Winter hasn't even technically begun but the temperatures are dropping and some places around the U.S. have already seen some heavy snow. While it's easy for us to bundle up and ensure our comfort and safety, our dogs and cats are relying on us to help do the same for them.

On this episode of the Paws & Play with Dr. J podcast, we talk about the different steps you can easily take to help keep your pets healthy and safe. Check out the resources below for tips and tricks for 

Topics: Dogs, Cats, Winter pet hazards

After recording the first podcast in our senior pet series, on the benefits of senior pet adoption, my wife and I went ahead and dove headfirst into that challenge and picked up our newest 10 year old family member just a month or so later.

Before picking up, Mabel (formerly Peanut, who you will hear more about on a future episode), we knew she was dealing with a few health issues, including Pug Myelopathy (weak rear) and we would have to be making some adjustments around the house to ensure her safety.

Our French Bulldog, Marshall, while blessed with very few serious issues, has developed some IVDD over his 11 ½ years, so we had already made some adjustments to the house prior to her arrival.

Unfortunately, Marshall's sight isn't what it used to be and it's hard to tell whether they are both hearing impaired or just ignoring me (I think a combo of both), but it's safe to assume there will need to be more adjustments in the near future.

This episode I ask Dr. J and certified dog trainer and behavior consultant Cathy Madson for advice, tips, and tricks for making sure I am doing everything I can to provide my senior pups, and my cat who will eventually be a senior, with the best quality of life as they grow older and their needs change.

Topics: Dogs, Cats, Senior Pets, hearing loss, Arthritis, Mobility Issues

We're back with certified feline trainer and behavior consultant, Dr. Marci Koski, to do a deeper dive into cat spraying.

We know cat spraying is one of the most frustrating — and stinky — issues cat owners deal with, and it's also a major contributor to cat relinquishment, and even euthanasia.

So, to avoid the stress and anything else that may potentially come with it, Marci provides some great ideas for doing your own sleuthing to figure out the underlying issues as to why your cat is spraying, and then gives some great suggestions for helping stop this unwanted behavior.

Topics: Cat Health, Litter Box, Feline Urethral Obstruction, Cat spraying, Cat pee

Cats peeing outside of the litter box is one of the most frustrating (and stinky) issues a cat owner can face.

Contrary to what many people think, kitties aren't spraying on the walls, peeing on clothes, or eliminating outside of the litter box just for vindictive funsies. But, they are trying to tell you something.

Feline trainer and behavior consultant, Dr. Marci Koski, is back to talk about the many reasons your cat could be spraying or having litter box issues.

Topics: Cat Health, Litter Box, Feline Urethral Obstruction, Cat spraying, Cat pee

Choke collars, and bark collars may seem like the perfect investment to train your dog to stop unwanted behavior — after all, that's exactly how they are marketed.

But just like those super long prescription drug commercials, the unwanted side effects of these products are often much worse than the original problem.

On today's show, PV's certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, Cathy Madson, teaches us all about aversives, the four quadrants of operant conditioning, and better methods for training your dogs to listen to you.

Topics: Dog Training, Dog Collars, Dog Behavior, adult dog tips, puppy tips, aggression in dogs, aversives, Fear Free Training

There is no shortage of cat food options to choose from, but plenty of reasons to choose one over another.

On today's show, Dr. J and I discuss why feeding wet food to your cats — and male cats in particular — is so important.

Topics: Cat Health, Cat Diet, Feline Urethral Obstruction, Cat Tips, Cat food, Cat obesity

This episode, Dr. J, Cathy, and I talk about the many benefits of adopting senior dogs and cats. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked at the shelters, but we believe a lot of that may be due to misunderstanding and misinformation.

Seniors are filled with love, and many are also filled with a whole lot of life! You may be surprised at how well an older dog or cat fits in with your lifestyle.

Topics: Dog Behavior, Senior Pets, adult dog tips, pet adoption, Senior Dogs, Senior Cats

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