PetAbility Podcast

Grooming isn’t always a simple spa day—especially for pets who are fearful, painful, aging, or medically complex. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Chris and Cathy sit down with experienced groomer and veterinary assistant, Sophie Wasniewski, to explore sedated grooming: what it is, why it’s sometimes necessary, and how it can dramatically improve safety, comfort, and quality of life for both pets and their people.Sophie explains how sedated grooming differs from traditional grooming, which pets benefit most, and what indicators (chronic pain, mobility challenges, anxiety, or past trauma) might suggest that sedated grooming is the often the kindest option rather than a last resort. The conversation walks listeners through what a sedated grooming appointment looks like, who’s involved on the veterinary team, and how sedation protocols are carefully chosen and monitored for safety.Key Takeaways:When and why sedated grooming is recommendedWhich pets benefit mostWhat happens during a sedated grooming appointmentSafety considerations and preparationHow sedated grooming can reduce fear, pain, and injuryWhether you’re a pet parent struggling with stressful grooming appointments or a veterinary professional supporting complex patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and expert insight.You can find Sophie at Sleepy Dog Veterinary in Arlington, MA. 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...

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...