Cathy and Chris sit down with Clayton Blunk of My Pet’s Brace , a leader in custom orthopedic solutions for pets. With nearly 90% of their braces designed for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries—the most common orthopedic issue in dogs—we explore how custom knee bracing offers a non-surgical path to pain relief and mobility. From choosing the right candidates to partnering with veterinary teams, we take you inside the journey of bracing…and beyond. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: 🦴 What CCL injurie...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr
Anxiety is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues facing our pets today. In this comprehensive episode, Chris and Cathy explore the staggering prevalence of pet anxiety, common triggers, and a wide range of effective strategies to help our furry (and feathered) friends feel safe and secure. Did You Know? Over 72% of dogs show anxiety-related behaviors 76% exhibited separation anxiety during the pandemic Cats, birds, and even exotic pets experience anxiety, too From fear of fireworks to ...
Jun 10, 2025•58 min
In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference. 🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Why Jerri first stepped into th...
May 27, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, what it takes to get certified, and why temperament matters more than b...
May 13, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 10
In this heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby . Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company , her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs. 🐾 In This Episode: The Origin Story: How Dr. Buzby’s experience in integra...
Apr 29, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 9
🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail ! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome , this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch! In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that makes your pup’s tail go limp. We’ll break down: 🐕 The breeds mos...
Apr 15, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 8
This episode explores Synovetin OA , a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) . If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia . Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke , DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, pain management, an...
Apr 01, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 7
"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome. Wh...
Mar 18, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 6
🐾 Curious about the Assisi LOOP® and tPEMF™ treatment? Let’s break it down with expert guest, Mialisa Gluckert from Zomedica! We’re diving into what the Assisi LOOP® is and how it works, using its unique targeted pulsed electromagnetic field (tPEMF™) technology, to address inflammation or anything ending in “-itis.” From easing osteoarthritis and chronic pain to helping with post-surgical recovery, we’ll explore the conditions the LOOP treats and how it seamlessly fits into pain management prot...
Mar 04, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Mobility issues are a challenge many pet owners face, and Ruff Ramp offers a life-changing solution. In this episode, we welcome Larry Backes, dog enthusiast and creator of the Ruff Ramp - a thoughtfully designed mobility aid that helps dogs navigate stairs with ease, confidence, and safety. Larry’s journey began with his beloved dog, Montana, whose medical condition inspired him to engineer a robust ramp with a multitude of design features you do not even know your pet needs. We’ll discuss how ...
Feb 18, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Thinking about adding a dog to your family? Bringing a dog into a home with young children can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with important considerations. In this episode, we explore how to choose the right breed or temperament, prepare your home and kids for a new pet, and ensure a smooth introduction. Learn how to involve children in training and care, tackle common challenges, and know when to seek professional help. Plus, our expert guest, certified professional dog trainer, ...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 3
This episode offers a compassionate exploration of how regenerative medicine, particularly biologics, can bring relief to our beloved pets suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). With warmth and expertise, David Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS, discusses treatment options like platelet-rich plasma, stem cell therapy, and joint injectables such as steroids, hyaluronic acid, and synthetics. Each approach is carefully explained, highlighting the factors that guide their use. Partnering with your veterinari...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 2
Imagine undergoing surgery without understanding why, and then returning home only to be confined to bed with no explanation. You're deprived of all activities and stimulation—no television, books, phone, computer, or any form of entertainment—for weeks or even months. It would drive you CRAZY! This is exactly how your dog feels after surgery. Lori Chamberland, Education Manager at Fear Free Pets, draws from her personal experience with her 1.5-year-old Border Collie, an agility competitor, to s...
Jan 07, 2025•58 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Meet Naja Muller, the devoted "Mom" to a pack of incredible handi-capable rescued bullies and the heart behind the inspiring social media presence, Tonka's Journey. As a kindred spirit to PetAbility Podcast's mission, Naja shares our commitment to normalizing differently-abled pets by highlighting the journeys of her three current dogs' unparalleled resiliency, unabashed spirit, and unbridled zest for life. Naja discusses her dedication to Tonka, Summer, and Macy's physical and emotional health ...
Dec 24, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 26
Buckle up as Caroline (Carrie) Adrian, PT, PhD, tCPT™, Fellow, IAVRPT, shares her story as a true pioneer in the discipline of small animal physical rehabilitation. In turn, get glimpses of how far this field has come in the past 25 years. Thanks to her grit, determination, and admittedly, even a little bit of luck, Carrie continues to pave the way for so many to fulfill dreams of working with pets. From her early days on Animal Planet's Emergency Vets to founding CanineIQ , the first educationa...
Dec 10, 2024•57 min•Season 5Ep. 25
Let's dispel some misconceptions about rats! Rats are VERY smart, super snuggly, clean, social creatures. Historically, due in large part to media and negative idioms, rats have gotten a bad rap. 11 year-old Kylie Wilson is here to tell us about what it's like to live with four domestic pet rats, why she loves them and how she cares for them. This includes methods of enrichment, diet, bathroom training, and so much more! Open your mind - and perhaps your home - to rats. We think you will find th...
Nov 26, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Gratitude can be a wonderful healer after we experience the loss of a beloved pet. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mindy Meiering, created the Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck after she lost her own dog, Ellie, as a resource for others experiencing similar emotional pain. The Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck is a therapeutic tool designed to provide emotional support, guidance, and reflection. Each card in the deck is stunningly designed with a beautiful and meaningful message – a gift for any person i...
Nov 12, 2024•44 min•Season 5Ep. 23
In this episode, Cathy and Chris discuss the relatively common condition of bicipital tendinitis in the dog or inflammation of the biceps tendon at the shoulder joint. This comprehensive overview covers the following: Anatomy of the forelimb, specifically the shoulder and biceps muscle/tendon Causes from overuse/repetative stress to trauma Clinical signs such as lameness, tenderness, reluctance to exercise and atrophy Diagnosing via physical exam, imaging, and joint fluid analysis Treatment opti...
Oct 29, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Listen as guest, Nancy Denier, professional dog trainer, dog multi-sport participant, and past Flyball judge, takes us into the action-packed world of Flyball, the ultimate team canine competition, that involves speed, strategy, and commitment. In this episode, you'll learn about: The basics of Flyball Training regimen Competition 101 Benefits of participation Importance of injury prevention Teamwork and community How to get involved locally For more information about Flyball and to find a club ...
Oct 15, 2024•53 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Historically, dogs with a missing front leg had few options but to hop along. If a "fake leg" could be made, the process was costly and cumbersome. Enter 3D Pets , a company whose mission is to bring animal mobility devices into the 21st century by incorporating 3D printing. Listen to cofounder, Alex Tholl, describe how 3D Pets is revolutionizing the field of full front limb prosthetics and frontend wheelchairs for dogs, and in turn, addressing both the physical and emotional lives of our canine...
Oct 01, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Is your cat eating messily? Does your dog have bad breath? According to Beth Innis, DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVCHM, CVSMT, these could be signs of dental or periodontal disease. This episode covers our pet's oral health, from what you can do at home (Hint: brush, brush, brush!) to the role of professional dentistry. If you've ever had a toothache, you know how much mouth pain can impact your daily life. Home care plus professional dentistry can positively impact other diseases and even behavioral issues ...
Sep 17, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 19
What is something that 80% of dogs get after the age of 8, that cats are crafty at hiding, and that prevents birds from perching? It's arthritis: arth (= joint) + itis (= inflammation) and it's no joke! Just ask anybody who has undergone a total joint replacement due to this debilitating disease, a disease that can become so painful that it severely impacts the ability to participate in life's daily activities. In this episode, Cathy and Chris demystify what arthritis is, describe causes of arth...
Sep 03, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Fascia: connective tissue that literally surrounds every cell of all bodies that has a huge impact on comfort, movement, and well-being, but very few talk about it. Dr. McCauley is changing that in the vet world. Listen as Laurie McCauley, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRT, CVA, CVC, also known as the Mother of Canine Physical Rehabilitation, tells us about the remarkable properties of fascia, how to keep our fascia healthy, and how to identify and treat common fascial problems in our furry friends. We think y...
Aug 20, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Just because we call it passive range of motion (PROM), we not be passive about it! This episode describes why PROM is so vital to your pet's health and function. We detail how do a simple technique specifically with your pet's front limb joints. Listen to learn how to not only keep your pet well by maintaining its PROM for maximum comfort and function , but also restore crucial mobility if it is lost due to injury, surgery, or aging. · What is passive range of motion (PROM)? · What are the bene...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 5Ep. 16
"You can't change the past, but you can rescue the future" as quoted by the founder of Marley's Mutts, Zach Skow seems to say it all. Listen as Torie Beck, the coordinator of Miracle Mutts, takes us on a deep dive into Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue and her own experiences with her therapy dogs, Sully, her blind dog, and Roo, her bipedal puppy. This rescue uniquely focuses not only on the dogs saved from high risk situations in overpopulated shelters, but the potential these same dogs have to save th...
Jul 23, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 15
This is the hippest show we've launched to date! Why? Because it covers a very common type of hip surgery called an FHO (Femoral Head and neck Ostectomy) used to treat a variety of hip issues from traumatic injuries to severe arthritis caused by such conditions as hip dysplasia. Listen to Kechia Davis, DVM, DACVS, describe the anatomy of the hip, the surgery itself, the immediate post-op period and particular benefits of physical rehabilitation, and the ultimate goal of return to normal function...
Jul 09, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 14
PetAbility Podcast hosts, Cathy and Chris, once again lend their experiences and expertise to the show - this time discussing Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Who gets it? What is it? Why should we care? With the popularity of Frenchies and other smoosh-faced dogs exponentially increasing world-wide, caretakers of these endearing breeds need to be equipped to address some commonly concurrent medical issues. For example, their unique anatomical features negatively impact their ability ...
Jun 25, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 13
If you’ve ever had the profound pleasure of loving a pet, you’ve undoubtedly experienced grief when they pass. But the loss of a pet is distinctive because our relationship with our pets is unique: non-verbal, ever-present, physical in nature, and full of unconditional love. We often have long-term and intense relationships with our pets that we have with no other human on earth. So to feel grief when our pet dies is real, wrenching, and normal. Laurie Levine helps us to understand how this loss...
Jun 11, 2024•57 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Horses are majestic beings that are uniquely equipped as highly intuitive, non-judgmental prey animals, to help humans be in the moment, less anxious, and even break through obstacles that may be holding us back in life. Kelly Dukarski, Certified Equine Gestaltist, explains Equine-Assisted Gestalt Therapy, which incorporates horses as a modality for profound healing and revelation of our true selves . Listen as Kelly delves into the details of this amazing therapeutic process with horses and hum...
May 28, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 11
One of the most agonizing questions for any pet owner is how do we know if our beloved pet is in pain? And if they are experiencing pain, how much pain is it and where is it coming from? PainTrace can help to answer all of these questions and more. It is a non-invasive, wearable monitoring system that quantifies pain simply, objectively, and painlessly. Listen to Katie Hickey, BSc, MSc, describe how the game-changing technology of PainTrace has the potential to revolutionize how we care for our ...
May 14, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 10
