"Cancer" isn't a word anybody wants to hear, either from their doctor or from their vet. For many of us, that word brings with it a host of worries, fears, and uncertainties. It can be hard to know where to look for answers, especially when it comes to our pets- general veterinarians often lack in depth knowledge of cancer, while veterinary oncologists are few and far between. Dr. Erin Malone, a board certified veterinary oncologist, is working to try to change that through her innovative new telehealth service, which aims to provide pet owners with information and guidance about cancer, wherever they are in the country. She joined the show today to talk about canine cancers, their treatments, and where the field of veterinary oncology is headed.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

We've all experienced the sudden panic that comes with realizing our dog ate something they weren't supposed to- chocolate, raisins, Aunt Gertrude's blood pressure medication. And with that panic comes a flood of questions- how much did he eat? How long ago? Should I try to make him vomit? Do I call the vet first or just go right to emergency care? What if I do something wrong and make it worse?

Dr. Mat Glassman wants to help alleviate some of that panic by providing pet owners with veterinary-approved home remedies that they can use quickly and easily in an emergency situation. First up is ReadyRescue, an activated carbon solution designed to bind to ingested toxins and remove them quickly and safely from the body. Tune in to learn about this and other emergency pet care you can provide at home.

For show notes and more (including our new merch!), please go to Your Family Dog.

Welcome back to Your Family...Tarantula? That's right- in today's Very Unusual Episode, we're joined by Shamekia Wray, a former arachnophobe who now shares her home with 50+ pet spiders (and some bearded dragons as well). Most of us feel a definite sense of ick when confronted with an eight-legged creepy crawly, but these low-maintenance (and suprisingly colorful!) animals can actually make ideal pets, particularly for kids who want an animal companion but aren't ready for the intensity of a dog. Tune in to learn about Shamekia's journey from arachnophobe to arachnofiend and find out how much there is to appreciate about these leggy little beasts.

For show notes and more (including our new merch!) please go to Your Family Dog.

As much as we might wish differently, we all know that our dogs, no matter how much we love them, can't live forever. But that doesn't mean we can't help them live as long as possible. When it comes to helping your dog live the longest, healthiest life they can, preventative care is a huge part of the equation- but one that's often overlooked in the world of mainstream veterinary medicine. Now, one company is out to change that. Perpetual offers a simple, innovative way to monitor your dog's health- one that relies on regular, thorough testing to determine where your pup is healthy and where they need some help, so that you can detect problems early, or even prevent them in the first place. The founder of Perpetual, health coach John Crissy, joined the podcast today to talk about his company, the issues currently facing veterinary medicine, and how he hopes Perpetual can change that.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

It may sound like something out of science fiction, but laser therapy is a very real way to ease aches and pains and speed up healing from wounds and surgery. It isn't just for human either- as you've probably guessed by now, cold laser therapy can also work wonders for your dog. Today, registered vet technician and cold laser therapist Nancy Clark joins the show to talk about her work and the benefits of laser therapy for our furry friends.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

We talk a lot about "ethical breeding" on Your Family Dog, but what does that actually mean and what does it look like in practice? Here today to give us a look behind the curtain is mini golden retriever breeder Heather Gibson. Tune in to learn firsthand about ethical breeding practices, choosing a breeder, and the differences between cat and dog breeding (Heather's done both!).

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

In past episodes, dog trainer Aishlyn Garcia has shared her journey learning to manage dogs and babies simultaneously. Now she's back with a new addition to the family- a Belgian Malinois, a breed that often comes with a stigma attached. Join us today as she shares the ups and downs of living with a high-drive dog while also parenting a toddler and running a business.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

There's been plenty of talk recently about the possible health benefits and therapeutic uses of hemp and mushrooms for people- but did you know that these alternative treatments could also benefit your dog? Holistic wellness advocate Angela Ardonlino's three favorite things are "hemp, mushrooms, and dogs," and she came on the podcast today to talk about all of those. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the surprising ways these unconventional medicines can benefit your pup.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.