Ask the Vet

• The Parasite Problem: How to Protect Your Pet with Dr. Craig Prior

  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!

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• Special 50th Episode: Pet Behavior with Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Vanessa Spano

  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!

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• 49. How Teeth Shaped Life on Earth with Zoologist and Author Bill Schutt

  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!

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• 48. Helping People by Helping Pets with PAWS NY Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman Plus an Update on Bird Flu

  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!

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• 47. How Americans Came to Feel the Way They Do About Animals with Dr. Monica Murphy

  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 bookAlso 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!

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