Why so many pets are overweight and what comes next

Journalist, Radio Hall of Famer, and CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Scott Simon joins the show to discuss his book, Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known. Simon shares heartfelt and humorous stories about the pets that became part of his family, delivering the wit, warmth, and storytelling that have made him a […]

More than half of U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese—but the reasons go beyond table scraps and too many treats. Dr. Ernie Ward, founder and president of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, says the issue is far more complex, and in cats, the link between obesity and diabetes has reached epidemic levels. […]

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows says when an older small dog or cat suddenly becomes picky about food, dental pain is often the real cause. He discusses new research on stomatitis — a painful condition in which a cat’s immune system attacks its own mouth — along with a new product called Yummy Combs, designed to […]

Actor Joey Luthman traveled from California to Maine on a one-wheel to raise money for cat health research benefiting the EveryCat Health Foundation. His one-of-a-kind journey inspired the documentary film CAT MAN, which is now appearing at film festivals across the country.  Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Animal Wellness Action and Center for a Humane Economy, led the effort to rescue […]

Dr. Debra Horwitz and Dr. Amy Pike, veterinary behaviorists and co-authors of Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior, 3rd Edition, explore topics in pet behavior. They discuss whether there is ever a justified use for shock collars—even as a last resort to protect a dog’s life—while addressing widespread misconceptions about how […]

Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Marisa Ames, Associate Professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and President of the American Heartworm Society, explains what heartworm disease is and why prevention is critical. She emphasizes that heartworm is completely preventable, yet still too common. In dogs, treatment can be costly and may leave lasting, permanent damage. In […]

The Buddy Foundation in Arlington Heights is an amazing animal shelter on many levels, guiding homeless pets toward loving homes while operating entirely with volunteer support. Longtime volunteer Louise Basgall shares details about their most important fundraiser, hosted by Steve Dale, happening May 28 at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. Darlene Duggan, president of Anti-Cruelty, highlights several key programs, including Bark, a […]

Legendary researcher Dr. Niels Pedersen, Professor Emeritus of Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, is most known for playing a pivotal role in finding a treatment for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). He tells the FIP story and how, with EveryCat Health Foundation, the disease, which was previously considered fatal, is now treatable, and with […]

Boarded Surgeon Dr. Aaron Jackson of Midwest Veterinary Surgical Services on dealing with the cost issue for non-vital surgeries, and that there may be other options instead of the knife to dispel myths regarding anesthesia. Dr. Jackson is so prolific that countless Chicago-area families have met him.  Joe Roetheli calls dental disease in dogs an “epidemic.” The […]

 A “sit-down” discussion about Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) with the newly named Executive Director, Sue Cappello. Discussed are the realities and challenges of running any city’s municipal animal shelter, as well as why so many people are currently relinquishing animals. CACC is always seeking new volunteers. And there are various other new programs which Cappello […]