict" project. Dr. Wendy answers our fans pet health questions!

Losing a pet and the devastating grief that follows is hard at any time of the year, but it can be especially difficult during the holiday season. We're joined today by Calgary Psychologist Cathryn Hansen to talk about strategies to help you get through the holidays after losing your pet. Plus, our furry friends are just as likely as humans to get cancer and advances in Veterinary Oncology can help our pets live long and happy lives. Pet cancer expert Dr. Sarah Boston joins us to talk about the early warning signs of pet cancer and the therapies available to help treat your furry friend. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering your pet health questions!

If you're planning to hit the slopes this winter, you should know about the team of dedicated volunteers and rescue dogs working behind the scenes ready to help out in case of avalanche. Today we're talking today with the Alberta Avalanche Rescue Dog Association today to learn how these highly trained dogs and their handlers are helping save lives. Plus, you may seen the news that Calgary-based cat specialty store, The Cat House Inc, burned down in early November. Today we're joined by owner Joanne Weigel to learn about their crowd funding campaign to rebuild the store and what the future holds for The Cat House. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering your pet health questions!

Our feline friends have spent eons observing, napping, pondering, napping, and taking notes about the human condition. In between naps, they've realized that we humans could use some catlike guidance when it comes to handling the ups and downs of life. New York Times Bestselling author Francesco Marciuliano joins us to share his hilarious advice from his latest book, You Need More Sleep - Advice from Cats. Plus, a Calgary-based group is helping to rescue and re-home homeless animals both in Alberta and south of the border. Today Jenn Mitchell, Adoptions Coordinator for Pawsitive Match Rescue joins us to talk about their organization and the work they're doing to help animals. Dr. Wendy wraps up the hour answering your pet health questions!

Raw pet food diets are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners, but there is a lot of confusing and conflicting information out there. Today we're debunking some common myths about feeding raw to help you understand if this diet might be right for you and your pet. Plus, a new NE Calgary doggie daycare has an interesting new approach to care that can help your pooch become better socialized. Far Fetched Daycare joins us to talk about their unique program and what sets them apart. Dr. Wendy answers your pet health questions!

Last week, the B.C. College of Veterinarians voted to ban cosmetic ear cropping on all breeds of dogs. College President, Dr. Nick Shaw DVM, joins us to discuss what prompted the decision and what the ruling means for animals in B.C. Plus, November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month so we're learning about the City of Calgary's "Seniors for Seniors" Program that pairs mature adults with mature pets at a dramatically reduced cost. Dr. Wendy is back from holidays and digs into the mailbag to answer your pet health questions!

We know that a dog's powerful nose is capable of detecting everything from bombs to drugs to bed bugs, but did you know it can even detect cancer? Today Joe Scourgie from Clever Canines joins us to talk about the Canine Cancer Detection research program developed through Clever Canines and Pure North S'Energy Foundation. If your pet gets out of the yard or has gone missing, there's a volunteer group that may be able to help you find them. YYC Pet Recovery joins us to talk about their social media based network of pet lovers that are helping to connect lost pets with their parents. Plus, we'll wrap up the hour talking with the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation to understand how Calgary's unseasonably warm weather has interrupted the migration patterns for some animals, as well as what you can do if you find lost of injured wildlife.

Greg Habstritt and guest Co-Host Jessica Fielding broadcast the show live from the Calgary Woman's Show at the BMO Centre! Guests include Equine Connection, D.E.W.S Early Warning System, Black Collar Society Dog Walking, and Kali's Wish Cancer Foundation. Plus, tips to help keep your pets safe this Halloween. Plus, we've teamed up with the Calgary Woman's Show and Equine Connection to give away two tickets to the Trailblazer On Fire workshop (over $1,000 Value)! This one day inner-strength building workshop designed exclusively for women will give you the opportunity to unlock the trailblazer within yourself using horses as your guide. Go to www.VetsToGoRadio.com/contest to enter to win.

Ignoring your pet’s oral health can not only cause them pain and discomfort in their mouth, but putting off cleanings and treatment can often lead to a pain in your wallet. Calgary-based Veterinary Dental Specialist Dr. Terri Faber joins us to discuss the stages of dental disease, what to look when seeking out pet dental care, and how catching issues before they become major problems can help you save money on medical care. Plus, there are a lot of pet insurance companies on the market, but there’s a new company shaking up the industry with the way they approach pet care. We’re joined today by Liz Blake with Pets Plus Us Insurance to learn how their company is different and about the types of coverage they offer. We’ll wrap up the hour with Dr. Wendy answering your pet health questions.