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Guide dogs offer independence, confidence, and unwavering companionship, helping people navigate the world with greater freedom. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Rebekah Cross, Vice President of Philanthropy at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and a member of a guide dog team herself. Rebekah shares her personal experience with guide dogs and discusses the important work of Guiding Eyes, as well as the time, training, and dedication that go into creating successful guide dog teams. Topics include: How guide dogs support independence and help their people navigate daily lifeThe skills guide dogs are trained to perform and how they work with their partners as a teamWhat you should know when you encounter a guide dogHow dogs are raised and trained before being matched with their future partnersWhat’s involved in becoming a volunteer puppy raiserHow Guiding Eyes matches dogs with the right peopleWhat happens when a dog doesn’t complete the guide dog programWays to get involved with or support Guiding Eyes for the Blind Also on this month's show: Trending animal story: the first sighting of a North American river otter in the Bronx River in about 100 yearsAnimal news, including new research on how dogs respond to human facial expressions; how cats use scent to identify one another; and how “HeroRATs” are helping combat the illegal wildlife tradePet Health Listener Q&A: whether a fatty lump on a dog should be tested; what to do when a cat with suspected IBD refuses therapeutic diets; and when a persistent cough in a dog may require veterinary attentionDo you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Exotic pets can be wonderful companions, but caring for them comes with a unique set of considerations and challenges. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. John Sykes, AMC’s new Head of Zoological and Companion Exotic Animal Medicine. Drawing on his background in zoo medicine, Dr. Sykes shares what inspired him to make the move to AMC and what pet owners should know about choosing, caring for, and keeping exotic pets healthy. Topics include: Why Dr. Sykes made the move from zoo medicine to his new role at AMCWhat is considered an exotic petHow to choose the exotic pet species that best matches your lifestyleWhere to acquire an exotic petHow caring for an exotic pet can sometimes be similar to caring for a zoo animalRecognizing signs of illness and when to visit a veterinarianWhat preventative care looks like for an exotic pet Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Jimothy, a young raccoon who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his cryptid-like appearanceAnimal news, including how a new study suggests that changes in the way senior dogs walk are associated with cognitive decline, much as they are in peoplePet Health Listener Q&A: How to protect indoor pets from poor air quality and wildfire smoke; how to protect dogs from getting sunburned; and how to feed multiple cats different dietsDo you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support. Topics include: What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic settingWhat Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to beWhat palliative care for pets looks like and how it can help pets and their families make the most of their time togetherTips to assess a pet’s quality of lifeHow to approach and navigate discussions about euthanasiaWhat a peaceful in-home euthanasia experience looks like and how to prepare for itNavigating grief and the role of rituals, keepsakes, and memorials in providing comfortAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about Romeow, a stray orange tabby cat who made an unexpected appearance during an outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet”Animal news, including the story of how a new study challenges the common assumption that cat ownership automatically worsens asthma in childrenPet Health Listener Q&A: What sudden movements during deep sleep may mean; why cats may drool while kneading surfaces; and what to do if your pet gets sprayed by a skunkDo you have a pe t health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Summer means more time outdoors, beach trips, barbecues, and adventures with our pets. It can also be one of the busiest times of year in the veterinary emergency room. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in AMC's Emergency and Critical Care Service, to discuss the most common summer emergencies and what owners need to know to help protect their pets. Topics include: Which pets are most vulnerable to heat-related illnessThe warning signs that a pet may be overheatingWhat to do in a heat emergency — and one common mistake that can make the situation worseWhy a day at the beach can sometimes end in the ERSummer travel risks many pet owners overlookPicnic and barbecue hazards that can lead to an emergency vet visitWhat ER veterinarians wish every pet owner knewAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about a Great Horned Owl rescued after becoming trapped inside a concrete mixerAnimal news, including new research suggesting beluga whales may recognize themselves in mirrors, a study exploring how zebra finches learn complex skills, and fascinating findings about what pet hair may reveal about the indoor environments pets and people sharePet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing breathing concerns in a Yorkie with pancreatitis; whether Golden Retrievers should be shaved during the summer; and ongoing diarrhea and excessive thirst in a cat being treated for thyroid diseaseDo you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet!

Pet owners shouldn’t have to face hardship alone. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover, to discuss the resources available for pet owners facing difficult circumstances. Topics include: What RedRover is and how the nonprofit works to strengthen the human-animal bondResources available through RedRover, including disaster relief, financial assistance, and educationHow RedRover supports pet owners who are survivors of domestic violenceAn overview of the Purple Leash Project, including its impact and futureGuidance for pet owners who may be facing hardshipAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about Dippy, the first axolotl ever found in the wild in the UKAnimal news, including the story of Molly, a beloved dog who was successfully rescued and reunited with her owner after a life-threatening accident in New ZealandPet Health Listener Q&A: Addressing inappropriate urination in a rescued Pomeranian; when to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist; and what limping after a nap may mean for dogsDo you have a pet health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] or click the button below to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.

Proper exercise and conditioning can support our dogs as they age. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes her colleague, Dr. Leilani Alvarez, Service Head of Integrative & Rehabilitative Medicine at AMC, to discuss exercise, mobility, and how we can keep dogs strong and active throughout their lives. Topics include: What a specialist in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation doesThe changes in strength, mobility, and function you may see in your dog as they ageDifferentiating between normal aging and early signs of mobility problemsAll the ways in which regular movement can support overall health and quality of lifeWhy conditioning your dog for exercise mattersWhat a well-balanced exercise routine looks likeCommon mistakes and habits that can lead to strain and injuryRegaining strength and mobility after an injuryAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about Buck, a dog who was rescued after being found with a plastic bucket stuck over his headAnimal news, including how dogs may try to help their families find lost objects in ways that look strikingly similar to human toddlersPet Health Listener Q&A: When to worry about hydration in kittens; how sun exposure can lead to cancer; and what to do if your cat has one pupil larger than the otherDo you have a pet question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email [email protected] to have your question answered on Ask the Vet's Listener Q&A.

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Renee Schmid, Director of Veterinary Medicine and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, to discuss poisonings and toxin exposures in pets. Topics include: What veterinary toxicologists doHow Pet Poison Helpline works — and when you should callTrending toxin exposures and emerging concernsRed-flag symptoms pet owners should never ignoreHow new toxin alerts are prepared and shared with veterinarians and pet ownersPractical tips to help prevent poisonings Also on this month's show: Trending animal story about Splash, a small-clawed Asian otter helping law enforcement with underwater search and recoveryAnimal news, including how an endangered white rhino with a life-threatening parasitic eye infection was savedPet Health Listener Q&A: Why a dog may skip or hop for a few steps while walking; what a sudden bald patch in cats may indicate; and what to do if your dog tears off a dewclawDo 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 TikTok!

In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus is joined by her colleague Dr. Erin Achilles, Senior Veterinarian and Specialist in Cardiology at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. Together, they discuss how veterinary cardiologists play a critical role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives.  Topics include: What veterinary cardiologists do and when your pet should see oneCommon types of acquired heart disease in dogs and catsHow to monitor your pet’s resting respiratory rate and why it mattersTypes of congenital heart disease seen and treated at AMCTips to maintain your pet’s heart healthAlso on this month's show: Trending animal story about how an Austrian cow, Veronika, has dazzled cognitive biologists through multi-purpose tool use Animal news, including research showing spider monkeys creating a complex social network to better find and gather foodPet Health Listener Q&A: How to know if your pet is experiencing hearing loss; understanding medication instruction labels; and whether one type of kitty litter is better than the restDo 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 TikTok!

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!