Halloween can be very scary but Dr. Ahna Brutlag, Vice President of veterinary services and senior veterinary toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, is determined to keep your pets safe. She discusses everything from candies sweetened with a dangerous sugar substitute, raisins, Macadamia nuts and chocolates and their potential dangers to pets. Al…

10/20 – Victoria Stilwell from It’s Me or the Dog in a wide-ranging conversation regarding common tools that some dog trainers use, and should never use – in fact, should be banned. And Victoria articulately explains why. She also describes why reactive dogs are doing what they are doing, and what to do about it. It’s Me or the Dog is celebrating 2…

Dr. Ernie Ward, is a world-renowned expert and advocate for pet health and nutrition. He’s the founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. He explains just how many pets are overweight or obese. He says we need to stop playing the blame game. Yes, feeding too much and feeding the too many human treats, definitely a part of …

Pet parents have been asking for simpler pet treats with far fewer less ingredients…and Jackson Jones founder/owner Farm to Pet, based in Chicago, offers just that. There’s no processing, no salt, no preservatives and no names that are really long that you can’t pronounce – we’re talking pure protein (truly single ingredient treats). Many of the tr…

Dr. Jeff Bloomberg of Veterinary Diagnostic Centers on how he has fulfilled a niche in the Chicago area which provides imaging for pets, primarily offering cardiac and abdominal ultrasounds. In fact, he’s been so successful – because of the need for his services and his Fear Free approach when fulfilling those services, similar centers may now soon…

Head of Development and Community Engagement at Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods, Sandy De Lisle, talks a special upcoming tribute to dog loving, fallen Chicago Police Officer Ella French; and shares an update and truth about the animal sheltering situation on the North Shore and all about her award-winning film You’re Out, co-starring a pit bull…

Dreams can come true, as David Kerpel explains why he’s creating the Furever Home Dog Sanctuary. You can hear the enthusiasm, passion and determination to get this accomplished in his voice. The Sanctuary will be at 10720 Zarnstorff Rd., Richmond, IL. He explains what the mission will be (bottom line, to save dog lives). Furever Home is holding a s…

Lisa Lunghofer is the Executive Director of the non-profit Grey Muzzle Organization, the largest national nonprofit organization focused only on the well-being of senior dogs. Most dogs in shelters are seniors and most dogs who don’t make it out of shelters are seniors. She explains what the organization is doing to prevent those dogs from landing …

Paul Owens is the original dog whisperer. He explains how the moniker was “permanently borrowed” by Cesar Millan. In his latest book is Training for the Joy of Dogs: 50 Lessons Learned, Owens describes the advantages of positive reinforcement training compared punishment based training, which was about the only choice when he began training 50 year…

Certified Cat Behavior Training Specialists Rita Reimers and Linda Hall aren’t only the Cat Behavior Alliance, they both with the late Richard Simmons. They talk about what the exercise guru was really like. Rita was also a pet sitter/dog walker for Richard. They also explain the Cat Behavior Alliance is an educational tool, and an outlet to help c…

Darlene Duggan, newly installed President of Anti Cruelty, explains there’s an animal welfare desert on the South and Southwest side of Chicago, and the non-profit is in the process of doing something about it. Chicago’s shelters are filled or near filled, and she explains why. The big Pour Your Heart Out event is September 26, 6–10 p.m. at Saraban…

Reptile ownership is scaling upwards, which all began during the pandemic. Rich Crowley, treasurer and past president of the Chicago Hepatological Society, which helps to rescue reptiles and amphibians, offers ideas for people who are seeking a first-time reptile. He also describes that sometimes the animal may be less expensive than the enclosure …

Chicago recently lost a great advocate for cats, Ann Dieter, Board Chair at Harmony House for Cats. Jennifer Zameic, shelter manager discusses this all-cat shelter in Avondale, and what makes this facility unique. Also, how to pick the right cat for you. And there’s a benefit pub crawl for kitties, September 28; learn more here. Kim Theobald owner …

It was Hall of Fame third baseman and WGN Radio broadcaster Ron Santo’s dream to one day help children suffering from diabetes. And that is exactly what the Ron and Vicki Santo Diabetic Alert Dog Foundation does. Scott Parker explains what having one of these dogs has done to support his daughter and his family. So impressed – he’s hosting a fundra…

Jon Provost, who was Timmy on Lassie, is now 74 years old – amazing. He reminisces about his time with the most famous and heroic dog ever. The craziest thing Timmy was ever rescued from on TV was quicksand. And Lassie was there to save the day. Discussed are common misconceptions about Lassie and how Lassie was trained. Provost primarily worked wi…

Just like that, one morning Heartland Animal Shelter, a premier shelter in Wheeling, IL, was literally underwater. Executive Director Jenny Schlueter explains why help is needed, either by fostering or adopting animals, and/or to give money. Insurance isn’t going to cover all this. All the animals survived, though Jenny tells the story that if it w…

Jay Spainhour, owner of Tucker Pups Pet Resort offers tips on boarding dogs. What the facility should be offering, and what to watch for when seeking a place for doggy daycare. Dog trainer Jeff Millman agrees one of the most common problems is on-leash aggression. He’s written a book, which entails how to help these dogs, particularly with the use …

Dr. Rena Carlson, immediate past president American Veterinary Medical Association on summertime pet safety. Heatstroke in dogs is all too common, yet nearly always preventable. And why are people still leaving dogs in hot cars? An update on FIP, which was detailed in a Steve Dale’s Pet World show from June 23. More and more people are traveling wi…

Dr. Julia Albright, Veterinary Behaviorist and Associate Professor at University of Tennessee School of Veterinary Medicine explains the brain to gut connection in humans and how in animals it’s nearly identical. Knowing this, a nutritional supplement probiotic called Calming Care can ease anxiety in dogs and cats. She also talks about how understa…

An in-depth deep dive into feline infectious peritonitis with Dr. Brian Holub, Chair of the Scientific Review Committee at EveryCat Health Foundation and retired Chief Medical Officer at VetCor. Our conversation includes breaking news regarding FIP treatment in the U.S. And we tell the FIP story filled with so much drama and intrigue it might be a …

Mike Shikashio, CDBC, is an expert on aggressive dogs. Why are some dogs aggressive? He dispels myths regarding causes of aggression and ways to help to most effectively treat these dogs. This is as detailed a discussion about this arguably increasingly common issue as you will hear on the radio – though, for more, Shikashio will offer an intensive…

Phil Arkow is a co-founder of the National Link Coalition, the non-profit national resource center on the link between animal abuse and human violence. Animal abuse is a sentinel indicator that something is clearly wrong, so if animals are abused likely there’s additional violence in the home. Arkow explains why people are reluctant to leave domest…

Conversations with Darlene Duggan, interim president at Anti Cruelty, and Susan Cappello, Acting Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC), about an honest appraisal of the animal shelter scene in Chicago, and why so many animals are being relinquished. At CACC, there’s an intense effort just to explain what they really do and that…

Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Brittany Lancellotti earned the EveryCat Health Foundation 2024 Steve Dale Communications Award for the Your Vet Wants You to Know podcast. Discussed are all sorts of allergies which dogs and cats suffer – including environmental allergies to food allergies, and what to about them. And even some odd allergies, such as c…

Robyn Michaels, a member of the Greater Chicago Whippet Club and a dog groomer in Rogers Park who speaks the truth – or at least her truth – regarding hobby dog breeders and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Why in the heck does the AKC seem more intent on protecting the breeders of “doodle dogs” or “designer dogs” compared to pure bred dogs? Why are…

Linda Michaels, Author of The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook, featuring the Hierarchy of Dog Needs, explains what those needs are. She discusses how dog training methods DO matter, and what dog trainers to run the other way from. Discussed is that people want to socialize puppies, but what some well-meaning individuals aren’t doing r…

Former Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust is beloved for so many reasons, and it turns out – no surprise – she’s a huge animal lover. She talks about the first Dog Day promotions (at that time taking dogs to Comiskey Park) and her love of goats, and what goats are like. You’ll also hear Bill Veeck and Harry Caray behind-the-scenes stories. Rais…

Dr. Robin Downing is a polymath (that means she knows A LOT) of veterinary medicine, a well-respected, albeit outspoken, expert on many topics. Discussed are a wide range of subjects from bioethics in veterinary medicine to the Fear Free initiative and principles to consent dog training (ascent is actually a better term) to declaw in cats a multi-m…

Dr. Renee Schmid is Senior Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 pet animal poison control center. A wide range of concerns including rodenticides to insecticides; and what you can do if your pet ingests some. The truth about garlic in cats and dogs. Also discussed is Xylitol or Birch Sugar which can quickly kill, and this sugar substitute is…

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Chris Pachel talks about canine separation anxiety – what it IS and what it IS NOT. What can people do to deal with dogs who have separation anxiety? Are dogs really guilty after having an accident indoors or tearing up a pillow because of separation anxiety. Why are psycho-pharmaceuticals may be required or a product cal…

Play with Your Cat! – That is both the name of the book and the message from Dr. Mikel Delgado. She discusses how to play with your cat, what are the best toys to play with your cat, when are the best times to play with your cat and most important why play is ESSENTIAL to your cat’s mental and physical health. And what is the potential consequence …

Bradley Phifer, Director of Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers , explains what this organization is and what to look for if you happen to be sniffing out a dog trainer. And dog training is not a licensed profession, and some trainers use methods that can do more harm than good. That’s why demonstrating competence in the field is so…

Founder and President of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Dr. Ernie Ward, says the issue is far more complex than people merely offering too much table food. So, what exactly has been going on? And why with every passing year are there more and more obese dogs/cats? And it’s not only about weight, but also about body condition score. Cle…

From IT’S ME OR THE DOG on Animal Planet, a very wide-ranging conversation with superstar dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. She announces that the virtual Victoria Stilwell Academy 11th Annual Dog Behavior Conference is April 19-21 and discloses who some of the speakers are and what some of the topics are. The hope is that San Francisco – working to b…

Dr. Sheilah Robertson, who received the Animal Welfare for the American Veterinary Medical Association, is as expert anesthesia and analgesia. She points out that people (and pets too) can truly die directly due to pain and offers the history of what we know about this. And answers at what point do you not put a pet under anesthesia. And why it’s a…

Kara Burns is a Credentialed Veterinary Technician with a specialty in nutrition, dentistry, and internal medicine. To acknowledge the difference she’s made in veterinary medicine, she was just honored with the Icon Award from the Bridge Club. Burns is on the Board of Directors of the EveryCat Health Foundation, and talks about an upcoming symposiu…

Virtual care or telehealth is available and it’s tempting – but might not be in your best interest or your pets’ interest, according to Dr. Gail Golab, Associate Executive Vice President and Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Actually, Dr. Golab loves the idea of telehealth, noting “it can be amazing” IF and on…

Gene O’Neill is CEO of North American Veterinary Community and the VMX veterinary meeting – the largest continuing education event for veterinary professionals. He explains how this matters to you as a pet parent. Dr. Tammy Grubb, President of the International Academy of Veterinary Pain Management and adjunct professor at Washington State Universi…

Veterinary dentist Dr. Jan Bellows celebrates Pet Dental Health Month. He discusses preventive care (including several surprise answers). Indeed it’s all about prevention, like dental diets and treats, wipes and water additives like Oratene. Dr. Michael Lappin, Professor at Colorado State University, has been investigating that mystery dog respirat…

Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta discusses common but truly sometimes life-threatening behavior problems in dogs and cats. She is co-author of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Topics include separation anxiety and cats who have accidents outside of their litter boxes. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/4476671/4476671_2024-01-06-223511.64…

Dr. Tammy Grubb reveals how cats are so adept at masking pain. Dr. Grubb is president of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Managementand adjunct professor Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. And now there’s a new way to treat arthritis in cats. Famed cat book author Gwen Cooper has done it again. Her latest book i…

While some dog behaviors are perfectly normal if you happen to be a dog, like jumping on people who arrive at the house or digging at the garden, these are not acceptable behaviors to live with. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Valli Parthasarathy offers solutions about what to do. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Brian Scansen on all things heart disease in …

Baby, it’s cold out there and getting colder. Dr. Natalie Marks offers tips on keeping pets safe in very cold weather, from which pets benefit by wearing coats or sweaters to how it is true that pets can get frostbite, and what those warning signs are. Also, a discussion about antifreeze and other winter hazards. On how perspective home buyers are …

Legendary dog trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar is a ground-breaking source of so much of what we take for granted today regarding dog training. His books are “bibles” in the world of dog training, and his most recent one is Barking Up the Right Tree: The Science of Positive Dog Training. Dr. Dunbar is not without strongly held views. Discussed are so-called …

It’s a Steve Dale’s Pet World tradition, talking with the President of the American Veterinary Medical Association about resolutions for the New Year for pets. Dr. Rena Carlson talks about regular twice a year for life checkups, virtual or telehealth care, dealing with how the majority of U.S. dogs/cats are overweight or obese and teaching dogs new…

Talking with Dr. Mark Goldstein has become a Steve Dale’s Pet World howliday tradition. No one embodies howliday positivity as Dr. Goldstein. And he’s done it all in vet medicine, nowadays telling stories about his wonderful life. He also offers highlights of the year 2023 in vet medicine and looks into his crystal ball for next year. Goldstein is …

Dr. Adam Christman (sometimes called Dr. Christmas) is a secret Santa, and Chief Veterinary Officer at DVM360. Discussed is safety at Christmas – tips for keeping pets out of the emergency room. For example, kiss under the mistletoe, but keep pets away and warns about dangers of tinsel. Dr. Wendy Hauser of Peak Veterinary Consulting says open wide …

Wayne Pacelle, President Animal Wellness Action and Center for Humane Economy, weighs in on how Oklahoma Governor Keven Stit is supporting cockfighting, which is a felony. Pacelle explains exactly what goes on at these gruesomely violent events. Here is the Governor himself supporting cockfighting. Pacelle points out cockfighting occurs in Illinois…

Dr. Jeanette O’Quinn, Associate Professor of Shelter Medicine at the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine notes that shelter medicine is in many ways very different compared to small animal private practice, and is now a specialty. O’Quinn notes there are Guidelines for shelters from the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Ani…

All about cats – this show features Dr. Sarah Brown, Author of The Hidden Language of Cats: How They Have Us At Meow. Understanding cats, no easy task, begins with understanding how cats became domesticated. However, some feel they aren’t domesticated – so are they or not? Cats do communicate with us all time. How do you know what they’re trying to…