Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and have been bred for centuries to have a certain "look." But we don't stop there. Many newborn pups get their tails docked--without pain medicine or anesthesia!--and/or ears cropped by twelve weeks of age, simply to satisfy our taste for a given style. But do these surgeries offer any benefit to the dog? What about negative consequences? Some countries deem it unethical or even illegal to crop or dock ears or tails. Dr. Lore I. Haug, a veterinary behaviorist ...
Jul 21, 2008•37 min
We've all mourned the passing of a special pet friend. If you could, would you bring Sparky back? No longer science fiction, Dolly the Sheep made cloning a reality and today if you have the bucks, it's possible! But is it ethical? Will cloning take away from shelter adoptions? Is the $100,000+ price tag worth the service? Should your funds instead be aimed at more "worthy" goals? Will duplicating that one-in-a-million Sparky devalue the pet experience? Listen as CEO Lou Hawthorne of BioArts Inte...
Jul 10, 2008•39 min
It's a national tragedy that a special month promoting cat adoptions is necessary. But the ugly truth is, there are many more cats and kittens than available homes. When the spring and summer romances results in a bumper crop of kittens, shelters need all the help they can get finding forever homes for needy felines. Dena Fitzgerald of the American Humane Association describes the adoption initiative, resources made available to shelters, and what sorts of furry love YOU get out of the deal! Mor...
Jul 02, 2008•30 min
Having a baby should be a happy time. But what about the cat? Will she get her tail in a twist over the interloper? When in-laws cast dire predictions about kitty attacks, unsanitary conditions, and pending allergies should you give up Tabby? HECK no! Listen as we de-bunk myths about toxoplasmosis, suffocation dangers, and other fanciful fabrications. Get the facts and tools to prepare your cat for the new "human-kitten" in the family, and teach toddlers proper kitty respect. In Part 2 of our lo...
Jun 26, 2008•29 min
Half of all kids age twelve have been bitten by a dog. The reason? Owners, parents, and children are clueless about canine language. Many fail to respect Fido's feelings. We even trust strangers to know if their dog is "friendly to kids" when in truth--they're often mistaken! Jennifer Shryock, the US Coordinator for Doggone Safe, describes how the program teaches children to become "doggie detectives," recognize canine language, and make safe choices around all dogs. More details on this episode...
Jun 20, 2008•30 min
Today, many of us look on our dogs as part of the family. People choose to have kids later in life, and dogs often are their first “baby.” But what happens when a human infant enters the picture? Some new parents play it safe and simply get rid of the dog. Yikes! Others who adore Fluffy couldn't think of getting rid of their beloved pet--and instead put themselves and the dog through hell putting up with all kinds of problems and potential injury. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Join Jennifer Shyrock,...
Jun 11, 2008•38 min
We've all seen the trained dolphins and zoo animals, heard about the lab mice that push levers and run mazes, and most of our cats and dogs will perform--at least, for a really special treat. But who ever thought you could train a goldfish to play basketball? Dr. Dean Pomerleau and his son Kyle not only dreamed it, they turned Fish School into a business that's swimming upstream against common pet purr-ceptions. Dive into this special show with an open mind, and before you come up for air, Dr. D...
Jun 04, 2008•33 min
Having a pet offers humans an excuse to act goofy with them, love them (and be loved back) and indulge ourselves--and them--with a little innocent spoiling. Nobody could argue with lavishing extra attention on Spiffy, or dressing up the shivering Chihuahua with a warm snuggly sweater. But can pampering go too far? Over-doing in the treat department certainly leads to pudgy pooches and cause health problems. But are there hidden dangers to spoiling? Behavior expert Darlene Arden, author of "Rover...
May 30, 2008•38 min
You love your dog, and he loves you--but what does he think of the postman? Maybe you, a neighbor, or your child have been on the receiving end of Fido's fangs. The third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, and we're talking with pet expert and media pet guru Steve Dale about ways to protect ourselves and our pets from bites. We'll even gnaw on the pros and cons of breed-specific bans--do they work, what dogs are "dangerous" and how to deal with this volatile issue that makes pet p...
May 21, 2008•47 min
When people are out of work, or struggling to make ends meet, they often downsize to more economical housing, or lose their homes to foreclosure. And dogs and cats suffer. Many are relinquished to shelters, left behind in yards, or abandoned inside house where they can starve before being discovered. Dr. Lauren Brickman, a spokesperson for the popular Petside.com website, joins Pet Peeves. We talk about the economic crises, ways it affects pets, and how to save money and keep your pets despite $...
May 14, 2008•27 min
Part 2 of this show offered some great information about sterilization--and as great a tool it may be, our experts from the ASPCA, AKC and CFA come down soundly on the side against Mandatory Spay-Neuter ordinances. Join the continuation of our discussion into this volatile issue. We're joined by Lisa Peterson of the American Kennel Club, and Joan MIller of the Cat Fanciers Association. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Sex Sex Sex And The Single Pet! - Part 2 with Amy Shojai on Pet Life ...
Apr 28, 2008•44 min
Hey, I know we're preaching to the choir here at Pet Peeves--listeners love pets of every purr-suasion, from dogs and cats, to birds, fish, horses, and even scaly critters and gerbils that go BUMP in the night. But why do you and I adore pets while others don't? Psychologist Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to discuss this question, explain how people benefit from this pet relationship, and share stories from his new book "Afternoons with Puppy." More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Furry Infatuati...
Apr 23, 2008•35 min
Springtime brings out the romance in our dogs and cats. And if owners aren't careful, your precious FiFi will shake her furry tail at the Romeo down the street, and present you with a boatload of babies. It's time to nip such romantical notions in the bud, and a great time to learn about the benefits of spay/neuter--including pediatric procedures done as early as 6 weeks on the youngsters. Join Dr. Lila Miller of the ASPCA for a discussion of the pros and cons of PET-SEX, and how to relieve your...
Apr 15, 2008•34 min
Young pets, ill pets, and upset pets can result in hit-or-miss potty protocol. A single accident can lead to multiple offenses if the "dirty deed" hasn't been properly cleaned. Cats and dogs can detect minute chemical scents humans can't fathom. Simply mopping up the mess may satisfy your nose, but the smell lures pets back to the scene of the crime to repeat the dirty deed, time after time. So we're talking with Dusty Rainbolt, a pet product reviewer for Catnip magazine and author of the new bo...
Apr 08, 2008•35 min
Millions of people around the world have a special relationship with animals. We love them, joyfully share our lives with them, and deeply mourn when they die. Pet lovers comfort themselves with tales of "Rainbow Bridge" where we are someday reunited with these beloved companions. Yet is there any religious teaching anywhere in the world to support the notion of an afterlife for pets? Do animals have souls? And if they don't, would you consider the place "paradise" if Spratz and Fuzzbucket weren...
Apr 01, 2008•34 min
Declawing has become an all too common convenience option in this country despite that it has absolutely no health benefits for cats. Detractors argue that declawed cats suffer long-lasting emotional and physical trauma as a result, yet veterinarians continue performing the surgeries. If you’re HISSED OFF about declaw-bashing, or purrplexed why it’s done at all, join cat experts Dr. Susan Little (president of the Winn Feline Foundation), and Dr. Karen Thomas (a Burmese breeder) for their insight...
Mar 25, 2008•36 min
March 21-27 is National Poison Prevention Week, and our dogs (and less often our cats) are all-too-common victims. Join Dr. Steven Hansen, manager of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org) for a lively and enlightening discussion that describes common pet poisons, what to do if the worst happens, dispels some myths, and explains how to protect pets from being their own worst enemies. More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Deadly Temptations: Treats, Toxins & Toys with Amy ...
Mar 16, 2008•39 min
If you share your life with a cat and have ever provided any sort of medical care--you have the Winn Feline Foundation to thank. Founded by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1968, the Foundation has funded over $3 million in health research for cats. Yet there are some cat-specific illnesses and concerns that have been clawing at our felines for years and the funds to find a treatment, a prevention, even a cure, are taking nine lives to collect. Dr. Susan Little, the president of Winn Feline Found...
Mar 09, 2008•36 min
Nobody complains when state-of-the-art medical treatment saves a pets life. But people can’t afford their own health insurance, let alone routine pet care. Pet lovers face hard financial choices these days. Has keeping dogs and cats become a luxury for the wealthy? Jim Flanigan, the Director of Marketing for the American Veterinary Medical Association, answers hard questions about the cost of veterinary care, and what the AVMA and veterinarians are doing about it. More details on this episode MP...
Feb 28, 2008•40 min
We live in an age when keeping cats and dogs healthy and happy has never been easier--or more expensive! And according to the AVMA, cats are getting the short end of the furry stick when it comes to seeing the veterinarian. Has veterinary care become too rich for your wallet? Why do cats see the veterinarian less frequently than dogs--surely dog owners don’t love their pets more than cat owners? Dr. Jane Brunt, a past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and chair of the...
Feb 21, 2008•39 min
Does King's pooch-smooch curl your toes? Maybe Fluffy's tuna-breath rivals rotten eggs? Bad breath makes us keep pets at arms' length, and when the stink-meter goes up, it's more than a social faux paws. Join Pet Peeves to learn the hidden dangers of dental problems, some shocking statistics about YOUR pets, and dog-gone amazing medical treatments. February is National pet Dental Health Care Month, and Dr. Brett Beckman, the president of the American Veterinary Dental Society, helps us learn how...
Feb 11, 2008•40 min
Is it only a beauty pageant? Do those gorgeous coifed, clipped, buffed and puffed pooches have any brains under the frou-frou? Did you ever wonder if they act like real dogs? Join Pet Peeves to hear the truth about show dogs from a real insider, David Frei, the longtime co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He’ll also tell us about Angel On A Leash, a charitable therapy dog program. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-1ee38f8cd217d02b1904fc886061f600} My Odeo Channel (odeo/15e89abb346bbdd0) M...
Feb 02, 2008•33 min
Amy Shojai welcomes everyone to her new show, Pet Peeves, and gives an overview of what to expect on future episodes. Tune in!! More details on this episode MP3 Podcast -Welcome to Pet Peeves with Amy Shojai on Pet Life Radio Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pet-peeves-hot-button-pet-issues-pet-life-radio-original--6670946/support ....
Feb 02, 2008•7 min
