Dr. A for Animals

Season 1 Wrap-Up

A quick safety announcement for the upcoming holidays, a fun tidbit about really cool animals, and a big thank you!

Supporting pets through normal aging, age related diseases, and osteoarthritis

Caring for an aging pet can bring both deep joy and new uncertainty. In this episode, we explore what it truly means for a wide variety of species we love as pets to grow older — including the normal, healthy changes of aging and how to recognize when something more serious may be developing. We discuss the most common medical conditions seen in senior pets, many of which can be successfully managed to maintain comfort and quality of life. Because arthritis is one of the most widespread and under-recognized problems in older animals, we take a deeper look at the subtle signs of pain, available treatment options, and practical ways to make the home environment easier for aging companions. This episode is designed to help pet owners feel empowered rather than afraid of the senior years — with guidance on preventive care, quality-of-life monitoring, and the emotional side of loving an older pet. Aging is natural. Suffering doesn’t have to be. Resources: Episode 5 on oral health and dental disease: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oral-health-and-dental-disease-in-dogs-and-cats/id1852856063?i=1000741808188 Episode 6 on quality of life, end of life, and coping with grief:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-end-of-life-for-beloved-pets-coping-with-grief/id1852856063?i=1000743400342 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9484193/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7144988/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3525174/

Understanding and Managing Your Pets' Medications

Giving your pet medication can feel confusing, stressful, or even overwhelming—especially if your pet isn’t cooperative. In this episode, we walk through the basics of understanding and managing your pet’s medications, including why medications are prescribed, how to read labels and instructions, tips for giving pills and liquids successfully, and what side effects to watch for. Whether your pet needs short-term treatment or long-term medication for a chronic condition, this episode is designed to help you feel more confident, informed, and supported as a pet parent. Resources: How to give medications tutorial: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUpOWKSjsMJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Time Stamps: 1:00: Medications for animals 4:40: Various formulations for medications 5:30: Compounded and transdermal medications 11:20: Generic drugs 13:20: Off-label prescribing 19:20: Medication labels - what’s required, and what it all means 27:50: Timing of medication administration 29:50: Getting the medication into the animal with minimal stress 40:00: Do’s and don’t’s of giving medication in food 45:30: Giving pills directly to dogs and cats  50:20: Giving liquid medication directly  52:00: Towel wrap for “handsy” pets 54:55: Applying topical medications for skin, ears, eyes 1:00:00: Applying transdermal medications 1:02:00: Giving injectable medications 1:13:00: Side note - don’t scruff the cat! 1:15:30: What to do if your pet absolutely refuses all routes of medication 1:21:40: Adverse drug reactions, when it’s manageable, when it’s an emergency 1:37:00: Storing and handling medications 1:38:00: Missed doses 1:41:00: Long term/chronic medications and monitoring, managing costs 1:49:00: Follow up

The Wild Side - How to Reap the Benefits of Nature Exposure While Protecting Wildlife, Habitats, and Our Pets

This episode delves into the effects of nature exposure on human health and how we can enjoy and experience nature while minimizing our impact and helping to protect the animals and land around us. We discuss how to keep pets safe from wildlife, how to handle unwanted wildlife encounters, and how to help an injured wild animal. Resources: Cornell Lab of Ornithology: www.allaboutbirds.org Merlin Bird ID app: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/ National Wildlife Federation: www.nwf.org Studies mention: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-20207-6?utm https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/2/153?utm https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24697969/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39209768/ Time stamps: 1:00: How nature exposure affects human health 8:40: Getting into nature: watching birds 15:40: Feeding wild birds - pros, cons, and how to do it right 31:30: Providing water sources for wildlife 34:00: Handling unwanted wildlife interactions and “nuisance” wildlife 55:30: Encountering injured or orphaned wildlife - what you can do 1:09:00: Keeping pets safe from wildlife and wildlife safe from pets 1:25:00: Making yourself a good steward of the land

Recognizing and managing thyroid disease in dogs and cats

Is your senior cat losing weight but eating like a champ? Or has your dog been slowing down, gaining pounds, and losing that shine in their coat? These could be clues that your pet’s thyroid — a tiny gland with a big job — isn’t working as it should. In this episode, Dr. A breaks down how the thyroid regulates your pet’s metabolism and what happens when things go off balance. You’ll learn about hypothyroidism in dogs, hyperthyroidism in cats, and even a rare congenital form that can affect kittens. We’ll cover symptoms to watch for, how veterinarians diagnose these conditions, and the good news: with the right treatment, most pets live full, healthy lives. Whether you’re a curious pet owner or just love learning about animal health, this episode will help you understand how this little gland keeps your furry family members feeling their best. Time stamps: 1:00: Basics of thyroid function 5:45: Thyroid dysfunction - hypo and hyper 6:38: Hypothyroidism in dogs, causes and symptoms 10:00: Diagnosing hypothyroidism 13:58: Treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for hypothyroidism 16:20: Hyperthyroidism in dogs 16:58: Hyperthyroidism in cats, causes and symptoms 24:50: Diagnosing hyperthyroidism 30:02: Treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism and monitoring concurrent conditions 47:00: Monitoring and prognosis for hyperthyroidism 49:15: Hypothyroidism in kittens, cause and symptoms 55:00: Treatment for hypothyroidism 57:30: Importance of regular senior check-ups 58:15: Thyroid supplements