Paws & Play with Doctor J.

Microchipping your pets is an important topic to understand regardless of time of year, but is especially important as we head into fireworks season, when the shelters are overrun with traumatized pets fleeing the loud booms and now need help getting home.

Most pet parents have at least heard of microchips, but there is still a lot of confusion when it comes to what they actually do and the proper steps you have to take to ensure the chip is actually registered, and your contact information is updated.

Topics: Dog Safety, Cat Safety, New Kitten, Microchip, Lost Cat, puppy tips, lost dog, Lost pets, Found pets

On today's show, Dr. J, Cathy, and I walk you through the steps of what to do if you should ever come across a dog or cat you think is lost.

Every situation is different, and it can be really tricky to know what to do in the moment.

But whether you're short on time and can only do the bare minimum, or if you're in it for the long haul until the owner is found, there are plenty of ways you can help, and thanks to the Internet, a growing number of resources available to aid in speedy reunions.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Behavior, Lost Cat, Dog Body Language, adult dog tips, puppy tips, Off Leash Dog, Calming signals, lost dog

On today’s episode, we give Dr. J a break and I sit down with PV's dog behavior and training expert, Cathy Madson, to discuss what you should do, and what you shouldn’t do, if you’re ever approached by an off-leash dog.

It’s a really important episode, because the answers aren’t as intuitive as you might think. So pay attention because these tips could really come in handy if you’re ever in this situation.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Behavior, Dog Body Language, adult dog tips, puppy tips, Off Leash Dog, Calming signals

Having the right supplies and knowing what to do (and what not to do) in an emergency situation involving your pet, can literally save lives.

In this episode, Dr. J tells us what you can expect to learn at a pet first aid class, we walk through some of the essentials to keep in your kits at home and on the road, and recommend first-aid manuals and great free resources I'll link to in the post below.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, Pain, Pet First Aid, Pet First Aid Supplies, Pet First Aid Kit, Hydrogen Peroxide, adult dog tips, puppy tips, Pet CPR, Pet Vital Signs

With spring cleaning upon us, I've decided it's not only time to do the deep-cleaning the floors, carpet, and surfaces deserve right this moment, but it's time to use this celebration of sanitization to kickstart myself into better cleaning habits all year round, for myself, and my pets.

From cat trees to recirculating water fountains and beyond, Dr. J and I discuss a lot of the pet-related cleaning that we should be doing with some frequency, that many of us (myself very much included) probably aren't.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, pet-safe cleaning products

One of Preventive Vet's newest staff puppies, Mary Berry, just had her spay surgery done, and with it, came the Elizabethan collar that many of us humans refer to as the "Cone of Shame".

While she was banging into walls and the backs of our legs, it brought up some questions for many of us in the office, so we figured it would be a great opportunity for Dr. J to give us the lowdown on all things E-collar, including how to use desensitization training to get your dog or cat used to it before they actually have to wear it.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play

Contrary to what many people may believe, not every dog is cut out for doggie daycare — for a host of reasons.

So, if you're thinking about getting your puppy, or even your mature dog started at daycare, this is definitely an episode you won't want to miss.

Dr. J and Mia talk to one of Preventive Vet's newest team members, Cathy Madson, a certified dog behavior and training expert, about what to expect and not expect from a doggie daycare. Health and behavior issues to think about before and while a dog is at daycare. Red flags to turn you away from a daycare facility. And a whole lot more!

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, Socialization, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, dog daycare

New Years is just over two weeks away, and while the sound of champagne bottles popping almost never goes off in my home, fireworks booming nearby, and a frenzied vacuum making its way around the house before guests arrive both happen way more often throughout the year than I'd like.

For some animals, these noises instill fear that literally makes them feel as though the sky is falling. And it doesn't take a loud boom, sometimes it can be something as common as a microwave beep, or the popping of bubblewrap.

Thankfully, there are a lot of different tools, resources, and desensitization and counterconditioning techniques you can use with your dog or cat, to help them understand everything will be ok. Don't forget, the best plans are made early, and tested early.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, New Kitten, holiday pet safety tips, Cat Tips, Noise Phobias, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, noise aversions

The gift-giving season has arrived, and for many children (and adults), a cute, snuggly dog or cat is on the list of what they are wishing for.

Over the years, there has been a lot of controversy when it comes to whether or not gifting a pet for the holidays is a good, or terrible, idea.

Thankfully, from the data currently being reported, it seems as though a Hanukkah Husky, Christmas Calico, or Kwanzaa King Charles Spaniel isn't such a bad idea...as long as you do it the right way. On today's episode, Dr. J and I go over the pros and cons, lots of things to take into consideration, and if you decide to add a new family member, tips for setting yourself (and them) up for success.

Topics: Cat Health, Dog Safety, Dog Health, Cat Safety, New Kitten, holiday pet safety tips, Cat Tips, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, common products toxic to dogs

While this is not a particularly "fun" episode, this is an incredibly important one. Xylitol is an all natural sugar substitute found in an increasing number of products, including some peanut butters, and it is absolutely deadly to dogs.

I can tell you that if I didn't work at Preventive Vet, I probably wouldn't know about Xylitol toxicity (or Xylitol at all), and that is a dangerous place for a dog owner to be, which is why spreading awareness is so important. On today's show, we talk about what Xylitol is, signs that your dog may have ingested Xylitol, important steps to take (immediately) if you know or suspect that your dog has ingested Xylitol, and how you can help other dogs and their families and #GetXylitolOut.

Topics: Dog Safety, Dog Health, Xylitol, puppy proofing, adult dog tips, puppy tips, paws and play, #IfOnlyIKnew, common products toxic to dogs