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In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Victoria Schade, a professional dog trainer, author, and longtime lead puppy trainer/wrangler for Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. With decades of experience helping dogs and their families thrive, Victoria shares behind-the-scenes insights from one of television’s most beloved animal events — and offers practical advice pet parents can use every day. Topics include: What goes on behind the scenes to keep Puppy Bowl puppies safe, comfortable, and happyHow Victoria’s training approach creates positive, low-stress experiences for puppies on setWhy she decided to adopt Boris ("Mr. Pickles") after last year's Puppy BowlHow dog training has evolved over the yearsWhat new puppy parents should focus on in the first few months at homeThe most common mistake new pet parents make and how to avoid itSimple training tips that can make an immediate differenceVictoria's journey from dog trainer to novelistHer newest novel, Fated SkatesAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about a rare case of adoption in the wild, where a young orangutan stepped in to raise her sisterAnimal news, including a pair of endangered owls who accidentally traveled by cruise ship from Florida to Spain; a funeral for a beloved train station cat that drew hundreds of mourners; and new research showing how our own emotions can influence the way we interpret a dog’s feelingsPet Health Listener Q&A: Persistent eye discharge in a kitten; a dog who won't go outside when it's raining; and when shedding becomes a health concern for pet rabbitsDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Donald Sturz, President and Show Chairman of the Westminster Kennel Club, as they celebrate a historic milestone: the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. With decades of experience as a handler, judge, and leader in the dog show world, Dr. Sturz offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most iconic events in American sporting history. Topics include: Why the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is historically significantWhat happens behind the scenes at WestminsterThe role of junior showmanship and why it’s vital to the future of the sportHow dog breed standards are developedWhy dog shows should honor dogs as companions, not just competitorsThe history of Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowHow Dr. Sturz's background as a clinical psychologist informs his approach to leadership at WestminsterHow dogs, handlers, judges, and spectators experience the eventAlso on this month’s show: Trending animal story about the heartwarming rescue of a lost sea otter pup Animal news, including research showing urban raccoons may be showing early signs of domesticationPet Health Listener Q&A: Whether anesthesia is necessary for dental cleanings and x-rays; enrichment ideas for senior cats on prescription diets; and whether dogs should wear collars at all timesDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her longtime colleague Dr. Alexandra van der Woerdt, Department Head of Ophthalmology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they explore how veterinary ophthalmologists help keep pets’ eyes healthy — from everyday eye issues to advanced surgery. Topics include: What veterinary ophthalmologists do and when your pet should see oneCommon eye problems in pets, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitisThe types of eye surgeries pets may need, from eyelid procedures to cataract removalHow to clean eye discharge at home — and when it’s a red flagHow dogs and cats see the world differently (including why yellow and blue toys are easier for dogs to see)Early warning signs of eye issuesHow pets adapt to vision lossHow eye changes can signal systemic disease, like diabetes or high blood pressureAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about Bombi, a young zebra in Kenya whose mother was killed by lions — and how rescuers helped her feel secure by wearing black-and-white striped coats to mimic a zebra’s patternAnimal news, including research into whether dogs can become addicted to playing fetch; “chemical fossil” evidence that ancient sponges — and early animals — existed far earlier than once thought; and a study showing that New York City cats caught COVID-19 from their owners during the early days of the pandemic (and why they likely weren’t a risk to people)Pet Health Listener Q&A: A Bombay cat struggling with chronic hairballs; a young Siberian Husky who eats everything in sight; and a cat with spinal lumps accompanied by vomiting and lethargy.Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Dr. Dennis Slade, Department Head of Internal Medicine at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, about what veterinary internal medicine really means, and how specialists like him help pets with complicated or chronic health issues. Topics include: · What veterinary internal medicine treats · How AMC’s collaborative care model improves patient outcomes · The surprising things pets swallow and how endoscopy helps get them out · How veterinarians address multiple diseases in the same patient · Ways pet owners can prepare for a specialist visit · The future of veterinary medicine, from artificial intelligence to microbiome research Also on this month’s show: · Viral trending animal story about twin eastern box turtles successfully separated after hatching conjoined in Virginia · Animal news including the dogs guarding endangered penguins, “gifted word learner” dogs that understand toy categories, and the rats trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis · Pet Health Listener Q&A: Managing pets with both heart and kidney disease, preventing feline stomatitis after calicivirus infection, and understanding inflammatory bowel disease in dogs Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Philipp Schott, veterinarian, bestselling author, and storyteller, to discuss his new book Heal the Beast: A Jaunt Through the Curious History of the Veterinary Arts. Together, they explore surprising and quirky stories of animal healers across cultures and centuries, while reflecting on what these traditions teach us about the bond between humans and animals. Topics include: Why caring for animals has been universal throughout human history How wars and plagues helped spark the foundations of modern veterinary medicineThe scourge of rabies from ancient Egypt to todaySuperstitions, misguided cures, and the return of alternative approachesThe emotional, practical, and spiritual reasons people treat animalsWhat the history of veterinary medicine reveals about its futureAlso on this month’s show: Viral trending animal story featuring Maple, the retired police dog who now protects honeybeesAnimal news, including radioactive rhino horns to fight poaching, U.S. cities ranked by pet-friendliness, and TSA warnings about transporting petsPet Health Listener Q&A on moving cross-country with cats, managing recurring ear infections in dogs, and knee problems after a common orthopedic surgery in dogsDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of "Ask the Vet," Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with Rachel McPherson, Founder and President of The Good Dog Foundation, about the transformative role of therapy dogs. For more than 25 years, Rachel has been a trailblazer in the movement to bring trained therapy dogs into the lives of people experiencing illness, trauma, or hardship. Topics include: Rachel’s path from Academy Award–nominated film producer to therapy dog advocateThe story of Fidel, her first therapy dog who worked at Ground Zero after 9/11Why therapy dogs are uniquely impactful in healing and recoveryHow The Good Dog Foundation expanded from 3 dogs to more than 1,000 therapy teamsWhat makes a great therapy dog and handler teamGroundbreaking research partnerships with Yale and Mount SinaiThe Good Dog Foundation’s new initiativesAlso on this month’s show: Viral trending animal story about twin red panda cubsAnimal news, including why some dogs watch TV, the mystery of cats and concrete slabs, and bearded dragons with tiny backpacksPet health listener Q&A discussing paw licking in dogs, rare complications of rhabdomyolysis in cats, and vaccine reactions in petsDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of "Ask the Vet" Dr. Ann Hohenhaus talks with Dr. Andrea Looney, Senior Veterinarian at AMC and board-certified specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia, about how anesthesia is safely administered to pets. They discuss why the idea of anesthesia can make pet owners feel uneasy -- especially because general anesthesia involves a loss of consciousness -- and what goes on behind the scenes to keep animals safe and comfortable during procedures. Topics include: Dr. Looney’s childhood around animals and her love of goatsWhy people may be anxious about their pets undergoing anesthesiaHow anesthetic plans are customized for each individual patientWhich vital signs are closely monitored during anesthesiaThe subtle physical signs that veterinary staff look for when a patient is under anesthesiaWhy “flat-faced” breeds like Frenchies present unique challengesAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring the giraffe who gave birth to a calf weighing 132 poundsAnimal news, including a look at how humans resemble their pets, the small-clawed otters with a knack for escaping, and unlocking the secret mechanisms of a cat’s ability to purr.Pet Health Listener Q&A, with topics including hysterectomy options for small dogs, signs of kidney disease in cats, and what causes a cat to have different colored eyes.Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Daniel Spector for an informative conversation about minimally invasive surgery in pets. Dr. Spector has led AMC’s minimally invasive surgery program since its launch in 2024, and he brings nearly two decades of experience to the operating room. Together, they discuss: His perspective as a pet owner whose dog needed multiple surgeriesThe difference between minimally invasive surgery vs. traditional surgical proceduresThe benefits and suitability of these techniques for both small and large animalsThe types of procedures that can be treated with minimally invasive techniquesWhat factors go into deciding whether minimally invasive surgery is the right fitHow certain procedures can prevent life-threatening diseasesWhy minimally invasive surgery is a key part of AMC’s residency programHow his interests in cooking, hiking, and running influence his approach to surgeryAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring Bitsy, a stray cat from Alberta, Canada found with six legs.Animal news, including the story of an abandoned US postal service truck full of baby birds, how comparative research between humans and dogs is helping both species in the fight against cancer… and wild capuchin monkeys caught on camera carrying baby howler monkeys, a completely different species.Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers questions about whether or not to neuter a small toy poodle, the causes of tongue cancer in cats, and how to switch your pet’s diet for better digestive health.Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her AMC colleague Dr. Renee Alsarraf for a heartfelt and informative conversation about cancer in pets. Dr. Alsarraf brings a unique perspective, not only as a board-certified veterinary oncologist, but also but also as a cancer survivor and pet parent to dogs who have faced cancer. Together, they discuss: The types of cancers commonly seen at AMCHow radiation therapy works and when it’s usedAMC’s use of linear accelerator technology for targeted treatmentWhat’s changed in oncology over the years and what hasn’tHow Dr. Alsarraf helps clients navigate difficult treatment decisionsInsights from her memoir Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living WellWhat to expect from her upcoming webinar, Navigating a Pet’s Cancer DiagnosisHow she stays hopeful doing emotionally challenging workAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story featuring Buford, a 150-pound ranch dog in Arizona who helped lead a toddler to safetyAnimal news, including a biotech company that claims to have brought back dire wolves, a new study showing that dogs understand meaningful words even in monotone speech... and the oldest known domestic cats in history, found in a 1559 shipwreck.Pet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers questions about what a giardia-positive test means in a newly adopted cat, managing inconsistent dog-to-dog reactivity, and whether gabapentin side effects in dogs are normal or worth reevaluating.Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Parasites are a year-round threat to pets, and some can pose risks to human health as well. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus speaks with veterinarian Dr. Craig Prior, former president of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), about what every pet owner should know. From tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms to giardia and ticks that transmit diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis, they cover the most common and most concerning parasites. Tune in as they discuss: What are parasites and how do they affect animals?The upcoming parasite forecastCAPC's parasite risk mapsWays to keep animal companions (and humans) safe from parasitesWhy ticks are formidable Do dog parks harbor parasites?How people traveling with animals is spreading parasitesAre indoor cats at risk?The increasing problem of hookworm resistance and how it was exacerbated by the greyhound racing industryDo any natural cures work against parasites?Also on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring Aggie the cat, who went missing after the palisades wildfire destroyed her family homeAnimal news, including the newly identified genetic mutation causing blindness in Labrador retrieversPet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions about giving a cat chemotherapy drugs, next steps for a dog with a persistent cough, and ideas for reducing a cat's severe anxiety in carriers.Do you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

For our special 50th episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Vanessa Spano—AMCs first-ever veterinary behaviorist and the only board-certified veterinary behaviorist in New York City. Dr. Spano’s expertise spans a wide range of behavioral challenges, including anxiety, aggression, trauma recovery, and compulsive disorders. Tune in as they discuss: The difference between veterinary behaviorists, trainers, and general veterinarians What are the most common behavior issues among pets?How Dr. Spano determines if a behavior issue is medical or psychologicalBody language clues for dogs and catsHow anxiety in pets can be managedThe role of medication and training in treating animals with behavioral issuesManaging aggression in animalsAre shelter pets different from other animals?Dr. Spano's advice for pet owners struggling with behavior issuesHow to make an appointment with Dr. SpanoAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring the opossum who ate an entire Costco tuxedo chocolate mousse cakeAnimal news, including how the birdwatching app eBird is helping protect vulnerable species from bird watchersPet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions about urine crystals, different types of diagnostic imaging, and how to effectively apply ear dropsDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes zoologist and best-selling author Bill Schutt to discuss the fascinating history and function of teeth. His latest book, Bite: An Incisive History of Teeth, from Hagfish to Humans explores how teeth evolved, what they reveal about survival, and why they matter for both wild animals and our pets. Tune in as they discuss: How scientists identify extinct species by their fossilized teethWhy teeth originated in the animal kingdomHow teeth shaped the course of evolution, from ancient species to modern petsWhat fossilized teeth reveal about the diets of extinct speciesWhy small dogs have more dental issues than large dogsThe science behind bite force—and why mammals can’t match crocodilesThe importance of continuously growing teeth in certain speciesThe surprising ways animals use their teeth beyond chewingAlso on this month's show: Viral trending animal story of the month featuring Tracker, the diabetic alert dog who detected his young owner’s emergency from five houses away!Animal news, including a story on how researchers track honeybees with QR codes as well as the hidden function of manta ray tailsPet Health Listener Q&A, where Dr. Hohenhaus answers listener questions on heart disease, pet allergies, and feline vocal changesDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. This organization is dedicated to supporting vulnerable New Yorkers and their pets, preserving the human-animal bond during challenging times. Tune in as they discuss: What is the mission of PAWS NY?Rachel's inspiration to establish this organizationHow PAWS NY helps New Yorkers having difficulty caring for their pets due to illness, disability, mobility limitations, and finances, among other issuesThe poignant story of a man and his dog that PAWS NY helped for over ten yearsHow individuals, veterinarians, and other organizations can partner with and support PAWS NYWhat does the future look like for PAWS NY?Also on this month's show:  Viral trending animal story of the month about how heroic firefighters saved a dog that fell through ice on a river in OttawaAnimal news, including updates about bird flu and tips for protecting your petPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Monica Murphy, a veterinarian and co-author of "Our Kindred Creatures: How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals" — a fascinating book that looks at how America’s attitudes toward animals were transformed in the late 19th century. Tune in as they discuss: Why Dr. Murphy found this particular time period intriguingThe effectiveness of Henry Bergh, founder of the ASPCA, in advocating for animalsThe impact the book "Black Beauty" had on animal welfareWhy an outbreak of horse flu in 1872 highlighted the need for veterinary careThe role of veterinarians advocating for animal welfareHow the cruel transport of sea turtles destined for New York dinner tables inspired Henry Bergh to advocate for the welfare of wildlifeWhy PT Barnum was a lightning rod for reformers Does the physical and emotional distance humans have from certain species impact animal welfare?Dr. Murphy's ideas for a new book Also on this month's show:  Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring the couple who used their wedding fund to rescue and treat a dog who had been injured in a hit-and-runAnimal news, including the discovery in Siberia of a 37,000-year-old saber-toothed kitten with its fur, flesh, and tiny whisker tufts intactPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus interviews Dr. Scott Weese, a leading expert in veterinary infectious diseases and creator of the must-read Worms & Germs blog. Tune in as they discuss: Insights into the 2023 “mystery” canine respiratory diseaseThe impact of social media and lifestyle trends on the perception of pet healthHow the social network of dogs influences the spread of diseaseThe tragic situations that can arise if pets don’t receive vaccinations on time or at allEmerging challenges and threats that will impact the future of veterinary medicine, including climate change and antibiotic resistanceAlso on this month's show:  Viral trending animal story of the month, featuring the raccoons who invited close to 100 guests to a Washington woman’s garden buffetAnimal news, including the contagious smile of dolphinsPet Health Listener Q&ADo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!