Podcast Episodes For Pet Lovers

Q&A Topics:

• My dog is perfectly sweet at home, but the second he sees another dog on a walk, he barks, lunges and completely loses it. People assume he’s aggressive, but I’m not sure that’s what’s happening. Why do dogs become reactive like this, and what should I be doing in that moment? (Submitted by Melissa from Philadelphia, PA)

   

• My two-year-old dog knows commands like come, stay, sit and leave it really well at home. But outside, it’s like he’s never heard them before. Is he choosing not to listen to me, or is there something about the environment that’s making it harder for him? (Submitted by Brian from Chicago, IL)

Q&A Topics:

• My cat can be incredibly sweet and then suddenly she'll swat, scratch, or even bite me with what seems like no warning. Is she just a feisty cat, or could this behavior be her way of telling me she's stressed, overstimulated, or uncomfortable? (Submitted by Jennifer from Boston, MA)

• We're thinking about adopting a dog, but we have two young kids and this would be our first family dog. When we visit a shelter, what should we look for to find a dog whose personality and energy level will actually be a good fit for our family? (Submitted by Rachel from Denver, CO)

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• My dog is wonderful at home, but the second someone rings the doorbell, he completely loses it, barking, jumping, and running to the door. Is this excitement, fear, or protective behavior, and how can I teach him to react more calmly when people come over? (Submitted by Megan from Minneapolis, MN)

   

• We have a small freshwater aquarium, and I’ve always wondered how you can actually tell if a fish is happy and healthy, since they can’t show discomfort the way a dog or cat might. What changes in swimming, eating, appearance, or behavior should fish owners watch for? (Submitted by Brian from San Diego, CA)

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Q&A Topics:

• My neighbor’s dog barks constantly whenever he’s outside, sometimes for hours. Besides being frustrating for us, I’m starting to wonder if the dog is stressed or unhappy. What can nonstop barking tell us about a dog, and is there anything a neighbor can realistically do to help? (Submitted by Jason from Denver, CO)

• I hear so much about brushing dogs’ teeth but almost nothing about cats. My cat has never had her teeth brushed, and honestly, I can’t imagine her letting me do it. How important is dental care for cats, and what can I realistically do at home to keep her teeth and gums healthy? (Submitted by Rachel from San Francisco, CA)

Q&A Topics:

• We recently got our first guinea pig, and I’m worried he might get lonely when no one is home. Are guinea pigs happier living with another guinea pig, and what should a new owner know before introducing a companion? (Submitted by Michelle from Raleigh, NC)
  
  

• My cat is really anxious and hides whenever we have visitors or if there’s a change in the house. How can you tell the difference between a naturally shy cat and a cat that’s genuinely struggling with anxiety? And what can we do to help her feel safer? (Submitted by Daniel from Brooklyn, NY)