PetAbility Podcast

With the holidays at full throttle, we thought it timely to revisit this episode on pet obesity. Pets often gain weight in winter because shorter days lead to less activity (fewer walks, more naps.) Owners might give more treats, while their pet's metabolism slows to conserve energy, creating an "extra pounds" scenario. It's crucial for owners to manage food intake and keep their dogs and cats active to prevent unhealthy gain. In 2018, obesity, along with dental issues and osteoarthritis, was put on the list as a major health concern. So yes, obesity is indeed a big problem!Excerpt from original show notes:Is Rover looking a little heavier than usual? Have you found yourself dipping into the treat jar more often? Turns out that keeping your pet trim is directly correlated with quality and length of life.  The equation for consistent weight is simple and familiar: calories in = calories out. But there are a host of items that can upset this balance. Listen to Cathy and Chris discuss factors leading to obesity, from breed disposition to diseases to lifestyle to medications. The plethora of life-threatening issues that obesity contributes to is shocking, ranging from breathing difficulties to increased risk of cancer. This episode is intended to inform, not shame. We provide helpful tips to determine your pet’s ideal weight, get it there, and keep it there. Click here for the Dog Body Condition System chart.Click here for the Cat Body Condition System chart.DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet! Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

In this powerful episode, PetAbility welcomes Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), to explore the harsh realities of commercial puppy mills and the transformative work being done to save and rehabilitate the dogs trapped within them. Theresa shares the emotional beginnings of NMDR, the rescue process from start to finish, and the medical and behavioral challenges mill dogs face on their path to adoption. Listeners will gain practical tools to recognize and avoid supporting puppy mills and hear uplifting stories that prove the resilience of the canine spirit.What We Cover:The moment that inspired the creation of NMDRWhat defines a puppy mill or commercial dog farmCommon misconceptionsInside look at a rescue operationMedical and emotional trauma mill dogs endureRehabilitation and preparing dogs for adoptionKey Takeaways:Puppy mills persist because of consumer demand and lack of awareness.NMDR gives breeders another option when their dogs are no longer useful.Mill dogs often require patience, specialized care, and time to heal.Transformative process from intake to adoption, from fear to joy.Every dog deserves compassion, dignity, and a loving home.Ultimately, dogs from commercial breeding facilities make wonderful pets. 👉 National Mill Dog Rescue: https://nmdr.org/ for more information/resources/ and adoptable dogs.DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet! Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

We are revisiting this timely topic with a Rehab Rewind.  Since this episode aired in March of 2024 Cathy has proudly earned the title of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician.  Join us as PetAbility hosts, Cathy and Chris, share their expertise around this topic that will undoubtedly touch all our lives in some way, shape, or form.Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkable in the past. If you couple this with our ever-growing attitudes that pets are full-fledged members of our families, then the fields of palliative care and pet hospice become vital. Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, deftly explains the integral role that physical rehabilitation plays to 1) alleviate symptoms and stress from medical conditions (palliative care) and 2) compassionately support owners and their pets, physically and emotionally, during their end-of-life journey, while preparing pet parents to let go of their loved one with dignity and grace when the time comes (hospice). For more information, please click on the following links: International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative CareLap of Love: Veterinary Hospice & In-home Euthanasia Pet Loss Support Hotline and other resourcesOther related PetAbility Podcast episodes include:Pets Are Family - an Impactful Approach to Pet Loss with Erika Sinner, Dog Mom, Author, & CEOPet Hospice with Dr. Becky SchoenbergBelieving in Grieving with Laurie Levine, LMHCEnd-of-life Pet Photography I The Tilly Project with Lauren KennedyDisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet! Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Dogs are family — and these days, they’re welcome almost everywhere: cafés, breweries, stores, and even offices. But as our world becomes increasingly dog-friendly, some are wondering… have we taken it too far? In this episode, Chris chats with Lillian Ciardelli, ACAAB, and Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA, of Behave Atlanta, two canine behavior experts who help people and dogs navigate real-world settings with empathy, skill, and good manners.Together, they unpack what happens when “dog-friendly” tips into “dog-frenzied,” how to balance freedom with respect, and why understanding natural dog behavior is the key to creating harmony in shared spaces. Whether you’re a dog lover, trainer, or business owner, this conversation will make you think about life with dogs in the modern world.In This Episode We Explore:Why we’re seeing more dogs in public than ever beforeThe difference between inclusion and entitlementAre we putting our own desires ahead of what’s best for our dogs?Natural dog behaviors vs. “bad” behaviorsHow to manage overstimulation and anxiety in public spacesTraining tips for café- and brewery-ready pupsDog etiquette starts with human etiquetteHow to handle unwanted attention or off-leash encounters politelyThe growing concern over fake “service animal” claimsThe “social contract” of responsible dog ownershipHow trainers, vets, and business owners can model better behaviorOne simple mindset shift that benefits every dog and every personKey Takeaway Being truly “dog-friendly” isn’t about allowing dogs everywhere — it’s about creating spaces where dogs and people can coexist safely, respectfully, and happily.Connect with Behave Atlanta 🌐 BehaveAtlanta.com 💬 Virtual behavioral consultations availableDisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet! Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Galen Myotherapy is a holistic, mindful approach that goes far beyond massage—helping dogs feel safe, understood, and pain-free while deepening the bond they share with their people. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Cathy and Chris explore this powerful form of canine bodywork with Lisa Buchanan, a certified Galen Myotherapist. Lisa explains how her gentle, evidence-informed, choice-led treatment protocols help dogs release tension, move more freely, and even improve behavior. Most importantly, listeners will discover why addressing a dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing together is the key to lasting comfort and mobility. Highlights include:What makes this therapy different from other canine bodywork approaches such as massage, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.Core principles of the Galen approach, including assessing posture, movement, and emotional cues.The types of dogs that benefit most — from puppies to seniors to dogs recovering from injury or surgery.How quickly guardians may see changes in their dog’s mobility, relaxation, and overall demeanor. Insights to what a typical session involves - environmental changes, passive touching techniques, and movement/exercise.How practitioners identify tension or discomfort before starting treatment.Heartwarming success stories — dogs whose quality of life improved dramatically through this work.How pet owners and professionals can learn more or even pursue Galen Myotherapy training themselves.For more information about Lisa, her business, and Galen Myotherapy, please visit these websites:Kinder K9 Mind & MotionGalen MyotherapyDisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet! Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...