Join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Why is my 13 y.o. dog seeming so confused by every day tasks? She doesn't seem to recognize me anymore and went to the window to be let outside. Then she seemed to get lost on our usual walk and became quite anxious. She is pacing all night long and then sleeps throughout the day. She's never had an accident, and now urinated on the dining room rug twice last week! Sound familiar? Accordin...
Can sound really help your dog heal? In this fascinating episode of PetAbility, we sit down with Dr. McCauley, a trailblazer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore the emerging world of acoustic therapy for pets. Using tuning forks, this gentle, non-invasive technique can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility—helping dogs feel better naturally. Dr. McCauley breaks down the science of how sound waves impact fascia, muscles, and nerves, and shares how tuning fork therapy compar...
Join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Tonya Cooksey "You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain co...
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Shields, a true icon in veterinary medicine whose compassion, innovation, and work ethic continue to shine at age 88. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dr. Shields shares his remarkable journey from founding Bethayers Veterinary Hospital in 1964 to still practicing today, focusing on end-of-life care. You’ll hear firsthand about his pioneering work with pacemakers in dogs (as early as 1974!), his travels to Switzerland to study i...
Please join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Christin Finn. Located in the knee, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries are the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs. Yet there is little consistency or agreement about how to manage this condition. It goes well beyond surgery vs. no surgery. Pet parents angst about what to do to help there dog's knee pain and function, then often second guess themselves once they decide. Rest assured that there is a multitude of options ...
Cathy and Chris sit down with Clayton Blunk of My Pet’s Brace, a leader in custom orthopedic solutions for pets. With nearly 90% of their braces designed for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries—the most common orthopedic issue in dogs—we explore how custom knee bracing offers a non-surgical path to pain relief and mobility. From choosing the right candidates to partnering with veterinary teams, we take you inside the journey of bracing…and beyond. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: 🦴 What CCL injurie...
Anxiety is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues facing our pets today. In this comprehensive episode, Chris and Cathy explore the staggering prevalence of pet anxiety, common triggers, and a wide range of effective strategies to help our furry (and feathered) friends feel safe and secure. Did You Know? Over 72% of dogs show anxiety-related behaviors76% exhibited separation anxiety during the pandemicCats, birds, and even exotic pets experience anxiety, tooFrom fear of fireworks to ...
In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference. 🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why Jerri first stepped into ...
Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, what it takes to get certified, and why temperament matters more tha...
In this heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby. Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company, her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs. 🐾 In This Episode: The Origin Story: How Dr. Buzby’s experience in integra...
🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome, this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch! In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that makes your pup’s tail go limp. We’ll break down: 🐕 The breeds most...
This episode explores Synovetin OA, a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia. Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, pain managemen...
"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome....
🐾 Curious about the Assisi LOOP® and tPEMF™ treatment? Let’s break it down with expert guest, Mialisa Gluckert from Zomedica! We’re diving into what the Assisi LOOP® is and how it works, using its unique targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF™) technology, to address inflammation or anything ending in “-itis.” From easing osteoarthritis and chronic pain to helping with post-surgical recovery, we’ll explore the conditions the LOOP treats and how it seamlessly fits into pain management pr...
Mobility issues are a challenge many pet owners face, and Ruff Ramp offers a life-changing solution. In this episode, we welcome Larry Backes, dog enthusiast and creator of the Ruff Ramp - a thoughtfully designed mobility aid that helps dogs navigate stairs with ease, confidence, and safety. Larry’s journey began with his beloved dog, Montana, whose medical condition inspired him to engineer a robust ramp with a multitude of design features you do not even know your pet needs. We’ll discuss h...
Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional help. Plus, our expert guest, certified professional dog traine...
This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how regenerative medicine, particularly biologics, can bring relief to our beloved pets suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). With warmth and expertise, David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, discusses treatment options like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and joint injectables such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, and synthetics. Each approach is carefully explained, highlighting the factors that guide their use. Partnering with your veterin...
Imagine undergoing surgery without understanding why, and then returning home only to be confined to bed with no explanation. You're deprived of all activities and stimulation—no television, books, phone, computer, or any form of entertainment—for weeks or even months. It would drive you CRAZY! This is exactly how your dog feels after surgery. Lori Chamberland, Education Manager at Fear Free Pets, draws from her personal experience with her 1.5-year-old Border Collie, an agility competitor, t...
Meet Naja Muller, the devoted "Mom" to a pack of incredible handi-capable rescued bullies and the heart behind the inspiring social media presence, Tonka's Journey. As a kindred spirit to PetAbility Podcast's mission, Naja shares our commitment to normalizing differently-abled pets by highlighting the journeys of her three current dogs' unparalleled resiliency, unabashed spirit, and unbridled zest for life. Naja discusses her dedication to Tonka, Summer, and Macy's physical and emotional hea...
Buckle up as Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, PT, PhD, tCPT™, Fellow, IAVRPT, shares her story as a true pioneer in the discipline of small animal physical rehabilitation. In turn, get glimpses of how far this field has come in the past 25 years. Thanks to her grit, determination, and admittedly, even a little bit of luck, Carrie continues to pave the way for so many to fulfill dreams of working with pets. From her early days on Animal Planet's Emergency Vets to founding CanineIQ, the first educatio...