In this exciting episode of Pets Add Life, hosts Kristen and Chris delve into insightful conversations with experts who share valuable advice and experiences from the world of pet health and the vibrant pet community.
First, we welcome back Dr. Jeff Werber, a renowned veterinarian with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Werber shares his expertise on various aspects of pet health, including the importance of core vaccines, common veterinary concerns, and practical tips for maintaining your pet’s well-being. His dedication to pet care shines through as he discusses the evolving nature of veterinary medicine and the essential advice pet parents should heed.
Next, we chat with Chloe DiVita and Jessica Shipman, key figures behind Blog Paws, the influential pet blogging and social media community. Chloe and Jessica talk about the upcoming Blog Paws conference, the power of building a pet-loving community, and how social media has transformed pet ownership and advocacy. Their passion for connecting pet owners and content creators is truly inspiring.
Tune in to gain insights into advanced pet care, discover new ways to engage with the pet community, and learn how to ensure your pets are living their healthiest, happiest lives.
Disclaimer: Our podcast is produced as an audio resource. Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and human editing and may contain errors. Before republishing quotes, we ask that you reference the audio.
00:00:00:04 - 00:00:14:12Voice OverPets at Life. Your guide to the latest in pet trends, products and the joy of the human animal bond, with Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati powered by the American Pet Products Association and Dog TV.00:00:14:13 - 00:00:26:08Voice Over.
Disclaimer: Our podcast is produced as an audio resource. Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and human editing and may contain errors. Before republishing quotes, we ask that you reference the audio.
00:00:00:04 - 00:00:14:12
Voice Over
Pets at Life. Your guide to the latest in pet trends, products and the joy of the human animal bond, with Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati powered by the American Pet Products Association and Dog TV.
00:00:14:13 - 00:00:26:08
Voice Over
Welcome back, everybody, to the Pal podcast. I am one of your co-host, Chris Bonifati joined as always, by the perfect, pristine and professional Kristen Levine.
00:00:26:08 - 00:00:27:19
Chris
Kristen, how are you doing today?
00:00:27:21 - 00:00:33:17
Kristen
Hey pet lovers. Hey Chris, I'm doing great. No, great. You change up my intro every week.
00:00:33:19 - 00:00:38:02
Chris
But it's because I don't have it written down. It's sometimes. Here's the thing about.
00:00:38:02 - 00:00:38:12
Chris
Doing that.
00:00:38:13 - 00:00:39:11
Kristen
Better.
00:00:39:12 - 00:01:02:03
Chris
Yeah, it's just like a podcast guy and somebody who totally lacks the foresight to really prepare. Sometimes you just find a bit and you bite onto it for maybe like 6 or 7 episodes, and then you forget about it, all right? Because you don't listen to your own show for a few weeks, and you just kind of forget how you do it because you're because you're just busy.
00:01:02:05 - 00:01:20:04
Chris
you heard it here first. Heard it here first, folks. Sometimes even I'm too busy to listen to my own show. and then. And then you move on to something else. the only thing that will be eternal is pup pup pup product of the week. That is the only thing I'll never forget. and a.
00:01:20:06 - 00:01:20:15
Kristen
Claim to.
00:01:20:15 - 00:01:44:06
Chris
Fame. We've got a great show lined up for you all. We're going to talk about two awesome stories, interview two great guests recommend to Astounding Products. And at the end, we'll answer two of your burning questions. and I believe we have a returning guest for the first time, which is going to be awesome. Can't wait to get into that.
00:01:44:08 - 00:01:53:08
Chris
and, I mean, the energy's never been better. Personally, where I'm at right now, I'm in a good spot. I'm in a good spot. This is going to be a zinger of an episode.
00:01:53:09 - 00:01:55:03
Kristen
We're just vibin for vibe on it.
00:01:55:05 - 00:02:16:19
Chris
It's simply we're simply vibing live so that with that, those important announcements made and set in stone etched into the phonograph, is that was that like a phone? Was that was the phonograph the device that made it play, or was it what was recorded on? get in the comments, people. And then for.
00:02:16:21 - 00:02:20:22
Kristen
Turntable made it the turntable made it play, right?
00:02:21:00 - 00:02:44:03
Chris
Yeah, yeah. But it was like the first one was the phonograph right. I I'm not wrong about that. Like before. Who knows? You know, it's somebody who knows the history of this stuff. Get into our Instagram comments and be like Chris Big idiot, you big dummy. That's not what that is at all. And let's just let's ignore that I said anything and start this episode of the podcast with.
00:02:44:05 - 00:02:44:11
Dr. Werber
that was.
00:02:44:11 - 00:02:45:18
Kristen
A photograph. okay.
00:02:45:21 - 00:02:52:01
Chris
So that's a our producer showing us a vinyl record. I know what a vinyl record is, Ron. Come on man.
00:02:52:01 - 00:02:57:14
Kristen
Oh, it's the it's the phonograph. The thing with a big horn shaped. The phonograph had the big horn, like, that's for the.
00:02:57:15 - 00:03:18:14
Chris
Yeah, yeah, it's like Alexander Graham Bell's first thing before the telephone, right? Maybe I'm wrong. I might be so wrong on this. Usually I'm pretty confident in my factoids. This is a factoid. I'm just. I don't know why I brought it up because I lack the experience. I lack the expertise. I'm lacking everything except for the energy. Nope.
00:03:18:14 - 00:03:19:04
Chris
I've got no.
00:03:19:04 - 00:03:19:18
Kristen
Experience.
00:03:19:21 - 00:03:29:05
Chris
I've got no expertise. But I've got energy to burn. So let's blow through this thing. Let's get into story time, shall we?
00:03:29:07 - 00:03:33:01
Voice Over
Kristen and Chris present story time.
00:03:33:03 - 00:03:33:21
Dr. Werber
Okay.
00:03:33:23 - 00:03:37:04
Kristen
So Chris, you've got the energy and you've got a story for us.
00:03:37:05 - 00:03:54:19
Chris
So I do have a story. Still confused over the phonograph thing. Got to be honest. Can't let it go. Still confused. I've never learned I believe it was Edison, not Alexander Graham Bell. But Edison didn't really invent anything. He was more of just like an attorney. But we're not going to get into that. We're going to stay. We're going to stay on that.
00:03:54:19 - 00:04:22:06
Chris
Yes, we're going to Bet podcast. We're not in an early 1900s pre-industrial revolution technology, podcasting. I wonder if there are any of those around. Look into that. Looking to see if there's any of those. but I story I want to talk about pet friendly cities. That's what I want to do, because WalletHub went ahead and did a study trying to determine what the most pet friendly city is in the United States.
00:04:22:06 - 00:04:50:07
Chris
So they looked at three, parameters, three criteria here, looking at the budget. So like how expensive is it to purchase a pet, the the retail stores there, what's the price index? Veterinary care, all those kinds of things. So how much it costs? the pet health and wellness rank basically looking at how many, you know, is the air clean, how many animals are getting sick, what's the mortality rate of the animals in that area?
00:04:50:13 - 00:05:20:03
Chris
And then outdoor pet friendliness, rank. Looking at all the businesses, how many of them are inclusive of dogs? How many outdoor activities there are, what's the weather like, that sort of thing. the so, so that with those, with those parameters, pop up, they evaluate those dimensions using 23 relevant metrics. so looking at veterinary care, minimum pet care provider range, dog insurance premium, I'm not going to read all these.
00:05:20:03 - 00:05:45:03
Chris
There's 23 of them. But this is pretty exhaustive. and they went out and they did their research. They did some surveys. They measured everything. And drumroll please, the winner overall is Scottsdale, Arizona, which actually came as a surprise to me. Not that I have anything against Arizona, but it's not like I necessarily hear Arizona and go pet friendly.
00:05:45:03 - 00:06:09:09
Chris
Number two Christian, this is going to sound familiar because you're there now. Tampa, Florida, which I figured I thought Tampa was going to score well because Florida is very well known for being very dog friendly. So obviously it's always summer there. So outdoors are always right. And looking at it, the number, if we look at it by number one, pet budget rank, that's Las Vegas.
00:06:09:11 - 00:06:32:06
Chris
Number one pet health and wellness rank is Scottsdale, Arizona. And number one, outdoor pet friendliness rank is San Francisco, California. so I just thought this was a really cool study. I think, you know, we've had people on the podcast to discuss the concept of pet friendliness and what we could do to be more inclusive of our furry friends.
00:06:32:12 - 00:06:51:21
Chris
And I think this is just something important for us in the pet industry to stay on top of looking at these rankings, what can we do and promote to make not just our live more pet friendly, but our community's more pet friendly. So shout out to Scottsdale! I promise I won't trash talk Arizona anymore. Your number one on this ranking your number one in our hearts.
00:06:51:23 - 00:06:53:21
Chris
so, if you want to check it out.
00:06:53:21 - 00:06:55:03
Kristen
Fair and square.
00:06:55:05 - 00:07:09:02
Chris
Winner fit, fair and square. No bias here. if you want to check it out, I'm going to go and provide that link in the show notes. So you can see all the rankings. And maybe your city is on the list. Mine isn't, but maybe yours is.
00:07:09:04 - 00:07:19:00
Kristen
Okay. Well, we're going to go from your pet friendly story to a not so pet friendly story. So and I want to get you I want you to weigh in on what you think about this story, because.
00:07:19:04 - 00:07:20:22
Chris
I always have an opinion.
00:07:21:00 - 00:07:49:10
Kristen
you always do. I can count on you for that. So the headline is women. Okay. Woman leaves sisters wedding early after her service dog wasn't allowed entry. So this is from the famous Reddit community. Am I the A-hole? I'm familiar. I'm hearing it. This was, a woman having a moral dilemma. Asks if she's wrong for leaving her sister's wedding early after her service dog was denied entry in the wedding.
00:07:49:12 - 00:08:12:23
Kristen
So apparently there's this 27 year old woman explains, her need for a service dog. She. According to her, she's got a severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a very traumatic event she had many years ago. she she went on to explain that her 30 year old sister, who was getting married, was very aware of her situation and her need for a service dog to function properly in a social setting.
00:08:13:01 - 00:08:46:00
Kristen
So. Oh, and by the way, this this, this dog is, is trained and very well-behaved. So when this, when the 27 year old woman RSVP for her sister's wedding, she indicated, that her plus one would be her service dog, for obvious reasons. So. And this is where the problem starts. So a few days before the wedding, she got a phone call, and, apparently, the sister said she understood that she understood her need, her desire to have the dog there, but she felt like it would be disruptive and might make some guests uncomfortable.
00:08:46:01 - 00:09:08:03
Kristen
So she asked if she could attend the ceremony and she asked her sister to please attend. But don't bring the dog. She also added that it would it would ruin her perfect day if guests were distracted or if photos were, quote, ruined, unquote, by the dog being in them. Okay, so this woman, it goes on and on.
00:09:08:03 - 00:09:30:00
Kristen
Story keeps going. But the bottom line is that she went ahead and attended the wedding. But shortly after the reception began, she had to leave. She was very distressed and, you know, having an episode and had to leave. So now the family is splintered. Half the family is supporting the, you know, the girl they got married and her her request on her wedding day not to have the dog there.
00:09:30:00 - 00:09:43:19
Kristen
And the other half of the family is siding with the woman who needed the dog there. So I just thought that was a really interesting situation. And I'm just wondering who you think the A hole is here.
00:09:43:21 - 00:10:09:21
Chris
All right. As somebody who was relatively recently married, a lesson I learned is the decisions you make about how the wedding goes down and what you do, those are for you. But you have to remember the reason you're having a wedding in the first place and inviting all of these people is because you want to share the moment with the people most important to you.
00:10:09:23 - 00:10:10:10
Kristen
Yeah.
00:10:10:12 - 00:10:27:20
Chris
And I don't know what their relationship was like prior to the need of a service animal. But if my sibling brought that animal everywhere, they'd be a member of the family to foster. Right?
00:10:27:20 - 00:10:29:03
Kristen
Then I got to agree with you.
00:10:29:05 - 00:10:40:00
Chris
So I am 100% on the side of the woman with the service animal. I thought this was going to be like, oh, the venue wasn't going to allow it. Kind of.
00:10:40:05 - 00:10:41:16
Kristen
I know that's what I thought when I first.
00:10:41:16 - 00:10:45:06
Chris
That's where I thought this was headed. And now that's that's tough because.
00:10:45:07 - 00:10:47:22
Kristen
You know, it was the bride's zilla that didn't want the dog there.
00:10:47:23 - 00:11:12:06
Chris
That is a bride zilla that is like a Godzilla from the the new one, like the Godzilla minus one, where he just tear completely through the island of Okinawa. That's that's the that is the level of bride zilla this is at. Because, I mean, an animal helping out a person that much that's a member of a family, or basically saying, you're saying to one of your siblings, you're not invited.
00:11:12:08 - 00:11:23:17
Chris
That's what you're saying by saying the dog can't come, is you, right? You and your issues are not welcome. At my wedding, and I don't want you here. so that's that's what I think. That's what I. Yeah.
00:11:23:17 - 00:11:38:05
Kristen
To your point about, about the relationship prior to this episode, it doesn't sound like it was strong, the greatest, you know, because this otherwise this never really would have been an issue. But I just that was an interesting story. And I know one thing.
00:11:38:05 - 00:11:54:10
Chris
I know about these Reddit stories is they never provide all the context, never provide all the context. There's definitely other stuff that's going on here. but yeah, you know, I'm me. I'm on the Pal podcast. I'm siding with the animal. Ferguson. All right,
00:11:54:12 - 00:11:58:21
Voice Over
beyond the Leash exploring the untold stories of pet passion and professionalism.
00:11:58:21 - 00:12:18:23
Kristen
I was there in Vegas recently. We had the chance to interview our first returning guest, Doctor Weber. That was a lot of fun. you know what I learned? I learned that his father was on Bonanza. The show makes a.
00:12:18:23 - 00:12:27:13
Chris
Lot of sense that just like, everything aligned for me right there. but let's check out the interview with our first friend of the show, Doctor Rory.
00:12:27:17 - 00:12:30:05
Kristen
All right, Chris, this is our first repeat guest.
00:12:30:06 - 00:12:31:17
Chris
I know it must truly be an honor.
00:12:31:17 - 00:12:32:20
Kristen
Yeah, only the.
00:12:32:22 - 00:12:35:23
Dr. Werber
More problem I know about. We'll find out by the end of the interview.
00:12:36:00 - 00:12:40:07
Kristen
It's not a do over. It's are back because you're one of our favorite guests, doctor Jeff Weber.
00:12:40:11 - 00:12:41:19
Dr. Werber
Hi. Welcome. Glad to be here.
00:12:41:21 - 00:12:43:07
Kristen
It's great to see you to help.
00:12:43:07 - 00:12:45:07
Dr. Werber
And if you don't pet parents and pets. Of course.
00:12:45:09 - 00:12:51:11
Kristen
Of course, of course. And I love that you were just texting a client back who's asking you a question.
00:12:51:12 - 00:13:09:00
Dr. Werber
You know, I'm the idiot that I started, been doing concierge for my entire career and give me my cell phone out to my clients back then before I. When I started back, it was a pager. Yeah. Pager number. There was no cell phone back then. anyway, I realize it's great. The parents love it. They do? Yep. And I love it to to build that relationship.
00:13:09:00 - 00:13:10:22
Dr. Werber
But sometimes it's a little difficult.
00:13:11:02 - 00:13:11:17
Kristen
I'm sure it's.
00:13:11:19 - 00:13:15:11
Dr. Werber
Just a live. Yeah, just as parents give you. Just a little push. Just a.
00:13:15:11 - 00:13:17:15
Chris
Little bit. Right. Yes.
00:13:17:17 - 00:13:28:14
Kristen
So, one of the things we wanted to talk to you about today is some things that are changing. and some advice for parents. you've been practicing veterinary medicine. For how long now? 40, 40 years. I haven't.
00:13:28:14 - 00:13:29:10
Chris
Done anything for 40.
00:13:29:10 - 00:13:33:16
Dr. Werber
Years. Have you breathing for 40 years? Yeah.
00:13:33:18 - 00:13:39:13
Kristen
He's been breathing for 40 years. I'm, But let's talk about let's start off with, second opinions.
00:13:39:15 - 00:13:57:02
Dr. Werber
So, you know, it's interesting that that again, hearing things and again and again and again. And I realize that people will come to me and they for question. And I realize if it's okay to ask for a second opinion from the veterinary standpoint, I'll even offer it if I see that a client a bit uneasy. I see, you know what?
00:13:57:03 - 00:14:14:09
Dr. Werber
Let me refer you to a specialist in that discipline. One of two things happen if this specialist comes up with the same thing I come up with. I'm the best, right? Because, if they don't, if they don't, and they have a better way or a more effective way or treatment that I didn't even have, right. It's still a bad.
00:14:14:15 - 00:14:40:20
Dr. Werber
Yeah, it's. I refer them. I said, look, I'm not so sure about this one. And if they insist, it's hundred percent. So, you know, quick, quick a story. Yeah. A client of mine had a seven year old retriever and it came up and he suddenly went to one of the emergency facilities. The young emergency doctor took an X-ray, and he saw this and then take it, send him the X-rays to a surgeon who recommends total hip replacement.
00:14:40:22 - 00:15:00:06
Dr. Werber
Whoa. Wow. She comes to me and he quoted a shock to me. And in the history loan I didn't have to put. I watched the dog walk, and I saw the history, saw the X-rays. I said, this is not hits. because if I took those X-rays a year ago, two years ago, it would look the same.
00:15:00:07 - 00:15:01:01
Kristen
Right? Right.
00:15:01:01 - 00:15:20:21
Dr. Werber
But all of a sudden, the started I acutely four days ago, sure enough, what was happened, I was running have slipped on something. I said it's probably a cruciate ligament. Sure enough, we take the dog into X-ray, we X-ray the knees using the joint. I do what's called looking for a draw sign. Tremendous draw sign. It's a cruciate.
00:15:20:23 - 00:15:38:14
Dr. Werber
Wow. So, you know. And I'm not a genius. You have to. You just have to look at the signs and you get the history, right? Straight physical is one of the most important things that veterinary should do. Because just very good history in physical. They could rule out probably 70, 80% of the other things that were on their differential list.
00:15:38:15 - 00:15:39:00
Kristen
Right.
00:15:39:02 - 00:15:41:13
Dr. Werber
Just I think well, that would fit it also.
00:15:41:13 - 00:15:42:15
Kristen
So,
00:15:42:17 - 00:15:46:08
Dr. Werber
And when I thought hip hop bad and yet it limping only a week ago.
00:15:46:08 - 00:15:46:23
Kristen
Right.
00:15:47:01 - 00:15:52:00
Dr. Werber
That didn't work. Right. No slipping from 60 or less. Right. and I think maybe. Okay.
00:15:52:01 - 00:16:03:06
Kristen
So anyway, I, you know, it's, it's interesting because in human medicine, it's very common for people to get a second opinion. But I don't think that that's as common in veterinary medicine. You know, I think.
00:16:03:08 - 00:16:21:20
Dr. Werber
Sometimes veterinarians don't want to offer it. And I just advise pet parents if you're not sure about something, even if you're not sure about the price of something to come, just ask another patient, right? I get another dog. It's okay. It's as I said, you're either going to come up. Either way, you come up ahead, you can stay with your kids, he or she.
00:16:21:22 - 00:16:31:16
Dr. Werber
Right? Right. unless it's a specialist, or you're going to bite the bullet. Go to a specialist, do something other than what you were told, right.
00:16:31:18 - 00:16:33:03
Kristen
More information is always better.
00:16:33:08 - 00:16:53:00
Dr. Werber
Yes. other thing that I want to talk about, I only because I've had three cases in the last month. Okay. And it's something that's I think it's super common, but it's called the ear hematoma. It's basically a blood blister where the ear pinna, the flap fills up with blood. Why it happens. Who knows? You shaking their head here with that flopping back right.
00:16:53:04 - 00:17:12:00
Dr. Werber
It hit the edge of a table. Yes. Whatever it does, it pops a vessel or vessels inside the ear. So when I see him, you know, you could see it right away. I tell people right then it's a surgical disease. But hey, why can't we just drain it? I think we can, but unless you are in the lucky 2%, 98% of the time, it's coming back.
00:17:12:00 - 00:17:37:12
Dr. Werber
Really within 1 to 3 or four days. So sure enough, I drain it and sure enough, it comes back. So what I advise pet parents is I know surgery sometimes scary. It doesn't look like it's a big problem. It's a little swelling in the ear. And guess what the it will resolve. But there's a caveat here that's very important, which is why I advise surgery 100% of the time.
00:17:37:14 - 00:17:55:17
Dr. Werber
And that is the following. And well, I should maybe 99% or so make sure. All right. And that is that the blood cells within this hematoma give it a dye like any bounce up, there's a certain three to 5 to 7 days. But if they're going in you're left with serum. Serum like a serum. It's going to restore.
00:17:55:19 - 00:18:17:03
Dr. Werber
So why? What are you worried about? because what's left is the fibrin. And you see wrestlers with what we call cauliflower ear. Yeah. My restaurant where those things it goes the funniest looking ears on the planet. And they're most scar down. That's what happens to the hematoma if you don't fix it. I see the fibrin is left, and I've seen contorted ears in the worst contortion.
00:18:17:08 - 00:18:39:06
Dr. Werber
Which leads me to why 1%? I if it's a dog that's 17 years old and it's at the very tip when I'm not worried about the contortion of the ear affecting the ear canal. There you go. Right, right. But most dogs and I've seen dogs that have gotten terrible ear problems because of the way it's scarred. And now you can't even lift the pin up.
00:18:39:07 - 00:18:48:02
Dr. Werber
There's no airflow even out of the tail, right? It's disaster. Don't do that. That's you do is you you veterinarian. Of course you want to drain it. Want to go for.
00:18:48:02 - 00:18:49:16
Kristen
It, right? It's highly likely.
00:18:49:16 - 00:18:53:06
Dr. Werber
Lucky, but it's going to come back. And when it does get it fixed, right? Right.
00:18:53:12 - 00:18:57:19
Chris
Is there any type of preventive care you could take, or is it really something caused by from.
00:18:58:01 - 00:19:18:18
Dr. Werber
Well, it's usually trauma. It's great question. I mean look you can keep your your, your dog's years very clean radically and even talk to a veterinarian maybe put something in rehab once a week, whatever it is. And you can still get him to tell him. But but if you can prevent that, that vigorous head shaking because of possibly allergy or infection, they might you might help prevent them.
00:19:18:20 - 00:19:22:06
Kristen
Great. Great advice. let's talk about core vaccines.
00:19:22:10 - 00:19:41:19
Dr. Werber
Oh, okay. You know, my all my hot my baby baby. Real hot. Steamy in the ballpark. I was a case recently and I was involved in the dog. It was. It was adopted. Yeah. And it was really cute, by the way. And it was a little older. Okay. And under a year. Oh, you know, just over a year.
00:19:41:22 - 00:19:42:09
Kristen
Okay, okay.
00:19:42:09 - 00:20:05:05
Dr. Werber
We ended up getting parvo. So clearly nobody checked to see if this dog vaccinated. We they finally did because Covid they realize we don't have any vaccine history now on this dog. So I'm very, very I'm not woodies anti-vaxxers, but I am an anti unnecessary vaccine. Sure. But for necessary vaccines, core vaccines. And by the way, core really varies with depending on where you live.
00:20:05:07 - 00:20:27:02
Dr. Werber
For example, I don't see Lyme disease. I, I can resist and you know but we do get vaccine right away. That bite aboard Bulgaria Borrelia burgdorferi. So how about if it's ten casting spell. Yes. Really worked for it. So I see the Lyme disease okay. So it's not it's not I can right.
00:20:27:03 - 00:20:30:07
Kristen
You practice in Southern California. So that's point.
00:20:30:09 - 00:20:45:21
Dr. Werber
rattlesnake vaccine okay. If you live in an area where there are a lot of other states, of course you want to do it. But if you really for me, it's a core. Another it's not core. It's only an ask lifestyle. Do you hike a lot with your dogs? So down through the canyons they go, yes. You know what we're going to do?
00:20:45:23 - 00:20:46:13
Dr. Werber
You know, I.
00:20:46:13 - 00:20:48:05
Kristen
Didn't know there was a rattlesnake vaccine.
00:20:48:05 - 00:20:52:01
Dr. Werber
Oh, yes. But it is not like other vaccines that it prevents. But it buys you time.
00:20:52:01 - 00:20:52:10
Kristen
Okay.
00:20:52:10 - 00:20:54:20
Dr. Werber
Okay. Definitely. And you know, whenever I say just.
00:20:55:02 - 00:20:55:22
Kristen
Because we hike with our.
00:20:55:22 - 00:21:10:13
Dr. Werber
Dog wisdom, if you do a tend or go to a frequent those mountain canyons, wherever we are, make sure before you go there that you've already identified an emergency hospital that does carry the anti-venom.
00:21:10:14 - 00:21:18:05
Kristen
I'm so glad you brought that up. I learned that many years ago, our lab, got bitten by what I assume was a rattlesnake. And I only knew because his.
00:21:18:10 - 00:21:19:06
Dr. Werber
Nose.
00:21:19:08 - 00:21:27:12
Kristen
His muzzle was this big around, like. And so I raced him to the vet, and our vet actually had the antivenom. But I learned that not every ordinary hospital sucks it because it's.
00:21:27:12 - 00:21:31:13
Dr. Werber
Very, very expensive. And it has a short shelf life. Yes. So for me, where I.
00:21:31:13 - 00:21:32:05
Kristen
Am okay.
00:21:32:06 - 00:21:54:22
Dr. Werber
You're a real snake running around. But so I say identify which emergency clinics in that area. Right. And know that if you've been affected by exactly that by your time. Okay. bordetella I think is now the influenza. I heard a talk at the NABC. Remax. and they are recommending even the infectious disease docs, because at that westward disease complex, it's a little bit of everything.
00:21:54:23 - 00:21:57:08
Dr. Werber
So he says, let's at least vaccinate for the ones you can.
00:21:57:10 - 00:21:58:05
Chloe
Okay.
00:21:58:07 - 00:22:17:03
Dr. Werber
point is, in the distemper parvo shot, you have the bird, Stella, and do the influenza. The by the influenza as well. so there are a lot of vaccines for me. Indoor cats, indoor cats. I'm not worried about the Olympic game. Yeah. so why would I give a vaccine? There is risk to some vaccines and cats if you have to actually do sarcoma.
00:22:17:03 - 00:22:27:15
Dr. Werber
So you got to be very careful, right? The rabies is not required in California for cats. So I don't do it for indoor. And I have five adoring cats. Wow. Do but he.
00:22:27:15 - 00:22:28:18
Kristen
Doesn't look like a cat lady does.
00:22:28:19 - 00:22:29:04
Dr. Werber
Yeah, yeah.
00:22:29:09 - 00:22:31:06
Chris
No, but I could see it now that you.
00:22:31:09 - 00:22:32:08
Dr. Werber
Have five dogs too.
00:22:32:08 - 00:22:33:15
Kristen
So. Okay. Okay.
00:22:33:17 - 00:22:59:16
Dr. Werber
Yeah. So opportunity. Equal opportunity. So the keys are check with a veterinarian, check with what vaccines are for in your area. Okay. And now again we're seeing something new in the western L.A area. And that are seeing mosquitoes and have adapted to drier climates. So now we are actually seeing some are very busy. So I just recommend depending on where you live if you veterinarian something too seasonal, some things are round.
00:22:59:18 - 00:23:17:09
Dr. Werber
And if you want to do something heartworm have your dog tested first and then start heartworm prevention as well. So you know, just basically knowing what's necessities in your area, what diseases are prevalent in your area, and work with your veterinarian to decide what preventive is, what vaccines we need.
00:23:17:11 - 00:23:19:15
Kristen
Right. Fantastic.
00:23:19:17 - 00:23:21:17
Chris
I guess smarter already.
00:23:21:18 - 00:23:26:10
Dr. Werber
You look smarter already. Do it. So we accomplished it.
00:23:26:12 - 00:23:36:06
Chris
Yeah. Feeling really good about that. So we've got, second opinions here. Hematomas or vaccines. Anything else that our, listeners should be aware of?
00:23:36:07 - 00:23:55:10
Dr. Werber
Well, yeah. One thing. I got a question. Now, you might hate me for this, but I have to be real. Okay, keep in diet, doc, what is the best diet? Oh, my God, let me tell you what the best ideas for your dog is like. You telling me what's the best ice cream for me? You want me to freeze is of different.
00:23:55:13 - 00:24:15:21
Dr. Werber
There are so many good way. Right? So I simple criteria are. And just take it to the bank and they're going to maybe disagree with me, but there are a lot of best foods out there. What's the first and foremost thing that I look for in a food is the best kind of like it, right? Right. I gotta eat it if they don't need it.
00:24:15:21 - 00:24:33:10
Dr. Werber
That's not how good it is. They don't need it's not so good. Okay, so if I like it, then they have nice warm stools. Do they have nice shiny coat? Do they have lots of energy? Okay. If all that. Yes. Now you got a bunch of food to feed from. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Stop right there. How about. What about you, Mrs. Smith?
00:24:33:12 - 00:24:50:00
Dr. Werber
Can you afford some of these better, higher price grains, or did you find a food that's 20 miles away and no one else carries it? And it's not practical. Right. So you count to the pet parent counts as well. A is price, be convenience and of course other things for the dog.
00:24:50:01 - 00:24:50:17
Kristen
Right.
00:24:50:18 - 00:25:13:17
Dr. Werber
So the short answer there is no best food is no best food for every situation. There's no best food for every single dog in every single age. We have to be somewhat flexible, right? And don't anthropomorphize. Don't put your values into your pets. Yeah. So if you're a vegan, you will kill your cat. If you want to give your kind of right or even vegetarian right.
00:25:13:17 - 00:25:33:06
Dr. Werber
Cats are obligate carnivores. They need me. Can a dog live as a vegetarian? Yes, I know there's some decent vegetarian grant out there, but do this. I want you to take a bowl and fill it with that. The best veggie diet on the planet, right? Okay. Or make it homemade. And I want you to take a bowl and fill it with some meat.
00:25:33:07 - 00:25:36:07
Dr. Werber
Let your dog go this meat and see and just see which.
00:25:36:07 - 00:25:37:19
Kristen
One you choose.
00:25:37:21 - 00:25:53:07
Dr. Werber
Right, right. And then you'll see what you see. And don't don't get caught up with the grain free either. There'd be no scientific evidence. If there is a problem to grain free, look both ways. There's also no direct evidence. It is linked to cardiomyopathy. What, because of great.
00:25:53:07 - 00:25:53:22
Kristen
Free, right?
00:25:54:00 - 00:26:02:04
Dr. Werber
But the fact is that. Why not avoid the problem and feed the food with some grain if they like it right.
00:26:02:06 - 00:26:03:02
Kristen
Excellent advice.
00:26:03:03 - 00:26:09:18
Chris
Yeah, that's all really. I mean, checks out with me. I know a lot of people consider me an expert, so I'm going to go ahead and put my stamp.
00:26:09:20 - 00:26:12:04
Dr. Werber
On those for all the places I.
00:26:12:04 - 00:26:13:12
Chris
Did. That carries a lot of weight.
00:26:13:14 - 00:26:21:21
Dr. Werber
I literally hope that I feel much weight. Oh, I got look, I got a feeling that's the next topic right? Right, right.
00:26:21:21 - 00:26:24:18
Chloe
Okay, let's get to some of that next time. You're right.
00:26:24:20 - 00:26:25:01
Dr. Werber
Right.
00:26:25:03 - 00:26:28:06
Chris
Thanks for joining us, Doctor Jeff. Wherever. Where can people find out more? See what.
00:26:28:06 - 00:26:39:18
Dr. Werber
You're doing. doctor Jeff, a doctor jeff.com words underscore DVM, Jeff at er vet.com, we have the largest pet telemedicine platform. So I'm easy I'm hard not to find.
00:26:39:20 - 00:26:42:18
Kristen
Are you sure you don't want to give out your cell phone number there.
00:26:42:20 - 00:26:45:22
Dr. Werber
Yeah. You've reached that reach that er vet on my Instagram like give you.
00:26:46:03 - 00:26:48:07
Kristen
Okay. It sounds great. Thanks so much doc. We appreciate it.
00:26:48:11 - 00:26:50:17
Voice Over
Pets add life.
00:26:50:19 - 00:27:07:06
Chris
Doctor Werber makes learning fun. It's that simple. He used a lot of big words. I can't remember them. but I'll listen back when I need them. but I think I think we're going to we're going to keep having him back every time he feels like there's something that he needs to get out into the universe, because he's seeing a lot.
00:27:07:12 - 00:27:27:18
Chris
I mean, yeah, he's great. and it's going to bring us right into our next guest talking about getting some info out there. they are going to be hosting this wonderful event blog post. It's going to take place November 15th and 16th. But don't take it from me. Let's listen in and hear what they have to say.
00:27:27:20 - 00:27:49:16
Kristen
It's my pleasure to introduce our next two guests, Cloe DaVita and Jessica Shipman from blog Paws Live. And you guys have so many other wonderful things, things that you do in terms of content creation in the pet space, and helping and helping content creators and bloggers with storytelling and with technology. And and I just learned the other day that Jessica is also a wedding planner.
00:27:49:17 - 00:27:52:23
Kristen
Yes. Which like blew me away. Like for pets or for people.
00:27:53:01 - 00:27:58:03
Jessica
for for people. Okay. There are pets involved, though. I've done weddings. We're donkeys. We're present.
00:27:58:06 - 00:27:59:09
Kristen
Yes, I love that.
00:27:59:10 - 00:28:04:02
Chris
There were a few donkeys present at my wedding to.
00:28:04:04 - 00:28:07:19
Kristen
That's what we call them. Yeah, yeah. Well, welcome, ladies. It's great to have you.
00:28:07:21 - 00:28:08:07
Jessica
Yeah.
00:28:08:08 - 00:28:13:19
Chloe
We are so excited to be here and so excited to share about everything going on because there's a lot. And I have to be a big part of it.
00:28:13:22 - 00:28:15:05
Chris
Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Give us the.
00:28:15:05 - 00:28:41:16
Chloe
Background. Yeah okay. General spiel. Yes I'm black paws. So Blog Paws is a community for pet focused content creators, bloggers, vloggers, influencers, every everybody who is creating content to impact the life of pets, right. And our community is educational. It's supportive. It's just we embrace everyone with a big old virtual hug. We like to say we give people a gold paw.
00:28:41:18 - 00:28:42:15
Jessica
We crack jokes.
00:28:42:15 - 00:28:43:06
Jessica
We do.
00:28:43:10 - 00:28:44:06
Jessica
Make fun of ourselves.
00:28:44:06 - 00:28:45:03
Jessica
We do.
00:28:45:05 - 00:28:45:18
Jessica
A lot.
00:28:45:18 - 00:29:11:23
Chloe
Yes, yes. And we were really started with the mission of wanting that content to get in front of the pet parent in partnership with brands and other organizations, because there are so many wonderful places out there creating great content, and it's not always easy to find. So like our focus is really how do we collaborate more? How do we get in front of our communities more, and how do we help educate all the creators and how to grow, how to do all those things and that's really the core of everything.
00:29:11:23 - 00:29:13:20
Chloe
We've always been.
00:29:13:22 - 00:29:22:01
Kristen
And and that's part of what led up to Blog Paws Live. So let's talk a little bit about that, because that is coming up on November 15th and 16th right?
00:29:22:01 - 00:29:48:00
Jessica
Yeah. Yeah. So very soon not too far away. So it is going to be an in-person event. We are reigniting in-person events in our home state of Colorado. So it'll be in Boulder, Boulder, Colorado. So excited. Yes. Beautiful boulder. The Flatirons are right there. You should come. It's going to be great. but we are combining an educational event for our creators with another really cool event that I'm going to let clothes speak to.
00:29:48:02 - 00:29:56:00
Jessica
but we are bringing people in. We're focusing on collaboration, discussion, networking, and then of course, education while having an amazing time doing it.
00:29:56:04 - 00:30:15:01
Chloe
Yes, the community is such an important piece, and it's why I was really excited to bring our newest closing event for Blog Post Live, which will be real talk. And if you think about anytime you've seen a short or talk like 10 to 12 minute talk and been inspired by it, that's really the vibe that these will be and real is.
00:30:15:01 - 00:30:20:07
Chloe
An acronym stands for research, education, advice and love. Oh, I love that.
00:30:20:09 - 00:30:23:01
Chris
My four favorite things. Yeah you're right. We knew it.
00:30:23:03 - 00:30:24:22
Chloe
It was for Chris. We did it for him.
00:30:25:00 - 00:30:27:06
Chris
Oh yes. I really appreciate.
00:30:27:08 - 00:30:53:17
Chloe
No problem, no problem. but yeah. So our we're bringing those themes together and yet it will all have a pet focus. And the goal of those talks is to reach pet parents everywhere. Right. Isn't isn't only for the creators. Will they be there? Yes. Are they going to lift the impact of that. Absolutely. But in partnership with dog TV, getting these out into the pet parent world, we're hoping to start bringing new ideas, new innovations, all the things that, like we in the industry get to hear a lot about.
00:30:53:21 - 00:31:00:05
Chloe
But the the pet parents don't know. They're only delivered the advertising they receive, which is not a bad thing. But there's more.
00:31:00:05 - 00:31:01:20
Kristen
There's so much more in.
00:31:01:22 - 00:31:26:20
Chloe
And so we want to we want to provide that more and that inspiration in those stories. It's all story driven, right? Those stories that really make a difference and not only how the pet parent views their pet, but also in how the pet is raised and what they experienced in their life. Because, you know, the old adage of, we have so many pets are alive, but for the pets, they only know that life, right?
00:31:26:22 - 00:31:30:06
Chloe
Right. That's how can we make that the best life it can be.
00:31:30:07 - 00:31:30:21
Dr. Werber
00:31:30:23 - 00:31:34:01
Kristen
I love that. That's a great point. I never really thought of it that way.
00:31:34:03 - 00:31:37:16
Chris
never.
00:31:37:18 - 00:31:42:11
Jessica
Not not about, I stumped her so.
00:31:42:13 - 00:31:58:04
Chris
To speak, back for a bit. It sounds a lot like, those Ted talks. You see where somebody stands up in there, talking typically to, like, a bunch of corporate executives. But then there's, like, little old me in my pajamas eating popcorn out of the bag, watching it with a single tear coming out of my eye, feeling incredibly inspired.
00:31:58:04 - 00:32:01:06
Chris
And then I'm going to go change nothing, because that's typically what happens.
00:32:01:06 - 00:32:01:22
Chloe
With me.
00:32:01:22 - 00:32:09:15
Chris
In my life. but sounds like something I'd be really interesting, too. Yes. Your average Joe, are they able to attend real talks? If they feel so inclined?
00:32:09:17 - 00:32:29:04
Chloe
They are. So we will be bringing all the creators from blog post live and have more tickets available. So the local public in Boulder, Colorado River wants to come in and watch will be able to also attend obviously until we sell out. But but yes. And that's the the goal is to inspire, you know, Christmas pajamas.
00:32:29:06 - 00:32:35:16
Chris
That's the that's actually the tagline. Yes okay. Talks inspiring Chris is the damage right.
00:32:35:16 - 00:32:51:19
Chloe
Yeah. Right. Right. And I think what is a little bit different an interesting from what we're offering, is that because we have creators in the audience who care about this as well, the message gets to carry on further. So hopefully, you know, the nothing part becomes something. Yeah.
00:32:51:19 - 00:32:57:02
Kristen
Yeah. That's that's true. So is the real talks the day after blog post live or.
00:32:57:04 - 00:33:15:18
Chloe
So Blog Post Live will kick off officially. The big event kicks off Friday afternoon. Okay. Special sessions okay. Get in early love a welcome event that night and then the day of education happens all day on Saturday. Okay. Closes Saturday night. Okay. The religious event will happen at a different venue. It's called the town hall. It's. It's like a renovated church.
00:33:15:23 - 00:33:17:06
Chloe
Oh. Cool venue.
00:33:17:08 - 00:33:20:04
Jessica
They have stained glass and here's that. Yeah.
00:33:20:06 - 00:33:24:00
Kristen
And it's take me to church.
00:33:24:02 - 00:33:31:20
Chris
It's truly a spiritual I love it. Yeah, that's very Colorado. It is very God country. Yeah.
00:33:31:22 - 00:33:41:09
Chloe
It'll it'll be such an impactful kind of event. And there is an opportunity to upgrade a VIP. We'll have an event afterwards just around the corner to get together with the speakers. And so I mean, that's.
00:33:41:09 - 00:33:42:15
Jessica
Also a really cool venue.
00:33:42:15 - 00:33:44:13
Chloe
We can't we can't I know that's okay.
00:33:44:13 - 00:33:46:12
Chris
Oh yeah. We go see it's.
00:33:46:12 - 00:33:47:16
Jessica
A secret, but it's really cool.
00:33:47:16 - 00:34:01:04
Kristen
I love that. let me ask you, let's go back to the creators for a second. So, what what advice would you give a, a new creator or someone who's just kind of up and coming but doesn't doesn't know how to break into this creator community? How would you advise them?
00:34:01:06 - 00:34:19:11
Jessica
I think the biggest thing is finding your voice and finding what who you are and what you want to be sharing with the world. we hear so much about being authentic and sharing. You know who you are, but embracing who you are. And that can be you as the human involved in creating pet content, but also your pet.
00:34:19:11 - 00:34:38:04
Jessica
All of our pets have personalities, and highlighting those. And that could be something related to the type of pet, the breed of pet, where you're located and what you enjoy doing. But that is probably the first thing I would start with. And then I would start with, where do you want to share it up? because there's like 400 billion, million.
00:34:38:06 - 00:34:40:02
Jessica
Yeah. Right. Yeah. Have any idea.
00:34:40:07 - 00:34:41:19
Chloe
And you don't have to be on all of them.
00:34:41:21 - 00:34:42:19
Jessica
You know.
00:34:42:21 - 00:34:54:18
Jessica
And that is a big thing that we talk about. we, we encourage having a presence. But some of those platforms you can treat as a landing page where. Yes. Yeah. Hey, I'm not really actually active here. If you want to engage with me, come and find me over here.
00:34:54:18 - 00:34:56:17
Kristen
Great point. That's great advice.
00:34:56:19 - 00:35:03:02
Jessica
we embrace because we only have so many hours in the day. Right? Don't feel like you have to be everywhere all the time.
00:35:03:07 - 00:35:15:17
Chloe
Yep, yep. There are literally millions and millions, billions of people out there who we can impact and have an effect on. And so focusing on who you feel like you are most connected to is the most valuable thing. Right?
00:35:15:19 - 00:35:21:07
Kristen
Of that. All right. So where can we find out more information about blog post live and real talks.
00:35:21:09 - 00:35:43:12
Chloe
Do you go to a blog post.com is our overall site about our community. We do have a free community for creators. Come join us learn you know network be part of the camaraderie that we built there. But if you go to blog post Dot live, that's where you learn about all the things related to blogs live. You'll see information about real talks as soon as you register, you'll get a lot of information.
00:35:43:13 - 00:35:49:15
Kristen
Are the talks listed yet, or some of them? Secret? Yeah. Get.
00:35:49:17 - 00:36:03:09
Jessica
And that will also be a place where we will eventually have those public tickets. So you're not a creator. Yes. And you don't want to attend the educational portion of the event? there will be tickets available for real talks alone, and we'll have that there. That's great.
00:36:03:09 - 00:36:03:14
Kristen
Yeah.
00:36:03:15 - 00:36:13:01
Chris
Fantastic. So are you two content creators in your own right? Do you have accounts that we can come find you and judge the masters?
00:36:13:03 - 00:36:33:09
Chloe
Yes. And I love that. It's right up. Well, it's interesting because for us, our focus is educating the creator. Yes. So when we talk about being content creators, it's like, yes, but you're not going to go follow us and find out about the latest things happening in the dog or cat world. You're going to come to us and find about storytelling and what's happening with email marketing.
00:36:33:09 - 00:36:53:07
Chloe
And so more of the business aspects. So I literally just launched a TikTok where I'm talking about these things. It's just out my name at closed Twitter. and you'll find us, find me in those places. But we an app blog post is probably the most important place to go to, because that's what that's what it is. But it's interesting to me because you go and look and you're like, oh, they only have like a thousand followers.
00:36:53:07 - 00:37:03:00
Chloe
Despite those thousand people are other creators. That's right. That's our audience. Exactly. So like we like to say, we influence the influencers not to influence what they say, but to help them say it better, to help.
00:37:03:00 - 00:37:04:06
Kristen
Them see it better and to reach more people.
00:37:04:10 - 00:37:22:12
Jessica
Yeah, we all have backgrounds in that content creation. It's just at some point in our lives, in our journey, we've switched our focus to be on blog posts. Yeah, we have an amazing team. Besides clone myself. Yeah. shout out to Chrissy and Brett at home. you are doing content creation and are helping support what we are doing, right?
00:37:22:14 - 00:37:23:12
Chloe
Our business journey.
00:37:23:16 - 00:37:24:23
Kristen
Yeah, fantastic.
00:37:24:23 - 00:37:39:00
Chris
That's absolutely phenomenal. So if you're listening out there, head on over to blog post that live, learn all about this wonderful event, sign up, get your tickets, book your flights. get ready to go to church. And yes, thank you too, so much for joining us today.
00:37:39:04 - 00:37:47:11
Kristen
Yes, it's a pleasure to have you. And for those of our audience, listeners that are getting married, where can they book a donkey for the wedding? Jessica.
00:37:47:12 - 00:37:48:02
Jessica
I think it's called.
00:37:48:03 - 00:37:52:07
Jessica
Wrong Rocky road, Rocky mountain throws.
00:37:52:09 - 00:37:54:10
Kristen
Oh my gosh, it's a real thing. It's a real thing.
00:37:54:12 - 00:38:00:12
Jessica
Oh my gosh. Shout out to them. Amber is, the kind adults I think she has like 15 donkeys.
00:38:00:15 - 00:38:02:16
Kristen
Oh my gosh Ron, we need to we need to.
00:38:02:16 - 00:38:03:09
Kristen
Book a show.
00:38:03:10 - 00:38:06:14
Chris
Book them, book them.
00:38:06:16 - 00:38:09:12
Kristen
Thank you ladies so much for all that you're doing for creators and for pet parents.
00:38:09:16 - 00:38:13:00
Chloe
Thank you. Thank you.
00:38:13:01 - 00:38:32:06
Chris
All right. Thanks again to Chloe DaVita and Jessica Shipman for all that information with blog Paws again November 15th, 16th. It's coming up in a couple months. So if you're interested in attending, it's in Boulder, Colorado. If you're in the area, if you feel like flying in, grab those tickets. Kristen, are you going to are you going to be checking out some of that content, at least the honor I actually.
00:38:32:08 - 00:38:51:06
Kristen
I'm actually considering going. I like a beautiful place and I know and I've been to previous blog paws and I kind of missed it when it was kind of on paws. So get it. Paws blog post. anyway, I'm thinking, oh no, I like it. How's that for noncommittal? But enthusiastic?
00:38:51:07 - 00:38:59:18
Chris
There we go. That is that is the tease of the sanctuary. Will Kristen be at Blog Paws? We won't know till November, so we're going to have to tune back in then.
00:38:59:20 - 00:39:02:21
Voice Over
The product of the week.
00:39:02:23 - 00:39:09:16
Chris
And now it is time for our bup bup bup bup bup bup bup bup bup bup bup bup. A product of the week.
00:39:09:16 - 00:39:18:09
Chris
Oh, yeah. Oh, you get some Chrissy, get some jingle, and we're all ready to go. Kristen, I'm going to put you on the spot. What do you got for us this week?
00:39:18:12 - 00:39:36:16
Kristen
Okay? Okay. Well, I'm always looking for new treats for tulip. What I do, I have this fun little game I play with her in the, in the, in my kitchen pantry. I have this drawer and it's full of different kinds of treats and shoes for her. And I just get a kick out of, like, every day, like around 3:00.
00:39:36:17 - 00:39:50:10
Kristen
She that's treat time. So she runs over to the to the pantry and she starts to, you know, try to get my attention. And she's just so excited, waiting at the base of the drawer for me to pull it open and pull out a treat. And I love surprising her. She never knows what's coming out of the drawer.
00:39:50:12 - 00:40:15:23
Kristen
So I discovered a new treat that she's not had it yet. I just ordered it. But it's from a company called Angel's Eyes. They're called See Sticks, and it is. It's a multi benefit treat. And it's made with brown and red seaweed from the North Sea. and the other cool thing about it is it's got a lot of essential vitamins and minerals, prebiotics and digestive support.
00:40:15:23 - 00:40:40:20
Kristen
So it's a super healthy treat. And it even has this really cool design that has lots of grooves and ridges in it. So it's going to be good for her teeth. And, it is made by our friends at Angel's Eyes, who are kind of famous for making the tears stain, treats and tear stained pads. and I also notice that these, these C sticks come in either the multi benefit formula or the tear stain formula.
00:40:41:02 - 00:40:50:22
Kristen
So apparently if you have an issue with your dog's tear stained tear staining you might want to try these treat sticks out. So I'll let you know what she thinks.
00:40:51:00 - 00:41:11:10
Chris
There we go I love Anjali's products. I had a friend with a white dog. I'm not. It wasn't a Maltese. It was something else. I don't remember the breed, but had all the crusties and grossness. Yeah. Remember them saying, oh, we got this new stuff. Look out! And the doc finally see it. Finally see it. Does that make they make some pretty good stuff.
00:41:11:10 - 00:41:17:04
Chris
So I would if they opened up a new line to do something new, I would definitely trust them.
00:41:17:06 - 00:41:17:22
Kristen
What do you got for us?
00:41:17:22 - 00:41:38:16
Chris
All right, here's what I got. So I've been getting questions. Everybody's like, hey Chris here, the cat guy, right? I'm like, hell yeah, that's me. The cat guy. And then they're like, you're the cat guy with allergies, right? And I said definitively, that is my role. And I always talk about how I have these air purifiers in my home, and I've never really talked about them on the show.
00:41:38:16 - 00:42:04:02
Chris
And they do such great work because a lot of at least in my case, I'm not going to speak to everybody with allergies, but you're not really allergic to the actual hair or fur. You're allergic to the dander and crap that's on it, and that all gets kicked up into the air. So if you're cats shedding and you're not vacuuming all the time and you have carpeting and you step on it, there's like a big microscopic poof of dander that comes flying up.
00:42:04:04 - 00:42:24:07
Chris
That's what makes you so scratchy. And actually, so these air purifiers, I mean, they really work. So when I have is from Honeywell, and this is their let's see, the model is the x PA 200 Hepa air purifier for large rooms, up to 1500 square feet. So this is what I use in my living room.
00:42:24:07 - 00:42:44:18
Chris
I have a big open space living room, and I have this bad boy just over in the corner, and I swear it has changed my life. They advertise this as the Allergen Plus series. it definitely works. It it does make sound. If you're not, if you need silence to sleep, this isn't a good option for your bedroom.
00:42:44:18 - 00:43:06:02
Chris
But I have one in the bedroom because I like some white noise. It's not like an air conditioner. It's it's gentle, but it's there, right? and it works wonders. I have to clean it out about once a month. And when I do so, I mean, I'm, I'm taking two whole cats out of the thing of cats. Dust and and dander.
00:43:06:04 - 00:43:24:22
Chris
even if you're not allergic to animals, this will just improve the quality of air. You'll find yourself sneezing less often. You'll just. We always say this room feel stuffy, but what does stuffy really mean? I don't know what that means. What? I'll tell you is that an unstuck a room can be created with one of these bad boys.
00:43:25:00 - 00:43:27:04
Chris
so unstuck your rooms. Yeah.
00:43:27:10 - 00:43:38:19
Kristen
I would imagine that to be great for multiple pet homes, too. You know, because even if you're not allergic, you might have visitors, guests, friends, family coming over who are. So it's a smart, smart thing to have.
00:43:38:21 - 00:43:57:08
Chris
Yeah. And it takes all the hair out of the air, because a lot of that hair is like going to just kind of sit up there and take a while to come down. It creates if you use a a ceiling fan like I do, you get a lot a nice movement. I get a nice cross breeze through the bottom floor of my condo, everything getting circled out.
00:43:57:08 - 00:44:20:06
Chris
And then I am also allergic to pollen and I like, like the time where pollens out and about. It's the best time of year to have your windows open. As you say, you can't do that when you're really allergic. But I've never I've never had an issue since I've had these. So, even if your allergy isn't pet related, it could be a good option if you're an open window enjoyer like myself.
00:44:20:08 - 00:44:33:02
Chris
so check it out. I found this one on, on Amazon. Currently on sale, 10% off. I don't know if it still will be when this episode airs, but I've gone ahead and thrown that link into the show. Notes for you
00:44:33:02 - 00:44:34:18
Voice Over
Q&A’s
00:44:34:20 - 00:44:38:19
Chris
All right, folks, it's time for our favorite segment of the show. That's right.
00:44:38:19 - 00:44:59:00
Chris
We're going to answer two of the questions that y'all have sent in. And if you're listening, you may be wondering, how can I get my answer question by Chris and Chris? Well, it couldn't be simpler. You're going to head on over to Petsaddlife.org/podcast. Scroll on down to the bottom of that page, and you will see a space where you could submit your question.
00:44:59:03 - 00:45:16:06
Chris
And if you are feeling as brave as Chris in allergy season, you could actually record a voice memo and you will hear your question played live on the show. So without further ado, let's get right into it, Chris, and let's argue over who goes first.
00:45:16:08 - 00:45:17:00
Kristen
Okay.
00:45:17:01 - 00:45:17:05
Dr. Werber
Yeah.
00:45:17:11 - 00:45:21:19
Chris
So we usually do this off air, but we're going to do it on air for you guys today.
00:45:22:01 - 00:45:24:09
Kristen
You think we'd have a system by now.
00:45:24:11 - 00:45:28:16
Chris
There's no system. It's just pure political jockeying.
00:45:28:18 - 00:45:44:17
Kristen
Exactly, exactly. So I'm going to read your question first today. And it goes like this. And by the way this is from Elliott in Oklahoma City. So Elliott, says, how can I help my dog build confidence around new dogs at the dog park? He seems nervous and unsure.
00:45:44:19 - 00:46:08:10
Chris
That's a great question, Elliott. And, it's a process. and we call that process socialization. a lot of people think that socializing your dog is really just so they don't get aggressive or bite or, you know, start humping everything. but it's also for dogs who are kind of naturally on the other end of the spectrum that are nervous and uncertain and may have a little bit of anxiety.
00:46:08:12 - 00:46:26:18
Chris
So the dog park can be a very overwhelming place. So I wouldn't recommend starting there. There's going to be a lot of dogs who are excited, who are really happy. They're going to be running around at full speed. They're going to be playing aggressively with their toys. They're going to be using aggressive body language. And when I say aggressive, I don't mean mean.
00:46:26:20 - 00:46:47:21
Chris
But when a dog plays, they're imitating hunting stuff. They're going to be getting down in that position. They might be showing their teeth, they're going to be snarling rather than, barking or yipping. And an unsocial dog may not understand that that is that's play. They're not actually mad at me. It's like one of those people is like, are my friends always mad at me?
00:46:47:21 - 00:47:11:04
Chris
That's how your dog's feeling. It's like, wow, all these dogs are mad at me. Look at them go. So I would try and find either a friend or somebody in the community who has a similarly timid dog or a, excited and well socialized dog. Start with some one on one time and build up the dog's confidence. then maybe two dogs, then maybe three.
00:47:11:06 - 00:47:34:00
Chris
Starting them off right in the dog park is just. All that's going to do is make the dogs feel more uncertain. They think of it as yourself. if you are somebody with stage fright is the best way to get over stage fright, to sing the national anthem in front of a crowded arena. No, it would probably be like practicing a little stump speech in front of the mirror.
00:47:34:01 - 00:47:42:19
Chris
So start small, and eventually you're going to get to a place where the dog's going to feel confident enough to to have some fun at the dog park.
00:47:42:21 - 00:47:45:06
Kristen
That's good advice from a cat guy.
00:47:45:07 - 00:47:47:08
Dr. Werber
Yeah. You know cat guys, guys, guys dog.
00:47:47:08 - 00:48:11:11
Chris
Know how to cat guys, guys, don't know how, Bup bup bup. Okay. You wanted this one from Sarah in San Francisco. Thank you, Sarah, for asking for this question. And Sarah asks, what are some good exercises or activities to keep my senior dog healthy and happy without overexert him?
00:48:11:13 - 00:48:34:09
Kristen
I like this question. Great question, and thanks for asking that. You're being very mindful of your senior dog still needing that mental and physical stimulation, but knowing that they can't, you know, keep up like they used to play play, you know, fetch and stuff like that. I would say, whatever your dog has always loved to do, you might find ways to continue that type of play, but just bring it down a few notches.
00:48:34:09 - 00:48:55:06
Kristen
So for example, I've seen where people with senior dogs will and I'm talking here about like really older dogs that maybe have arthritis and aren't getting around very well, where they literally will roll the tennis ball to the dog on the carpet from across the room. And the dog kind of traps it with his paws in his mouth, you know, and then you go get it and roll it back.
00:48:55:06 - 00:49:19:11
Kristen
So that's kind of a modified fetch just rolling out across the carpet. I would say just taking shorter walks. and maybe certainly at the most comfortable times of day for your dog, weather wise. and then there are so many enrichment toys on the market now, there's puzzle feeders, there's interactive toys that are designed for you.
00:49:19:12 - 00:49:39:15
Kristen
Play with your dog, there's toys that are designed to, to stimulate your dog when you're not home. So I would look into some of those new innovations and give your dog something that they might be getting more of the exercise with their brain as opposed to their body. And but both are important. The mental and the physical exercise are important.
00:49:39:15 - 00:49:44:04
Kristen
So so, give some of those a try and, let us know how it goes.
00:49:44:06 - 00:50:00:18
Chris
Yeah, that's the point I was going to make is if the body isn't up to the task, stimulate the mind, a little, hide the peanut butter toy or something like that. where they could sort of spend a half hour in there, you know, they're getting a nice, tasty treat at the at the end of it.
00:50:00:20 - 00:50:14:18
Chris
because what you want to avoid is coercing that dog to get up to full speed because they're probably not built for that anymore. so that's a that's a great question, Sarah. Thank you for asking. I always love when people want to take care of their old animals.
00:50:14:20 - 00:50:18:05
Kristen
I know the golden years, their special.
00:50:18:07 - 00:50:39:02
Chris
They are special. Yep. All right, well, we made it. That's the end of it. And if you're still sticking with us. Thank you. Your champion. You're an absolute. You're an absolute, you're one of the best to ever do it. One of the greatest podcast listeners to ever do it. And I'm talking to you specifically. I'm not talking to the group anymore.
00:50:39:05 - 00:50:56:13
Chris
You, dear listener, specific person listening to this show. Thank you. And now that I've said thank you, I expect you to go give us a five star review. That's right. You're going to go on to your podcasting website. You're going to hit the five stars, and then you're going to say something nice about Chris and Kristen in the comments box.
00:50:56:19 - 00:51:18:12
Chris
You're not going to be mean. You're going to be really nice. You're going to call Kristen, a true professional who is is beautiful and knowledgeable and capable of anything. And you're going to say, Chris, he's not that bad. That's what you're going to listen to the dogs. Thank you. Genuinely, for listening, to our show.
00:51:18:12 - 00:51:22:00
Chris
We hope you appreciated. We talked to some cool people today. Kristen.
00:51:22:01 - 00:51:30:16
Kristen
We did, we did? Yeah, it was great to see some familiar faces, when we were back at Super zoom. Glad we could bring them to the people of the podcast.
00:51:30:18 - 00:51:38:20
Chris
Yeah, they were funny, I think. I think this this might be this might be the first time that our guests were more funny than we were. That's tough.
00:51:38:22 - 00:51:39:08
Dr. Werber
That's tough.
00:51:39:08 - 00:51:58:02
Chris
Yeah. That's tough. That's that that's that's really tough. But hey, listen, if you can't get enough of us and are wondering when am I going to hear more of my two pals, Chris and Kristen, don't fret. We're going to be right back here next Tuesday. So until then, be kind to yourself. Be kind to your pets, and enjoy your week.
00:51:58:04 - 00:51:58:17
Kristen
Bye bye.
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