The Pet Care Report

In this Pet Care Report episode, Dr. Meghan interviews Jaime Nieves (“The Creature Preacher”), an ordained United Methodist pastor, author, and animal advocate, about grieving cats and how to cope, heal, and honor their memory. Jaime shares lessons cats teach—self-care through grooming and rest, savoring simple pleasures, curiosity, and focus—drawing from her experience with two blind cats. They discuss guiding children through pet loss with honest, age-appropriate conversations; encouraging feelings; sharing stories, photos, and drawings; and using the Rainbow Bridge concept for comfort. Jaime addresses “disenfranchised grief” and affirms that pet grief is real, suggesting celebration-of-life rituals, memorials, cremation or ash scattering, and involving children in end-of-life planning, including euthanasia decisions.(02:36) Blind Cats Life Lessons(04:23) Savoring Rest and Focus(07:26) Preparing for Goodbye(08:10) Helping Kids Grieve(15:04) Grief for Cats Is Real(18:14) Honoring Pet Memories(19:20) Celebration of Life Ideas(20:41) Kids at Euthanasia(23:05) Planning a Peaceful GoodbyeFollow Jaime Nieves: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Creature-Preacher/100087636091677/https://www.instagram.com/jaime.nieves.330/https://substack.com/@thecreaturepreacherFollow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-bookWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode, we have International Agility competitor Katherine Ostiguy, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, co-founder of Crossbones Dog Academy, discussing how to get started in dog agility training. Katherine emphasizes the importance of foundational training that applies to all dogs, whether for agility competition or general obedience. She explains how correct marker training can enhance dog behavior, shares insights into the specific skills required for agility, and highlights the significance of understanding each dog's unique preferences and physical abilities.00:55 Foundations of Dog Training03:56 Marker Training Explained07:44 Understanding Your Dog's Preferences14:09 Importance of Foundations in Agility17:17 Mindset for Agility Training19:39 Precision in Agility Training24:14 Breeding Agility ProspectsFollow Katherine Ostiguy:https://www.crossbonesdog.comhttps://www.facebook.com/XbonesDog/https://www.instagram.com/cattrainsdogs/https://www.youtube.com/@xbonesdogFollow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.comWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, Dr. Megan Barrett hosts Jonathan Wainberg, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet and Co-brand Business at Synchrony. Together, they discuss the financial aspects of pet ownership, including the underestimated lifetime costs, rising veterinary expenses, and the importance of financial planning for pet care. Jonathan shares insights from Synchrony's 'Lifetime of Care' study, highlights the role of pet insurance and wellness plans, and explains how tools like the CareCredit card can help pet parents manage unexpected expenses. The conversation also touches on the benefits of regular wellness visits, community resources, and proactive financial strategies to alleviate financial stress during emergencies.(02:12) The True Cost of Pet Ownership(04:35) Rising Costs and Advanced Pet Care(10:26) The Importance of Being Financially Prepared(13:47) Pet Insurance and Financial Tools(21:55) CareCredit's Network and Approval Process(22:43) Using CareCredit for Veterinary Expenses(30:21) The Importance of Dental Care for Pets(33:00) Financial Planning for Pet OwnersFollow Jonathan Wainberg: https://www.carecredit.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiwainberg/Follow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-bookWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Melissa Viera is joined by Max Seifert, a certified dog behavior consultant. Max shares his expertise on managing and reframing challenging dog behaviors, particularly aggression and reactivity, through emotionally-aware, relationship-based training. The discussion covers practical management strategies, the importance of addressing both human and animal emotional wellbeing, and how pet owners can prioritize their own mental health while working through their dog's behavioral issues. Max also provides insights into his methods for ensuring client safety and support and offers advice for both pet owners and fellow trainers on maintaining resilience and empathy. (02:08) The Importance of Emotional Awareness in Dog Training(03:36) Preparing for Training Sessions(06:00) Managing Stress and Safety During Training(10:40) Prioritizing Emotional Wellbeing for Dog Owners(17:05) When to Seek Professional Help(19:07) Recognizing Subtle Dog Behaviors(20:12) The Misuse of E-Collars(22:07) Cooperative Care for Dogs(24:53) Self-Care for Dog Trainers(32:43) Final Thoughts and ResourcesFollow Max Seifert at: https://rosiestailtraining.comhttps://www.instagram.com/maxseifertdt/Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.comWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Dr. Megan Barrett discusses herbal remedies for cats with clinical canine herbalist, Rita Hogan. Rita, with over 18 years of experience in herbal medicine, shares insights on the importance of herbs in feline health, debunking common myths about their use. She highlights cat-safe herbs such as catnip for nervous system support and nettles for kidney health, and stresses the importance of moisture-rich diets for cats. Rita also provides practical advice on introducing herbs safely and the significance of proactive versus reactive care. The episode covers a range of remedies for various feline health issues including digestive problems, skin issues, and overall nervous system support. (01:26) Herbs for Cats: Myths and Facts(04:25) Effective Herbal Remedies for Cats(10:25) Managing Cat Stress with Herbs(11:19) Herbal Solutions for Digestive Issues(13:30) Herbs for Cat Skin and Liver Health(19:09) General Tips for Introducing Herbal Remedies(24:09) Navigating Conflicting Information on HerbsFollow Rita Hogan: https://www.canineherbalist.comhttps://www.facebook.com/canineherbalisthttps://www.instagram.com/canineherbalistFollow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-bookWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of dog nutrition with expert Josh Haygood, founder of Mia Nutrition. Josh discusses common nutritional gaps in commercial dog food and the science-backed benefits of proper supplementation for canine health and longevity. Sharing his personal story of dramatically improving his terminally ill dog's health through a specialized diet, Josh emphasizes the importance of micronutrients and offers practical advice on choosing the right supplements. The conversation highlights various studies and successful case examples, including the noticeable recovery of rescue dogs and working dogs, stressing that maintaining optimal nutrition can significantly enhance your pet's quality of life. Tune in for insights on how to provide the best care for your furry friend.(01:22) Understanding Nutritional Gaps in Dog Diets(03:16) Consequences of Nutritional Deficiencies(05:52) Success Stories and Real-Life Examples(11:41) Choosing the Right Supplements(14:05) When to Start Supplementing Your Dog's DietFollow Josh Haygood here:https://www.eatlikemia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/eatlikemia/Follow our Dog Health Host, Alora Mckinley, at https://www.instagram.com/centerfyr_gspWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report podcast by Pet Summits, host Dr. Megan Barrett discusses how regular vet visits can help spot health issues in cats before they become critical. Special guest Dr. Zach Pilossoph, a nationally recognized fear-free integrated veterinarian, shares his insights on common health issues like periodontal disease, musculoskeletal pain, and cardiac disease that might go unnoticed without routine checkups. He also emphasizes the importance of proactive health monitoring, including regular lab work and environmental enrichment.(01:49) Common Health Issues in Cats(04:43) Behavioral Changes and Vet Visits(05:42) Fear-Free Vet Tips(08:03) Mental Wellbeing and Routine Checkups(11:08) Unexpected Benefits of Routine Checkups(19:58) The Importance of Pet InsuranceFollow Dr. Zac Pilossoph: https://www.naykedpet.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheNaykedPethttps://www.instagram.com/nayked_pet/?hl=enFollow our Cat Health Host, Dr. Meghan Barrett, here: https://drbarrettvet.com.Dr. Meghan Barrett’s Pet Nutrition Blueprint here: https://drbarrettvet.com/from-basic-to-bougie-bookWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast by Pet Summits, host Melissa Viera welcomes Amanda VanTassel, owner of No Hassle Dog Training, to discuss leash walking. Amanda shares her personal experience with her dog, Mabel, and provides practical tips on handling dogs that pull on leashes, including using long lines and reducing distractions. Amanda also covers the importance of calmness, breaking down training into manageable steps, and using landmarks and timing for effective leash training. (01:31) Understanding Leash Walking Challenges(03:49) Practical Tips for Better Leash Walking(04:57) The Benefits of Long Lines(07:46) Training Puppies to Prevent Pulling(10:18) Indoor Enrichment Activities for Bad Weather(12:28) Managing Excited Dogs(20:27) Professional Tips for Dog TrainersFollow Amanda VanTassel at: https://nohassledogtraining.ca/https://www.facebook.com/nohassledogtraininghttps://www.instagram.com/nohassledogtraining/Follow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.comWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

In this episode of the Pet Care Report Podcast, host Melissa Viera engages in a detailed discussion with grooming expert Michelle Dixon. They delve into the relationship between grooming and canine behavior, offering valuable insights into how thorough grooming practices contribute to a dog's overall well-being. Michelle also shares tips for pet parents on handling their dogs during grooming and highlights the significance of canine nutrition. (02:34) The Grooming Process Explained(06:38) Behavioral Insights for Groomers(10:35) Tips for Pet Parents at Home(20:35) The Importance of Canine Nutrition(25:01) Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow Michelle Dixon:https://www.hurleys.doghttps://www.instagram.com/hurleys_uk/https://www.facebook.com/HurleysGroomingFollow our Host, Melissa Viera, at https://mjspettrainingacademy.comWant to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummitsCheck out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/

Join host Alora McKinley on the Pet Care Report podcast as she speaks with licensed professional counselor Mamie Jones about the emotional impact of pet loss. They discuss why grief over pets is often misunderstood, how to acknowledge and cope with these feelings, and the importance of workplace support for grieving pet owners. Mamie also shares useful rituals and resources for pet parents dealing with loss.  (01:25) Why Pet Loss is Often Overlooked (03:14) Acknowledging and Honoring Your Grief (05:33) Rituals to Cope with Pet Loss (07:20) Finding Support and Community (11:40) Impact of Pet Loss on Workplace Needs (13:17) Final Thoughts and Takeaways Follow Mamie Jones: https://mamiejonestherapy.com Follow our Dog Health Host, Alora Mckinley, at https://www.instagram.com/centerfyr_gsp Want to see more from Pet Summits? Subscribe to the PetSummits YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PetSummits Check out the latest free events here: https://petsummits.com/events/