Pet Talk 9-16-26

Laurie Fast shares tips on how to keep pets safe on Halloween, when decorations, trick or treaters, and open doors can increase the chances of pets getting loose.

Laurie Fass discusses how people view dogs and the idea that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners. She explores how attitudes toward dogs have evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of proper training, finding the right breed for each owner, and understanding the many factors that influence a dog’s behavior. She also talks about why the saying "there are no bad dogs." isn't always that simple, and how much training and being a responsible owner matter.

Laurie Fass talks about her experiences with dog group training classes and some of the common mistakes people make when training their dogs. She also shares tips for pet parents on how to correct these mistakes and improve their training approach. Additionally, she discusses how a dog’s behavior can change depending on its circumstances, environment, and overall conditions.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses the transition from summer to fall and some of the seasonal changes pet owners should be aware of. She highlights fall specific foods that dogs and cats should avoid, as well as the importance of being prepared for disasters and knowing what steps pet parents can take to keep their pets safe during an emergency.

Laurie Fass talks about a newly discovered cat species in the jungles of Bolivia, the Leopardus tigrinus (Oncilla), and wonders what other undiscovered animals might still exist around the world. She also highlights different cat products, including the Meow Safe Cat Gate and the Calm and Cozy Cat Wrap. She also discusses a viral video of a burglar breaking into a home, only to be greeted by the family’s friendly Golden Retriever, who approached him with a toy in his mouth.

Dr. Andrea Dennis commemorates the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by highlighting the important role animals played during and after the attacks. She shares the story of NYPD officer Robert Schnelle and his K-9 partner Atlas, who spent approximately 3,000 hours working in the hazardous rubble at Ground Zero as part of the search and rescue efforts. She also discusses dementia and cognitive decline in dogs and cats, including how pet owners can recognize the warning signs and what symptoms to look out for as their pets age.

Since the first Saturday in September is National Hummingbird Day, Laurie Fass takes the opportunity to discuss these fascinating birds, sharing interesting facts about hummingbirds and what makes them unique. She also discusses wild animals and reminds listeners that there is a reason they are wild, encouraging people to use caution when domesticated animals encounter or interact with wildlife.

Laurie Fass discusses how people can form strong emotional connections with wild animals, using examples such as Jimothy the raccoon from Seattle and Neil the Seal, an elephant seal from Australia. She explains why these relationships can be dangerous and urges people to be cautious when interacting with wildlife. Laurie also points out that when humans approach wild animals, either by trying to get a picture with them, or pet them, and get injured, the animals are often blamed for the resulting problems, sometimes facing severe consequences as a result, even though they were minding their own business.

Since August 8th is International Cat Day, Dr. Andrea Dennis takes an in depth look at cats and what it’s really like to own one. She discusses different types of cats, what potential owners should know before bringing a cat home, and the responsibilities that come with caring for one.

Dr. Andrea Dennis discusses how to keep dogs safe during the summer, stressing that pets should never be left unattended in a hot car because of the serious health risks. She also shares cases from her experience, talks about the growing role of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine, and warns pet owners about harmful algae blooms in fresh, salt, and brackish water while offering recommendations on how to keep your pet safe when spending time outdoors.